56 years ago, The Yardbirds played their final show. They were an English band with quite a resume. They introduced the world to several of the greatest rock musicians of all time. Most notably, guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. When they played their last concert in the late summer of 1968, it left Jimmy Page with the opportunity to continue with his own project. He initially called them “The New Yardbirds,” but eventually, they evolved into my favorite band…
(Drum-roll…)
Led Zeppelin. I’m guessing I’m not unique with that revelation. They are a LOT of peoples’ favorite band. Here’s how I came to appreciate them. I was a few years too young to follow them in their glory days. In fact, by the time I was a fan, they had broken up. Bonzo (drummer John Bonham) had died in 1980, in “classic rock star” fashion. He drank too much, passed out, and vomited in his sleep. The rest of the band released their final album in November of 1982. Fittingly named CODA (as in, the closing or finale of a musical piece.) That album was a compilation of outtakes from their previous 8 studio albums. CODA was the first album of theirs I owned, and it happened to be the only Zeppelin album I bought as a current release.
If you ask music critics or other “experts,” CODA doesn’t get a whole lotta love. (I know. I tried to stop myself.) It is generally viewed as a lackluster, obligatory contract fulfillment. While that is partially true (they did owe the studio another record,) I feel it was truly a fitting last chapter. During their heyday, the Zeppelin was plagued by bootleg releases. Several other bands had similar frustrations – Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Who, and Pink Floyd were some of the biggest targets. The Grateful Dead figured out a way to beat them in the live performances – they ENCOURAGED concert attendees to record their shows, pulling the rug out from under the pirates. But I digress- Led Zeppelin put together a collection of the best of their officially unreleased stuff that wasn’t already available to the casual listener.
It introduced me to them. Although I had obviously HEARD songs by Led Zeppelin, I didn’t own any. When I bought CODA, it opened my ears to them in a way radio hadn’t. Through the rest of high school, college, and to this day, they remain number one in my heart. As time has passed, I’ve come to more fully appreciate the musicianship they brought to the table. The late Jon Bonham is arguably the best rock drummer of all time. Page likewise is one of a handful vying for the “best of” title among rock guitarists. John Paul Jones began his tenure with Led Zeppelin as a highly skilled multi-instrument session musician, and proved to be every bit the rock bass player they needed. And he skillfully remained the quintessential bass player. He’s frequently the overlooked one, in spite of his amazing talent. And more than just a singer, Robert Plant is a front-man for all time. (Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, and Ozzy Osborne may think otherwise. It’s ok- let them write their own blog!)
I’m giving CODA some much overdue praise. Although I’ve had multiple copies of all their different releases (vinyl, cassette, disk, and DVDs) I still have that original album. I think I might even do a little Wearing and Tearing later this evening!
-Toph
