The most important member of Led Zeppelin?

^^ He wanted to get Jeff Beck to stay with these "New Yardbirds" as well, from memory

TheFeldster wrote:

^^ He wanted to get Jeff Beck to stay with these "New Yardbirds" as well, from memory

Nope never heard that - Jeff Beck left the Yardbirds in 1966 and went solo 1967 onwards and formed the "Jeff Beck Group". They only became the "New Yardbirds" for the Scandinavian Tour in October 1968 after the Yardbirds broke up in July 1968 and left Jimmy Page with the group name and the agreements to cover some gigs in Scandinavia.

However Jimmy Page initially recommended Jeff Beck for "The Yardbirds" in 1965 because I think the band were turning to Jimmy Page after Eric Clapton left "The Yardbirds". At the time I don't think Page could do it and so recommended Beck at that time. Later on Paul Samwell-Smith left the Yardbirds in 1966 and that was when Page began playing for them on Bass and Beck on Lead Guitar. When Beck left "The Yardbirds" around 1966 - after "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago", that was when Jimmy Page took on a lead guitarist for the Yardbirds and they continued as a Quartet until their demise in July 1968.

Page wanted to form a supergroup with himself and Beck on guitars, and The Who's rhythm section—drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle. Vocalists Donovan, Steve Winwood and Steve Marriott were also considered for the project.[21]

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This is taken from the entirely accurate [/sarcasm] site, Wikipedia, but it's the best I could find. I remember reading about it in some book in a library. I can't remember if there was anything about the Who members in there though, not sure how accurate THAT part is

But yea, that was his intention, and he just worked his way through his wish-list until he got LZ. And things worked out alright in the end

TheFeldster wrote:

This is taken from the entirely accurate [/sarcasm] site, Wikipedia, but it's the best I could find. I remember reading about it in some book in a library. I can't remember if there was anything about the Who members in there though, not sure how accurate THAT part is

But yea, that was his intention, and he just worked his way through his wish-list until he got LZ. And things worked out alright in the end

Well it's possible - Page might have had a dream group drafted up, it's hard to know these things from my book because it states John Paul Jones as Jimmy Page's first choice! Keith Moon from the Who though helped rename the group to "Led Zeppelin" because he felt it would "go down like a lead balloon". This occurred when they were in the process of writing new material after they came back to the UK.

Odysseus said:

There is also the "fifth Beatle" element to consider, namely, their manager Peter Grant. (RIP) Equally as important as the rest, "G" as they affectionately called him, was an integral ingredient to Zep's rise to the heavens. Despite all the snuff and gruff, he was a professional and made sure the band reaped what they sowed. Well respected throughout the music industry, he set quite a few standards that continue today, however, there continues to be a few bad apples stinking up the industry today. We miss you Peter.

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Good point, I should've included Grant

I'm gonna have to give John Paul Jones a sympathy vote though - without him to lean on I doubt Page would've kept it together for so long, 'specially live. And let's not forget he's a monster on bass, plays several instruments - and as far as I know he did do quite a few of the arrangements on the albums. Seasoned session pro just like Page too.

Yeah, Peter Grant would definitely be the "fifth Zepp" much in the way that I personally consider George Martin to be the one true fifth Beatle. Grant was a hell of a manager, no doubt about it.

I didn't know anything about him before I read the Zep biography, Hammer of the Gods, back when it first came out in the mid 80's.

Imo, they were all equally talented in their specific areas and also brought their own talents, abilities to the band and the overall sounds!

Jimmy Page was instrumental (no pun intended) in forming the 'New' Yardbirds coming from the aftermath of The Yardbirds. I believe Jimmy Page had already written and performed at least one or two songs (White Summer being one) while with The Yardbirds that carried over into Led Zeppelin.

Robert Plant also played harmonica, in addition to his singing abilities and with the remarkable range that he was capable of, too. I don't know if he does sing with the same or similar capabilites these days, but there aren't very many that still can after years of singing over the course of decades of wear and tear, and also numerous world tours.

John Paul Jones was both a solid, excellent bass player, but also had the unique talent of being quite an exceptional keyboard player as well. Listening to several tracks on Physical Graffiti showcases that. He did some impressive playing on 'The Song Remains The Same' release, too, imo.

John Bonham was both a very talented, dependable, solid drummer. He developed his playing over the years with unique styles and additions. He may not have been the first rock drummer to play a solo, or parts of a solo with his hands, but he was the first that I remember doing that. I've seen at the least two or three other drummers who do play with a similar technique during their drum solos, both were quite good, too. To a certain extent I viewed those drummers and their 'hands on' drumming as both an extention and tribute to 'Bonzo'!

Good question. I wanted to say Page. I love Page's recorded stuff, but his live playing is so terrible sometimes I think he's the weak link. I voted ALL equal. You can't replace Bonham, Plant either (maybe with Coverdale), Page in the studio is great. JPJ is great to but could probably be replaced, but I still think he's awesome, so I don't mean to rip him. They're all great.

John Bonham is one of the best drummers to ever exist. I'm a little surprised he didn't have that much votes.