What If Led Zeppelin Continued: A Journey into the 1980s Music Scene - Documentary

Imagine if Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, had continued their musical journey into the 1980s. As the decade of excess and innovation unfolded, what could have been their sonic contribution? Led Zeppelin's hypothetical presence in the '80s sparks a myriad of questions and possibilities. Would they have embraced the synth-driven soundscape of the era, or maintained their signature blues-infused rock style? Fans and music enthusiasts alike speculate on the potential albums, tours, and collaborations that could have defined Led Zeppelin's trajectory, had they persisted beyond their last studio album in 1979.
Exploring this alternate reality delves into the evolving landscape of rock music, the band's individual artistic growth, and the cultural dynamics of the '80s. Imagine the electrifying performances, the chart-topping hits, and the iconic music videos that could have borne the Led Zeppelin insignia into the neon-lit era. Join me as i delve into this tantalizing "what if" scenario, imagining a world where Led Zeppelin carried on, defying the boundaries of time and musical convention.
#robertplant #documentary #ledzeppelin #jimmypage #johnbonham #johnpauljones #kashmir #stairwaytoheaven
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JCM

[@jppagetoo]

I love it! All the same things happened post 1980 North American tour. They just did it for different reasons. I love all the subtle lines you dropped. "We are not going to the Carribean to make Love Beach Part 2". Hahahahaha good dig there. My only thing is Jimmy was indeed in deep trouble by the fall of 1980. It took the shock of Bonzo's death to make him realize that he was headed that way too and needed to change. I still have a ton of respect for Jimmy for being able to kick Heroin. Many don't succeed, he is one of the few who did.

[@zeppearl]

I was at the 1980 Chicago shows all four night I was lucky when I sent in the mail order and got my tickets. This would be my first time seeing them and they could do no wrong. Yes you are correct everyone sang All My Love and you can see it was very emotional for Plant on the reaction of the crowd. It was a glorious 4 nights 😉 Interesting essay brother!!!

[@andrewcorbett5729]

Page had Swansong demo, riff that became Fortune Hunter, riff that became Shake my tree. So i think for 81 album they woukd be combined with Fire, walters walk, ozone baby, darlene and wearing and tearing

[@luvbasses5487]

What can I say? I wasn’t there and I didn’t personally know these men. All Ive done is passionately love their music and read many books on them. My gut tells me that; after hearing the comment from Robert during the LA ‘77 opener about Bonzo saying he’d rather be on a building site and that “we all agreed,” this translates to me that, as Robert has himself stated that after the events of 77, “it was over even before it was over.” They intuitively knew that by ‘77, with all its zaniness, the end of the road was near. You could just feel it. The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty. Had Karac not passed, it may very well have been Jimmy if that tour continued. If no one came home in a body bag after ‘77 I think it’d have been Bonzo who would’ve walked from LZ. In the book “Beast,” John says something like “…after Zeppelin…” when watching Jason do the Knebworth soundcheck, right there it’s evident that he’d had enough. HE is the one who got us through Knebworth. Bonzo, the REAL boss, saved the day there! Achilles for example was phenomenal! Fast forward to the 1980 tour and mostly it sounded like he was drumming just to get through the songs. Gone was MD and the heroic drumming flamboyance of the ‘77 tour (and previous tours) and he’d have been more than content working with Jacko and Mick…supervising and reviving dilapidated properties around Redditch Worcestershire, as part owner of the Bonham family building trade. Rest in peace Bonzo. I’ll never ever stop missing you.

[@bradbroemmer9106]

I read the Beast too. And I agree with you. After reading it, I believe that Bonzo had enough even before the rehearsals for their latest tour before he passed. And that's ultimately what happened. He was so depressed about leaving his family again that he basically drank himself to death. But what might of been for what my opinion is, the world's greatest drummer ever.

[@luvbasses5487]

Agree. He didn’t like flying and going back brought back memories of beating that guy in Oakland up to near death. That whole episode represented the general atmosphere of Zeppelin in ‘77. That tour was already beset with bad vibes and negativity. Robert and Jones intuitively knew that Jim and Bonzo were losing themselves with under the table addictions. It had to have been overtly frustrating to witness Jim, who was turning into a walking clothesline, struggle to get through the things he wrote on guitar. Look back to the film and see his incredible and effortless fluidity on that guitar - then listen to Destroyer from the first night…to be completely disgusted. Robert at this time was still “they guy Page and Grant found playing to an empty room with Hobstweedle” so he really had no say still. Grant told him to shut the fk up and sing when Rob complained about one of Jim’s drawn out heroin solos on stairway one night. Something bad was gonna happen soon and unfortunately it was a 6 year old kid 5000 miles away In England. The whole thing just sucked so bad. I believe it was a hint from upstairs and a reminder of our own mortality. Sometimes the brightest stars shine only for the shortest time. Like the Beatles, Zeppelins influence and contributions will be felt for centuries to come. Thank you for your comment my friend. Stay well.

[@Stewart-pl7nb]

Skipped school to get tix in '75 I'll never forget seeing them 3 times in the '70s!!!

[@lhobs9782]

I love that you are taking on this topic of “What if”. Very well done and appreciated. At the same time, this story also makes me very sad. At the time that Zep was planning their long awaited return to the US, I was 17 years old and had been a huge fan since I was 12. This was going to be my first chance to see them live. I lived In Pittsburgh and was anticipating standing in line at the National Record Mart for my chance to get tickets to see my favorite band. My dream was crushed when the news came of John Bonham’s death (RIP) shortly before tickets were to go on sale. I still get a little teary eyed and sad thinking about that news. Thank you so much for showing us what might have been. Keep up the great work! 🙏🏻✌️

[@juano578]

I was in the same boat as you. Couldn't wait to see them LIVE and in person. I will never, ever, stop playing Zep. When I Iisten to the songs from "The Song Remains The Same" album, I always smile because because of how that album's live recording moves me and makes me feel! I attend these "live shows" on a regular basis. The Mighty Zep till I die!!

[@sosmra]

I was waiting for this tour after seeing them in 1977

[@LSchulz1414]

I think the tax exil, Roberts accident, lower album sales, personal problems, the unenthusiastic ITTOD recording sessions, the death of Roberts son, and Jimmy and John Paul not being at the funeral really left a mark on the band. I could imagine, that the band was surrounded by a „bad spirit“. When I look at photos of Jimmy from the years 1977-1983, I have a bad feeling about his health and life. Maybe Johns death was a wake up call for him, and the band would never overcome this bad times, without Johns death. Thank You for this very interesting video, but somehow it made me a bit sad.

[@BubbaZen10]

It is all very sad man

[@davidburns6681]

JCM. I hope everyone else who see this, the tremendous ammount of work you have put in to produce this gem. Its got to be the nearest thing to attending an 80s gig. God bless you and please keep up this amazing work

[@MrLifesavers1]

So many "what ifs". Was going to be different than the 1977 tour. But would the ZepHeads have gone for a stripped down stage show, shorter set lists and more keyboards? The wheels were in motion. Would Robert have stayed with Zep and had no solo career? How bad would Jimmy's heroin addiction gotten to be? Looking forward to your take.

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Pagey kicked away his seven-year heroin habit - for good - in 1982. 💉🩹🦵🏻

[@dannybursace9151]

JCM!!! Carouselambra live?? Amazing! I almost John Paul’d over my Jones's 😁 what a treat 👍

[@jamesmicucci7028]

I've always thought that Carouselambra could/would have become the best new live Zep epic, like Achilles Last Stand before it, Kashmir before that, The Song Remains The Same before that...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hope you enjoyed it! Building this "live version" was a matter of bootleg experience, mixing and dreaming i guess hehe. Thank you very much for watching!

[@marions.120]

Keep ‘em coming sir! ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶 I saw them in Oakland, July 24th, 1977…unfortunately it was their last American show.

[@jamesmicucci7028]

I've got that one (7/24/77, Oakland) on an old 2-tape set on Maxell XL-II 90s... but the night before this, (after the show?), a series of post-show events transpired that we'd rather forget...

[@marions.120]

@@jamesmicucci7028 ~If you check out Led Zeppelin Boots, he has the show amongst others.

[@jakewaldman6243]

@@jamesmicucci7028 post show events? What you mean?

[@jamesmicucci7028]

​@@jakewaldman6243I don't like to say negative things about my favorite heavy rock band of all time, or its members, but it's a well known story. I suggest you do some research online, or read any modern day LZ biography worth its salt, and you should easily find the answer. The only reason I brought it up is... well, let's just say that the aftermath of these "events" may have weighed heavily on a certain member's mind as they began rehearsals for their 1980 USA tour...and we all know how THAT turned out, don't we?? 😢 💔

[@bryanbahantka6969]

Zeppelin doing City Sirens and Who's to Blame would've been cool

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Totally! I love those tunes and the entire Death Wish 2 album.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

That's a great idea Bryan! I'm sure Death Wish 2 would have been featured on a concert tour. I never liked Paul Rodger's singing this stuff at ARMS 1983...now Robert...hell yeah Thanks so much for watching.

[@tparker2095]

Well said! There's a great version of City Sirens on youtube performed by The Firm in 1985.

[@dario3444able]

@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesAre you going to be doing more of the Deep purple history? I hope you will,ive enjoyed the one you’ve done so far.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes Dario! I wanna do another one Purple. Any suggestions?

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Another great episode,Jose. Thanks for what you do we all appreciate it! Cheers ✌️❤

[@jeremycagle19]

It's fascinating to think about, but I don't think the 1980s would have been kind to Led Zeppelin. My take is both Bonham and Page would have been dead by 1983 and that the 1980 tour would have done well but with bad reviews and an audience wanting a 1977-style show. The last album Coda will sell 3 million copies and hit number 1 on the charts for one week but stay on the charts for over a year. There is more competition now but Zeppelin music is still loved overall. No live aid in 1985 obviously but Plant starts a successful solo career. 1990 has the much anticipated release of the Led Zeppelin box set with a very well received tribute show including Plant Jones and Jason Bonham. The Box Set hits number 1 the first of its kind to do so and the band's legend is renowned and much loved and stays that way to this day. Great work, JCM.

[@DSM9]

Another great doc. Thank you. Zeppelin touring the USA in 1980 and continuing as an active band during the decade is such a tantalizing thought. One of the great 'what ifs?' of rock music. That would have been one hell of a set list - and Carouselambra would have been a killer song in concert imo. The alternative 1980s Zeppelin reality you posit is very plausible.

[@makingmusic2971]

JCM! Putting the Fan back into Fanatic! A tasteful and eloquent look at the alternate universe! Thank you for your passion about the world's greatest rock band. An enjoyable watch, as always! 😎

[@lanatrzczka]

As old warriors of musical speculation going back to the 1980s, a recent conversation between a friend and I went like this, "Alright so what would have happened if John Bonham hadn't died?" ... "He would have died." ... "Yeah, agreed."

[@paulhoughton5431]

Superb documentary JCM, with some great guess work as to what might have been. I think one major part of this dissolving airship was the state of Peter Grant, his marriage was in tatters and he had reached the end of the road. Zeppelin needed a huge hiatus, Jose, Jimmy was running on empty and Bonzo probably went before where Page would have ended up. Rory Gallagher’s demise had a profound effect on Jimmy, they were very similar characters. Thank you for a very thoughtful episode.

[@tomfabozzi5353]

But Rory didn’t die until 1995? 😳

[@floorticket]

John Bonham died just as I started 9th grade. We all had copies of "In Through the Out Door" and were patiently waiting for LZ to come back to the San Francisco Bay Area again. They hadn't played in the states since July 24th, 1977, and the infamous Day on the Green incident. Some of the seniors and older kids at my HS were at that show. A few years before my time. Anyway, Bonham's passing put an end to ever getting to see Zeppelin in concert for us. Oh, then John Lennon was shot a couple months later.

[@NealR2000]

I think this is a pretty accurate portrayal of how things would have progressed had Bonzo not died. I had participated in those forums you mentioned on this subject. I do believe that after all the anti-Zep stance of Robert had softened, like it did in reality, that we would have ended up with a McCartney/Stones type thing where they do these massive world tours about every five years, enabling them to rea enormous rewards while having a lot of in-between time do do whatever they wanted individually.

[@zeppearl]

Excellent topic I have a few of the cancelled Chicago 1980 show tickets. It a on going question among us hard core ZepHeds …what If? Looking forward to the JCM!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Vance! Man those tickets you have are worth SO MUCH, an awesome and sad piece of Zeppelin memorabilia, both. You are lucky to have these! Hope you enjoy this one!

[@drummaman1]

So…there’s an interview with Jason Bonham, talking about the only reason he took up drums again was his dad passing. He was making inroads as a very skilled motocross racer at that time , and his dad passing sidelined any and all of those plans. Had Bonzo lived through the 80s, it’s debatable whether or not Jason would’ve been skilled enough to play with Page, Plant, and Jones in ’88, he would’ve continued in motocross. An interesting what-if, to be sure. Cheers!

[@ellebrook3413]

After a busy few months of work, I'm finally able to relax and came to the JCM channel to see what gems you've been making. This was a fantastic idea-I got into it to the point where I almost forgot it didn't happen! So authentically and sensitively handled. Bravo! Watching it, I was reminded of that 75 interview Robert gave to Bob Harris when he said "Who else would I need for a drummer but Bonzo?" and I like to think his old friend would've played on those tracks that Phil Collins did. In my own imaginings, LZ were almost over by the early 80's, but I think all 4 would've played Live Aid. It in fact went better than it did in reality and prompted an annual one night only get together (think Celebration Day) held at different capital cities round the world. This brought the band to their fans from time to time, but left them free to pursue solo careers/other projects. By this time, it had become more common for celebs to use "Addiction clinics" and I'd like to imagine both Bonzo and Jimmy checked in and got help. Grant, was less willing and sadly passed away leaving JPJ to step in as "player-manager" who was instrumental (excuse pun!) in organizing one last great LZ album in the 90's. I actually don't think Jason Bonham would've gone into drumming had he not lost his Dad, instead choosing a career in F1 racing or something along those lines! Instead, Zoe, his daughter took up the drums and followed her father's footsteps. ....a whole load of fantasy and wishful thinking, but I enjoyed imagining that alternate reality, thanks for prompting it, Jose!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you for watching Elle! This one was an interesting voyage into the 80s. I like the idea of Bonham recording a song on Pictures, problem is, if Bonham got Plant back in Zeppelin in 1978 that says a lot of how he was able to get in Robert's mind like no one else in that band. I'm sure Bonzo would have told him, what are you doing mate? Let's get back with Jimmy and Jonesy. Live Aid 1985 with all 4 sounds like a great idea for sure. Jones as player manager is a very interesting angle, he certainly has handled his money WELL. True that Jason may not have been a full time drummer, but maybe his Dad convinced him of carrying the legacy...$$$!

[@WSS_the_OG]

I have thought about this so many times. If Bonzo lived. Given the brief moments of brilliance from the Death Wish soundtrack, Plant's renewed confidence and willingness to sing a little lower (where he was more capable and comfortable), and JPJ's continued intelligence and "healthy approach," I have imagined an amalgam of Page's, Plant's and JPJ's solo efforts (as they pine for their bandmate's input) with the underpinning of Bonham really coming into his own as a more refined, and still powerful, drummer. These three aren't terribly good on their own as individuals, but together, they exceeded the sum of their parts (to use a tired old phrase). I really enjoyed Plant coming to terms with his new, more limited, vocal range. New material written specifically for this would have been sensational (except for when they had to play their old hits live ... notes he couldn't hit anymore). I really enjoyed Page's forays into Bach. I especially enjoyed JPJ flaunting his skills in not only his (incredible James Jamerson inspired) bass playing, but also pedal steel and continued growth with keyboard chops. That renaissance of this particular weird blend of these three people would, I think, have been as influential to the 80s as they were in the 70s. Sure, there may have a little too much synth, and maybe some questioning drum production, but it would have been terrific nonetheless. This has always been the bittersweet problem of listening to Page, Plant and JPJ on their own. You can hear their contributions, but it never came close to what they did together, with Bonzo. Cheers Jose! Thanks for inspiring LZ fans to take this mental exercise with you.

[@Bacchus1983]

I grew up in the 80s and yeah, a lot of the music of that decade was different from the 70s, but Zeps influence never went away. In the early 80s Billy Squire was very popular and his songs and vocals were very zep influenced, then you had new bands like zebra and Fastway. You had artists like Def leppard, Dio and others putting out music videos which were influenced by the fantasy sequences in the song remains the same. You had other artists like the Beastie Boys and Frankie goes to Hollywood sampling them, in 86 you had the Cults electric album, 87 it was whitesnake with Still of the night and kingdom Comes debut record which sold millions, in the very late 80s you had new bands like Janes Addiction and Soundgarden who were very influenced by them as well. Hell, I even recall in 1983 going to see Journey live, and Sammy Hagar who was opening the show, performed Whole Lotta Love as an encore, and the place went nuts! Everyone (and it was a stadium show) was singing along with him. I think had they stayed together and john not passed, their output wouldve slowed down, but they would still be huge and they wouldnt have needed to water their sound down.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Sammy Hagar doing WLL at a Journey show, now i have to hear that hehe. You are 100% correct on your description, the Zepp effect was felt for an entire decade and beyond. I agree, i don't think they would have succumbed to 80s production techniques...not on Bonham and Page's watch. I see them using more synths and stuff, but never losing their essence. The sum of all parts was just INCREDIBLE. Thank you very much for watching!

[@robmcvaigh796]

Thank you! Great video man

[@Mike-Olds-1]

Sometimes thinking of the what if’s can be as engrossing of thinking about the what was. Intriguing video Sir.

[@dsk333]

absolutely love "fire" wish that couldve came to fruition, coulda been a huge hit.

[@steve-0493]

This guys so good and informative, actually puts EFFORT into all around fan quality good storytelling,that it made the Love Beach episode interesting lol!!and that is commended sir!!gotta do some about Rush sometime lol!!😜✌️🥃🤙

[@recordtime4923]

9:28 “…to make Love Beach pt. 2…” So funny!!

[@therocknrollgamer9572]

Great alternative scenario! You should do a follow up video for this timeline in the 90s. Well done my friend 😀👍

[@paulsalazar3765]

Very well done. Very happy to find this on Led Zeppelin. Kudos to JCM.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@kocinski8734]

Not only did John Bonham survive and clean himself up but Zeppelin re-energised themselves by teaming up with Jimi Hendrix who had had a quiet few years recovering from his near overdose in 1970. The 5-part band toured heavily in 81/82, supporting two albums of psychedelic blues with Robert taking on most of the vocals and Jimi/Jimmy sharing guitar duties. Led Zepdrix kickstarted New Wave Of British Heavy Funk in 1981; invented what was to become known as 'grunge' in 1985; then released the biggest-selling album of all time: "Smells Like Blood Sex Destruction".

[@99percentirish64]

Great job again, Jose!

[@christiancazabonne]

Muy acertado! Yo también pienso que lamentablemente Led Zeppelin ya no podía más después de In Through The Outddor, así John Bonham hubiera seguido vivo, pero ya algo estaba quebrado en el grupo y en los años 80 o las bandas cambiaban su estilo musical y se adaptaban a la nueva década o desaparecían, no me imagino a Led Zeppelin haciendo Hard Rock con full sintetizadores estilo Jump de Van Halen! Y pones un escenario parecido a E,L & P quienes nunca se separaron oficialmente sino que simplemente dejaron de tocar juntos, cada uno haciendo lo suyo por separado y reuniéndose años después...

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Christian muchas gracias por sintonizar. Ciertamente Zeppelin y ELP tienen finales similares no? Distintos pero variaciones de un tema común, el mega estrellato y como bajarse de ahi. Jump de Van Halen curioso que lo menciones porque en el primer episodio de ITTOD digo que no hay Jump sin Carouselambra hehe. Yo creo que Bonham se habría retirado para disfrutar de su querida Inglaterra rural y el negocio familiar de construcción/desarrollo inmobiliario. Quedo tentado a hacer otro What If de estos!

[@christiancazabonne]

​Ah, si, me acuerdo, pero no son en nada iguales en cuanto a la letra y la duración 😂😂 Y Carrouselambra no sonó en las radios de moda 😂😂 Verdad que qué hubiera pasado si todos ésos músicos que murieron jóvenes hubieran seguido vivos? Hendrix, Joplin, Brian Jones, Morrison, Bon Scott, Lennon, Tommy Bolin, Gary Thain, Jeff Buckley, John Glascock, Keith Moon, John Bonham, etc? 😢​@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories

[@babylemonade2868]

I would have loved to have heard Carouselambra live and I really liked the XYZ stuff too. Darlene amd wearing and tearing should have been on in through the outdoor. Nice one Jose👍

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Imagine if Page used the XYZ stuff on a Zepp record! But hey, no XYZ there's no 90125, we gotta thank Robert for not wanting to participate i guess? Thank you very much for watching!

[@andrewcorbett5729]

Fortune hunter riff would of definitely been used by page ​@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories

[@mlblue5355]

I think what would happen is that John Bonham would start inviting different members of Zeppelin over to his house for listening sessions of old and new records with his McIntosh MC 2105 solid state amplifier and McIntosh C26 preamp. He wanted to introduce his son’s favorite band the Police to them, then albums by Vangelis, Kitaro’s first couple of albums, psych records, and especially lots of old German Krautrock albums. After each listening session, each member would try to get John to agree to go back on the road for 10-15 year anniversaries of their landmark albums. He would reply “That’s Bullshit, I don’t want to be in some bloody cover band!” Finally, in a meeting at Peter Grant’s house, when all the members were there, he said “We can only be a band again, if we listen to albums together. John Lennon said the Beatles stopped being a band once they stopped listening to albums together!” After six months of the band as a whole listening to albums together, and jamming down in John’s basement, they started compiling new demos for a record. In 1987, Led Zeppelin finally released an album of all new material. The album was an instant successful, with many people hailing it as one of their top albums. The album would stay on the Billboard top 100 for 17 years.

[@ministerofdarkness]

I’m still waiting with a suntan and open shirt for Love Beach pt. 2. 🏝️🍹🧴

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Haha, i wanna get a CD Copy, if i find one i'm buying! Thanks for watching man!

[@cc352]

"It's better to burn out than to fade away". If Zep carried on into the '80s, '90s and beyond, it would probably look something like The Who which is unfortunate because The Who's legacy is nonexistent right now. I love Plant's solo stuff along with The Firm and even Coverdale/Page material, but they're not strong enough to counter the change in music landscape that was occurring. From new wave to hair bands to grunge, Zep would no longer be the musical giants they were during the '70s. Also the younger listeners would want bands from their era to represent them. 2 bands that come to mind in which their legacy benefited from ending early are The Doors and Jimi Hendrix (I expect to get a lot of push back by including Hendrix).

[@davidpaterson3443]

I have to agree, the thought of Jimmy trying to embrace a young 80's audience by cutting and styling his hair short and wearing a neon coloured headband a' la Townsend, fill's me with dread. It was bad enough seeing Plant with a mullet and wearing the shoulder padded jumpsuit 80's attire....

[@tektoniks_architects]

Very cool approach, Jose....imagining the possible. Huge effort, well thought-out. Personally, I think Robert would have explored solo/collaboration possibilities outside Zeppelin, but had Bonham not died, I believe Zeppelin would have continued to record, and do some more limited tours or benefit concerts. Robert did attach quality-of-life conditions to the 1980 tour, but he was still open to touring, and I believe he still had loyalty for the band. More likely, I think either Bonham's physical/mental health (hated being on the road) or Jimmy's drug dependencies would have been bigger factors in how much Zeppelin would play in the future. I can't help but think Jimmy was the one headed for a fall....and I can imagine if Bonham had survived, the pressure for continuing to produce, play and record would have fallen hardest on Jimmy, since it was "his baby." How this would have impacted an impaired Jimmy is the big question. I really loved your effort on this video - thank you Jose. Ernie

[@christopherlees1134]

This was a fun video!

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Great work J ❤

[@SSenorr]

Hey! I really enjoy your videos and I respect your research. I love digging into the 70s and at only 18 years old can dream about it. I don’t know if you’re open to recommendations but I think what would be really interesting is a video on the band Uriah Heep. Although they weren’t as popular as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, or Black Sabbath I think they were a really a important part of the early to mid 1970s Progressive/Hard-Rock movement. They added a heavy sound to the music scene and were one of the best live acts in the world during their peak years (Byron, Hensley, Thain, Box, and Kerslale). I really enjoy your content especially the Copenhagen 79’ incident, Purple, and ELP videos! Thanks!

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Excellent video, kudos on a job well done. It’s not easy thinking of what could’ve been but you made some great points. My take on the “what if” is that they would’ve done the US tour in 1980 with a few dates to start off with and the crowds would be there but with Jimmy’s heroin addiction and Bonzo’s heavy drinking, their shows would be just them trying to keep from collapsing. As a result, their live shows would suffer and the audience would see that and would probably stop attending them & the band would see this. They would make a last ditch effort to get back the momentum and the magic so they would go into the studio autumn of 1981 to come up with new songs for a more rock driven album & they would finish by early 1982. They would do a small tour to promote the new record, kinda like their “back to the clubs” gigs ten years prior but upon rehearsals sometimes Bonzo would show up and other times he couldn’t make it. They steamrolled into the tour with high hopes and since they were always an improvisational band, they figured they would be able to wing it. Page’s heroin addiction would have him in a frail state that it would cause his playing to suffer. The album would do well but given the current state of music, it would be kept off the top slot by some british new wave group. Seeing this Jonesy had enough. He felt he needed to take a step back and try different things such as producing an album and arranging it. Bonzo, being one of the greatest drummers ever, was asked to play on a pop record, something he wasn’t too keen on but it was money in the pocket. Plant was already thinking of doing a solo record and so they would have a band meeting in spring 1982. Seeing they were drifting into different areas, it was decided to take a hiatus to refresh their batteries. By late 1982 , just before Christmas they would reconvene for a jam session where the performance was not up to their expectations. it would be decided right then and there that they would end their journey and the group would be finished.

[@sweetpain67]

Fascinating!

[@gregbyrne743]

Great work as usual, we will never know 😢

[@aidanlynn]

I don’t think they would have continued throughout the 80s without radically altering their sound. Same with the beatles in the 70s

[@conailld]

At 10:15 in the video there is a recording 'Jimmy's 1978 riff comes back. Working title "Primal Blues". Where is recording from and where can I find it? Thank you so much!

[@mattchomo]

That turned into Shake My Tree!

[@tparker2095]

JCM made up the working title, the song is "Shake My Tree" from Coverdale/Page. The riff originated from the In Through The Out Door sessions in 1978.

[@y9807047]

That was a lot of fun❤

[@aurinrakkun8589]

This is really great! I really think things would've gone slightly different depending on other circumstances. My opinion on the subject: Bonzo survived because his assistant decided to check on him before going home/to sleep, and found him just as he was choking, saving his life. They did the 1980 shows, but after that and Christmas, after a lot of reflection following his brush with death, Bonzo entered rehab to quit alcohol, but not before an intervention involving him, Peter Grant, and Ahmet Ertegun convinced Jimmy to go with him and kick heroin. They did a Western US tour in mid 1981, and took more time off, Coda and Robert's first solo album being released in the meantime. After hearing The Police's Ghost In The Machine's production, they went to AIR Studios in Monserrat, and inspired by the NWOBHM and the rising tide of metal in the USA, they decided to 'Cut out all the bullshit' and go back to basics, releasing an album that was guitar-based hard rock like Presence, but thanks to a newly clean Jimmy, with much better writing and production. They made a surprise, unannounced appearance at the 1982 US Festival, premiering two new songs from their forthcoming album, which along with a tour was announced the next day.

[@MrDomic04]

What if JCM was born in the forties and Page leaves in 1979 and JCM replaces him in Zeppelin ?

[@johngroves9828]

Intriguing!

[@ffdave117]

It's always been my opinion that they had 2 more years left. Bonham was ready to be with his family and get off the road. And we all know that without Bonham there is no Led Zeppelin

[@davidroberts7282]

I could imagine Bonham, if he had lived and sobered up, probably using his immense rock royalties to open up a successful side business selling farm equipment, sort of similar to how Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull using his royalties to open up a successful fisheries company in Scotland in the late 80's/early 90's. I also believe that if Zep hadn't played Europe in 1980, Bonham might've lived because those gigs were his last, great, sustained musical gasps. Maybe he would've eventually returned to music but more as a low-level session musician, or joining Plant's solo groups on-stage or the occasional Zeppelin reunion, like with 1985's Live Aid, Atlantic Records 40th anniversary gig, but as a full-time musician, I don't see Bonzo going in that direction. It's a bit of a miracle that Plant was able to reconnect with his musical passions, instincts so relatively soon after Bonzo's death and began his slow, short steps toward his long, very successful solo career with those Spring 1981 gigs with the HoneyDrippers. Those small, club gigs helped reinvigorate him and got Plant out of his shell in a way that wouldve taken much longer if he just stayed home and grieve, like Page did in 1981.

[@paulduggan5323]

Now this is super exciting! Caution! Explosive! Of the many talents that JCM possesses that leave the rest behind is an ability to imagine an alternative time line based on a single “What If…did/didn’t…happen”. Just like with the Rhodes car crash not happening in ‘75 but an entire episode! This is going to be something else. I have flu right now but suddenly I’m feeling a whole lotta better. Bring it on 👍

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much Paul! Hope you enjoy this one, it was quite an adventure to imagine the what ifs here. I sent you a message via Patreon, stay safe and hope you feel better soon!

[@WSS_the_OG]

Thanks!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

The OG!! Thank you very much for your support. I am on a year 1980 kick of listening to as many records i can from that year. A fascinating listen it is. With your SuperChat i will get some coffee! Hope you have a great week!

[@Marine_Ret]

If Zeppelin continued I might have gotten to use the 2 tickets I had for their upcoming Philly show in October or November 1980.

[@williamd3908]

Me too. I was so heartbroken when I heard

[@Marine_Ret]

@@williamd3908 it my second heartbreak, my sister and I mail ordered tickets for any of the 6 1977 MSG shows, got a letter back saying all 6 were sold out.

[@williamd3908]

@@Marine_Ret That really sux. I couldn't believe we got 1980 tickets. Think we camped out in line for at least two days. I was only 16yrs old. Man those times

[@Marine_Ret]

@@williamd3908 I was 18, sitting on the beach in NJ, with my girlfriend (now wife for 40 years) listening to a radio when the radio guy announced Bonzo’s passing. Seeing Plant in 1988 didn’t make up for the disappointment.

[@williamd3908]

@@Marine_Ret wow. I was on way home from school when I heard on wmmr or wpst philly radio. I'm from Hamilton,N.J also

[@derekjackson1039]

Wow playing carosolumbra live would have been a great opener or closer

[@walawala888]

Just an observation, Page's guitar solo on The Rover sounds like Mick Taylor. Imagine this played live.

[@jeremywanner4526]

Thanks brother

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Thank you very much for watching man, hope this answered questions and brought hope to the alternate universe of Zepp!

[@Twotontessie]

I've thought a lot about this over the years. I agree with your sense that Plant was going solo in the early 80s while Zeppelin were still technically together. I think another Zeppelin album would have come first though in 1982. Maybe you're right they would have included some of the 78 stuff but I think they would have done some new stuff and it would have been killer. It's Page's album this time - heavy and eccentric. Then some live dates - Europe and the UK, maybe some limited US dates. After that I think Plant would have walked particularly if Jimmy wasn't making progress. Also I think the 1982-83 period would have been awkward. The transition to the MTV era would have been rough. That's where Robert would have (as in reality he did) thrived as a solo act. I think eventually around 1986 the "best album since Physical Graffiti' would have come about with Jones and Plant totally dominating the direction of the band. Lots of keyboard, heavy atmospheric guitar, some acoustic stuff. Bonham exploring some new sounds. Maybe even some drum machine stuff. Maybe Phil Collins gets involved as a producer. So I see two albums in the 80s, one good, one great. Limited live dates. Plant doing solo projects. Page and Bonham veering off perhaps and doing something together. Bonham gets sober after nearly beating Ozzy Osbourne to death after a night of partying when visiting a show on the Ultimate Sin tour. Does time for that one. Then he retires more or less. In demand for sessions and rarely takes them but when he does it's a huge event. Watches Jason's career with pride. I think it goes away until the late 90s for a big reunion style tour then silence again. For good. Plant leaves and refuses to come back but for one off gigs. Page is mentally broken -- distraught he can't keep it going. Jones keeps doing all kinds of stuff. The 90s tour has its moments but a lot of diehard fans are saying "they're done. It's ok. This is a good time to end it." In summary I think as the band we knew, it would have ended in 1986 or so. A huge final statement then never really a working, regular band again. But unlike most of their ilk, they resist and refuse to do the big money grab tours save one big one in the 90s

[@IraSiegel]

Very interesting and not too far fetched.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Glad it's not far fetched, i'm very passionate about history and i wanted to follow the story as close as possible. Thank you very much for watching Ira!

[@IraSiegel]

Thanks for putting these docs together!@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories

[@jimmyledhead380]

JCM..Thank You I remember in an interview JPJ said Zep wanted to dominate the 80’s like the 70’s..not sure if the band had the stamina for that type of decade..Jimmy said that Bonzo and himself were already discussing a heavier new album after ITTOD. I believe the 80’s would been one or two albums.. I think the 90’s could have been a great decade for Zep..touring South America!!etc…eventually slowing down and Jason filling for his father. Just think if they would of made 5 more albums..who knows their final album sales?! It’s always fun to imagine.. Zeppelin became my favorite band in the summer of 1980! I lived with what ifs..for 40 plus years!!! lol

[@duanehall100]

The follow up of ITTOD (my opinion) would be more alternative with Walter's Walk, and Wearing and Tearing. They probably look at the Shake My Tree, Saint Tristan Sword, Fire, Swan Song, and Ten Ribs and All. Peter Grant would probably be out as Manager. Robert Plant probably would do some solo albums. Led Zeppelin would do another album in the late 80's. But we will never know, and disbanding was the correct choice after JB's death.

[@duanehall100]

Part 2 of my thoughts. What if the unleaded project was a Led Zeppelin project. Walking Into Clarksdale was a Led Zeppelin project.

[@chrisbuckley1785]

I love Zeppelin and consider them my favorite Band and greatest band of all time. But they quit right when they needed to. I don't think they would've put out bad music. But I don't think they ever would've put out music like they did at their high point. On another note even if Bonzo didn't pass I think they would've only got one more album(if that) out before calling it quits. Bonzo and Page's addictions were running wild. That's evident by the songwriting duties for ITTOD and Presence shifting much more into John Paul Jones direction. And speaking of Jones he was feeling really under appreciated and rightfully so. I mean people and the band knew how great he was but he had nowhere near the acknowledgment as the other's who were all regularly mentioned as the greatest of their instruments/vocals. Plant had been over the whole Rockstar life they had lived for more than a decade. He was pretty vocal about his son's death changing his view on life and how he wanted to be with his family. Tbh he never seemed much into the rockstar lifestyle. His work after Zeppelin kinda proves that. And lastly they just didn't have to do more music. They were literally th biggest rock band for a decade in what is often considered one of the greatest eras of rock music. They had a management team that went to bat for them and make sure to get them the most money and best deals from everything they did. They didn't need money. They didn't need to tour. They didn't have to write music.i

[@FABIO_MARTINSS]

If Bonham hadn't died, they probably would have followed the path that other classic rock bands (even themselves) were already following: more short, radio-friendly songs, more keyboards, and less abstract lyrics. Like the 80s Genesis albums, YES' 90125 etc. In Through Outdoor there was already a movement in this direction. Plant was already tired of heavy music, of poetry with a mystical "stairway" approach... Considering that Zepp was always adept of musical experimentation, from the beginning, this would be so natural. They would probably still survive the 80s, ending at some point later and eventually returning to occasional tours, much to Percy's dismay.

[@johnwolcot]

if Led Zeppelin had carried on into the eighties I think we'd be looking back on some pretty awful eighties albums from them. I'm so thankful that such albums never actually happened.

[@darrell6800]

Youre right. All that processing like Its Hard by the Who

[@thesolarengineer]

Bingo 👍

[@RagsKil-kk3lj]

I had tickets for the October 17, 1980 show in Montreal when I was 15 / so this is an amazing revisionist history if Bonzo did not tragically pass in 1980 and I would have seen Zep (my fave band) live

[@331Grabber]

I think Zeppelin would have made 1 or 2 more albums in the early to mid 80s then Robert would have gone on his own. They maybe would have reunited for another album but doubtful. They probably would have toured every so often in a limited way. But I think they were getting toward the end. Now had Robert's son not died things might have been different. But his death changed how Robert perceived Led Zeppelin and his commitment to it.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes, Bonham was the sole bandmate Robert really listened and respected. His Death was a tragedy in so many ways....Thank you very much for watching!

[@ericponce8740]

Between 1977, the last time LZ toured the U.S., and 1980, the music scene and business in America changed. Mass commercialization of the record industry became the norm. Music videos, the emphasis on power ballads, and the release of singles became the rule. I believe that LZ management would have to change in the 80s. What worked well in the 70s, being brash and stubborn, like Grant, would not have been practicable in the 80s.

[@alq2868]

Holy smokes, that concert lineup of acts at Montreal Forum is just insane. Imagine having “season tickets” and going night after night to that venue. Gotta admit though, bands like Queen were so well rehearsed and produced at the time, the Zep would have seemed almost too lose and sloppy to compete for fans.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I saw Queen's recent IMAX movie Montreal 1981 and while well-rehearsed, i certainly missed the spontaneous factor Zepp had. I say this with tremendous respect to Queen. Zepp just had the special ingredient you know? And yes, the concert calendar at Montreal....Incredible. Thank you very much for watching!

[@Ionx2000]

I remember the dinosaur label that was in magazines 79-80. Music was changing to shorter faster songs and it would have been hard for Zep to remain at prior heights. The only band that I’ve seen navigate such changes is U2 from 80-90’s. It would have been unlikely given JP’s condition…but I wish we could have how they progressed in the 80’s.

[@Dirgnimai7]

Had the tragedy of Sep 25, '80 not taken place, the future might have been rocky. Robert and JPJ were definitely wanting to continue to expand as they had on In Through the Out Door, while Jimmy and Bonzo were wanting to get back to heavier material. Would they have been able to find a compromise? Or would Led Zeppelin have split because of the old standard, "Musical Differences"? Perhaps my first question is the key. The very notion that "compromise" would be needed would be cause for deep concern. Of all bands in Rock history, perhaps no other had ever seen the degree of collective musical vision as had Zeppelin. There was never any sense of dissatisfaction musically as comes to the album releases, overall. The only possibility there would be that JPJ might have wanted more writing involvement in Presence, and Jimmy might have sensed his position as leader being "challenged" with the ascension of JPJ on ITTOD. But that's mere speculation. But the future direction post ITTOD, that I mention earlier, is not speculation. It was widely known. Sadly, we will never know.

[@JIMIIXTLAN]

I thought/probably/ pretty sure I had tickets lined up for the Montreal show

[@braddurian]

In my mind’s ear I often imagine an album released in 1982 instead of Coda. I envision that it would have sounded heavier than “In Through The Out Door”. Probably it would have more guitar and sound like things Page released on the Death Wish II soundtrack.

[@sicotshit7068]

I wish this could have been true, I could have seen them in concert.

[@Wizardboots]

I believe they would have spent the first half of the 80's doing a combination of Page's riffing from the Firm records....stuff like Midnight Moonlight and Satisfaction Guaranteed, along with the experimentation with the more new wave type production that Robert was doing on Principle Of Moments (probably not going as far with it as he did on Shaken & Stirred...) It certainly would have been interesting to see what they might have done.....Robert would possibly have never considered a solo career. Just hard to imagine Bonham making it through the 80's & 90's, but who knows?.....he could have gotten sober and regained the savage power he had in the 70's.

[@FredChristianImpact]

Great Video .... Zep Would Have Done A Great Rock Record in 82 Got Clean and Sober Slowed Down Like The Stones and Been Just As Great Whole Key Was Health .... But They Outlasted Many Bands in Years The Beatles and Wwith An Intact Lune Up Too .... 12 Years No Changes .... Most Great Bands Stones The Beach Boys Teptations 4 Seasons Eagles Van Halen with Both Roth and Hagar Lasted 4 to 10 Years With Original Line Up ... Until Changes Happened .... That In Itself Is A Great Achievement .... Not Sure If The Who woth Moon Maybe only other Band to Do This .... Either Way Zep Was Great and Made Others Great Too

[@Strydr8105]

Carouselumbra is one of the hardest songs to sing... and spell! Lol

[@doctordetroit4339]

I consider this channel like a church for Zep fans. As big a fan as I am, I am not sure how well Zep would have done in the 80s. Those of you who were around back then know that MTV ruled music. I mean all of it. All of our beloved classic rock bands had to change to fit the mold, both in image and musically going more pop. Van Halen (I mean "Jump"? REALLY???)..... Heart, Yes, Kiss, Starship, Aerosmith....all of them went from rock to pop, more or less. And look how they dressed. OMG. To be sure Zep would have still drew crowds. The Stones did back then. But I don't think Zep would (or perhaps could) have changed their music so stylistically to match the demand of both MTV and younger fans. I just don't. They had too much integrity.

[@davidroberts7282]

Metallica was one of the few huge, big-time rock bands that succeeded throughout most of the 1980's and are seen as the predominant metal band of the 1980's, and they were rarely played on Top 40 radio stations and didn't release a video on MTV until 1988 with "One" and that song mixed band footage with the 1971 anti-war movie "Johnny Got his Gun". So, if a brash, aggressive and defiant metal band like Metallica could successfully avoid the allure of MTV for years and still sell millions of records, and headline major tours, I can't see or imagine a scenario where an infinitely more successful, revered group like Zeppelin with far more resources, clout, and influence couldn't still succeed without relying on the audio-visual medium opiate of MTV.

[@doctordetroit4339]

@@davidroberts7282 Metallica was an aberration. They were new on scene and did not need MTV (like Iron Maiden did not either) but both on their way up. Zep was already struggling towards the end of the 80s, sure they would have sold seats. But not like they did in the 70s. Certainly not albums. Zep had only one way to go: down. Look at Page's success in the 80s...nowhere close. Plant neither for that matter.

[@2112CO]

As Zappa and Grateful Dead kept jamming

[@Love_Street]

Are there any of thier last live quality Recordings that Atlantic could release?

[@VanillaUsername7]

For a proper live album, the shows would've had to have been multitracked. So in theory the following *could* be released: * Royal Albert Hall 1970 * The Japan 1971 shows * Southampton 1973 * Earls Court 1975 (not all five dates) * Knebworth 1979 Another live album is unlikely in the band members' lifetimes. It's been implied that Robert shoots down any potential new releases, and Jimmy is so careful with Zeppelin's legacy that he'd only release another if it fit his idea of perfection. I believe Japan 71 will be released someday, but I'm not holding my breath.

[@StormBringer-]

No I don’t see Robert doing any solo albums up until past 1985. Early days were such a struggle on his own and would not have ventured out so soon. I know these guys especially Robert’s first few solo albums.

[@Strydr8105]

Who knows what the mighty Led Zeppelin would have done they were clearly able to do anything they wanted musically. I do think Plant wanted to do more music like what he did on his own. But Jimmy and John Paul had their ideas, and Bonzo would have continued to be the rock of the band. It definitely would have been interesting and done well. The sad part is I was just getting old enough to see them live and had tickets to the Civic Arena show. I had to settle with Now and Zen and the Page & Plant tour.

[@MeganLynnSuravlas-rb3wf]

A springboard for what could have been

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Then as it was...then again it will be! Hope you enjoy this one!

[@christopherprim1973]

JCM, do you ever want the fastish midtempo intro of Tea for One to just keep on that way, and become a different song, instead of going into a slow blues? Such are the wishes of this fan on some days. I think it's related to why the band liked doing Misty Mountain Hop live so much, and preferred Sick Again to The Rover. You can only put just so many slow, complicated tunes into a show, and the biggies always had to show up in a revolving varietal sequence. What do you think? You had to have an at least 3 song acoustic set, plus Moby Dick usually. And one of those acoustic tunes had to be Bron Yr Stomp or at least Battle of Evermore, for some pace and excitement. I mean, 3 hr. sets with no opener. It all makes sense in the big picture, huh?

[@j.v.f.8736]

Or the intro to Tea for One gone to the Carouselambra sections blackboard

[@christopherprim1973]

Have you tried this??? @@j.v.f.8736

[@2ndshooter688]

Most importantly, we would've been spared The Firm!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Uh oh! hehe. But yeah, there are some tracks by The Firm i don't like. Their second album i do own a copy, it's great!

[@cgab12]

If Zepp continued, they’d sound like Robert Plant’s Carry Fire album..

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I like this theory, Carry Fire is a GREAT album!

[@rodolfo1673]

Omg I am ecstatic on this subject on Led Zeppelin. The big question...? What if Led Zeppelin carried on in the Eighties without loosing John Bonham. I always wondered. Not judging Jimmy Page or anything but should have given the band a break after playing over Europe. Because this would have been a crucial part in Bonham still being alive today in this time and era. Although maybe could have been that Bonzo quit the band and play for puds in a band making like he use to earn before Zeppelin. What about Jonesy? I know for sure he wanted to quit the band in 74' or 75' maybe. Or what about Plant? In case your wondering. He was gonna quit after he's son Karac passed away at age of 5. I mean this was a ticking time bomb just waiting to happened. And what about Page? I absolutely have no idea but he's heroin addiction was getting worse and worse. Just listen to he's voice when he's finally addressing to the public in the shows of 1980. I believe if money wasn't involved to go tour America. And having them to hurry and play the shows and then rehearsals for the States and instead break up and split. I bet they could have played 1985 live aid just as well of not having to replace Bonham with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson. And perhaps Unledded wouldn't existed? Or what about the 40 anniversary of Atlantic records concert show for Ahmet Erguten. Sorry if I spelled he's name wrong. What about Page playing at the ARMS concert just himself. Without any members of the band. I mean he did play Stairway. And Jonesy making that soundtrack that features the song Spaghetti Junction from the movie scream for help. Or Robert Plant going back with The Band Of Joy? Probably with Bonham. What about the O2 arena? Would that have happened???? Damn so much of possibilities if John Bonham didn't pass away in he's accidental death. Who knows what have time and space would have occurred if some changes in the 80s was different if Bonham was alive.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Great questions you ask here man, certainly so many roads, so many alternate realities...Zeppelin could have saved themselves from the tragic finale i believe. But such is life and recovery from excess back then was a taboo subject unfortunately. Hope you enjoy this episode!

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Pagey addressing the audiences of the 1980 live shows - shows - who was still in charge... 🎤🎸😈

[@moneytrain731]

Hey brother, I haven't been around as much, but thus was so much fun. Your ideas of what if, i think make sense. Bonzo would have tried to go into hiding for awhile, a long while while jimmy and the boys, did there own thing. Live Aid, and I think bonzo around this time would have started to play again, local pubs etc. Here is my ultimate take. Forward 1988, and beyond, bonzo would have wanted to get zeppelin back together and plant already having success of a solo career is the one to say.....NO. he is enjoying his new path and music to match the times. I do agree that Bonzos health would've taken a hit and it's a good possibility that if he lived he wouldn't have been able to continue on his hard hitting style as his body was shot. So maybe zeppelin tries to get back together and honestly if Bonham lived there's a strong chance jones and page decide to call it a day out of concern for bonzos health. This is such an exciting topic of what could have been, but maybe was never to be. I hope you and family are well. Greg

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Hey Greg, thank you very muchffor watching! Bonzo's health concerns are always ignored by critics and many theories i've read....so yeah, hiding and healing was the way to go for him. Because Bonham was the only one that Robert really feared and respected...i think that 1988 conversation you suggest would have been fascinating, imagine what John could have said regarding Shaken N Stirred. Plant would have played it cooler....way cooler knowing that his friend was watching and probably reach the artistic heights of his post 2000 career...much sooner!

[@moneytrain731]

@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I continue to say thank you. These zeppelin documentaries are Gold. There hasn't been 1 bad one or close to it. It makes me very sad, but today in the same breath I'm realizing more and more that all things good and bad do run their course. Zeppelin and their music could have been so interesting going into the mid 80s and early 90s. There was a constant rumor and hope the zeppelin camp would come back together and put out an album. They totally made the only choice by breaking up in 1980. However, I will say this, after the 02, they owed it to each other to finally have some fun, include John Paul Jones and either do an album or play afew low key gigs playing only blues, jazz and songs of their choosing. They could have really enjoyed each others company on stage with different drummers and showed the world that zeppelin is over, but the song will always remain the same. Love love love your work brother Greg

[@fallennation7861]

This video gives me kinda mixed feelings. Really loved the attention to details, but I don't think that this alternative timeline would have so much in common with the real timeline. I don't think that Plant would go solo while Led Zeppelin is still here and John is still alive. Some of details made feel depressed, but for 16 minutes it felt like listening to some real story from alternative universe, so I can't but appreciate and thank you for your effort! The part at 4:58 is magical and convincing Here's my theory: 1982-1983: The band is releasing new album. It includes more Page's hard rock cuts, rather than JPJ's keyboard tracks. The band revamps Wearing And Tearing and other outtracks from that era. Album is liked by old fans and younger metal kids who is into NWOBHM, but hated by critics. Band does a tour which shows a band in good form, but instead of Earls Courts plays a couple of night at Hammersmith Odeon. They play in MSG and LA forum, but only one night, the dates of 6 shows residency are over. 1984-1985: Robert Plant is teaming up with Jonesy again to write more tracks for new Led Zeppelin album together. To the sadness of Jimmy, album becomes more new-wave/pop-oriented. Albums got heavily promoted with couple of annoying pop-singles. The band tours USA with hired session bass player who is never in the spotlight, while John Paul Jones is now seating behind the keyboards for the whole show. They even persuade John to add some electric drums to his kit. Set-list? Stairway is still here, but all the other long songs are gone. No more Achilles or Kashmir, instead they are remembering Fool In The Rain and D'yer M'aker, which fit better in a set with the new songs. Encores? Rock And Roll, Whole Lotta Love and Communication Breakdown, but Jones is adding some really cheesy synths on top of them. Band recieves gets a new younger following, but a lot of old fans are hating it. 1987: The band is back in the studio. Plant wants more poppy songs on the new album, Jimmy disagrees. They fight in the studio. Eventually, Plant and Jones win, the album became even more poppier than the previous one. The album came out, but it becomes a flop, band members are hating each other at this point, they never tour the album and disbanding. Robert Plant starting recording his first solo album in 1988. 1995: The band is introduced to Rock 'n' Roll of Fame. Jimmy now is clearer than he was for the late 70s and 80s, Plant is done with pop rock and they remembering good ol' times and think that maybe they could do something again together, which leads to 1998 tour in mid- and big-sized arenas and stadiums. In 2000 they record first reunion album, which is good and features classic LZ sound, but this and subsequent albums are never going to recapture the magick of the first 9 albums. They still tour together once in a while releasing an album per decade. Well... My theory turned out kinda depressing too, isn't it? The more depressing and creepy, but one of the obvious theories is that Jimmy's addiction became bigger and he didn't survives the 80s and John, Robert and John decide to disband. Damn, this is the most uncomfortable things that I ever had to type with my keyboard.

[@patgalvez4563]

Actually almost all of the huge rock rock bands of the late 60's and 70;s were burning out at the same time.....Deep Purple...Sabbath..the Who..Pink Floyd....Skynyrd...Allman brothers...grand Funk..all of them..

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Yes, it was a troubled time for these bands in the business trying to come to terms with aging rockstars according to labels! Thank you very much for watching!

[@matcoffidis1135]

That was very interesting. Ive had these thoughts on the Beatles b4. What if they got back together in the 70's? Even if just for one concert? Anyways. I do believe that Jimmy and Bonzo were in pretty bad shape. I personally think after Presence they shoulda taken a year off for solo projects or R & R. I think Bonham was pretty depressed and Jimmy was just hanging on by a thread. Ive never given Presense a proper listen, but have been the last couple days. Its quite interesting.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Solo projects in 1977? That sounds interesting, imagine a Bonham solo album? I agree on Bonzo, depression was hitting hard, he was an emotional man, thus why he played the way he did and i don't think Peter Grant took proper care of the organization as Swan Song, that bloody name, why choose it right? Thanks for watching!

[@weare45grave]

Had they made it to the West Coast as planned I would have been there in 81. In the end i had to wait until 83 to see Jimmy and Robert play the LA Forum...but at seperate shows 🥴 Had Bonham lived I woukd like to think that Zep woukd have gone the Pink Floyd route. PF did one more album then became a stadium band later in the decade. They could do 6 weeks of stadiums every 5 years or so, giving Bonham, Plant and Jones that needed family time. By the 90's the cycle of "New Record/Tour/New Record" had slowed down "A LOT". Look at Metallica. 3/4 of them somehow lived through the first decade of stardom. They sobered up (mostly). Areosmith too. I wish Zep could have just slowed down enough to continued into adulthood!

[@meanmetalmike666]

Cozy Powell would love Have been the only drummer to do zeppelin

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

He had the right amount of strength in his chops. Most definitely. Thank you very much for watching!

[@SPak-rt2gb]

I heard Jimmy and Bonzo wanted to get back to doing more harder heavy sound like the song "Wearing and Tearing" but Bonham left us. What happened to Jimmy Page he hasn't done much of anything lately.

[@zoso1980]

Jimmy's muse has really struggled post-1976, the loss of Bonzo and the "lost" years of the early 80s. It showed just how much he needed JPJ and Bonzo there to feed his creativity. Sure, there were a few moments here and there - Coverdale/Page, Outrider, Firm, etc. Perhaps Coverdale/Page being his strongest post-Zep work. JP's pure creativity that existed with Zeppelin, never really returned. He needs a foil to bounce off of.

[@jaydavis3899]

No mention of the firm which was a very solid album for jimmy .

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

No because that is The Firm's timeline. I love their second album. Trust me i have nothing against the band :)

[@DougZbikowski]

Primal Blues turned into Shake My Tree 😂

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Quite the evolution haha. Thanks for watching!

[@TheChadTI]

9:23 😂😂😂

[@MrZoSo]

What a sad outcome of "what if's". IMHO The Led Zeppelin would have flown again. With some issues along the way but mostly with success. Look what they actually did achieve in one performance in 2007. Obviously they had it in them and would have risen to any occasion that came. Greatest Rock Band Ever.

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

I could have chosen a more positive outcome but i guess Health is a major concern and they are human after all. Thanks for watching!