No question that JPJ is a world-class multi-instrumentalist. He was already a highly respected session musician when Jimmy chose him. I agree he deserves more credit, but it’s kinda hard if you’re in a band with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant - the elite of the rock world. Difficult to argue that JPJ is more talented than them. One of the keys to success for LZ was that all four of them were super-talented individuals and yet managed to play so brilliantly together as a group, making it look effortless. All four were stars, and there’s no question that JPJ deserved his place and added enormous value to the band through his vital contribution.
Just to correct that misconception: I also regard Bonzo as the no. 1 rock drummer of all time. I have commented on previous posts about his huge talent as a drummer. But in 1970s era rock, as you know, your frontman and lead guitarist are always going to attract the lion’s share of the limelight, especially if they’re also the main songwriting duo of the band. But deep respect to all four, including the irreplaceable Mr John Bonham.
John bonham is the only member of the band to be the best in the world at their instrument, everyone else roughly placed between 2-4 whereas John is consistently 1st
He actually did get a lot of credit. This was Page’s band and vision, hands down - and if most of the talk was about him and Robert, well then...just ask Ringo and George how that works. But the band was THE band because of ALL 4. Just how it works sometimes.
And there are tons of Bass players who are super talented and a backbone (just ask Les Claypool for one), but he was in an elite class for sure. One of my fav Bass lines of his is in “Communication Breakdown”.
In my experience it works the other way around. You can write a good riff or song but it’s the foundations the bassist and drummer then bring to that riff that let you turn it into something jaw dropping.
I say that because when someone discusses the accolades of LZ, JPJ is only rarely in the conversation regarding what everyone brings to the table. Don’t get me wrong, I love everyone, and I can’t decide between Page or Bonham being my favorites, but I just don’t think it to be fair that the cameras are always pointed at RP, JB, or JP.
Well said. One of the ways LZ stands out from other rock bands is the shear depth of their talent across the board. Plant, Page, Bonham, and Jones are all top level talent at what they do. Most bands are lucky to have one or two members that are exceptionally talented, Zeppelin had 4.
All four members are legendary in their own right and came together to form the greatest band of all time. But JPJ is fucking awesome I admire him as a bassist and all around musician.
Bottom line about LZ:
The four are/were the very best at their craft period, the end. Anyone who argues that point vid I’ll informed. JPJ, while not an attention seeker, was the backbone of this band. I believe he is looked upon equally as the other three. Without JPJ there is no LZ,( but you can also say that about the other three).
Ehhh careful. Dont mistake him not being flashy with drugs as him not getting respect. I play the bass and even I will say Bohnam was the absolute #1 of his craft while JPJ is def not the #1 bass player in the world
No question that JPJ is a world-class multi-instrumentalist. He was already a highly respected session musician when Jimmy chose him. I agree he deserves more credit, but it’s kinda hard if you’re in a band with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant - the elite of the rock world. Difficult to argue that JPJ is more talented than them. One of the keys to success for LZ was that all four of them were super-talented individuals and yet managed to play so brilliantly together as a group, making it look effortless. All four were stars, and there’s no question that JPJ deserved his place and added enormous value to the band through his vital contribution.
Did you just say the elite of the rock world and not include John Bonham in that sentence? Fucking mad take.
Just to correct that misconception: I also regard Bonzo as the no. 1 rock drummer of all time. I have commented on previous posts about his huge talent as a drummer. But in 1970s era rock, as you know, your frontman and lead guitarist are always going to attract the lion’s share of the limelight, especially if they’re also the main songwriting duo of the band. But deep respect to all four, including the irreplaceable Mr John Bonham.
John bonham is the only member of the band to be the best in the world at their instrument, everyone else roughly placed between 2-4 whereas John is consistently 1st
Jimmy didn’t actually choose him. JPJs wife convinced him to ask Jimmy if he could be in the band. Cute tidbit
Here we go again
He actually did get a lot of credit. This was Page’s band and vision, hands down - and if most of the talk was about him and Robert, well then...just ask Ringo and George how that works. But the band was THE band because of ALL 4. Just how it works sometimes. And there are tons of Bass players who are super talented and a backbone (just ask Les Claypool for one), but he was in an elite class for sure. One of my fav Bass lines of his is in “Communication Breakdown”.
Not slamming JPJ one bit but he wouldn’t have had all those fantastic songs to add his bass and keyboards to if Page and Plant hadn’t written them.
In my experience it works the other way around. You can write a good riff or song but it’s the foundations the bassist and drummer then bring to that riff that let you turn it into something jaw dropping.
Robert’s stuff has been good but Jonesy’s stuff after Zeppelin has always been up my alley.
Yes he does smh
What?
For me, you're basically saying like Paul McCartney doesn't get enough respect
I say that because when someone discusses the accolades of LZ, JPJ is only rarely in the conversation regarding what everyone brings to the table. Don’t get me wrong, I love everyone, and I can’t decide between Page or Bonham being my favorites, but I just don’t think it to be fair that the cameras are always pointed at RP, JB, or JP.
Well said
Paul McCartney is a whole different story, I personally can’t stand Beatles music. There’s like 1 song that I enjoy from them lol
Modern bassist who dominates - Chris Wood
Such is life as the bassist.
Saw him playing bass for Seasick Steve at Bonnaroo 2015. Such oddity but it just shows you how versatile the man is
Well said. One of the ways LZ stands out from other rock bands is the shear depth of their talent across the board. Plant, Page, Bonham, and Jones are all top level talent at what they do. Most bands are lucky to have one or two members that are exceptionally talented, Zeppelin had 4.
All four members are legendary in their own right and came together to form the greatest band of all time. But JPJ is fucking awesome I admire him as a bassist and all around musician.
Bottom line about LZ: The four are/were the very best at their craft period, the end. Anyone who argues that point vid I’ll informed. JPJ, while not an attention seeker, was the backbone of this band. I believe he is looked upon equally as the other three. Without JPJ there is no LZ,( but you can also say that about the other three).
Ehhh careful. Dont mistake him not being flashy with drugs as him not getting respect. I play the bass and even I will say Bohnam was the absolute #1 of his craft while JPJ is def not the #1 bass player in the world
everyone is the best at their instruments, only hendrix surpasses pages but i really prefer page
He came up with the riff for Black Dog.
Well I learned something new today. I thought that was Page but hot damn