First time hearing Led Zeppelin "Going To California" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@gailsimmons5270]

This was back in the days of the flower power hippie era. Yes girl’s would wear flowers in their hair. You should watch documentaries from that time and this song will make sense to you. I love how Jonesy aka John Paul Jones plays the mandolin. It is so pretty. Led Zep is still the best band of the 70’s🥰

[@michaeldowson6988]

It's a bit of a love song to Joni Mitchell. One of a few written about her.

[@scottgarner8270]

On The Battle of Evermore on the same album, Jimmy Page plays the Mandolin and John Paul Jones plays the guitar on that song.

[@daniellysohirka5079]

You forgot The Beatles and the Rolling Stones of course.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I still wear a flower in my hair on occasion. ❤✌

[@Tiger-fq1rw]

Best band of ALL TIME !!

[@kpodonnell7924]

Great song. It was written by Plant and Page as a tribute to Joni Mitchell.

[@iancarr8682]

Reply to the song 'California' on her album 'Blue'.

[@kaydantonio3719]

All the musicians loved Joni.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

nice to see this comment on top. Joni's unreal, inspired everyone.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

@@grandwazoodebris1015 You said it! Even Bob Dylans’ “Tangled Up In Blue,” was inspired by his love of the “Blue” album.

[@salbuda6957]

Love the picking!

[@wolfieziggy19]

Asia, a sixties song had the lyrics "If your going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair"; something that is synonymous with the hippie/flower child era.

[@silversliver1592]

Going to San Fran Sisco by Scott McKenzie

[@mikesanchez1246]

To bad today it would be if your going to San Francisco be sure to wear your gun and knife there because you'll meet some crazy people there.

[@DB-kl9bp]

​@@mikesanchez1246but they can probably spell...

[@s.mcpherson6354]

In that era hippies put flowers in their hair. They were often called 'Flower Children.' And hey Asia, isn't it amazing how a highly original singer can find such an unique and personal way to deliver a lyric? Like people like Bowie, or Amy Winehouse, he has very identifiable phrasing.

[@noradeclark9283]

you took the words outta my mouth..heh

[@dizastro5437]

What if Asia put a flower in that doo? Idk. She pretty already, but hey?

[@dizastro5437]

Maybe BJ could flower-power up?

[@calebclunie4001]

My late Father, Bob Clunie, accidentally, created The Flower Children. He described, that one day, Bill Jackson III (a couple years, his junior) saw, that a florist had discarded a large amount of carnations. My Dad, had a truck, and he got his pal, Leon Krueger, to help him. They said, "Hey, These Are Still Good", packed them into the back of their truck, and handed them out, to everyone on Haight street. He said, "Even, The Cops were wearing them". They went to the Fillmore District, but had bottles thrown at them.

[@60sbaby456]

I was little then, had hair clips with flowers

[@jonathanlocke6404]

He was more or less referring to legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, one of the band's personal heroes, a Californian, and a girl who did sometimes actually wear flowers in her hair.

[@johnbuttarazzi839]

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian Icon

[@kurtsaxton823]

@@johnbuttarazzi839 you beat me to it. She's Canadian.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

It’s not surprising, however I wasn’t aware. I did however know that Dylans’ song, “Tangled Up In Blue” was written about his love of Jonis’ “Blue” album. Saw her a million years ago with Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorious backing her. I’ve forgotten the monsters on bass, drums and keys. ( Lyle Mayes ?) Jonathan, thanks for getting my memory working again. I, like so many absolutely love her. Regards.

[@kathyyore309]

I saw Page and Plant in Detroit,1998. It was awesome. I love the information I get on this channel. Thank you for sharing

[@sammyholloway334]

I had heard it was Joan Baez

[@Sober2003]

He was talking about Joni Mitchell when he mentions a girl with flowers 💐 in her hair! Hippies!

[@2869may]

"TEN YEARS GONE", "WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE", "BABE I'M GONNA LEAVE YOU"..... ALL EPIC..! (STUDIO PLEASE..!)

[@lisarhae9692]

YES!!!! TEN YEARS GONE!!! ♡♡

[@pkleo73]

Ten Years is got to be of my top 3 songs by them. Love it

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Asia, Robert was not taking anyone with him. He was leaving an unkind woman behind (who "smoked all my stuff and drank all my wine"), to travel to and make a new start in California. He wrote the lyrics in the very early '70s (the song came out in '71) which was a time when hippies were the prominent counter-culture, particularly in coastal California from San Francisco down to San Diego. His lyric, "Mountains and the canyon start to tremble and shake/The Children of the Sun begin to awake", refers to The Valley side of the Hollywood Hills, specifically Laurel Canyon, which was a hotbed of artistic expression at that time. Joni Mitchell lived there, and it was she who inspired the song, and was referred to lyrically as, "Find a queen without a king/They say she plays guitar and sings".

[@stevedahlberg8680]

This is such a beautiful song and Led Zeppelin was so versatile even though they always had their own sound. If you want to hear a banger that is both beautifully acoustic at times and then hard driving during other parts but still kind of acoustic, and some of Robert Plant's best singing I think. It's from their very first album Led Zeppelin and it's called, babe I'm going to leave you. It's just fantastic beyond belief and it's heart-wrenching but powerful and paints the picture of someone who feels they really have to move on and experienced something else but then is so torn that he realizes there perhaps he will never be able to leave her. Because he loves her that much.

[@SK-lk3iu]

Yes, one of their best, IMO! But please listen to the studio version, there used to be one really great live version but I think it's no longer on KZbin, the others I've seen are not good.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

@@SK-lk3iu absolutely agree!

[@mikemiller3069]

There's an old but popular song from back in the day called, "San Francisco" where the first line of the song is, "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair". It goes on to say, "You're gonna meet some gentle people there". It's by Scott McKenzie.

[@eugenestandingbear6516]

Brian highland.

[@briarpatch720]

zep is def outside of the box. yes, back in the 70's there were lots of hippy chicks "...with love in their eyes and flowers in their hair..." and a joint in their pocket, lol. "... they say she plays guitar and cries and sings (adlibs - oh she sings)..." A few references to Joni Mitchell in this song. Make Love not War, Peace!!!

[@fidenciohernandez5739]

Best Live Band Ever People 🙏🏼❤️🖤 Led Zeppelin

[@fredkrissman6527]

A tribute to Joni Mitchell, especially her song "California" on her masterpiece album, "Blue"... THIS is a great live version of the studio tune; thanx for the memories of my youth in the 1970s!!!

[@johnbrowne2170]

I think Court and Spark is her best.

[@eximusic]

Zeppelin's performances were always a unique experience from the album recordings. The studio versions have more polish, but live Page seemed to put way more effort into his playing and improvisation to make up for the difference. And Plant still hit most of the high notes in this performance. And John Paul Jones was equally amazing on the mandolin. No accident they are rock legends. California is awesome by the way, if you know where to go and how to get there.

[@writerjohnmcnally]

Just bought tickets to see Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at Red Rocks in September. I can’t leave this planet without seeing Robert Plant at least once.

[@AzaleaLala]

That sounds amazing.

[@jaynethomas7380]

I'm seeing Robert and Alison on July 8 with my 40 yr old daughter. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ I went to see LZ when I was 16. We dropped acid and I don't remember much, sadly.😞 This time I'm going to cherish every minute.

[@princeofpcos9804]

The girl 'who plays guitar and sings' they refer to is Canada's Joni Mitchell

[@karenromero751]

1971 I was 16 surfing in So. CAL hippie era pretty much over but ZEPP was THE Band . So talented. My future wife Karen and I were huge Zepplin fans here in Cali ,great days. Thanks for this.

[@heronpage3883]

I was a pre-teen San Francisco girl in California when I first jeard this song (early 70's) and yes, I did wear flowers in my hair even then. If you went to an outdoor concert, a park, anywhere where people gathered, a lot of girls put them in their hair.

[@joesmith8725]

Yes, acoustic, folk music. LZ mixes things up often!. Usually very bluesy and pschodelic rock. But they also done folk rock music.

[@elleboucher]

In the 60's we did wear flowers in our flower power, flower children, the hippies. I read that the song was written with Joni Mitchell in mind. playing guitar and she sings (which she certainly does. Hope you have a video reaction of her, if you haven't. (I live in California and it was an amazing time here....still is)

[@anitapaulus937]

Remember this is the early 1970’s. This was a bit of a tribute to Joni Mitchell.

[@thatdamelana]

California girls wore flower crowns & flowers in their hair. Very hippie & free. It was a big fashion statement in the 70s.

[@tcs2222]

I am a huge LZ fan. Born in the late 60's....I love this song.❤️❤️❤️ Robert Plant and Jimmy Page!!!!!

[@willblood7082]

Hippie girls and guys frequently wore flowers in their hair as symbols of peace and love. Especially in San Francisco in the Haight Asbury area.

[@Blue-qr7qe]

California is a HUGE state with many diverse landscapes and ecologies. Mountains, deserts, rolling hill country, valleys, beaches, diverse coastlines, redwood forests, and yes, big cities. The homogeneous picture painted by every schmoo who's rolled into the state by freeway or plane, hit L.A., and then be-lined back to the bible belt with his story of life in "Cali", needs to be taken with a grain of sea salt.

[@MrLedotson]

Late 60s to mid 70s, girls in Cali had flowers in their hair. Don't forget the love in their eyes.

[@celestemcallister1307]

Led Zeppelin "Over the Hills and Far Away" "Nobody's Fault but Mine" "Hey Hey What Can I Do"..

[@joanlajara3939]

Led Zeppelin still are and always will be my favorite band of all time! Love their hard rock sound and really love their acoustic sound! Keep playing and you’ll never get tired of their music!!

[@JDogg1971]

One of the greatest bands ever assembled!

[@edwardcrews2952]

My all time favorite Zep song.

[@frankrice6935]

Back in the 60's and 70's all the Hippy women wore flowers in their hair. Peace ✌️ and Love ❤️. Looking for his Dream Girl... Loved this Song

[@woodschelle]

Thanks for sharing. I am a hippie child from back in the 60s and this is one of my favs from led Zepplin. The to this day are my favorite rock group ever. Smoking my stuff and drinking all my wine with a little Led for da head. Blessings to you two.

[@heliotropezzz333]

People did wear flowers in their hair in the Summer of love but the reference is more specifically to Joni Mitchell. They were big fans of hers. They did go to California but they didn't meet Joni Mitchell.

[@bonniethompson2019]

You have to remember that in the 60s - and 70s, girls wore flowers in their hair; they were hippies. Take a look at Woodstock footage.

[@mitchellaj2302]

You have to remember how California was like back in the 70s flower children. ✌and peace.

[@kellysteele4311]

My sister died 3 weeks ago. Her Favorite Band always and forever is Led Zeppelin. ❤😭❤😭

[@s.mcpherson6354]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through that. Hopefully the community here can help you traverse that complex time. Take care.

[@Sober2003]

So sorry 💔

[@TheMike_I]

In the late 60s girls in San Francisco were known to wear flowers in their hair.

[@ronniel879]

Zeppelins shows were usually around 3 to 3 and a half hours and they added an acoustic set to show the bands diversity

[@juliemanarin4127]

Lol I'm 62 with long hair down to my butt and I still sometimes wear flowers in my hair! Zeppelin best ever!! They are unequalled...especially live!! They have many acoustic songs...there is no genre to box them into!!

[@jabreck1934]

I have a new appreciation for the artist I grew up listening to. At the time, you do not fully understand how great and historically influential they are. I assumed great musicianship would continue. You do not realize that you are witnessing the best ever! Only time will tell, allowing you that perspective

[@dannycasson1551]

Page has always had such an interesting style of playing guitar. Add Robert Plant’s voice and you get another example of what an incredible and influential group this was. And still is..

[@lking3024]

Yes takes me back to 1967 the summer of love. We all wore flowers in our hair and everyday was an adventure. The best of times…we were lucky to experience the 60’s and 70’s.

[@my2centsiz3]

Tryin to find the woman thats never been born. Love that line.

[@ericsmith6615]

Wife here..L.L...Going back to Cali...??..Love this reference!!..Took me way back!!..Back in the original "Flower child" days..California's were known to wear lovely flowers in their hair..The idea of him picturing all this makes it even more MAGICAL!!..You two are on point with all your observations!!..Thank you!!

[@sumonjamal1653]

Led Zeppelin had a folk/ acoustic music side as well... In 1970, they had 2 huge records out when they released the 3rd album 'Led Zeppelin III' and fans were shocked when only the opening track "Immigrant song" was heavy rock... the rest of the album was acoustic and mellow songs like 'Tangerine' and "Gallow's pole"... As a result, the album did not sell quite as well initially (but has since sold 6 million copies in the US). This song was from 'Led Zeppelin IV' in 1971, a record that has sold 24 million copies in the US, and had both the heavy rock and acoustic folk songs.

[@jordan390a]

It's an hommage to Joni Mitchell and her song California.....

[@bobschenkel7921]

Rock Godz being Rock Godz even when they're acoustic.

[@barbarapennell9717]

In 1969 there were lots of flowers in their hair. The summer of LOVE💌

[@bryanjoiner7385]

I think it was Scott Mackenzie who wrote "San Francisco" the iconic song that referred to girls with flowers in her hair

[@normatako3971]

I was there! Magical. Over 3 hours and inspiring. This was the acoustic set about half way, introduced by Robert Plant saying that they were going to have a break not because they wanted to but because they had to!

[@davidanderson1709]

BJ - congratulations on your insightful comments.

[@hankstaines6568]

The counter culture hippie singers like Joni and Mama Cass Elliot moved to Laurel Canyon LA. Another reference to flowers In the hair is the record by Scott McKenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair).

[@Triggerhippie70]

Years ago I can’t even remember what year it was. It was a long damn time ago. I had to go on a business trip to California for the first time and I landed in the Oakland airport. Had to rent a car. I rented a convertible and that was back when we put in CDs and I brought my Led Zeppelin CD and I have to drive two hours north from Oakland to Petaluma and I knew that this is the song I was gonna listen to, but I didn’t realize that it was going to be so amazing with the beauty of that drive! I’ve always love the song, but after that, this song meant something totally different to me! This is such a beautiful song. By the way, that’s the only time I’ve ever been to California, and California is so freaking beautiful.

[@ericklein5927]

In California during the seventies there was a movement about peace love and dope from the hippies that's what he's referring to.

[@calebclunie4001]

The Summer Of Love, Was In 1967. My first concert, attending, was in Golden Gate Park, at the 20 year Summer Of Love celebration concert, in 1987.

[@donnabruhn6907]

It really was the 60's Charles Manson ' s murders somewhat made the hippie flower children gave the movement a black eye

[@billtaylor3382]

My Favorite Band of all time, old man here and have heard it all in rock!

[@usposandman]

Always enjoy your reactions to the music of my youth. It's awesome to see younger folk enjoying it as well. This is one of the most beautifully written interplays between guitar and mandolin ever. Just amazing.

[@zon3665]

He's talking about the 60s and 70s in California. During the hippie movement.

[@davidbowles4457]

four of the most talented and influential Musician's to preform in the 60's 70's

[@jaymccarthy2175]

this my absolute fave led zeppelin song!

[@t.r.1708]

Back when California was different. I guess a lot of places were! Thx y’all!

[@robysuscosas]

LZ was one of the most versatile bands ever in rock history. They took so many influences and made a sound of their own. LZ3 is the album that really showcases their acoustic side and what a wonderful side it is.

[@davelovj]

Saw Led Zep at Providence Civic Center in '73'. Now at 67 years old still listen. Lifetime fan. They don't have a bad song in their entire catalog.

[@tektoniks_architects]

From a 5-night run of historic shows at Earl's Court in 1975 that become a milestone in rock history. So many brilliant live performances from this show. Another great acoustic performance from this show is Bron Yr AUR Stomp.

[@nitab1971]

We hippies wore flowers in our hair. The trend started in the late 60's in San Francisco. Yes, I said "we". I'm one. Always have been, always will be. ☮️✌️

[@calebclunie4001]

I may have met you. My late Father, was Bob Clunie, who accidentally started The Flower Children. Did you have, a couple of adopted children, who only ate two things? You'll know, what those things were, of course.

[@nitab1971]

@@calebclunie4001 Not me, but your Dad is legendary. I'm proud to meet you, Caleb!!

[@calebclunie4001]

@@nitab1971 Very groovy.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Led Zeppelin are among the gods of Rock n' Roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@salmuscles]

This song was written about Joni Mitchell... she’s the girl with flowers in her hair...

[@chrisstones1249]

BJ,you nailed this reaction ,full respect young man 👍🏾🔥🇬🇧

[@bigmeaney555]

Check out the studio version for sure.

[@TheMikeman1971]

Legendary story ! Listen to what his words say.

[@Renkk17]

For a different Island Feel check out Led Zeppelin - D'yer Maker! Also check out singer "Robert Plant...after Zepplin - Tall Cool One - 29 Palms - Big Log - Heaven Knows - Ship of Fools - Sea of Love"

[@bufordt.justice6741]

very nicely done live with different instrumentation and vocals at times but the studio version holds a special place in my heart with that magical atmosphere they capture and the specific melodic ideas they came up with for the guitar, vocals, and mandolin. you really should check it out. Zeppelin are really a band to treasure.

[@AzaleaLala]

Different time period. Hippies, flower children, it was a totally different vibe than it is now. Thanks for reacting to this. It's one of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. Please react to Amy Lee's cover now that you've reacted to the original.

[@Peopleofthesun386]

It still has a good vibe........its just more expensive vibe

[@mikecaetano]

Trippy hippie vibes, man! "If you're going to San Francisco \ Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair" Scott McKenzie "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)" (1967) "Stairway to Heaven" and "The Battle of Evermore" were the other two trippy hippie tunes on Led Zeppelin IV. Welsh songstress Sandy Denny joined Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore". She was the only other singer to ever appear on a Led Zeppelin album. The band even assigned a special symbol for her on the liner notes to the album. If you've got a thing for angelic voices, then lend your ears to her voice. Her work with Fairport Convention is quite masterful. For a taste, check out "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", "Farewell, Farewell", "The Ballad Of Easy Rider", and "She Moves Through The Fair" among others.

[@Isleofskye]

1975 was the year when I made a HUGE mistake and never went to another massive Led Zeppelin London Concert a few months apart from this one. I had a ticket. My football team lost at home on that Saturday afternoon. It was raining and I did not drive then.I was in South East London and they were playing in North West and a Fishmonger, accidentally, threw boiling hot water over my legs as I came home from the match so I did not go and STILL regret it 47 years later as I never did see them. COST OF TICKET? 75 PENCE OR ONE DOLLAR....1975 was 5 years after THe Hippie California era of FLOWER POWER...

[@susanherrig437]

The queen who plays guitar & sings is a reference to Joni Mitchell.

[@Renkk17]

You have to remember the flower children of the 60's and 70's It was the Hippy Era! You guys should check out some Documentaries of the previous Era's in time.....like the Hippies of the Sixties, and the Decade of the 70's and the 80's!

[@fredshred5194]

What is and what should never be, is another song a bit like this, love the slide guitar vibe on it.

[@calebclunie4001]

My late Father, Bob Clunie, accidentally, created The Flower Children. He described, that one day, Bill Jackson III (a couple years, his junior) saw, that a florist had discarded a large amount of carnations. My Dad, had a truck, and he got his pal, Leon Krueger, to help him. They said, "Hey, These Are Still Good", packed them into the back of their truck, and handed them out, to everyone on Haight street. He said, "Even, The Cops were wearing them". They went to the Fillmore District, but had bottles thrown at them.

[@cyberinsekt7942]

This is from the Earls court gig. 'That's the way' from the same Earls Court show is a wonderful live version in the same gentle folk style .

[@robertprice6830]

Cali Hippie chicks routinely wore flowers. Along with many others.

[@Roh_Echt]

*Love this song...as I do so many of theirs. I did have every Zeppelin album back then. PLEASE react to their song "Thank You." I promise you you'll love it. It's another very mellow and beautiful Zeppelin song.*

[@jaynethomas7380]

Written for Robert's wife, Maureen. ❤️

[@jaymcgraw528]

One of my favorite Zeppelin songs. Hey hey what can I say is also a banger

[@dantean]

A personal favorite of mine--thanks! Not one of their huge chart successes here in the States, but holds a special place in my heart since it came out. Btw, the flower in the hair was about the MOST iconic image of late 60s California hippie culture. The stereotype then was you go to San Francisco to be with the other hippies, all of whom would presumably be going around barefoot with flowers in their hair. It's a "flower power" era thing.

[@joshuadeshaies7106]

Hell yeah it’s the 🐐’s of rock n roll!! Beautiful tune here guys.

[@madmex2k]

So, the lyrics, he says "He was spending his days with a woman unkind, who smoked his stuff, and drank all his wine. So he made up his mind, to make a new start, Going to California with an aching in his heart. Somebody told him there's a girl out there, with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair. Its a dream of starting a new life, in California, climbing his mountain of dreams, and never realizing that dream of that fantasy girl because she has never ever been born. I have heard the reference he gives to finding a queen without a king, they say she plays guitar and cries and sings, is about Joni Mitchell. Robert Plant liked her music. Its all a theoretical dream based on his desire to change his life.

[@scottlynch4370]

This is one of my favorite songs....back in the 70's girls did wear flowers in their hair....nice reaction to a beautiful song....I would love to see you react to a band called Grand Funk Railroad the song is ' inside looking out' but be prepared to be amazed ....this band is unfunking believable....it's a 9 1/2 minute song of pure funk....blues...and rock....I guarantee you that you will absolutely love it...the song was recorded in 1969...and was way ahead of it's time....it's nice to see the younger generation loving the songs that I loved when I wore a younger man's clothes.....I hope you two will take the advice of an old man that appreciates music....enjoy the song and I can't wait to see your reaction to the best live performance I've ever seen...peace out✌️👍

[@tomhaywiser282]

Another really beautiful acoustic song from them is the song Thank You

[@johnthegreek5836]

I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan, I grew up listening to their music, great band, great music

[@Mannymoe7]

Yeah hippie girls wore flowers in their hair back then!

[@markbaker3013]

Thank you for sharing this with me today

[@dalejohnson2638]

One of my favorite songs by zeppelin

[@chrisjamieson3452]

Robert is giving his viewpoint on the Hippie Culture of the time.

[@ralphfrondella2912]

67 was heaven summer of love girls with flowers in their hair

[@andrewwright9378]

It’s about a guy in Britain (Robert) hearing how groovy it was out in California, during the hippy days (which coincided with the early days of the group. The girl who sings with flowers in her hair is said to be Joni Mitchell, who at the time was wowing people with her singing and songwriting (and beauty of course ...easy Robert you dog).

[@justinatest9456]

I always thought Page's real strength was his acoustic work, Babe Im Gonna Leave You, Friends, The Battle of Evermore, etc etc. Very tasteful.

[@jaynethomas7380]

Apparently acoustic is Jimmy's first love.

[@arsenalmanic]

"since i've been loving you" (remastered), is the ONE ! trust me

[@mikemiller3069]

A couple other Zep songs with a cool vibe are, "Rain Song" and "Thank You".

[@juliemanarin4127]

Also That's The Way

[@therealtorsteph22]

The Rain Song for sure!!!

[@larrysaenz8964]

My neighbor and I would sit outside on the lawn he would play this whole song on guitar he had his drums set up in the house played bass also he was cool 😎🖤🤘🖤

[@sherigrow6480]

Yes, we wore flowers in our hair, bells and beads on our moccasins and sandals, and hoped for a better world.

[@2869may]

This is AWESOME! But you should check out the studio version....!

[@therealtorsteph22]

Agreed