Review Summary: Zeppelin gives the world No Quarter with this concert!
This review pertains to the CD/DVD.
Led Zeppelin is one of those bands that had such an enormous impact on me. Jimmy Page is THE reason I play guitar. They inspired so many sub-genres in their all-too-brief tenure as the biggest rock band on earth. When I heard they were releasing the recording of their reunion show, I was extremely excited and nervous. I was nervous that it would not live up to the Zeppelin that I grew up loving, especially without legendary drummer, John Bonham...I have never been more happy to be wrong in my life.
The concert starts with the song that started it all on their first album; "Good Times and Bad Times". The late John Bonham's son, Jason, steals the show as he captures the exact energy his father put into the music. On the DVD, you can even see it on Page's face as the concert progresses, that he feels right at home with Jason Bonham. As the show rolls on, the band just becomes tighter and tighter, doing many of their famous extended jams (listen to Dazed and Confused).
As I watched the concert unfold, I was mesmerized by Jimmy Page's ability to control his guitar in his old age. His new and unique interpretations on his famous lead lines were refreshing to hear. Proving to me that he didn't just set the Les Paul down after 1979. He is a true master of his instrument and this is not showcased any better than on this disc.
I always believed that John Paul Jones never got the credit in rock history that he deserved. He is one of the most phenomenal musicians to ever play the rock stage and that is excellently demonstrated in the performance. His key work on "No Quarter" is even more haunting than it was in Zeppelin's hay-day. He is also undoubtedly one of the tightest bassists in rock and roll as well. It was truly exciting to see he and Page making unbelievable grooves on top of some impressive drum work from Jason Bonham.
Finally, I want to single out Robert Plant. His voice was my biggest concern before listening to this album. I was absolutely astonished at how well his voice has preserved over the years. Yes, they have tuned down a couple of semi-tones, but the fact that his vocals can still hit songs like "Ramble On" and "Whole Lotta Love" is truly amazing. Plant's vocals were truly spell-bounding in this project. He is the best lead singer in rock and roll history.
This album is a shining light and should be heard by bands everywhere. These 70-something year olds got on stage and outplayed every current rock band. The time, effort, practice and sheer musicianship that goes into a performance like this in almost unfathomable. Take note bands of the world! The Zep is King.
Recommended Tracks: All of them..but more specifically...
Black Dog
In My Time of Dying
Nobody's Fault but Mine
No Quarter
Since I've Been Loving You
Kashmir
Rock and Roll
But seriously....all of them.
