The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo recently interviewed musician and journalist Bob Spitz’ Led Zeppelin: The Biopgraphy. If Spitz’ name sounds familiar, you may have read his biography on the The Beatles, Ronald Reagan, Julia Child, or Bob Dylan. The writer’s credibility from past books as well as his musicianship seems to have contributed to his ability to get access to Led Zeppelin’s inside circle, including surviving band members. What results is a (relatively) objective look at one of the most revered and at times disgusting popular music acts of the last 50 years.
Spitz chooses to begin before the beginning; he explains how American blues made its way to England and why it resonated with the youth at the time. Jimmy Page (guitar) and John Paul Jones (bass/keys, BTW not his real name) grew up in bands and notably as studio session musicians. Page found his way into the Yardbirds before deciding to start a group of his own. Through word of mouth, he found an amazing young singer and drummer from England’s Midlands region – Robert Plant and John Bonham (“Bonzo”). The four men never quite seemed to be friends, but their musical alchemy was undeniable.
While they created something musically powerful, Led Zeppelin itself seems to have destroyed many lives and brought out the worst in several of the group’s members. Jimmy Page, due to his Aleister Crowley-influenced worldview, developed a penchant for pedophilia (he liked middle schoolers) and heroin. Bonzo drank himself to death. Plant and John Paul Jones seemed the most well-adjusted. However, when looking back on Bonzo’s death, Jones admits that any one of them could’ve been the one to die early. Spitz also moves to the side of state for a lengthy look at Peter Grant, the band’s thuggish manager.
After reading about the band’s deplorable behavior, it’s hard to respect the band. (To the band members’ credit, I think at least Plant and Jones would agree. In the Russillo podcast, Spitz observed that Plant looks truly miserable at any kind of public event in which the band is honored; and that Plant can’t bring himself to say Jimmy Page’s name out loud.) As has been the case often in the last decade; it’s difficult to know how, or whether, we can separate art from the artists. Personally, I think art has its own ontological value beyond its creator. Therefore it is possible and even routine to appreciate a piece beyond any thoughts of its creator. That may be a justification to allow me to keep enjoying my old records, but I do believe it’s true.
Recommended reading for any fan of the band. If you’re a Led Zeppelin novice and you don’t know where to start, I recommend the Mothership collection. The surviving band members picked their own favorites from their albums and compiled them on that album. Also give a listen to Celebration Day. That’s a live album from the band’s 2007 reunion show to honor the head of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun. Even at AARP age, the band brings it for two straight hours. (Bonzo’s son is on drums.) Undeniable.