This Is What 4 GODS Sound Like | Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks | Reaction

[@bone0944]

For a nearly 60 year old man, it fills my heart with joy to know that young people like yourself are discovering and loving Led Zeppelin. The fact that you recognise John Paul Jones driving bass on this deserves a special mention. The four runes are as follow Zoso was Jimmy Pages, the circle with a single feather was Robert Plants, the circle with the three leafs was John Paul Jones, and the three interlocking circles was John Bonham's.

[@davelowell3008]

Been listening to them for 55 years, 76 now.

[@bigbow62]

I just impressed that one of these young reactors knows the names of the band members. I love that our music ( kids of the 70s ) is coming around again ✌️😎 Rock-n-Roll 4-ever 😉🎸

[@JohnWhite-xc3md]

Robert Plant is criminally underrated for his harmonica playing. He blows the most haunting sounding harp I have ever heard.

[@rickyslicky9916]

your right Led Zeppelin started their root core and sound from southern blues. Jimmy page actually learned how to play the guitar listening to old vinyle records of the most influential blues artist like muddy waters, and lead belly. Jimmy and Robert were already fans of old American Blues musicians even back around 1965

[@morgemou]

I wanted to hear more in their repertoire.

[@morgemou]

The SOZO is Jimmy Page, the circle with the leaf is Robert Plant, the three circles are the drum kit, the last is John Paul Jones

[@darkogregec7503]

Thanks for writing this. That is what I'm constantly thinking while listening him play harmonica.😊

[@rjwill9716]

JIMMY PAGE is ZoSo… John Bonham is the 3 circles

[@WSallai]

This is one of my favorites from Led Zeppelin. Okay, you asked a lot of questions, so here goes: 1) This song was recorded at the Grange, a castle in the English countryside that had a tall, open stairwell. Bonham’s drum kit was set up at the bottom of the stairwell. A microphone was suspended from above over him. There was also a slight delay induced, which helped with the tremendous sound that was produced when it was recorded. The others played in another room. It was not easily reproduced in concert, but Bonham’s heavy beat & kick carried the song forward. 2) Robert Plant played the harmonica throughout the song, which was rather hypnotic. 3) The difference between Memphis Bell & Kansas Joe’s version versus Led Zeppelin’s version is that the lads slowed the beat down from the original. It made a world of difference in the feel of the song. And of course, the addition of the heavy drum beats, which were not present in the original. Led Zeppelin recorded many songs that were based on old traditional folk tunes, such as Gallows Pole, and also experimented with things like a cello bow used on Jimmy Page’s guitar and also a theremin. They also used acoustic guitars and mandolins, the latter played by John Paul Jones. BTW, JPJ is brilliant on Bass Guitar, keyboards, recorder, and the mandolin as previously mentioned.

[@terrybonager2966]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWa5nomsqM-sgdk the original

[@mgalarama1529]

Headley Grange

[@habu027]

Dang.

[@bryanwelsh2979]

Yep.. the story of this songs recording is almost as good as the song itself and fits it so well. I don't know what my favorite Zep song is but this is certainly one of them. EPIC!

[@roberttaylor2058]

❤ I think this probably the best 'comment' I've ever read on KZbin 👏I knew Robert Plant played the harmonica on this but JB playing drums at the foot of a stairwell! I wish more comments were like this

[@HunterCTye]

I don't know if it my age or I take for granted that everyone should know Led Zeppelin, when I hear someone say it is the first time hearing them blows my mind. But I am glad they are reaching new listeners....Robert Plant is playing harmonica

[@kikivon3501]

This drum riff is one of the most sampled drum tracks of all time. It’s iconic. Bonham’s drum style has incredible bounce.

[@kikivon3501]

@@anthonyv6962 wow that a lot of information. Way to flex 💪

[@patriciapowell6047]

@@anthonyv6962 Funny you must be looking at a different list.

[@ryanhorvath1308]

Amen break and funky drummer would like a word with you...

[@stevestowell-virtue3781]

ROBERT PLANT QUOTE, "We were gods."

[@PhilipBurton-dn3ce]

Beastie Boys did

[@Kitch-hu7tm]

All four of them rooted their music to the deep Southern Blues. They took this Blues fan into the Rock world. I thank them.

[@johnpacifico5425]

Robert plant was the 4th instrument in the band

[@sabrecatsmiladon7380]

*This is a song written by MEMPHIS MINNIE, a Black Lady Blues guitar player. Everyone raved about how good she was*

[@Kathayne636]

Oh wow, she was black! Just the lyrics though, not the music.

[@prairiegirl1782]

I'm so glad that your generation is discovering and appreciating the 1970s rock music that I grew up on. I wonder why nobody makes this kind or music, or music this good anymore. I conclude that society is still trying to digest and process the work of bands such as Led Zep. I hope and expect that 200 years from now Led Zep will be as popular as Bach is today.

[@ludokatolonc]

They will be, they will.

[@petersmith3953]

I think Metallica have a good go at it , and i'm 64 !!!

[@davidhornbeckmusic7487]

I’m trying! lol But as a self contained entity it’s taking time. I intend to be the Harry Nilsson of hard rock, I’ll never tour, I just wanna make recorded music.

[@Darren-sl7rp]

It's not a lack of talent, it's the industry men and their manufactured bands that don't write their own music and just aren't invested in it in the same way.

[@tatjanawinkler882]

There are amazing 70er vibe Rock bands out there like Greta van Fleet 💕🤘🏻

[@mookie7688]

That's Robert Plant on the harmonica. They got those tremendous drums by recording them in a big stairwell. They hung the mikes a storey or two up from the floor. That combined with Bonham's intensity and the size of his drumsticks created that huge full sound.

[@ohboi9578]

No, the stairway did barely anything to the sound quality. It was the delay effects that Andy John incorporated in the tracks. This myth is getting out of hand

[@mookie7688]

@@ohboi9578 Jimmy Page has referred in interviews to the importance of that choice, and how afterwards engineers were running around looking for stairwells to record in. He talks about it here starting at 1:50 and describes the process and effect in detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH6YhneCadFooLM

[@tektoniks_architects]

Actually, it was both. Yes, effects were applied to Bonham's drum sound to create greater reverb. But Jimmy's miking techniques were a gigantic innovation in recording history, recording the ambient sound of a band with his distance miking, rather than recording directly from the instruments only. Zep captured their sound in the room differently than other bands, and the difference is unmistakable. So you are only partially correct.

[@ryanjones4150]

It was recorded in the stairwell at Headley Grange, but also was processed through a Binson Echorec.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

NO! Zozo is Jimmy!!! Robert is the circle with the feather in it. Several ways to interpret that symbolism….the circle represents the circle of life, or eternity. The feather can represent a feather quill, which is what people used to use to write with…and Robert was the “writer” or lyricist of the band. Bonham is the three entwined circles. If you watch live footage, you will see he had that symbol on his drums.

[@tinagilbert8902]

Understand, the magic of Zeppelin was between these 4 boys. When John Bonam died (alcohol poisoning) ... Robert, Jimmy and JPJ were shook. They were there when Bonzo was found passed away due to asphyxiation (on his own vomit). They knew immediately that the magic of Zep had was done. It was the 4 of them that created the magic and no one could ever fiil Bonzo's place. Robert could not go on without Bonham.. Anyway, John Bonham and Robert were so close that John Bonham even asked Robert to be his son's godfather. RIP John Bonham❤ Great rection...💞

[@patriciapowell6047]

Not quite, JPJ & one of the techs found John, shortly thereafter, Jimmy turned up. I have posted this elsewhere: I saw an interview of JPJ from 2003, where he discusses this. He said John was not a member of Led Zeppelin, he was 25% of Led Zeppelin. He said they quickly realized they could not go on.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

You sir are one of the only reactors too mention the bassist..John Paul Jones is absolutely one of the most underated bassists in Rock History...period.

[@martyjones3523]

And a great keyboard player

[@johnathanstruble1064]

@@martyjones3523 Damn Skippy! Misty Mountain Hop Anyone? ..lol

[@michaelheck1257]

Definitely gets lost in the conversation when he definitely should not be

[@StaciaAmnaber]

And he calls them Zeppelin not Led. Nice!!

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

Growing up jones was often at the top of best bass player lists. Not sure where you lived.

[@franktraina4147]

I love seeing people hearing zeppelin for the first time. I've been listening my whole life and still amazed every time I hear zeppelin. Just the best. 😎

[@cuisina1055]

Bonham had a couple of tricks in his bag. First he was a trained jazz drummer , so super smooth and fast. But also he was a BRICK LAYER so had super strong arms. He could just hit harder than anyone else. A legend.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Thanks for the facts Ned. His drumming is mesmerizing 🔥🔥🔥

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Bohnam was not as hard a hitter as people think. However you nailed it with him being a Jazz player, where many of his influences came from. Lots of drummers in the 80's tried to emulate Bonzo (without a lot of success) trying to hit harder and harder, the "trick" as it were of his huge sound, was his ability to articulate and be dynamic. Playing very soft with a snap to it then being able to hit harder increasing the volume, making him sound massive. That sound all came from his wrists. In this song the HUGE drum sound came from Page's set up with the Mic's. Watch the movie 'It Might Get Loud' , Page explains how they recorded it, very cool! You're also 100% correct John Bohnam was a LEGEND!! Cheers.

[@zombie7857]

His son, Jason, is close as.

[@mikezisk5009]

Having the greatest sound engineer helps too😆

[@StaceyWatson-e2q]

John was SELF TAUGHT. No formal training, and he did not read music. He played from his heart and soul and from his BEAUTIFUL MIND. True musician.

[@wadsworthaaron]

"When the Levee Breaks" might be Led Zeppelin's greatest blues interpretation track (and the best recorded). Bonham's drumming and Plant's harmonica play make the sound, but JPJ's bass line is the groovy glue holding it all together (it's so cool that you picked up on how much it made the song). This is one of my favorite Zeppelin tracks in their legendary catalog.

[@staggerlee7301]

I don’t think that anyone will ever reach the sheer level of cool that Zeppelin was at for this track. I’m not saying that it’s the greatest song of all time, but it just might be the damn coolest. What a way to finish an album…

[@davidwright9318]

…..And it was first recorded in 1927.

[@BP7BlackPearl]

And the song was written like, 100 years ago

[@Kathayne636]

@@davidwright9318 Not really. The original bears no similarity other than the words.

[@MDLOP8]

A lot of musicians have marveled over the recording’s engineering and sound. It’s a helluva good point to note that yes, John Bonham’s drums were recorded in a stairwell, and the echo and boom that it gave are part of the behemoth impact of the percussive quality. It’s like Bonzo was using multiple lit sticks of dynamite instead of wood, and with each beat on the drum heads, another explosion was unleashed. The relentless snap-snap-snap of the high-hat cymbal beats are also an unyielding torture of a cat-o’-nine-tails lashing on your senses and ears as well. Then add in the horn-honking, caterwauling blasts of Robert Plant’s brilliant squalls on harp, followed by John Paul Jones dropping a deep, hard bottom on bass underneath Bonham, and then Jimmy Page’s cascading slide starts the figurative deluge impact of the song’s message and lyrics. The harp in its own power makes you gasp in alarm at the cries of distress and horror that Plant sends throughout the atmosphere: it’s like siren calls for rescue and relief from a besieged population. And so it must have been in real life, but without the music.

[@glennburch1081]

A very young Robert Plant on that harmonica which is hauntingly accentuated by Bonhams drummig........ I believe LZ at their finest! My favorite song by this group. Thanks for reacting.

[@jackiegiannino6835]

Bonzo’s son Jason does a great job stepping in for his dad. Watch him perform with Heart doing Stairway to Heaven. Led Zeppelin we’re honorees at the Kennedy awards. Jason is a chip off the ol block. Not to leave out Ann and Nancy Wilson doing a bang up job on Stairway to Heaven!! I’m not one for other people touching classic songs, but the arrangement was breathtaking. Robert Plant had tears in his eyes….. simply amazing!

[@brianthompson6019]

I got to see Bonham at The War Eagle Supper Club in lil ol Auburn AL and there were not many ppl there and being a drummer in a local band got to hang out backstage and after with Jason and was one of the few times I almost fanboied out lol. He was so cool humble and layed back it was like hanging out with my band mates. Got to play a little with him too. Awesome time!

[@misterjones2u]

The feather is Plant, Zoso is Page, the 3 interlocking circles in Bonzo and the semi circles is Jones

[@blippacg]

LZ and others from the '70s are timeless sounds. I'll never get tired of listening to those guys. This song in particular sounds as fresh today as it did back in the '70s.

[@trishdaniel6196]

LED ZEPPELIN WAS ONE BAND ELVIS REALLY LIKED AND RESPECTED, HE SAID THEY WERE "REAL" MUSICIANS! THEY ARE TRULY ONE OF THE GREATS!!!! AND YES!!! ROCK & ROLL COMES FROM THE BLUES!!!!!

[@melissak3857]

My 2 favorites! #1 EP, #2 LZ ❤❤

[@dreamweaver1603]

The guys in Led Zeppelin grew up loving Elvis. Imagine what Elvis could have done into the '60s and '70s if he were allowed to do what he wanted and not what his manager wanted. All of the great rockers of that age wanted to collaborate with Elvis.

[@Justicia007]

​@@melissak3857 Queen is in there for me too

[@mikekeeler6362]

Some did ​@@dreamweaver1603

[@smythpearl1]

Zeppelin the greatest rock band of all time!

[@rickjohnson3580]

Invest in a good set of headphones you will hear so much more . Jimmy produced every album. He was a master when it came to studio work and innovation. Things like Reverse echo, phasing . Distortion (cutting slots with a razor blade in the speaker of his amp.) Then going to a 16 track recording that would allow many overdubs. Then mic placement to capture the thunder of Bonzo. Using and perfecting using a Chelo bow. Using a 1920's Theramen,(The wizzard stick) ,then putting it thru a mixing board to tweak the sound. Led Zeppelin I forever changed the way music was recorded, produced, managed and played. Every band that followed were heavily influenced by these 4 Master musicians who were the best . They didn't play their instruments, they were as one with there instruments. And they where so in tune witn each other they had this musical ESP ,There will never be another band that could do what they did. And have the kind of impact they had . Jimmy Page changed the way every band would record their albums .And nobody mentions Perer Grant he was realky the 5th member of the band. He didnt take any shit from any promoter .prior to LZ thr promoters and the venues made 89-90% of the ticket sales. Peter Grant pit a end to that. And turned the tables. Now Zeppelin was getting 80% of yhe ticket sales the promoters would get 10% and the venues would get 10% . Peter took care of everything . Allowing the band to focus on one thing , the music. Every band was now getting paid a high percentage of the ticket sales. Changing the industry forever

[@Escherlife]

I agree with everything you said…except the spelling of cello. Lol. 👍

[@beachhunting69]

What you wrote is the reason why Page will always be on the Mt. Rushmore of guitarists. His chops in the studio are second to none. While other greats would leave after a session...Page was just getting started.

[@lat1419]

Back in '68 club operators were always very dodgy. Small time gangsters sometimes. Grant was just more "forthright" and less easy to scam and intimidate.

[@craigshelton5903]

Perfectly said!

[@rickjohnson3580]

@@Escherlife I failed English class. Haha i was busy doing bong hits and cranking up Zeppelin hiding in the camper of my truck. During that class 😂

[@rickhill56]

What a ride. Haunting harmonicas

[@BlackiePawless]

zoso is Jimmy, feather is Robert, 3 circles is Bonham other one is John Paul. The harmonica is being played thru a small guitar amp cranked up and distorted. Everything is being treated heavily with delay and reverb and phasing effects. No violin bow used on this song. Mostly that was on Dazed and Confused.

[@tektoniks_architects]

The cello bow was used on three Zeppelin songs: Dazed and Confused, How Many More Times, and the intro of In The Light. Most people incorrectly state that In The Evening used a bowed guitar as well, but a different device was used on that song - a gizmotron, not a bowed guitar. Jimmy used the cello bow for several songs in concert, but it was used on only 3 tracks as far as studio versions are concerned.

[@jmatthewssmith]

Just saw blackie. Like your name,lol!

[@BlackiePawless]

@@tektoniks_architects Yep good info thanks

[@BlackiePawless]

@@jmatthewssmith Thanks. I had a black stray cat with a paw missing that I adopted. She lived at my recording studio and was named Blackie. And then Pawless was then added later by a well known rock singer from LA.

[@Hypersonicmind]

@@tektoniks_architects Whole lotta love!

[@bridgittetirman2645]

It makes me so happy to see people discover Zeppelin. I started giggling as soon as you pressed play. 😊

[@sheiladrucker6872]

Best Band Ever for 60 years I have been listening.

[@elainegoliszeski276]

I know all the songs dude. And now that you listen to Led Zeppelin the rock gods. You'll be hooked forever. There'll never be another band like Led Zeppelin. The respect they had for each other. The way they can read each other's minds and just go out there and play, they were always spot on . The Times will never be those times ever again. And everything they did they had to work extra hard at. All the time they put into everything. There was no Google back then. They are just so awesome. Jimmy Paige's a meister. Hes the brains of Led Zeppelin. And put them all together wow and look what we have.

[@rickjohnson3580]

Yes the greatest band to ever grace the stage. They were then , They are Today, and will forever be tomorrow. You need to do a reaction of," Dazed and Confused " live from 1973. The movie The Song Remains the Same. You will see the Master Jimmy doing things with his guitar that will blow you away. Using a Chelo bow and with some of the best live improvising ever filmed. This is probably the best live performance ever filmed by any band of any Era. You will never listen to music the same . After experiencing how high they set the bar. Every other band will now sound empty to you. I dig watching you experiencing Zep for the first time.

[@dawnwagoner8307]

My favorite song

[@crusheverything4449]

Every band will sound empty? As phenomenal as Zeppelin’s music is, that’s a gross overstatement. You don’t have to be that dramatic for people to comprehend the majesty of Led Zeppelin.

[@stephenbesley3177]

The planets were in perfect alignment when this four got together.

[@kathleensmith3555]

Zoso is Jimmy -- the feather is Robert -- John Bonham is the 3 interlocking circles and John Paul Jones is a Celtic knot -- Jimmy didnt use the cello bow often but when he did it sure made a impression -- Dazed and Confused especially Live version is a good example -- also he uses it in Whole Lotta Love too -- Jimmy also would sometimes use a theremin which has a similar but more sci fi sound to it --- very trippy

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Everything these guys did was top shelf, Zep signature stock. I've never heard the harmonica played like that. The raw tone, the highs and lows, slow, steady burn and that light touch coming after. Just spectacular tone, approach, and touch. Throw in Bonham's thunder with Jimmy's piercing slide, nothing like it. There's a reason they're the top selling rock band of all time. Simply singular.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

They are outsold by both the Beatles and Queen.

[@pd4104lang]

One of my favorite Zep songs is "Achilles Last Stand". Bonzo was the conductor on this runaway train! I think you'll like this one!

[@corvettejohn4507]

IMO, the three main parts of John Bonham's signature drumming are: 1) The triplets on the bass drum, 2) The funky groove, and 3) the way he beats those skins like they owe him $$$$$.

[@jamesknox7171]

Led Zeppelin IV also contained a fifth symbol, a smaller one that was used as an asterisk after “The Battle of Evermore” on the album’s inner sleeve. This symbol was chosen by guest vocalist Sandy Denny, who contributed vocals on the track. Also taken from Koch’s Book of Signs, the symbol depicts three equilateral triangles joined at the points.

[@nonsuch9301]

Sandy Dennys song 'Who Knows where the time goes ?" with The Fairport Convention is an amazingly beautiful song , apparantly simple and musical - well worth listening too? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZyyc2htisiMoZo

[@mikeflynn248]

Jimmy Page found an old house with a high staircase that had perfect acoustic resonance which really accented Bonhams drums. Page having been a studio musician knew the art of mixing, reverb, and mic placement. Being a musical genius by the age of 16 didn't hurt either. I saw them live three times and was blown into another universe each and every time. No band ever had the hitting power of a live Zeppelin concert. Every lame hair band, punk rocker, and pretender tried to copy them. 40 years later I saw Jimmy play with the Black Crowes in New Mexico, and it was just AWESOME!

[@MinneapolisSkip]

Alister Crowley owned that house at one time.

[@mikeflynn248]

Yeah, that's how Jimmy came to find the house in the first place. He was infatuated with mysticism and Crowley in particular. I would love to have been a fly on the wall when they recorded that LP. Mind-blowing to say the least! @@MinneapolisSkip

[@garrisonjewett]

Someone is confusing Boleskine House with Headley Grange here.

[@trendydelquendy]

Bonham had the jazz swing; the hihat pushes on the 4th and 5th beats and there's a "stagger" after every two measures where there's a slight gap, like Parliament's kind of dirty funk. You can't put this beat in a drum machine, it has to be played. I see this track as a sibling to In My Time Of Dying; not that similar to listen to, but very much Big Band / New Orleans. You're absolutely right to get the Southern Delta blues connection.

[@loadedorygun]

I think those are 32nd notes he starts on the snare which is not common but great drummers can do it…and then he transfers them down the rack of toms, keeping the rhythm and maybe skipping some beats but not breaking the pattern. That’s nuts.

[@christopherquiroz9582]

Ghost snare

[@trendydelquendy]

@@christopherquiroz9582 It's why I started playing drums... and then actually beginning to understand what happens at 11:23 is why I gave up!

[@sid-iu5cb]

Great reaction my friend. Greetings from Scotland.

[@PeterTea]

The Beastie Boys sampled this song's iconic drum beat on the first song off Licensed to Ill, Rhymin' and Stealin'. It's actually the first thing you hear on that album is Bonham's beautiful beat. It's been sampled innumerable times since then too.

[@rebeccageorgesisto8965]

It makes me sooooo happy that young folks like you are embracing the genius of the greatest band of all time…they need to live on through each new generation. Thank you for helping that happen.

[@glass2467]

That's absolutely correct. Rock & Roll was birthed by the Blues, among a lot of other stuff, but really the heart is the blues. And the tradition of the blues, and its predecessors, was to pass it down. Songs and stories would be taken or borrowed from one artist to the next. Over decades, and hundreds of years in some cases.

[@spoonunit03]

Yeah, The Beatles mentioned Muddy Waters, that lake down south...(or so some white reporters thought).. Lol.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

If you think about it, a lot of the sounds and structure came right out of the church ,mixed in with hillbillies singing on their front porch ,playing acoustic instruments ,then add in the harmonies from the choir. You can hear the gospel influence on the old ,slow blues numbers especially. I saw Lenny Kravitz a bunch of times live and he does a number called, Let Love Rule. He closed quite a few shows with that when I went to the concerts. He did an extended outro and people exited the show to this song. The Gospel influence was so prevalent it was kind of amazing. I felt like I was in an electrified Church, just too good!!

[@DrawingNo1]

Hard to believe that at one point it became really unfashionable to like groups like Led Zeppelin. It is good to see that their music is now being appreciated by a new generation.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Every single song...none better!! Greatest!! Robert on that harmonica!!

[@HighlandersWorkshop]

This song will always occupy a a special place in my heart, thanks in part to a particular event I got to be a part of. We were in the midst of rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina when Robert Plant came to play Jazz Fest in 2008 (it was with Allison Krause, not Zeppelin obv.). He and Allison basically played their entire collab collection but hardly any Zeppelin, which was still fine, but they closed out the show with a haunting rendition of "When the Levee Breaks" which obviously hit super hard with those locals in attendance. The weather was gloomy, and as I stood taking in the performance, and old, shirtless hippie with long hair and an ancient wizard-like beard walked straight across the crowd in front of the stage. He held his head down in reverence as he walked, one arm stretched straight up in the air, and clenched in his fist fluttering in the wind was an old tattered black Led Zeppelin flag. That moment with haunt me forever.

[@Scoobydcs]

21:10 you nailed it again! robert used his voice like an instrument and jimmy made the guitar sing, together they were just sublime when they played off eachother

[@twwtjohns]

Oddly this song is roughly 93 years old at this point. Led Zeppelin did this remake/cover in 1975 of the Memphis Minnie song of the same name from 1929.

[@bostonvair]

As others have said, that's Robert Plant on harmonica. If you want to hear one of the most badass harmonica solos, react to the song "Nobody's Fault but Mine." Plant was a monster on the harmonica.

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

This song is a reworking of the song originally recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929 about the 1927 flood of the Mississippi Delta. Their sigils, in order from left to right, are Jimmy's (said to be the alchemical symbol for Saturn which rules Capricorn, which is Jimmy's sun sign), then John Paul Jones' (it's an interlaced triquetra overlaying a circle, said to represent confidence and competency), then Bonzo's (three intersecting circles, said to represent "father, mother, child" or some have said it represents the Trinity - it also resembles the symbol for Ballantine beer), last is Robert's (the feather is said to represent the Egyptian goddess of justice, Ma'at. It is also the symbol of scribes/writers and Robert was the primary lyricist. The circle is said to represent life). This was one of the most sampled songs in early hip hop. There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of Headley Grange (a place they were staying at to rehearse and record in) with mics placed around and hanging above his drum kit to help get that wonderful sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy used a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica played by Robert and various effects were added to his vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound.

[@eximusic]

I still find it funny that they gave credit to Memphis Minnie for the song, even though the only thing that sounds like the original song is the lyrics. And then they gave no credit to the people they directly ripped off (Dazed and Confused most notably).

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

@@eximusic No, Jake Holmes is credited for Dazed and Confused.

[@eximusic]

@@henriettaskolnick4445 Only after the 2010 lawsuit from Holmes. Sorry I have the original vinyl - no credit to him.

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

@@eximusic I understand that, but my point is they did give credit. The music industry is full of artists who "begged, borrowed, and stole"; blues legends stole from other blues legends, as well as Elvis, the Beatles, the Stones, etc. No, it's not right to not give credit however if one gets called out, they should all get called out.

[@eximusic]

@@henriettaskolnick4445 Maybe I'm not understanding your point. They were "forced" to give credit for that song by court order 40 years after the album came out (Dazed and Confused). There are several other songs they have been accused of stealing and not giving credit for. Although I think the Stairway to Heaven by Spirit/Randy California was ridiculous. This has been discussed ad nauseam all over the internet. Most borrowed cases by other artists involve a melody or chord progression, not melody, lyrics, and chord progression like Zep.

[@garywaterman814]

Bonhams signature is called "Bonham Triplets" in the drumming world. It is now a recognized technique.

[@thenomadicpen]

It's the mix of JB's drums, in particular that snare. It's a Ludwig Supraphonic. Legend.

[@bobespirit2112]

I love your appreciation and enthusiasm for Led Zeppelin’s music. It’s refreshing to see such sincere responses in 2022. Just something to keep in mind that can not only help here but in lots of aspects of life - Occam’s Razor - the simplest, most obvious answer is usually the correct answer. If you are hearing a Harmonic sound, especially before digital effects, then it’s most likely a Harmonica. And indeed it is Robert Plant in the Harmonica. Have you heard “What is and What will Never Be”? “Ten Years Gone”? “In My Time of Dying”? “No Quarter?” All remarkable tunes by the kings of all rock. Also, for recent music, have you heard any Band-Maid? I recommend you check out - “From Now On” - official live video - “Domination” - official live video - “Manners / Black Hole” - official live video - “No God” - official live video Take care and rock on 🤘🏼🔥🎶✌🏼😀

[@chrislind57]

You ever listened to anything from Playing for Change. There is a version of When the Levee breaks in that and John Paul Jones is featured with a whole bunch of other artists from all over the world.

[@sharont8229]

Yes, highly recommended

[@snobear41]

Led Zep's "Rock and roll" is one of my favorites- definetely get you some speeding tickets if you listen while driving!

[@flogg8635]

Yes, yes. What you’re hearing is a harmonica. It’s played by Robert Plant, the singer

[@brheinfeldt]

Jimmy Page used to win a lot of bar bets, because of John Bonham's single bass drum kit. People thought Bonham played a double bass drum or used 2 pedals, because of how fast he could kick it.

[@scotttrainer9704]

Moby Dick live is a MUST! There's a few different versions with different drum kits, all are absolute fire 🔥

[@robertwalker1803]

“ Stairway to Heaven”……. Number one song of all time. Period.

[@jeffkeith2718]

The next Zeppelin song you need to listen to is " nobody's fault but mine" Zeppelin at it's blues Best!!!! It's one of my favorites. The Drum work on this one is awesome and the base line Mmmm. You ask about Memphis Minnie's version of this song, KZbin Music has it. It was re release on a CD in 1997.

[@yrlic]

The instrumental track was slowed down slightly, making the everything swampy. Robert sang on top of that slower track. At the end, jimmy handled the monitor board pan pots and swapped them two or three times, giving it that apocalyptic power.

[@jeffrubinelectronics]

Southern Blues, Chicago Blues...blues. Yes. Correct. That was harmonica, BTW. Played by Robert Plant. He's great there too. All the lead singers from those days played harmonica. Plant, Daltry (Who), on and on. They all did. Bonham is an alien. You are correct about everything you say. He had a jazz backround (again, all those groups had some jazz backround...even black sabbath), and a true swing in his beats, with a heavy hitting rock edge. So unique. John Paul Jones, unsung HERO of Zep. They are all rock godz.

[@HITGFRY]

I'm excited for you as you discover Led Zeppelin. Pass it on, the greatest group of musicians to ever grace the planet!

[@johnmccree8941]

They don't know shit about Zeppelin.

[@raymondgilbert1341]

Back in my college days this was my favorite song. This is an old blues song that they adapted. Many rockers did that back in the day. If you haven't already heard it, you should react to their cover of In My Time Of Dying, a very old gospel song. Try to catch a live recording of it so you can see Jimmy's amazing guitar work.

[@danielcobbins8861]

Plant even said, during the 1975 Earl's Court Concert,"This is a song that comes from the Deep South of America, and consequently made it to Earl's Court. Would you believe?" Then they started playing "In My Time of Dying."

[@shaserv]

yep!

[@garygreen9115]

I enjoy your comments and reactions very much! Thank you! I have been a Zep fan for over 50 years and still hear different things each time I play one of their songs

[@metalplane3]

To paraphrase Muddy Waters..."the blues had a child and they called it Rock and Roll."

[@AaronJoseph-t4b]

The phrase is " The Blues & Country had a child & called it R & R" both are essential elements in any branch of the genre, it's storytelling with a soundtrack, Jim Morrison's last on camera interview he fortold the coming of hip-hop & described the roots " Rock & Roll derives from the Blues & the high country lonesome Georgia sound,& in the next generation will include those two elements & some third thing, I envision there will be two or three people & they will use electronic set-ups or tapes(samples)"

[@jlovebirch]

Page is Zoso, the feather symbol was designed by Plant, the 3 circles was chosen by Bonham because they looked like drum heads.

[@chookvalve]

True story. I was working at Beijing Olympic Games and there were 15 of us in the back of the truck. We all said what our favourite songs were and 3 of us said “when the levee breaks”. No other song was duplicated. Best song ever I say.

[@turnsufficient4971]

I just found you dude. Nice reaction man. I just joined your channel. Zoso is Jimmy Page, the 3 interlocking circles is Bonzo, the feather is Robert and the triquatra interlocking the circle is John Paul Jones. Nice observations on this one. In the intro, Robert was playing the harmonica throughout the song. Once Bonzo passed away - it was over.

[@luvbasses5487]

John’s drum sound - and overall approach - is as identifiable as a Fender Stratocaster guitar slung over Jimi Hendrix’ shoulder. This particular drum track was recorded in a 300 year old mansion in England. They set his drums up (he just took delivery of his famed Ludwig Green Sparkle kit that day) in the stairwell. It had a tall ceiling (this stairwell) and all the natural ambiance of that location basically did it! His raw talent and that location basically did it for this track. It’s beyond legendary.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

That and an echo effect from a Binson Echorec.

[@BP7BlackPearl]

Most of the time when u bring four people who each, by themselves, have ungodly talent together, their talent diminishes within a group, but the most unique thing about Zep was how they amplified each others talents, especially Jimmy and Bonzo, they made musical love in much of the music. U can hear them play off each other. Listen for it in dazed and confused, ahem, the greatest rock song ever.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

The Beastie Boys sampled the opening drum beat.. Bonham used a large drum kit made by Ludwig ..

[@lilrobbie2k]

Bonham's drums for this song were recorded in the lobby of Headley Grange, a historic building in Hampshire, England. Microphones were hung from a flight of stairs above the drum kit which was set up at the bottom of the three-story stairwell.

[@louismarzullo1190]

Love your curiosity, thoughtfulness & enthusiasm for new sounds. Great work!!

[@gjpyoung]

Hey man enjoyed your reaction. That crazy harmonica sound is Plant playing, but with the echo reversed, so it comes ahead of when the note is played instead of after. When I first read that, I thought damn!! It's like hell's hounds are coming for you!

[@sotvomike]

One of Bonham's best tracks that is highly respected and covered on KZbin is 'Fool In The Rain'. He's not pounding like crazy but doing a masterclass in subtlety of ghost notes and swing, as well as a Brazilian party beat in the middle. A great example of his versatility. Also, rock and roll was birthed by mixing the blues and country music way back in the day.

[@andrewtrotter9023]

Yessir. Highly underrated song and album. I’m a 40+ year Zeppelin fan and ITTOD is in my top 3 albums.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

That's my OTHER favorite LZ song. Levee and Fool -- two of Bonzo's very best.

[@yrlic]

When Robert sings “Going Down”; the first time thru, near the end, each time he sings “DOWN”, the note goes slightly lower…’down’ !

[@stevedahlberg8680]

His iconic beat on this has been heavily sampled indeed. I'm pretty sure several others of his as well.

[@plankroadgarage2464]

You did an outstanding job breaking this down. Sampled definitely! I started listening to them in early’80’s, when I was 12. They are still my go to on the jukebox in pool bars. Keep up the great work brother!

[@Codex7777]

Zeppelin are the most sampled band in history! You've probably heard parts of their tracks in quite a few songs by other people. :)

[@surfersilver6610]

And James Brown "Funky Drummer".

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Robert Plant is well known for using his voice as an instrument. He has often stated in interviews, only partially in jest, that he had to figure a way to get some vocals in there outside of the regular verses. Otherwise with Jimmy’s looong solo’s and the three musicians jamming, he could have been standing around onstage for 15-20 minutes twiddling his thumbs. Robert is still singing and touring…and yes, he sings in many genres…..now mainly folk, Country, Americana, rockabilly……and he las a lovely, emotive voice.

[@davidfrediani4965]

"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. A great cover and rework by Zeppelin.

[@jmar7631]

Very nice reaction, thanks. I don't know if anyone has suggested it but listening to Zeppelin with earphones will help you to pick up instrumental nuances you can't really detect without them. Highly recommend using them. Glad you're enjoying the best rock band there ever was and, so far, there has ever been. :)

[@sourisvoleur4854]

There will never be another band as good as the great bands of the 60s and 70s.

[@mikeh2823]

I saw them in the late 70's at the age of 15 years old. Three shows sold out within 4 hours. they had to be purchased in person. no internet no phone calls. John Bonham was amazing! have attended well over 100 concerts since. Not only the best it wasn't even close. Prince , rolling stones, Janet Jackson, eric clapton, bruce springsteen, steve miller, BB king, buddy guy, Heart, were all up there. The just on a different level. Thanks, I enjoyed your reaction. I suggest reacting to the 29 min version of kennedy center honors featuring Led Zeppelin

[@davidsmith7806]

You are the best, my dude. Keep grinding. 🔥

[@MMBxMOB]

Thanks David!

[@michaelasay8587]

David ...he talks and pauses way too long...I mean 23 minutes, come on.

[@michaelcarpenter3614]

Yes young man, Rock and Roll was birthed in the southern black gospel singing tradition. Which also inspired Rhythm and blues.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

That's Robert playing on the harp; he was actually quite good at it. This drum pattern is just quintessential Bonzo.

[@dmgallibond469]

Great reaction. You are right about a lot of things in this reaction. The harmonica sound is a harmonica. In the beginning it's a "cleaner" sound, and in the middle of the song it's got some electronic distortion, similar to the distortion effects you hear on an electric guitar. As for the song, the original 1929 version is available on KZbin and it's very different. I highly encourage you to listen to it. As for the origins of rock and roll, it is a fusion of blues, jazz, and bluegrass music from many traditions. And blues is a fusion of mainly European melodies and African percussion and rhythms. In the USA in the 1950s and early 1960s radio was very segregated, not only for "white" and "black" music, but also regional music. What you heard on radio in the South was different from what you heard on radio in the upper Midwest. The "British Invasion" (as the era of The Beatles and early Who and Rolling Stones is called) was heavily influenced by American R&B music. Those young British musicians heard all the exported Motown music from America and often covered it (early Beatles albums have many Motown cover versions on them). And this was how white audiences in the USA often first heard the fantastic music that was being made by black American artists--again, because black musicians were not often played on "white" radio stations, especially in the South.

[@Prone2Thrill]

JB is the OG GOAT (Neil from RUSH is also a GOAT). My favorite song from my favorite all-time band!! This was a new drum set that his tech set up in the hallway stairwell of Headley Grange where they recorded the album. You can watch a clip from the documentary Jimmy Page was in called "It might get loud" it changed the way drummers looked at recording and setting up forevermore. To think bands didn't want JB in their bands because he played too loud and hard is so crazy. Roberts a bad man singing and playing Harmonica! Watch OZZY play Harmonica on the "Rehearsal of The Wizard" video when Black Sabbath reunited. Ozzy hasn't lost a thing singing or playing the harmonica. It's an awesome video. Geezers black string black bass is wicked as hell. BTW - The Beastie Boys sampled more Led Zeppelin drums than anybody I believe. Paul's Boutique is ridiculously great. Last edit - look into Robert Johnson and The Crossroads - he was one of the OG's of the Delta Blues and said to be the person who met the Devil at the crossroads for his talent. (I say SRV is modern day version IMO)

[@johndrake3472]

Zoso is Page, three circles is Bonzo, feather in circle is Plant, and circle with the three things is JPJ. There is a fifth that consists of three triangles for guest vocalist, Sandy Denny.

[@gablen23]

This is my favorite song from album IV, but it also has Black Dog, Stairway To Heaven and Going To California, among others, crazy!

[@mstewart109]

Probably Robert Plant on harmonica.. sooo good. I agree with your statement of Led Zeppelin is the #1 rock band to you. I grew up with them. 50 plus years I still place them #1. I say Rock/ Blues. This band was both...this song was a cover from early 1900 original

[@thewizard6077]

Bonham is one of the most (if not the most) sampled drummers in hip hop. Peace

[@Rhythmic1]

He used his Ludwig Maple kit in this song. 26" bass drum, 14", 16" and 18" toms and a 6.5x14" Ludwig Supraphonic snare with Paiste 2002 cymbals. The drums were recorded in the stairwell/foyer of a mansion called Headley Grange in Hampshire England. That's how they got that big bombastic echoey sound.

[@AKICITA]

"The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll!" ~MUDDY WATERS~

[@nadinemarie3811]

My favorite Zeppelin song! Robert Plant not only sings, but he can play harmonica. 🔥

[@stevesharpe361]

Please, please wear headphones listening to LZ

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

I think this was the pinnacle of achievement for Led Zeppelin. It was a performance, & production masterpiece. Everything was in the right place at the right time. Kashmir aside, this was the best ever Led Zeppelin recording.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Fantastic reaction man, loved it.

[@MMBxMOB]

Thank you Steve!

[@nicholeswanson8212]

I was raised on Led Zeppelin...love it and I love watching you listen. It opens my heart

[@maverick3677]

I never appreciated drums until I did a deep dive into this song. It's the most underrated song imo.

[@littlebutohwow]

Jimmy uses the violin bow on Dazed and Confused..that’s Plant on harmonica.