Led Zeppelin

After waiting years for a definitive collection of Led Zeppelin perfomances on video, fans have finally been rewarded with what is undoubtedly the greatest concert video ever! Much better than the dismal "Song Remains the Same", this video includes performances from no less than 5 different venues spanning a decade. It also includes rare interviews and TV appearances. The sound quality is amazing, considering the source material used. And the video quality is even more impressive. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST for any Led Zeppelin fan.

This film is simply incredible and is a must have for all Led Zeppelin Fans. I'm really sorry I missed this film when it came out in 2003. It's just a shame that it took nearly 25yrs. for such a collection of concert footage to be released. "The Song Remains The Same" from 1976 doesn't even compare to this live footage.

The raw power of this band is very evident from the very first minute of this film. Rocking right along, it doesn't matter what genre they're playing; heavy rocker, blues based or acoustic this band could do it all. Not really surprising though, ask any fan from those years when LZ ruled the rock world and they will tell you the same. Now the whole world can see for themselves why they ruled the rock world.

The only negative comment I have is the sound quality one Disc 1. The audio from the Royal Albert Hall set is just a little distorted. The audio quality on Disc 2 is much better.

This is a great no frills collection of some of the greatest performances of what many consider the greatest band of the 1970's. The first disc features a great performance from a 1970 show at the Royal Albert Hall. The second disc shows the band's evolution throughout the decade that they dominated. Of particular interest is the chapter featuring the 1973 Madison Square Garden show that was filmed for The Song Remains the Same featuring outtake performances including wonderful versions of their classics "Misty Mountain Hop" and "The Ocean". Also, you get to see several songs from what would be their final British concert at the 1979 Knebworth Festival. However, the whole two disc set is a treat for all Zeppelin fans.

This two disc set is incredible! If you're like me and never had the opportunity to actually see the band live, then this is the next best thing. Jimmy Page, who in my opinion is the second best guitarist ever to walk the face of the earth (second only to Slowfingers himself), He puts on an amazing show in every piece of footage in this film. John Paul Jones, although not as up front as Page, puts on one hell of a show. Although in the live atmosphere, his rythmic bass lines aren't as defined as they are on studio recordings, except of course in songs like Dazed and Confused, or What is and What Should Never Be), but his wide array of instumental talent is well displayed in these DVD's. John Bonham is John Bonham, what can I say? There is no comparison, his beats stand out like no other, and this DVD is proof. Last, but not least, Robert Plant wails like no other can wail. If you've ever read Hammer of the Gods, you'll be wondering the same thing as Page was when he first met Robert Plant, why the hell isn't this guy already famous? And so concludes my review, sorry about and spelling or grammar mistakes, Zeppelin rocks.

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