Led Zeppelin has been my favorite band since I was 12 years old. In the Christmas of 1991, I began this long obsession with the purchase Led Zeppelin II. From the opening riff of "Heartbreaker" to the tender chords on "Thank You," I was fueled with a new inner sanctity and knew my life was changed forever. Over the cold winter months of seventh grade, I indulged in the fourth album, hooked on the classic ballad "Stairway To Heaven." By my 13th birthday, I was well on my way to having their full collection. As a result, specific memories would follow:
1) listening to "The Rain Song" on a dreary Friday afternoon
2) convincing my dad to give me the money to buy "Physical Graffiti" at the mall in Kingston, MA
3) air guitaring to "Rock And Roll" with my friend Mitchell Daley
4) throwing in a tape of the live version of "Dazed and Confused" when I first got my license in the winter of 1996
5) In college, smiling through the haze of a Pab's Blue Ribbon as Dave Mayurnik headbanged to "Kashmir"
12 years later, I find myself in the deps of a hellish day job. However, Led Zeppelin's final album "Co/Da" remains in my office CD player. Today I listen to "We're Gonna Groove" and "Ozone Baby," tracks recorded in the bands prime but assembled only after the passing of John Bonham.
Gathering strength and happiness from their timeless music, their uncanny ability to touch my soul, and their commitment to the mastery of rock, I declare myself one of their greatest fans.
Filled with rare spots and archives, the LED ZEPPELIN DVD provides us with glimpses of the band hidden for over 30 years.
In addition, new lessons can be learned. Here is insight I experienced upon first viewing:
1) Jimmy Page was the mastermind. For example, watch him improv on the Knebworth performance of "Whole Lotta Love."
2) "Achilles Last Stand" is an anthem of unheralded wizadry and pure Zeppelin magic.
3) Plant looked much cooler in 1970 than he did in 1979
4) Bonzo was a machine of percussion.
5) Without John Paul Jones, the band might have gone off the deep end.
With that in mind, I await the day when I introduce my children to power of Led Zeppelin and teach them the many ways this band can alter daily life.
All the best. Ted
