What If Stairway To Heaven Came Out Today?

[@TomStrahle]

An old girlfriend of mine, before we dated, dated Peter Grant, Zeppelin's manager. They were hanging out backstage at LiveAid in 1985, the heralded Led Zeppelin reunion, and they couldn't find Jimmy anywhere and Plant wanted to go over Stairway to Heaven, he was nervous he might forget the words. My girlfriend, who got her degree in classical guitar at Ball State, informed the room "I can play it." And so she played S2H backstage with Robert Plant at LiveAid. In my 45 year career as a guitarist I've never done anything even remotely that cool. Haha.

[@robertacolarette1594]

THAT IS VERY COOL. WOW!

[@arsentoplak2635]

If you ever slipped and fell, you did something as cool as playing guitar with Robert Plant, let's be honest.

[@User0resU-1]

I've played it in my bedroom, and in guitar shops before they banned it.

[@hanreality.7266]

Out of interest, the words and tune of the bit that says “if there’s a bustle in the hedgerows, don’t be alarmed there; it’s just a spring clean for the May Queen” is from an old folk song. Saw a great video about it somewhere,

[@TomStrahle]

@@hanreality.7266 I'll have to hunt that one down. Always curious about some of those phrases.

[@Tunachaz62]

I was diagnosed in recent times, with dementia. But there is one thing that will never go away, and that’s my love and understanding of music!

[@guitardipu]

God bless you

[@kb8939]

@charles nagle, sending you🙏and ❤. Chemo has been hell on my brain, and music has been so helpful for me, too. If you don't get the answers you need, or want, from 1 dr, PLEASE find another and another until you do get what you need.

[@cetterus]

The best battle against dementia is music. Enhance it by doing it actively. Join the choir. Very, very understated method. I have seen benefits (in other people) myself. Kudos on your intuition and best wishes mate.

[@tommybewick]

That was true of Glen Campbell as well! He could play music but he couldn't remember the names of his kids.

[@wtfgoogle3884]

Sending good wishes your way my friend.

[@405WRANGLER]

It kind of sucks that people these days don't have the attention span to appreciate this song. It's a journey. It's full of different emotions. Makes you feel like a story is being told..... we need more rock in this style

[@donmcatee45]

It’s a hella long journey and has been played into the ground…

[@annaclarafenyo8185]

This song is about drugs, and it tells the story of a lady looking for some drugs. Then taking it. Then being transported into a different world. Then being transported more. Then it's all happy, because they all loved drugs in those days, before feeling the brain damage. A similar song, but I think better, because more direct, is the Ramone's "Howling At the Moon". The druggy imagery in the 70s was all the fantasy "Lord of the Rings" stuff.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

What sucks is no one is making music like the 70s and 80s. I was young teen to 20s in 70-80s I was blessed to grow up in the best era of rock ever.

[@alby3115]

Amen.

[@taraishot100]

No one thinks that everytime I listen to it it’s awesome

[@michaelwright1602]

The recorder was the bomb, I love that midevial British or Celtic sound/vibe. It, at least for me, takes me to another realm. Not many songs can do that.

[@HuskyHawk66]

The recorder part is always underrated. That medieval folk sound sets the stage, and transports you. Totally a swords and sorceries fantasy vibe going on. I always loved that.

[@willynilsson2320]

Perhaps not what people generally seek in a rock and roll song?

[@tabkg5802]

@@willynilsson2320 rock and roll is a really broad term. This folk style parts just give more character for a song, which is very important in this genre imo

[@PastPerspectives11]

@@willynilsson2320 and Led Zeppelin are the perfect example of how rock and roll is just based on hard blues and country

[@grahambeech4636]

@@willynilsson2320 AC/DC has bagpipes in one of their songs.

[@grahambeech4636]

Perhaps the only instance where I haven't had the urge to puncture my ear drums when a recorder is played.

[@ledgaming6489]

The mere fact that we’re still talking about a song that came out 51 years ago shows us how amazing this song really is and how great Zeppelin is. Truly amazing

[@stoptheworldiwannagetoff4780]

Best band ever in my opinion and in their day that was up against really stiff opposition.

[@missingremote4388]

LedZeppelin is 2 groovy 2 my cat

[@droctagon9842]

@@stoptheworldiwannagetoff4780 i concur.. for a large window of time just creating some of the most beautiful tunes in rock.. that was a great time for rock music.

[@almostliterally593]

Hard to believe it was only that long ago. Feels longer.

[@kindofsimplereally]

@@stoptheworldiwannagetoff4780 I think you mean competition there, but I'm sure there was plenty of opposition from the fundamentalists to all rock music.

[@mercyrn35]

Stairway To Heaven is one of the most beautiful and intensely interesting songs I’ve ever heard. It’s interest is so well rooted that it never fades. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in this musical time period.

[@cattymajiv]

Me too. So unbelievably lucky! I would never trade it for anything else!

[@stephenhogue5567]

I grew up in the 70's as well, best of times for music!

[@shaungold]

What about the evocative 'Kashmir'?

[@MerchantsofSolace]

I didn't but discovered it with my dad and began to play drums shortly after! Amazing

[@lancekutchins]

The 2012 Kennedy Center honors to led zep with Nancy Wilson, Jason Bonham drums, all star band, symphony and choir had anyone watching it in tears. If done right, it is more powerful and meaningful today, as many kids are discovering.

[@artm.8037]

I was at that performance. It was amazing.

[@cattymajiv]

I so wish I had seen it!

[@RockyMtnBlue]

So I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes.

[@jerryvalchine4213]

I really enjoyed that thank you. I played Zepplin for my daughter when she was about Laylas age. I asked her what she thought about Zepplin? She said they sound like pirates. God how precious!

[@johnroseman9087]

Rick: You are leaving a dynasty and wealth of knowledge for millions of people, whether they are musicians or just love music. In watching your channel over the last few years, I have noticed your Family names of kids grandkids , nieces or nephews are names of musicians, or songs. I think that's beautiful. They are Blessed. We, your viewers are Blessed. You are Blessed. Thank you for the knowledge and inspiration. We are all lucky to have you in our musical lives! ✌♥️

[@robertluck1325]

Absolutely Positively Correct !!

[@Rayk76]

100%

[@smoorej]

Hours of deep thought and analysis by Rick, and his wife absolutely nails it with four words: “People like crappy music”. Priceless.

[@tridibbiswas3824]

The last word reminds me of Plant saying that in the Earl’s Court 1975 show after he said “do you remember laughter”

[@Mountfailmore]

That should go on a mug or t-shirt lol

[@maccagrabme]

I don't think most people know what they like, very few really love music in a big was enough to explore the back catalogues. It's difficult to get some people to listen to other genres so most people go along with what they are exposed to.

[@samsowden]

I think the issue is that there's millions of ways of being interesting, but only one way of being dull. Making music that appeals to as many people as possible will inevitably lead to uninteresting stuff in most cases. Sometimes a miracle happens, and music is made that is so good that it cuts through that, and you get Bach, or Mozart or the Beatles.

[@smkordis]

@@maccagrabme unfortunately true. Try to get people to listen to jazz today. I was in high school 1968-1972. We listened to Motown, bluegrass, jazz and of course the greatest era of rock music!

[@eniopasalic]

I remember the first time I heard "Stairways to Heaven", I was probably 8 years old, in 1977, the song had an incredible impact on my consciousness, I stood paralysed in a kind of ecstasy listening to it... the only other two songs that had such an effect on me were "Sound of Silence" and "Hey Joe".

[@brianquinn989]

I fell in love for the first time in my life listening to Stairway. She’s long gone now but every time I hear this song it brings me back to that night and the most beautiful Woman I ever knew.

[@Osedaxmucofloris13]

Thats ridiculous

[@blexicon8914]

Well Brian, I think, as a Brian, anyone who says that's ridiculous is a complete .... .I'm English so that begins, obviously with a C.

[@chrisreeves9764]

That's what I love about Rick, he makes you reconsider songs that you take for granted. You should never take great music for granted and Layla is a smart kid!

[@mightypigeon836]

It’s stairway! I don’t think anyone is taking that song for granted

[@chrisaustin9949]

@@mightypigeon836 Yeah but I know what he means. We take for granted that Stairway to Heaven is there but forget what a miracle it was when it came along and how the timing was just right because of rock fans who had become so much more sophisticated listening to the Beatles, Stones, Cream, Yardbirts, etc.

[@chrisaustin9949]

By the way, one of the best performances of Stairway to Heaven was done when Led Zeppelin was being inducted at the Kennedy Center Honors. It started out with just the two women from Heart on the stage and more people started playing as it grew and grew. John Bonham's son played the drums. You can find it with one search, "Kennedy Honors Stairway to Heaven".

[@shacktime]

@@mightypigeon836 If streaming had come out in the 60’s bands like Zep would not have been likely to survive. Same with most of the best bands from that era and beyond to the present.

[@atendriyadasa6746]

Good to hear frOM you Chris! I thought you were dead.

[@MarkFrederickson-j2q]

Zeppelin influenced just about everyone that has held a guitar or played drums. This song shows their talent. I honestly can’t think of a single song made in 2023 so far that I like.

[@jonahpennington6668]

Wall of eyes by the smile Subtitles by Madison Cunningham

[@batmanlives6456]

The medieval sounds are what I think really attracted me so many years ago when this song first came out It’s totally unique No other song even comes close!

[@stevegoodskills8531]

When I first listened to it , I was in my room in the dark and had it turned up. It took me on a journey and it changed me. I wish I could hear it again for the first time

[@jorgem.cuaroni.134]

You can do it Steve. Just do the same again and remember that moment since the beginning.

[@katsavidiz]

Headphones, good ones! That might help.

[@hanreality.7266]

I was listening to Ramble On the other day, a very familiar song, but this time I was sitting in my car watching the moon go climbing up behind some tree branches. It was spectacular. There will always be ways to rediscover a song!

[@davida9482]

“I wish I could hear it again for the first time.” Most poignant thought I’ve read in a long time . . .

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

I had always thought of the song as a medieval / renaissance mystical / ethereal journey that continually built the tension of expectation to a crescendo like a grand finale at a fireworks show. The audiance is guided through an experience, rather than just a folk song or ballad. Do you hear it as well?

[@luissegura1580]

MAN....THIS IS THE SYNTESIS OF THE ESCENCE OF THAT SONG....I NEVER READ OR HEARD SOMEONE WHO DESCRIBED THIS WITH THAT ACCURACCY AND PRECISSION....YOU DIDN'T MISS A SINGLE WORD....CONGRATULATIONS.....

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

@@luissegura1580 Thank you. You are very kind.

[@davidbalentine2110]

Bolero. Ravel.

[@daveoelke857]

Very well said! 👍

[@skeetlarson5186]

That's kind of the problem with music now right? theres a lot of good songs now but nothing has such a story and feeling as the music from this era.

[@marlaalger1601]

Remember the times. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) was huge. Zeppelin's music transported you into the whole fantasy! Just awesome classic rock

[@powisallgood9199]

Stairway to Heaven is art. Nuff said. The world today doesn't really appreciate art the same way it was done. It's all about something shiny. It's a beautiful song that breaks the mould and creates its own mystique You summed it up in 5 words Rick.

[@mariodesmo]

Stairway To Heaven had just been released when I bought a new Z28 Camaro on a Friday. I spent my college money on that car and spent the entire weekend cruising with my friends in my car. I remember Stairway To Heaven playing on the radio, over and over again. That made Stairway a very special song in my life. I"ll never forget that weekend. Still have that Z28.

[@albundy8052]

What year Z-28 ??

[@albundy8052]

My dad and myself, rebuild the 289 ford engine. We got the mustang running Saturday. Was a warm day, the under dash factory A.C. (that would freeze you). I was driving the new rebuilt 289, slowly, to break-in the rings. Listening to the radio 📻 and Stairway to Heaven. Was very difficult to drive the mustang, slowly, with Stair Way to Heaven.

[@tjsogmc]

...and you still have Zeppelin; just press "play"...

[@mariodesmo]

@@albundy8052 1970

[@robertacolarette1594]

I only know that I remember as a young person listening to Stairway on the album . All I could think was I never heard such a beautiful guitar in my life. But I am part of the generation that sat and listened to an album when you purchased it. You couldn’t wait to get home and settle down with it and play it and listen, oh yes, and study the album cover.

[@stoptheworldiwannagetoff4780]

............and waking up to the sound of the 'run off'!

[@nahumgabrieli9020]

That was the greatest experience of listening to albums totally concentratednin the music while "studying their cover" as you say. I feel sorry for my kids who never got to have this wonderful spiritual experience.

[@robertacolarette1594]

@@nahumgabrieli9020 Looking back to what was totally “normal” for us they never experienced music the way we did. We came up in an era of great, original, experimental groundbreaking music. They have never lived that. That was my favorite treat as long as my homework was done I could sit and soak up that music.

[@christopherlees1134]

Agreed. Life was at a slower pace back then. Kids today don't have the attention span and mental discipline to just sit and listen to an album's worth of music. Too many distractions between the iPhone, social media and the internet in general. On a separate note, I think this is why card playing isn't popular anymore either.

[@robertacolarette1594]

@@christopherlees1134 I agree. Great point about card playing. I had forgotten but you’re right. My parents would go visit relatives on the weekend to catch up and also to regularly play cards. My father used to attend regular card games with his male friends and relations taking turns at each one’s home at least once a month or once every two. That’s quite a vivid memory.

[@gverb1950]

I am 75 and I am sure this song which I found so special gives me goose bumps even today; it would never sell today.The first time I heard it I was one toke over the line and it took me on a journey that I will never experience again. When I heard Heart perform their version with a full orchestra along with a choir I began to tear up and the expression of the members of Zeppelin kind of sums it up for me. The music today does nothing for me. Just remembering American Pie which I also liked sort of incapsulates it . The music died I miss the tune Time in a bottle, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Sunshine on my shoulders, and Here comes the sun to name a few. My play list goes all the way back to Lollipop by the Cordetts, Hello Marylou by Ricky Nelson, and Peggy Sue. Sad to say my hearing took a beating and I need hearing aids now but I sure enjoyed Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull at full volume. ROCK ON!!!!

[@celestinodelrio5476]

In spanish: está obra de arte marca la cúspide del rock y de toda la música del Siglo XX, nunca ha podido ser superada ni se podrá, a partir de ahí el rock empezó su descenso el cual continúa hasta nuestros días.

[@CaptHiltz]

I would blame a lot of why it wouldn't be popular today on Spotify and to an extent sites like Submithub. Spotify has pushed no brain cell songs with their larger playlists that us musicians all try to get on to drive up our stream numbers and our monthly listeners. Rick has touched on this with his Spotify Top 10 videos. Submithub if you're not familiar, it a site where curators for Spotify, Soundcloud, KZbin and so on list themselves so artists can try to get on their playlists. The problem is the curators are not obligated to listen to more than 90 seconds of a song before making a decision. Anything that has a long intro or really any intro and or doesn't have the hook right off the bat doesn't stand a chance of getting on a list. This forces artists to comply and write formula songs. I stopped dealing with Submithub almost 2 years ago. It's a money toilet. I also stopped really caring how many streams my band gets on Spotify. Ninety eight percent of the artists with music on Spotify make $1000 or less on streams per year. They probably spend that much or more trying to promote. Sorry, I digress.

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

Absolutely agree!! Today's music has no soul, complexity, or narrative. If you asked a young person today to name the soundtrack of their life, they'd look at you like you were from Mars and likely say "whatever, boomer." Real music will die with us.

[@paulletchworth2036]

How’s it feel to be 76 I just turned 63 is there much difference mentally I know physically there is ?

[@paulletchworth2036]

How’s it feel to be 76 I just turned 63 is there much difference mentally I know physically there is ?

[@deborahdoll4111]

Stairway to Heaven is a mind journey in music. An intimate process reflecting an unfiltered contemplation of the world inside and out. Plant brilliantly captured an essence and documented it for posterity.

[@deborahdoll4111]

@@mikelanzafame3401 My response is just a thought about a song. If it was wrong in your opinion, why didn’t you just scroll past the response. No need to be so dismissive.

[@vanessashaw3351]

Your comment spoke quite clearly to me. Ignore the downers

[@deborahdoll4111]

@@vanessashaw3351 thank you. Merry Christmas!

[@shader26]

@@vanessashaw3351 agreed. I got what you meant right away. They don’t make songs like this anymore. One thing, as a guitarist, I always am blown away by the song, but specially the Page solo. That first phrase where he ends up just blows me away. The song is an experience, as much music was back then. Or at least attempted to be. Anyway, your comment was a good one!

[@seanwinkel8890]

well said

[@MerkinMuffly]

It would probably go unnoticed today with little playtime, yet new generations continue to be enthralled by it. That leads me to believe it has more to do with access to good music and not younger people's taste in music. They consume what's put in front of them and it's not very good.

[@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices]

It sure would. Look at Greta Van Fleet's masterpiece, "The Heat Above" and how it was ignored on classic rock 'n roll radio altogether.

[@jderoma4382]

You are 100% correct. Like so many things, what we are exposed to is controlled by corporations.

[@georgebarry8640]

@@jderoma4382 And that is why Actual rebellious Rock n Roll is basically censored. It may get created but currently it will not distributed,promoted etc

[@georgebarry8640]

Unless its sanitized rebellion: Manufactured anger at...what for it...the agreeable enemies. Not the actual ones.

[@Frenzina98]

That's totally true, I never thought about this in this perspective

[@mhlevy]

The late 60s and into the mid 80s was a really wonderful time for musical "art." You had bands like Led Zeppelin, Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Rush, and some of the greatest artistic rock songs were written by bands who did experiment. What's incredible is just how many young kids today are just now discovering it.

[@maikstrecker6995]

Why do you put the word "art" into quotation marks? I do it because I quote your one word out of context. I really wonder what your reason might be.

[@fila6243]

@@maikstrecker6995 perhaps because 'art' is commonly what you hang on your wall and look at while 'music' is commonly what you play on your high fidelity stereo device, while 'theatre' is what you go to a hall and witness and an 'artist' is someone who uses tools to create a feeling within a passive audience.

[@pdqkevin]

I was waiting in a parking lot last weekend and the car next to me was playing King Crimson so I was surprised. I was shocked when the guy who got out of the car was like 20 years old.

[@Bradley_Lute]

There are always cool people making music. You are just most in touch with music of that time. Though, there isn't quite the same amount of money being put into music now. The radio stuff yes, but the Indie stuff is pretty cheaply made. Not a bad thing though. Of my generation, I think you might like The Shins, Beach House, The Fleet Foxes and Kurt Vile. They all sound a bit out of their time because they were a movement that was looking back to your generation. Rock hasn't been too big for a decade though. All the ones named were from the 2000s but are still going.

[@darrellhambley7245]

@@Bradley_Lute It did seem that "good music" had a big resurgence with Fleet Foxes and other bands from 10 years ago (OMG, 10 years ago already!). Beach house, School of Seven Bells, M83 and many other indie bands are awesome. I hate when boomers say, "music today is crap". I feel sorry for them if all they know is their local radio station: 'Classic Rock top 40". yawn. I wish they could be exposed to indie artists.

[@syndrome1965]

The greatest song, period. It still brings tears to my eyes, though not every time I listen to it. I was born in 65, it was released in 71, been listening to it most of my life.

[@grrrrrgh]

I was also born in 65 and still love the song, i remember it being played on the radio, those were the days.

[@sleevesgaragemoments2931]

Maybe you'll like the song Taurus by the band Spirit released in 1968... (The same band that opened for Zeppelin at one point) but was then stolen by Zeppelin and release as stairway in 71

[@SpicyElaichi]

@@sleevesgaragemoments2931 dumb

[@sleevesgaragemoments2931]

@@SpicyElaichi what's dumb?? Them ripping off the song from their friends they had as opening act

[@ironmonkey1512]

It was an unusually good composition for Led Zep as well, both the music and lyrics which were often silly machismo stuff.

[@FlatEarthFighter]

This song was the anthem of every high school prom in the country in 1977-78 when I was in high school, that's why we relate this song with the best times of our lives and has more meaning than any other song and still gives me chills when I hear it

[@puhead2]

I seriously doubt that a song released in 1971 "was the anthem of every high school prom in the country in 1977-78." I don't pretend to have any idea what songs might have been used, but if forced to put my money on something, I'd note that the film "Saturday Night Fever" came out in late 1977.

[@williamconklin1612]

@@puhead2 I obviously don’t know your age or background but I can say for sure that stairway to heaven was the theme of every 1977 prom….

[@williamgrissom9022]

I was high school class of 1975, peak of the Baby Boom (born 1957). I recall STH competing with Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water", the former more for sophisticates and the later redneck rockers, then all migrated to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird. Many cool songs then, even "Dead Skunk ...". Eventually, Fleetwood Mac and Boston came along to displace STH on the radio.

[@cattymajiv]

@@puhead2 Many of us just HATED disco and Saturday Night Fever! Only the super weird people ever cared for that garbage! If that album had somehow gotten smuggled in and played, we would tear the needle right off it! Although S2H was already old in 78, it could well have still been played at proms then. I never had a prom, but I turned 18 in 78. S2H was still monumentally popular then, and I can fully see it being played at every prom.

[@cattymajiv]

@@williamgrissom9022 Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road, by Loudon Wainright The 3rd. Excellent song! I still know every word! His son is quite successful too, but I forget his name.

[@ricknagy1639]

Led Zeppelin were to me what The Beatles were to many of my peers, and I will die on the hill of LZ being the greatest rock band of all time. I never get tired of this song, and I have heard it no less once a week, and often more, since I was a kid. There is a band that I think pulls off some Zeppelin like stuff and has certainly found an audience, and that's Coheed and Cambria.

[@markandersen793]

@@NickNicometi Greta is making a living off of early Zeppelin, Zeppelin continued to evolve, you think of No Quarter, Kashmir & Achilles Last Stand, maybe Greta changes as well and finds their own identity.

[@georgebarry8640]

@@markandersen793 I completely agree: I hope they find their way. Imitation is only good for so much.

[@shanesmith3091]

I was a farmer in a past life and one day as I was in my tractor there was a strike at the ABC in Australia, and they decided to play different covers of Stairway to Heaven, and for 16 hours that day ( a normal day on the tractor), I listened to dozens and dozens of different versions of S to H. It was amazing. Great way to spend a day on the tractor!

[@ginger7044]

how cool to groove all day long to Swth on a tractor….what a memory! Farm girls get it LOL

[@Youiethefly]

Did they do the Rolf Harris version? 🤣

[@shanesmith3091]

@@Youiethefly It's a long time ago, but I am sure they played it. Would the ABC get away without playing our quintessential Ozy hero (at least back then he was, anyway)?

[@bobsmith3217]

I saw them in early 1977. In Stairway to Heaven, when Page played that thundering transition riff, I was absolutely mesmerized. I looked over at Robert Plant, and he was staring at me with a smile on his face. I bet he did that every time Page played that riff-looked out in the crowd for people's reaction to Page's classic riff.

[@TJ-ht3jb]

I saw them in 77 also. In Los Angeles . I think it was the Forum. If my memory serves me well. It is serving me less well every day unfortunately . 😬

[@mathilde1212]

Paris , France, young age going to concert who were not ban from under 18 yrsold

[@Colstonewall]

@@TJ-ht3jb The Badge Holder Show?

[@jackhammer7824]

@@jonfrost2152 my first full concert, beginning to end, The Who 1975. Lousy venue, sound was way too loud for Concrete building. But they jammed hard , got the Townsend guitar smash!!

[@funeralbillii9172]

@@TJ-ht3jb Eddie Van Halen was in the crowd that night!!

[@trevorgillan5756]

Rick… you work so hard producing these amazing videos, I really appreciate it.🤙😘

[@sailingrumrunner]

I had been listening to Zeppelin for many years. Honestly did not put them in too much high regard. Then I joined a Zeppelin tribute band in Cleveland and played bass. I listened to the bass lines very closely to get my parts right and was amazed at how intricate and non repetitive they were which was difficult to copy. I began to expand into the various tunings Jimmy Page used for songs like Rain Song, Bron YrAur, That's the Way, and realized what a true genius he was.

[@216Numbskull]

@scott foster, Just curious, it wasn't Cleveland's "Zoso" you jammed with was it, & what decade either way are we talking about?

[@keijosandvik6836]

When Stairway came out in 1971, the recorders didn't seem weird at all. There was a lot of Medieval influences and recorder music in pop and rock in the late 60's and early 70's. Beatles - Fool On the Hill, Manfred Mann - My Name Is Jack, Rolling Stones - Ruby Tuesday, Gentle Giant - Why Not, David Bowie - All the Madmen, Jethro Tull - Mother Goose, The Association - Along Comes Mary, Jimi Hendrix - If 6 Was 9, Yes' - I've Seen All Good People. The Move - Curly, Focus - Delitiae Musicae, Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn to name but a few. ....Oh, and The Troggs - Wild Thing (although that was technically an Ocarina)

[@LaurinaHawks]

True. Stairway to heaven was a great rocksong of its time, but it was far from being something unusual.

[@amooser5839]

Moody Blues

[@justfortier]

Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues especially came to mind for me, so does Jetro Tull.

[@buachaillfeadog2129]

Add The Stone's "Lady Jane" to this mix. No recorders, but very folksy

[@saltyspirateden]

true, I still have my yamaha recorder that I was playing back then, they were everywhere

[@frankgrimes2991]

There's an unspoken beauty to this song as it speeds up slowly and gets louder and angrier towards the end. A masterpiece.

[@LordLootus]

I love songs that build up to a real crescendo.

[@marvinwindsor5896]

To me the change of tempo seemed like having sex - the final frenzied verse to the collapse of finish.

[@dejavu011]

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You is even better

[@stevewolff7187]

@@dejavu011 Thats my second favorite Zep song!

[@dejavu011]

@@stevewolff7187 Yeah, I think if I were hard-pressed to pick a favourite, that could possibly be it

[@AncientApparatus]

Your wife hit the proverbial nail on the head but then again our parents said the same thing about the music we listened to. But then again back in the day they actually knew how to play an instrument, had artistic ability, & actually recorded without a computer or autotune.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I was and still am a huge Led Zeppelin fan and was a teen when Stairway came out. I feel so lucky to have experienced rock in the sixties as it happened.

[@TheSloopOrion]

Watching this video caused me to remember what one of the music professors told me in college in the late 1960's. He said that rock music will be the classical music of tomorrow. Although I was not entirely sure what he was trying to tell me, from that time on I always noted when I heard classical influence in contemporary music. I also enjoyed jazz, classical, rock, and other contemporary music even more, like the limits of musical categories had been removed.

[@airstrive6246]

Love ya, Rick. Your videos are such a breath of fresh air in this crazy, baffling world. Your channel always feels like home to me.

[@richc9890]

I feel that great music is great music, no matter when it's released. That's why the great songs stand the test of time.

[@moelarrycurly708]

I have been teaching for many years -classical guitar, but the most requested music by my students has been, Zeppelin by far, ACDC is second,

[@JohnBillington]

I'm a keyboard player and when I first started taking lessons in early 80s, this was the first song I wanted to learn.

[@gregbates2844]

Interesting. Zeppelin I get, but AC/DC? A bit surprising. :)

[@LouisHansell]

Rick, the song rises all along, appropriate for a song about a stairway. And when it gets to the break, @13:49 in your video, which you call the fanfare, it paints the picture of being at the gates of heaven. The drums evoke knocking on heaven's door. Page did a lot of painting in the music. You can see the men in the Viking flatboat getting their rhythm from the coxswain in "Immigant;s Song', you can hear the horses in Battle of Evermore and Gallows Pole, you can see the rivulet of rain on a window pane in The Rain Song...and several other songs evoke visual images. You regularly detail the elements of current pop, and those elements tell you why STH wouldn't happen today. Most of the performers are not accomplished musicians, and the attention span of the audience is short. For instance, you have shown that many current pop songs are based on few chords and few or no chord changes. Chord changes require deeper attention/retention on the listener's part, and today's audience cannot concentrate, for whatever reason.

[@iracer9395]

Thats a fantastic critique. Ive always considered “Dazed and Confused” as the rock music equivalent of the classic painting “The Scream”. True artists were Zep. Such quality is sorely missed.

[@OIE82]

You put it better than I would have but that's what I wanted to say exactly. The song draws you in to the story unfolding before you. I can remember the first time I ever heard it I stopped what I was doing to see what and where it was going.

[@mikevanderwolf8575]

Back in the day we bought creativity, nowadays, who has time. Our time will come again, unfortunately our generation will be long gone. The ones that will rediscover such art are a few years from being born yet and haven’t thus seen what is coming. But when they do and grow through it, they will most certainly be expressing the same sentiments through their music. They will live into a post trauma world full of growth, hope and opportunity and begin to wonder just like Robert Plant sang about. Read “The Fourth Turning” for understanding. That, and pray.

[@Dwendele]

Don't forget the Lemon Song. 😉

[@recoveringsoul755]

I blame technology, pagers making people take shortcuts with language, abbreviating everything. Pretty soon no one was talking in complete sentences or using proper grammar or spelling. I saw Frampton in 1976 with my boyfriend who played guitar

[@donaldanderson6604]

There is a great BBC studio session done before Led Zep IV was released and when they play Stairway the audience were hearing it for the first time. No cheering or whoops of recognition; just an attentive audience. Check it out.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

This whole album is artistic. Battle of Evermore, Misty Mountain Hop...true artists.

[@shrek_428]

Very Tolkein-like

[@cattymajiv]

Art at it's very greatest ! ! !

[@VanirTraditionalist]

The two you mentioned plus Going To California are my favorites from IV.

[@davemis40]

The end section as performed by Heart and Jason Bomham in front of Page, Plant and Jones with the choir was an amazing addition to the song. Brought a tear to Plants eyes.

[@jamesdawson1090]

For me... That redition at the Kennedy Centre stands out as THE best performance of the song ever. The quality of the performance by heart & their band, the emotion (Jason Bonham's participation, honouring his father) and with the three remaining band members... and the entire audience clearly enjoying it.

[@maxholliday5097]

It was so epic, especially with the choir. I kept thinking about how they went from being only accepted by young people and hated by older people when they first came out, and then now they are being honored by the president. What a journey.

[@NJtoTX]

Plant realized he couldn't reach those notes anymore.

[@TmcIIIvideo]

Seen it several times….I get choked up watching Robert so moved by what they’ve created and now being played by such professionals…..♥️

[@Scoobydcs]

@@jamesdawson1090 certainly the best cover of it. they NAILED it

[@PhilipRikoZen]

To me the intro never sounded strange, i'm italian, it just sounded medieval, in elementary school (i'm 30) we played traditional songs on the flute which are very very old, this song felt like home but both ancient and modern. If you have an interest in music and come from an old European country and are born up until the 90, been moved by medieval music was written in our DNA basically. I always thought that this song is so magical and there is nothing else like it. It keeps giving more and more forever.

[@cyberpunk11x]

You are right the song sound medieval and magical...may be this song and it's lyrics came from a paranormal source.. Watch "the curse of led Zeppelin" video on KZbin if you can.

[@piperpan5516]

Well said man. I think if any band managed to produce and write that recording people would be turning their heads and wondering who the band is and if there’s an album of more songs. There’s so much juice and vibe and talent in the song. What’s going on now is that we are in a time where there aren’t artists, bands, producing music at that level. Because of this there is a space for this to emerge snd question mark as to whom it might come from and how it might develop.

[@MarshallBlack3]

Senza contare che chi oggi ha almeno 30 anni, da ragazzino ha sentito, chi più chi meno, qualcosa dal repertorio del beneamato Maestro Branduardi. Anche per questo motivo a noi un sonorità del genere non è mai sembrata stravagante. Sottoscrivo quanto hai detto riguardo all'avercelo nel DNA.

[@patriceodom2553]

Thank you agree

[@AnthonyKiyola]

I too never thought it sounded weird but I got a Medieval England and Lord of the Rings feel.

[@jeffjfindley4802]

I've been teaching guitar since the earth cooled, and I occasionally get to rediscover this song with a student who's never heard it. It's amazing to experience it that way. As far as intermediate songs to learn on the guitar it's pretty much unmatched. Fingerpicking, strumming, power chords, amazing solo... If you learn that song note for note you're in a pretty good spot. :)

[@CrystalTwinStar]

Just hearing you speak the lyrics helped me understand them in a whole new level. I'm about your age and heard it probably hundreds of times but never really took time to grasp the meaning. (which I now believe is about Divine Love) Thank you for sharing this and by the way yours and the drummer's playing was amazing!

[@stephenstill2465]

I have always said there are three ways of listening to music. 1. Hearing music - which is music in the background like piped music which is just there. 2. listening to music - this is when you intentionally put a song on to listen to, and 3. is when you feel the music - this is when the music moves you to tears or takes you to the highest high. Unfortunately this third way seems to be a disappearing art of musicians these days.

[@CarAds4U]

Dead on. No argument from me.

[@AcmeRacing]

I offer a fourth option: 4. _Performing_ music. Immersed in the piece with others all playing their parts is the best experience of all. I love singing with a live band and a live audience ... nothing comes close.

[@gonr.2426]

Im always in point 3.....thats why I only listen to rock and roll.....the ONLY music I feel

[@christophersmith2107]

Bam. Exactly. I could not have phrased your words any better.

[@katdelrio5316]

​@Acme Racing Stevie Nicks always loses herself in "Rhiannon." Feel like she'd agree with you. I sang in choir and ensembles in school (which is nothing by comparison lol)...but even that is very a different feeling from singing along with the radio. 😊

[@girlandherguitar]

I don’t even want to imagine my teen years without this song. Recently I was asked, “You’re on a desert island and can only have the music of one band. Which band?”. Without hesitation, I said, “Led Zeppelin”. There is always something new to discover, that you didn’t hear before or pay much attention to and you get that “Wow!”, moment. Zep weren’t my favourite band in the 70s, but this song was part of the very fabric of my world. It is much to the detriment of young people today that the music industry does not embrace artistry like this anymore.

[@andymaciver1760]

God that's a tough one. I might have to pick metallica

[@andymaciver1760]

Or maybe zep? the smiths? Or maybe queen? Or maybe David bowie....uggggh that's a really tough one.

[@sandrinecacheton3909]

I think I’d pick the beatles

[@sandrinecacheton3909]

Oh actually yeah David bowie

[@andymaciver1760]

@@sandrinecacheton3909 its impossible

[@artyvidstuff]

It's a shame that Stairway gets kicked around and often thought of as a punchline. I'm 63 yrs old and like many, I've heard it a million times...when I hear it, I STILL listen closely and it STILL moves me. It is one of the greatest pieces of musical Art ever created and frankly, if it came out today it would go nowhere. Music today is more lyrically based and people don't care how well someone plays or sings as long as the tune tells the listener how wonderful they are. Singers today don't take risks, guitar players aren't competing against peers like Blackmore, Page, Frampton, etc., etc., etc...forcing them to reach further. I know I sound like a 'boomer' - "back in MY day" - etc. But really...Stairway competing with today's Karaoke singers and guys holding their dicks while they spout rhymes over an electronic drum track? Please. It's night and day. People wouldn't care.

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

Agreed. I perceive the song as an experience, artistically crafted, leading the audience into a shared heartfelt understanding , rather than than a top 10 mechanically generated music machine algorythm.

[@sandrapereira5896]

I'm 76 and still love this song and listen to it regularly

[@brada1997]

Agreed ... It stops me and moves me every single time.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

My favorite triad is "stairway..." followed by "lay lady lay" then "nights in white satin"

[@helenwhills9828]

​@@sandrapereira5896: It was my 76th a week ago and I appreciate the talent much more now than I did at the time! Maybe because I'm straight, sober and wiser now?!

[@Tunachaz62]

I got a lot of respect for you Rick. I’am really thankful for who you are, and all your content. Thank you!!!!

[@sungear]

I'm proud of my aspiring musician 17 yo son that listens to all kinds of music but some of his favorites are the good ol' 70s rock. Good music is good music.

[@jts3339]

“Stairway” probably wouldn’t have worked as a debut song for Led Zeppelin or any other group, anymore than Strawberry Fields would have worked as a Beatles debut. But these songs didn’t appear out of a vacuum. They were mid-career compositions by two fully-formed, mature bands. To borrow a comment from from Neil Young, the that would hold these songs back if they were released in 2022 is the absence of backup dancers.

[@johnhaller7017]

Stairway was like nearly all the songs from that album, superb and/or nearly masterpieces. Rock and roll and Black Dog were the hit singles. Battle of Evermore featuring a vocal duet between the Late Sandy Denny and Robert Plant was a clear contender for being the "other" Stairway. It was in it's own way highly nuanced, but of course a lot darker. The often indistinguishable vocals between Sandy Denny and Robert Plant were woven into a Tolkeinesque epic straight from the darker wanderings of Page's occultism. Let's not forget that it is driven by the mandolin riffs and pretty much completely without guitars and bass. The spectrum of music covered on this album made it a cornerstone of the seventies, the early seventies, that is. Great work as usual Rick! The Beatles Strawberry fields was a psychedelic avant garde, Lennon /Martin masterpiece, released as a single, whereas Stairway was never going to be a single, but it became a favorite.

[@michaelterrace8692]

Rick’s interpretation of the solo was fantastic! Very impressive…Bravo!

[@angrylittlespider_9701]

And I found it amazing that I didn't even need to close my eyes to envision Frampton playing it. Rick did an amazing job there!

[@mikeyBee4045]

It really was a song of the time, echoing a medieval revival fused with English folk & rock music, Jethro Tull was another example.

[@drhunter7099]

I know it's corny, but I also like "Knights in White Satin"- Moody Blues

[@AndyJK45]

Well picked

[@Lisabug2659]

Listen to Tull’s Christmas Album……… Now that’s a departure from the “norm”…..timeless

[@solarguy1702]

You're right. Steeleye Span should do this.

[@garystevens1044]

Funny how 80's rock bands concerts were like operas

[@charlesbolin7249]

It's too long, it changes too much, it speeds up, long guitar solo, starts with guitar. Love your daughter's observation. It explains the song, it explains the band. The song is a story, a lifetimes' journey and the changes are stages, the "lead in' into the solo is like a crescendo, a peak point in the song, in the story, in the journey, an "ah ha" moment so to speak. Every change in the song makes you want to stay to see where it goes, without all that musical diversity no one could sit through it for the 8 minutes, the way the song moves, it feels like 3 minutes and a lifetime of sonic pleasure that you wish would never end, kind of like a favorite movie that you wish you could see what happens to the characters after the movie is over. The very same things Layla says about this song is what makes Zeppelin such a great band. Look at how different the songs are between the albums, the 3rd album is nothing like the 1st or 2nd, the songs are very different, but still very distinctly Zeppelin. Very raw emotional stuff on 1 and 2 then a very different 3 then getting really polished by Houses of the Holy, but still the raw emotion remains. I hope you ask Layla to evaluate The Rain Song, see if her response is similar. My daughter Layla played the violin in school from 7th grade to 12th grade earning her seat in the Chamber Orchestra which is audition only, the best in the school. She caught the attention of her high school orchestra director when she was in 7th grade, when he heard her warming up by playing the Beatles in My life. Around 10th grade she kidnapped my acoustic guitar to learn Over the Hills and Far Away. She also learned Kashmir on her violin, I jammed with her on that and to this day my Tele is tuned to DADGAD. Now she's 21 with a job and boyfriend and has left the guitar and violin sitting in their cases. I hope she finds the time to enjoy the music and use it for release and relaxation again in the future. Was very refreshing seeing you share music with your daughter, enjoying being a dad and enjoying family.

[@bobc4123]

Great comment, Charles. So well-said. Hope your Layla returns to the joy of playing music.

[@bobc4123]

Great comment, Charles. So well-said. Hope your Layla returns to the joy of playing music.

[@1allanbmw]

Music is only new once... whether it's lute music, Mozart, or Zeppelin. I remember when Stairway To Heaven was new and it felt like I'd just discovered precious treasure. Just me, alone. Before long, however, people all over the world were beating a path to that door, ...er... stairway! But I have always felt grateful for that moment in time, when it was just mine for a little while.

[@williamstefens]

It is the multiple layering of instruments, the changing of chords, and tempos, etc in so many songs of the 60's, 70's, and 80's that made Classic Rock so timeless and enduring across the decades.

[@MBighk]

I was born in 1960 and at Leilei's age there's no way I would have appreciated Stairway to Heaven (or Led Zeppelin overall). I didn't really appreciate them until I was in my late 20s. I enjoy watching all the 20-somethings doing reaction videos today to 70s-era bands, being blown away by the creativity and musicianship. There's hope.

[@suecoombs6993]

I played the 73 MSG video for my 7 yr old granddaughter who mostly listens to hip hop/rap (and who btw is a great little rapper herself). She didn't take her eyes off the screen one time, and was bopping her head and smiling the whole time. She was literally mesmerized!! She now calls Robert the Golden God, as everyone should lol. I played more Zep songs for her after that and she loved them too, but S2H was her favorite. People wouldn't know what hit them if S2H was new today. I think it would still be a massive hit!

[@Rio_1111]

I mean, Stairway stands out from the rest. Even more so today than then.

[@jorgem.cuaroni.134]

Rick, your wife is right!! nowadays people just want to hear music to fill some time happy or dancing. They consume it's time instead of listen or feel the music. Great song , great and original episode. Thank you!!

[@BranlandadventuresGaming]

I totally agree.

[@mikenichols3965]

Absolutely on the nose. Music is just something to fill audio space, not something to concentrate on and have an emotional response. It's not art anymore.

[@chrishorne4016]

Absolutely on the nail

[@grievouserror]

It sometimes seems as if the media on which we listen to music have become more convenient, the music has become more disposable.

[@twitch043]

Massive disagree. Only true if you listen to popular radio. There's so much music out there that is heartfelt, true art. You're just not looking for it.

[@1spd7348]

"People like crappy music!" Priceless!! Your wife nailed it with her simple but brilliant summation!

[@pinballrobbie]

Modern music has conditioned us to have a short attention span.

[@williamstefens]

To have a minute long solo of any musical instrument be considered long in this age, just shows how horribly instruments have been pushed back into the background to make the singer the primary focus of a song. I am sorry, but except in a few cases, to have the vocals the primary focus in a song extremely vain and self-centered. I say exceptions as you have the Beatles Song "Because" where except for the electronic harpsichord the focus of the song "Because" is overdubbing of the vocals to give the affect of a 9 part harmony.

[@kineahora8736]

@hognoxious prog was the best. And I became a singer! 🤣

[@juleswins3]

The non-musical, non-tune garbage that makes up about 99% of today’s music, of any genre, has so ingrained people into not being able to listen to real music, hardly anyone would like it.😢

[@stevenlindsey2056]

@@pinballrobbie I think that the enternet ,social media and falling IQ rates played a bigger role in that than the music. The music is a reflection of that.

[@bladetj]

Its like Freddie's Bohemian Rhapsody. God knows what it's about. Structure all over the place. No rules. Pure freedom. Art brilliance.

[@NickC702]

There's something about that medieval sounding intro that somehow I find soothing and I always feel like I'm hearing this song for the first time.

[@jetpacicca4879]

Rick, your daughter and wife nailed it. Wife, "People like crappy music" Really enjoyed your breakdown of Stairway to Heaven. 🥁😉👍 As far as flute player's, got to say Jethro Tull's music was awesome. I don't think I would ever get tired of that song. Been listening to it for over 40 yrs.

[@droctagon9842]

jethro put out a lot of great tunes

[@jetpacicca4879]

@@droctagon9842 yes he did 😎👍

[@mattheffron391]

Also, Walt Parazaider of Chicago, had plenty of noteworthy flute work with them.

[@jetpacicca4879]

@@mattheffron391 I totally agree.

[@terrythekittieful]

The remixed 'Aqualung' album is superb. No album released today could touch it.

[@jasonbone5121]

My 13 year old nephew loves Zeppelin, The Beatles, as well as all the 90's era music. His best friend's (also 13) favorite band is King Crimson. There will always be a place for this type of music. It wasn't AM top 40 music when it came out, just as it wouldn't be today, but that's okay. Great video.

[@castrucciocastracani0]

Rip Ian McDonald...

[@darryldouglas6004]

My sentimate exactly. Had to find it back in the day. Was not mainstream at all. And I've also noticed that the young bloods today have an expanded horizon when it comes to music. They will embrace old and new. Generations before would reject their parents music and praise the new. As Paul Simon once wrote. "every generation sends their heros up the pop chart."

[@jkb1O5]

That’s a (the) beautiful part of being able to self-curate ones own entertainment(s)

[@ianjohnson2866]

Fantastic episode Rick, I love all that you do especially the Led Zeppelin stuff. You’ve soooo gotta get a interview arranged with Jimmy Page, he needs someone knowledgeable and enthusiastic to talk to him rather than the banal standard media interviews. Maybe he give you permission to play their music too 😉

[@cornerstonemike615]

As long as Rick can ask Jimmy why he has not put out any original music since Outrider (in 1988). He keeps riding the Zeppelin catalog for all it's worth. Personally, I think Plant is a far more interesting interview.

[@patriciawright8786]

@@cornerstonemike615 Criticising members of Led Zeppelin is foolish. I saw Led Zeppelin when I was 14 years old. It took planning & effort to get 10 high school girls to a Led Zeppelin concert in 1978. Zepp is a legend for many reasons.

[@cornerstonemike615]

@@patriciawright8786 congratulations on getting 10 girls to see the band, I’ll give you a plaque. I love the band just as much as you do, I saw them in ‘77 in Chicago, and I can criticize Jimmy Page all I want. The ONLY thing he has done in the past 34 years is put out endless reworking of the Zep catalog. Robert Plant has continued to explore musical horizons Jimmy can’t even fathom any longer. My point is Robert has much more to say than Jimmy.

[@corenmaryweijers1895]

The record company tried to persuade them to make it a single after it got that much radio coverage, yet they wouldn't.. they said, thinking commercially, if they're wanna have, let them buy the whole record.. actually pretty smart thinking.. by the way, I saw them playing it live, I emotionally broke down then.. in a good way, but still.. good thing they played it at rhe end, or otherwise I wouldn't have noticed anything anymore afterwards.. man, even when I think back of it, it shivers down my spine.. best song ever..

[@josephdolinsky8668]

My understanding of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were that both were highly influenced by mysticism, English folklore and English folk music. You can hear this in various songs in their catalogue including : Ramble On, Babe, I’m Going to Leave You, Gallows Pole, & Battle of Evermore. Led Zep was more than Marshall amps and Les Paul’s - there was definitely some depth and taste.

[@franklee1205]

Don't for there soul influence of missipppi Delta blues ✌️😎

[@Tightwire57]

Yes, and especially Lord of the Rings, "...But Gollum..." I liked it though.

[@seed_drill7135]

@@Tightwire57 "There's a feeling I get when I look to the West and my spirit is crying for leaving" is a reference to the Elves leaving Middle Earth.

[@Kram_Farkel]

Misty Mountain Hop from The Hobbit.

[@Steakfinger]

Battle of Evermore is the only one you mentioned that follows the English folklore and mysticism stuff. Ramble On, Gallows Pole, and Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You are all generously borrowed from the old black American blues records freaking out the Brits back them. Many of their song straight rip off the lyrics of old blues songs. The Lemon Song is a great example of this.

[@KatherineKatriel]

Your wife said it most succinctly - (many) people (these days) like crappy music. I am so glad I found your channel today. May you go from strength to strength; and know many blessings every day.

[@unearthlydwarf]

Man I love your Frampton solo. Just incredible choices throughout.

[@AncientApparatus]

The big, maybe biggest, difference between then & now is back then there was a fascination with all things medieval that kids today just don't care about or even think about. Things like "Renaissance Fairs", the band Renaissance, along many similar bands like Gentle Giant & the original music of Genesis, are all gone. You were talking about the lyric & I can remember, as I'm sure you can as well, that it actually became a big deal to try & figure out esoteric lyrics or looking at LP i.e. album cover (also gone) to figure out lyrics in songs that weren't quite so clear. In our fast paced world of short attention spans there just isn't any patients or depth of understanding to listen anything more then very short superficial music.

[@Johnsmith-yk5kj]

I always picked up on the folky chords and medieval sounding of LZ although many of my friends disputed it ! The music of LZ is too sophisticated for this disposable generation !

[@LzCoda]

It really is art, Rick. Absolutely great analysis!

[@tomstephens8839]

I believe this was a brilliant and amazing song. I am 70 now and I have traveled down the road and back listening to how music has changed in over a half-century. Actually hearing the songs released for the very first time. Boy, what a time to be alive! Through the 60s, 70s, and the beginning of the 80s, it was a great time to be alive with just one super song coming out after another. I really feel sorry for those who didn't experience those times in music history. Since the 90s I really couldn't tell you a song that I enjoyed as much as that period in the time previously mentioned. I couldn't tell you what's on the charts now nor over the last couple of decades. I am not a musician so take what I write today with a grain of salt. However, as Don McLean sang that memorable song about the February 3, 1959 airline crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. Richardson in that super smash American Pie, I believe the soul-moving songs, the music that was music has died. My only hope is that one day, for the sake of our children and their children it will be brought back and the heart will dance once again. Thank you for this trip down memory lane.

[@briansmith303]

Man, you were there for it all! I missed the early parts, but my heart has always lived in that 60's to 70's transition ever since my taste matured beyond Kenny Rogers -- LOL! I find Dave Matthews to be a fairly worthy successor in relatively modern music. Lots of variety, thoughtful lyrics, and compelling musicianship. I like songs that build an atmosphere and tell a story.

[@thomasstephens3743]

@@briansmith303 I agree

[@Andrew-rg7vc]

Ahame you missed the 90s, way better than the 80’s. The Seattle Sound or grunge as it was referred to out of the US and brot pop from the UK was quite a revolution in itself. Quality decade for music.

[@terrycain3843]

Those three helped launch that incredible music period.Their UN timely deaths were not in vain.

[@Earthdogbonzo3]

It's gonna take struggle, hard times and the passing of many generations . . . .in my opinion

[@tomdecuca3627]

John Paul Jones could arrange orchestration like no one else. I'm still amazed by some of his work. The Rain Song was really good too.

[@patbrennan6572]

John Paul Jones was and still is one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time and could never be overrated.

[@jackhammer7824]

JONES and BONHAM, set the stage for Stairway, the rhythm of that song gives a story. The ending a masterpiece.

[@less_than_zero05]

I still can't believe that John Paul Jones could play so many different instruments and play them insanely good. He is one of the greatest musicians ever.

[@jackhammer7824]

@@less_than_zero05 He's right up there with Phil Collins, Prince, even I'd say the genius of Mozart. Many gifted musicians don't/didn't even read music. JIMI HENDRIX is one.

[@less_than_zero05]

@@jackhammer7824 they're too good to be real actually. This is why I love every kind of art so much. There are so many ways to show your place in the world and share everything you've got with your admirers.

[@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762]

My top classic rock bands would have to be led zeppelin, pink Floyd, and black Sabbath. Those would be my number ones tied for best classic rock bands. But so many great rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, ACDC, CCR anyone could go on and on. We're so blessed to have such great music!

[@matthunckler739]

As my guitar teacher said when I was in college back in the late 1970's, "The masses are asses!" This still holds true today!

[@elleobi]

yes! it's true every generation but each still thinks they were great and the new one(s) are crap

[@hongkongbeat2164]

You have to remember that when Stairway came out, it also wasn't universally lauded by every rock music fan or music critic - some found it dull and pretentious, as some did with Queen's Borap. Songs like that take a little longer to become legendary, as they weren't really written for commercial acceptance but for the band's personal achievement or artistic statement I guess. I reckon that if a band like Muse or Mars Volta brought out a comparable track, they could be critically successful with it today - success being measured in critical acclaim, acceptance by their fans and longevity, as charts and not even streaming figures really have relevance to a song's success or greatness anymore. Pop music is probably more disposable now than it has ever been. Even dance music has become less anthemic over the past few years. Your wife summed up the void between commercial acceptance and artistic merit very well! lol

[@frizzell4321]

Sadly very disposable these days. Just think how much you continue to buy on cd / vinyl, and listen to time after time…..maybe not as much as once upon a time. There is so many media demands on time that each is relegated to a lesser importance.

[@IamMugs]

+1

[@carolynquffa6]

I am so thankful I came to the earth at a time that I could appreciate Stairway to Heaven and all the other genius music of the 70's and, may I add, how thankful I am for a smart phone and TV so I can listen to all this fabulous music and in many cases watch the artists perform. It's great.

[@NoTrashInHeaven]

You're right, and It's sad- ballads are a thing of the past. Thats probably one of the main reasons I keep checking in with your channel- your expertise and passion help to put words to my unstated thoughts and feelings.

[@TheDirge69]

ballads are not a thing of the past, lol. They are around today just have to look for them.

[@georgebarry8640]

@@TheDirge69 I released "Jangle Song"..a ballad last week. I do believe there is a place for ballads in 2022.

[@skibum914]

I am trying to recall a balled before this song...the Beatles or the Stones? I can't recall them doing an epic ballot? Did is start with STH? Am I wrong?

[@garytours3588]

I saw Zep do it live before it was released. It was like a bomb went off. The crowd was blown away. You knew something big had happened.

[@--..-...-..-.--....]

Which concert?

[@Jimmersaunt]

I still remember when I first heard this song just being utterly amazed by it! The introduction was SOOO different from other songs and then the rest was so awesome-and then, of course, Jimmy Page’s outstanding guitar solo! Simply the greatest rock and roll song ever!

[@Tunachaz62]

My music will forever be ingrained in my memory. I lost my close cousin Greg, seven months ago to an ayortic aneurysm. I’ll never ever get past his death. You give me a lot of great musical convo. I’am a musician, I always will be. Love your stuff. I really do. This stuff that you do fills who I am. Wish I could have an actual conversation with you. That would be really cool.

[@h5mind373]

I love this- it's like musical archaeology, and Rick is examining the bones of some amazing prehistoric titan.

[@jgr5124]

Other long songs of that era: Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), The End (Doors), Roundabout (Yes), to name a few. These songs were mini-concept albums. Today's audience probably lacks the attention span for this sort of music, and besides you can't dance to it.

[@senditkevin]

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape I'm 23 years old, ok just give the entire album a shot, it's amazing.

[@johnware7353]

@@senditkevin I'm an old guy but I'll take a listen based on your recommendation. It better be good though...

[@AZOffRoadster]

Supper's Ready.

[@moeball740]

The whole Prog Rock era in the 1970s featured a lot of songs that were too long to get airplay on Top 40 AM Radio. Yes, Zep, Floyd, Genesis, ELP all had songs that were 5-10 minutes long or even longer that you wouldn't hear on any AM stations. But, man, were there some great songs in that catalogue.

[@senditkevin]

@@johnware7353 and then check out Ayreon. Ayreon is a musical project by Dutch songwriter, singer, musician and record producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Ayreon's music is described as progressive rock, progressive metal[1] and power metal[2] sometimes combined with genres such as folk, electronica, experimental and classical music. The majority of Ayreon's albums are dubbed "rock operas" (or "metal operas") because the albums contain complex storylines featuring a host of characters, usually with each one being represented by a unique vocalist. Each Ayreon album tells a different story, but all, with the exceptions of Actual Fantasy, The Theory of Everything, and Transitus, take place in the same fictional, science fiction universe; additionally, Lucassen's solo album Lost in the New Real is also set in the Ayreon universe. Ayreon's music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments in rock music (guitars, bass guitar, drums, analogue synthesizers, electric organs) mixed with instruments more native to folk and classical music (e.g. mandolins, violins, violas, celli, flutes, sitars and didgeridoos). Lucassen writes the music and the lyrics, sings and plays most of the instruments on all of the Ayreon albums, alongside many guest musicians. His most regular collaborator is drummer Ed Warby. Due to the project's particular nature, Ayreon live performances are rare, and no official Ayreon live show took place until 2017. Several Ayreon songs were first included in two live albums by other Lucassen bands: Live on Earth by Star One (2003) and Live in the Real World by Stream of Passion (2006). No I didn't type that. Just a copy and paste from Wikipedia. He has worked with 100's of musicians. There is a list on wiki of them. Enjoy 😁.

[@johnroznovsky212]

Sad to think that it would not chart today. One of the greatest song writing and performances of all time. I still stop in my tracks when I hear it today, after more than fifty years of hearing it.

[@patriceodom2553]

💜❤️

[@DennisGentry]

My daughter is a 19 yo casual bass player, and it occurs to me that there's all kinds of great music that *she* hasn't gotten sick of through overplaying by top 40 radio. I'll sit her down to listen to this and a bunch of other songs that got overplayed in the '70s and '80s.

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

My mom always disliked "Sweet Home Alabama" for that reason (overplayed). I couldn't understand why she didn't like it when I was younger. Lol Also, she saw Led Zeppelin front row once and another time at Day on the Green. My folks love Led Zeppelin, but they don't always stay on that channel when Stairway comes on, either. ✌️

[@stanwray4070]

During my junior and senior years in high school , I listened mostly to classical progressive music ( Peter Gabriel-era Genesis , and Bill Bruford / Rick Wakeman-era Yes . ) Only one person I hung out with during that point of my life , was as into classical progressive music and the lyrics those bands came up with as I was . I eventually gave up on trying to spread the “ gospel “ of my new found musical direction to casual friends , etc; . These days I’m learning to play bass guitar , and Chris Squire is my inspiration .

[@zdr5191]

I was born in 1977 and my parents raised me on Led Zeppelin and other classic rock music. I am so appreciative of that. Great video and breakdown Rick. Keep up the content.

[@Krise343]

I was born in 1963. My brothers raised me on classic rock. I’ve been grateful my entire life.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

I'm 53 and have been a massive music fan since I was a kid. There are certain songs from the past for me that have been overplayed and are almost unlistenable these days (see Fleetwood Mac-The Chain). Stairway, to this day, is not one of those songs. I've heard it countless times over the years, yet it never loses its magic, and I can't turn it off. I don't know why.

[@JimTomatore]

While not singular, this song was pretty unique even in it's time. I think the same qualities that people fell in love with back then would still have the same effect now. In fact it DOES still have the same effect, which is why it's still seen as such a great song. Obviously it would never be considered as a single, but even modern bands still put together albums. The real challenge is the modern distribution dilemma. Because many people rely on digital services to present them their musical selection I think the most likely way this song would gain initial traction would be inclusion in a movie. I could easily see a director coming across this song and melding it into their movie whereby a large audience would be subjected to this epic. Once it's achieved exposure it's natural charm and beauty would take over and carry it just as it has for all these years.

[@izzytoons]

I think I see that. The way Guardians of the Galaxy introduced "Come and Get Your Love" to a new generation.

[@jairlaiter6679]

Great Rick. So much love put into this video. Really inspiring. Im a painter. And the coments you made apply equally in the so called Art World. Ironically no place for art in painting either today. Old masters all the way to medieval times too are not appretiated or even understood anymore. A good part of Led zeppelin' genius consists on evocking the great masters from say mefieval or baroque art as you say as much as celtic folk all the way to mississipy blues. They really understood the masters and that is the rarest thing in the world these times. No one cares for tradition. You the man Beato!

[@marvinstorm9153]

I agree with you. Music and theartsare just not important to young people as they were in our day, everything now is convenience, freebies, instant gratification. And a noticeable lack of willingness and patience to appreciate, attention spans are minimal before it's onto the next quick "fix", it's so bloody sad and superficial. I blame social media and technology in general. And globalisation. Nothing is unique anymore, no surprises. Or very very rarely.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Two words: Jethro Tull. In their compositions they used elements of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music. Down to essentially taking Bach's Bouree and adapting it to flute and vocals. How would Stairway and Tull's catalogue be classified today? Olde English Prog? Probably shuttered to the depths of the prog folder of Spotify. Where's the booming bass, monotonous kick, 3 chord sliced pads, and autotuned vox? Fugetaboutit! Sad comment about the state of today's music scene.

[@pauldenali6367]

Nice to see that Tull's Zealot Gene which was just released is doing well. I read that it is number 10 on a British top album list and it is getting good reviews.

[@irrefudiate]

Back in the day, when AOR stations started hitting, they might play an entire album, and they'd give everyone a heads-up so they could cue their recorders, to boot. Now, those same stations will not play all of "Purple Rain".

[@JohnSmith-te5oo]

Bouree is an influence for MANY songs eg Blackbird

[@paultaylor1812]

Yes, Jethro Tull is exactly what I thought. My first introduction to JT was Songs From The Wood, then Locomotive Breath, after that I was hooked! The new album is a pale version of them in their heyday, although I still like some tracks on Zealot Gene. I will say this, it's nice to see them having succcess in the 21st century. Incredible!

[@jkb1O5]

Minstrel in the gallery is so good. The whole-version really does it for me lol Starting pure to form minstrel’esque w/acoustic in that excellent playing choppy-chord riding the vox (or vice versa) style - into the 2nd half which is doubling the first, but, heavy electric-style 🗣☝️ So cool

[@jollyvoqar195]

Timeless songs that still sound amazing today would still be amazing today - IF there was anybody around in "rock" bands making music of this caliber, which is what has changed. A good songwriter/guitar player is now probably more likely to do it all himself on his computer than find a band and those bands that mix up super talented people are where some of the better music comes from.

[@buixote]

It is so great to hear your breakdown of this classic. I've hung out with "alt-music DJs", who think they're cool dissing popular music, but who know very little about theory, and don't play. Thank you. I'm going to go listen to the "parallel universe" video next!

[@MrGregson23]

Recorder! Rick confirmed that medieval, olde English sounding element was a 4 part recorder harmony played by John Paul Jones. I thought it was recorders, but might have been synthesized. Jones is the genius behind other parts I love, like the bass line on "Ramble On". Well analyzed, Rick!

[@2manybooks2littletime25]

The young people of today would have KZbin channels making fun of this song, and many other great rock songs. You're right; this is art. EDIT: Does no one EVER mention Robert Plant's vocals?! What a glorious, insanely powerful pipes he had!!! He still has most of his voice left, in his age of 70+.

[@paulgoodwin1029]

Surely you jest. Plants falsetto voice was shot by the mid-70's, it never returned & he's had no choice but sing the higher end stuff in a thinner, almost whiny style. If you think that's retaining *most* of his vocal power than all the power to you. I beg to differ.

[@elgonwilliams7624]

The song is about hope and salvation, more than anything else. It points out how ludicrous chasing possessions is but it also says there is always time to change the path you're on. If you read the lyrics with that in mind, it makes a lot more sense.

[@chrismuratore4451]

The irony that many a fan over the years chased large guitar collections lol

[@bsintzel]

I'm way over 70 now, yet I'm mesmerized by your incredibly deep, thoughtful, and (most importantly) respectful analysis of the best song ever written. Given, that Stairway to Heaven was first played on March 5, 1971, I find it incredible that it can still evoke such warm memories in me this many years later. Fond memories of my youth flood back when I hear this song. Your analysis brings an even deeper appreciation of this timeless classic. I look forward to watching and listening to more of your KZbin videos.