
I Can Make the Zeppelin Fly Again
I first heard Led Zeppelin in high school. I was at a friend’s house and we were looking at his father’s record collection. We picked out The Song Remains the Same and put it on the turntable, thinking it'd be some crappy old band for old people. By the end of the afternoon we were obsessed. We listened over and over, and then more the next day. Within a year I'd spent most of my lawn-mowing profits acquiring all the band's albums.
I wanted to learn everything about Led Zeppelin, and a new place for learning about things was the Internet. This was the early 1990s, and I knew about the Internet (which didn't yet have images) only because one of my dad's techie friends showed it to me one night. I immediately began lobbying my parents for a modem, and pretty soon our family was online.
Browsing the Web in those days was tedious and slow. There was no way to search or to get a sense of what was out there. It involved a lot of waiting and error messages. Yet there I was each evening, huddled in front of the household PC with the modem bleeping and gnashing, looking for Web pages to read. I found an article on theoretical physics from someone in Geneva, a meatball recipe from Amsterdam, a math puzzle from Helsinki, a history of aviation from Jerusalem. And yet as much as I loved browsing, what I really wanted was to become a webmaster.
There were four websites already dedicated to the band, but that didn’t deter me for a second. In late 1994, "Alex Reisner’s Led Zeppelin Website" was launched into Cyberspace. I worked constantly at it. I typed in lyrics from liner notes. I copied tour dates and set lists from books and other websites. I sat with headphones late at night transcribing drum parts and guitar riffs. I thought of the Web as a library (a common metaphor in those days), and myself as a specialist in the Led Zeppelin section.
I installed a visitor counter on the home page. Some days it didn’t move, other days it increased by five or ten. I looked at it every day. Who were these people visiting my site, I wondered. Soon enough, I got an email:
Subject: supremacy
SCREW THE BEATLES,DAMN THE STONES AND #!@* HIP-HOP! ZEPPELIN RULES!!!!!!!!!
This message was soon followed by others, perhaps one or two per month. And as the visitor counter grew to four digits the rate increased significantly. If people asked factual questions, I was happy to show off my knowledge. If they just wanted to chat I was usually too shy to engage. A lot of people wanted to meet the band, and because it wasn’t clear exactly what the Internet was or who was on it, they often assumed I was the band (e.g., “I am a thirty-nine year-old philosophy professor who is interested in writing an authorized biography on you”). There were grandmothers and girlfriends in search of birthday gifts (an autograph or a personal meeting) and drummers wanting to audition for the role of the deceased John Bonham (“I am the drummer who can once again reunite Led Zeppelin.”). But mostly it was old rock ‘n roll fans wanting to tell someone how much the band meant to them, and to relive the glory days (“I buffed my girlfriend behind a bush while Plant was screaming.”). These were people who loved Led Zeppelin as much as I did.
By the year 2000 my visitor counter had gone to five digits, and then, to my astonishment, six. The Web was growing exponentially, and it was also changing. Instead of “Kendall Jackman's Fitness Page” and “Vormur's Joke of the Week,” new sites had short, staccato names like Excite, eBay, Amazon, PayPal. "David and Jerry's Guide to the Web" became Yahoo!. Search engines were still primitive, but getting gradually better, especially one called Google. The concept of myself a kind of archivist grew less tenable as new commercial and social hubs turned the quiet, well-organized library into a noisy town square. New software made it easy for anyone to “post.” Web pages gave way to blogs. Then came MySpace and Facebook, and finally, microblogs. Sites no longer coalesced around subject matter but around a particular format and style of interaction.
Then, in early 2007, something happened that I didn’t understand. The emails slowed dramatically, and by the end of the year they stopped entirely. That was the sudden and definitive end of them. The number of visitors hadn’t changed--still several thousand “uniques” per day--and the site still appeared on the first page of Google’s search results for “led zeppelin” (certainly due to its old age, not its quality). I was baffled, and though by then I was no longer a Zeppelin-obsessed teenager, I missed the emails. Maybe, I thought, the experience of posting their own words and images on the Web revealed to people that Alex Reisner’s authority was flimsy at best. Or maybe they no longer wanted to engage the librarian at his desk when they could put a question to all their friends simultaneously in the town square.
The Web had changed. Where previously a site was a person’s carefully curated exhibit, a quiet place you could go and explore, now a website came at you with a sales pitch and a call-to-action, it popped up ads and seemed to watch your every click. Many sites had commercial motives, and this put everyone on the defensive. Pouring your heart into an email could end in the humiliation of an automated response, or subscription to a mailing list. No longer did you assume a like-minded nerd was sitting at the other end of the wires, keen to field your question. Just look at the comments--the world was filled with crazy people. And so the town square was no place for sharing one’s personal feelings. Instead it was for public performances of personal feelings, and these performances could earn “likes” and “shares.” If my visitor counter had been riveting, these tickers were downright addictive. With such an enticing game at hand, emailing a single webmaster (even the word had fallen out of favor) seemed cumbersome and wasteful. It could earn no points. This, at any rate, was how I eventually explained it to myself.
And so, in keeping with my librarian-ish tendencies, here on the commercial and gamified Web, I present a selection of emails I received between 1995 and 2007. Since these messages were private, all personally-identifying information has been removed.
Table of Contents
- I Know I’m Not An Aging Burnout - emails about concerts
- Expert, Professor, and Guitar Supermaster - emails about Jimmy Page
- It’s Cool If You Are I Was Just Wondering - emails about Satan
- My Mom Is Bothering Me - emails from kids
- Even Robert’s Height Would Be Useful - emails about homework
- $40,000: What, You Cannot Afford It? - beefs with the band
- Kiss You Ass Bye Bye - beefs with me
- Listen and Tell Me I’m Not Going Mad - confusion about lyrics
- I Can Make the Zeppelin Fly Again - emails from drummers
- All the Greatness Will Be Done - manifestos
I Know I’m Not An Aging Burnout
Emails about concerts.
led zeppelin 1969 new haven ct.
January 26, 2006
iam a 47 year old man,i was 10years old in 1969.my sister was babysitting me ,as soon as mom left for work, my sister grabbed me and took me with her the see led zeppelin!!!!!the concert was held at YALE BOWL,in new haven ct.
i don’t remember thr date ,i was too young i remember everyone rushing the stage, and i was alone listening to the zep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!if you’d like you can update your tour dates to list YALE BOWL as the venue for that concert.
Correction To Set List
June 29, 2006
I was at the 1977 concert in Fort Worth, Texas. Your set list is really, really, lacking. They came out rocking for a long time, then did a very long acoustic set in the middle, then rocked again for a very long time afterward. I know they played Nobody’s Fault But Mine, because I remember it distinctly (since I loved the song so much at the time). I wish I could remeber the songs from the extended acoustic set, but I can’t. Sorry for the lack of detail. It was my first concert (a great way to start!), I was 15 years old, and I was high as a kite, so I don’t remember everything! I do remember the wonderful Moby Dick and especially the Stairway to Heaven performances. I would almost be willing to bet my left testicle that they played The Song Remains The Same. I’m almost positive.
Queens Worlds Fair Grounds
December 10, 2006
Flushing NY Summer of 1970? 1969?
They definitely played there, because I buffed my girlfriend behind a bush while Plant was screaming. It had to be summer. Help. Date’s not listed.
Sincerely,
Bush League Lloyd
led zeppelin concert in Greensboro, NC 5/31/77
October 5, 2006
Your list does not include a concert on 5/31/77 in Greensboro, N.C. I was there and I actually sang happy birthday to Bonzo since it was his birthday. However, my teenage son (who thinks I’m a god for actually having seen the great Zeppelin) wants to know what songs they sang. I remember some, but not all.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I know I’m not an aging burnout because I do still have the ticket stub for the concert.
Thanks in advance,
Joey W___
Guitar
November 26, 2004
Hello whoever this may be in a kind of Led Zep kind of way. I’ve loved Zep since I was 13 I’m now 30. Shit 17 years of Zep and more than half of my life. I was conversing with my father earlier who can’t remember seeing Zep at Live Aid. I on the otherhand remember Rob in a blue shirt was i Dreaming? I was 11 at Live Aid and remember Eric C. Shit Jimmy was always gonna blow him off the stage. Clapton must have been shittin himself
thanx john 4
rained out Tampa show in 1977
October 1, 2005
Do you by chance know what song was the last one played at the rained out show in Tampa on June 3rd, 1977? I’m 99.99999% sure it was “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”, but I’d like to confirm that. It is very important. Thanx for any help.
Sincerely,
Mark M_______
rained out Zep show int Tampa, 1977
October 1, 2005
Dear Mr. Reisner,
I just sent you a letter asking you if you knew the last song played at the rained show in 1977. I just confirmed from the Led Zeppelin Live web site that I don’t have selective memory. The song was “ Nobody’s Fault But Mine”
Something really weird is going on. That rain cloud followed me from Brooksville, Fl. I was running late and the last song was the only one I heard.
I didn’t realize it at the time, stoned as I was, but now I realize it was the third anniversary of the day I inadvertantly killed my brother. I didn’t actually do the killing, I asked him to help me fight a family battle, he was the baddest dude in Brooksvile at the time. The bullet was badder.
There’s other weird stuff having to do with that song, too, but I’m not going to go into that now.
Sincerely,
Mark M_______
Expert, Professor, and Guitar Supermaster
I received more emails about Jimmy Page than any other band member. I did clearly explain on the website that I had no connection with the band or any of its members.
Jimmy Page
November 12, 2000
I think this is wonderful that there is a NICE site about Mr. Page. I recently saw him and The Crowes in New Mexico before the poor baby injured himself. I’ve been a huge fan (and groupie) for Mr. Page and will continue while I’m still young.Do you have any way to get a hold of him? I was going to send him some flowers as a get well. You can Email me.
Lots of love,
Heather Honeywell
contact or autograph of jimmy page
December 15, 2001
I AM THE GODMOTHER OF AN 18 YEAR OLD BOY WHO IS A GREAT ADMIRER OF LED ZEPPELIN, JIMMY PAGE. HE WILL BE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL JUNE 2002 AND I WOULD LOVE TO EITHER GET AN AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO OF JIMMY PAGE FOR MY GODSON DIMITRI, OR TO MAKE SOME CONTACT WITH MR.PAGE. I WAS ONCE DIMITRI’S AGE AND I KNOW WHAT A THRILL IT WOULD BE FOR HIM TO RECEIVE SUCH A GIFT FOR GRADUATION. TO BE HONEST I AM QUITE SURPRISED HIS LOVE FOR THIS BAND KNOWING THAT THERE IS SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY.
I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE A REPLY SINCE I WILL TRY ALL CHANNELS TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR HIM. WE ARE LIVING IN ATHENS GREECE. IS THERE ANY CHANCE LED ZEPPELIN WILL BE PLAYING HERE?
THANK-YOU, I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
ELIZABETH Z_____
(no subject)
November 12, 2006
My father, now retired, grew up in Dag. / Basildon area of Essex. We were talking the other day about people gone by etc. It turns out that my Dad taught J. P. to play guitar when he was young. Then one day he phoned their home to speak to Dad, my Mum said he would phone him back - and never did. Obviosly life has gone on since then and my Dad is now getting back into his guitars. It’s his birthday next year and I would like to try and get ‘that’ phone call again. Even though Dad is more ‘Chet Aitkins’ style now than any other - do you have any idea how I could try to make this happen? - Or is there NO chance?
Jacqui H_____
Authorized Biography of Jimmy Page
October 11, 2001
Mr. Page:
I am a thirty-nine year-old philosophy professor who is interested in writing an authorized biography on you.
Personally, I have always regarded Led Zeppelin’s musical contributions as transcending the musical world and would like to compile your biography.
I have a rather eclectic background with additional interests in alchemy, mythology and other subjects that might permit a deeper delivery than a mere he-was-born-and-did-the-following type of treatment.
If you might be interested in at least exploring the idea with me, please respond.
Incidentally, I had tickets to a local performance of the Led Crowes tour several months back but it got cancelled as a (reported) result of a back ailment of yours. I do hope that you are well now. That was a major bummer for me. Lord knows, carrying those weighty Les Pauls around all these years would take a toll on anyone; presuming that’s the source of the ailment.
Respectfully, your long time, serious fan,
Russell E_____ ;-]
Jimmy Page is my boyfriends idol
October 14, 2006
Dear Sir:
I’m in a major panic mode. My boyfriend’s birthday is in five days and i have no idea what to get him. I don’t have much money to spend on him, because my cat is currently receieving kemotherapy for his cancer. I was wondering if there would be a way to contact or be able to get Jimmy Page’s autograph. He learned how to play guitar listening to him. In fact my boyfriend’s name is Satchel Page. You can see by that that he is a huge fan. If you could email me back with any help possible that would be greatly appreciated. If you need any further information, please contact me through my father’s email. Thank you for your time, have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Stephanie C______
do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
March 20, 2007
I recently finished a short (40 page) book about Aleister Crowley’s Moonchild. I know Jimmy Page is a student of Crowley’s teachings and so I would like to send him a copy.
Thank you.
Love is the law, love under will.
Jimmy Page - Guitar GOD
August 5, 2002
Dear Mr Jimmy Page,
We would like to inform You, Dear Mr Page -- THE GUITAR GOD, that we are going to organize “Jimmy Page’s Fan Club” (JPFC)in Georgia (fromer republic of the USSR, capital city Tbilisi).
We remeber the period when rock music was prohibited in the USSR. The most popular rock group of that time (1968-1980) was LED ZEPPELIN with its expert, professor and guitar supermaster JIMMY PAGE
I wish some fine day You will give a concert in Tbilisi, Georgia. That day I would be the happiest man in the world -- looking at Guitar God playing guitar!
Let me know beforehand when that magic day may set in.
For now, We and I wish You success. Yours faithfully,
Alexander K__________
E-mail: ____________@hotmail.com
Page’s ancestry
February 22, 2006
Hi Alex,
The wikipedia article on Jimmy Page says that he is 1/8th Chinese. Is this true?
I find it hard to believe. Thanks,
John
Gift for Jimmy Page
June 20, 2007
Hi! My name is Annie and I have a request for all the Jimmy Page fans out there. I am working on a present for him that I would like your help with. I’m collecting stories from all his fans about how they became a fan and how he influenced their lives, then I am going to take the stories and have them made into a really nice book and get it to him on his birthday next year.
I have collected quite a number so far and I’d like to give as many fans as possible the chance to contribute if they wish. I am doing it because I have been a fan of his since I was 8, and I just want to give him a special thank you for all his music and inspiration in the anniversary year of the creation of Led Zep. I live about 45 minutes from his London home and have a few contacts that can help me get it to him, so I am fairly certain it will reach him.
Anyway, if you would like to send your story please do, and if you know of anyone else who might like to send me a story, please forward my email on. I really want to be flooded with emails so that I can give Jimmy love from his fans. Telling someone how much they are appreciated is a special gift, and he won’t be here forever for us to tell him how much he has brought to our lives. So even if you only want to say one line to him, please email it to me.
Thanks to everyone who sends me a story or passes this email on. Send stories to _____________@hotmail.com
7th Grade English
March 28, 2006
Good afternoon! My students created Hero Books and one of my students selected Jimmy Page as his hero. I need an address for Jimmy Page. Thanks!
Contacting Jimmy Page
June 30, 2007
Hello my name is Dante D’Sant Angelo and I was wondering if you know how to contact Jimmy Page. I want to ask him if he would help me in an campaign towards using biofuels.
I want to contact Jimmy Page, his mail.
October 29, 2001
I WANT TO KNOW JIMMY`S E-MAIL
It’s Cool If You Are I Was Just Wondering
Questions about Satan.
(no subject)
June 13, 2005
Are Led Zeppelin satanists?
you guys rock
September 10, 2001
I’ve listened to you guys ever since I was old enouph to talk. Led Zeppelin is the greatest band to ever walk the face of the earth. Jimmy Page is the greatest gutarest to ever live and allways will be. There’s one question I want to ask, are you guys really satinic. It’s cool if you are I was just wondering. Well just wanted to say keep on playing till you die.
reverseable Stairway to Heaven
June 22, 2007
I’ve listened to Stairway to Heaven backwards, there is clearly a santanic message. Is it one of Jimmy Page’s santanic curses?
Question
May 11, 2005
Do you know what each member of Led Zeppelin’s religious beliefs are?
Zeppelin Fuckin Rocks
January 10, 2005
Well i am a 15 year old female and i have been a zeppelin fan for a really long time now and my favourite song is Stairway to Heaven. i was recently told that this part of the song played backwards is demonic “If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow dont be alarmed now its just a spring clean for the may queen, yes there are to paths you can go by but in the long run theres still time to change the road your on.” Of coarse i didnt belive it at first but i did get kind of upset cause i may not study the bible but i sure as hell dont belive in santian. But later on i grabed my Zeppelin 4 CD and put it in my computer and recorded that one part and played it backwards to see if it was true and, it was it talks about the power of santian and i just wanted to know whos idea it was to put that in the song because Zeppelin is the most peacefull band ever and i guess im just curious so if u could e-mail me back and tell me i would love that. Thank- you
My Mom Is Bothering Me
Emails from kids.
Band Name
June 20, 2007
Dear Mr. Page,
Im sure that most of the emails you receive are fans telling about how much they love you. Well that isn’t what Im contacting you about. I am a huge fan. I know the small detailed facts that a lot of people don’t know. Like how you weren’t aloud to play in Singapore because your hair was too long. I also have all of your CDs including COda. Anyway, I am contact because I need help. I need a band name. I amd stuck. I have blogged, searched and you don’t even want to know, but I need a name. I would love it if you could take a few minutes away form playing brain-melting guitar solos and send me an email with a band name idea.
Thanks,
Conor P______
greetings from Mexico
July 18, 2002
As many, many others in the world, I am a fan of these remarkable group and it ́s music. I found you late because I am 13 years old but I know something, I will never forget your extraordinary music.
>>From Mexico with Love:
Catalina C_______
hello, australia also loves led zeppelin
April 15, 2002
hi there,
i know that u are not the real led zeppelin but if u actually have ne contact with them at all can u please give them this very special message to them for me, ‘ we people in australia love you too’.
they have never toured here and i am only 17 and i know that led zeppelin have been going longer since i was born and i know thye don’t do many concerts now but i would really love uit if you were too do one last tour of the place. Your guys rock so much u are my fav band, u had been since my mother first played ‘black dog’ to me when i was a chilc. She used to think communication brakedown would get me to sleep and we both sing and play stairway to heaven on guitar.
look i understand that all i am to u is one of many stupid fans that u wouldn;’t give to shits about but i think that u need to consider coming to perth australia because i love u and my dream is to watch u actually play live. ALL OF YOU.
cheers,
bella jo
if u do not have ne contact with the band i have made a fool out of myself!!!
PLAYING THE GUITER LIKE U
December 8, 2002
JIMMY,
LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS JASON GARCIA,IAM 17 YEARS OLD, LIVING IN CHICAGO. NOW FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE BEEN AMAZED BY YOUR GUTIAR PLAYING, AND SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MASTER YOUR SKILLS. THE MAIN SONGS I HAVE MASTERED WAS “STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN”,”BABY IAM GONNA LEAVE YOU”,”SINCE IAM BEEN LOVIN YOU”, “ACHILLES LAST STAND” AND MANY MORE.MY DREAM COME TRUE IS TO PLAY GUITAR TOGETHER. SORRY I GOT TO GO MY MOM IS BOTHERING ME. BYE
Thank You
May 12, 2002
I just thought i should thank you, Alex Reisner and whoever else has made this great site possible. I am 17 years old and a Junior in high school. I love led zeppelin, and i get frustrated cause no one else enjoys them as much as i do. I have all of their albums on vinyl and cd, including bbc sessions and bootlegs ive mustered together. But no one gets the message or even cares. Its good to come here and just copy and paste zep lyrics to my buddy profile and when someone says, wow, thats deep! i can say, no, its zeppelin baby....
thanks a heap, Marshall S_____
i LOVE jimmy page
January 15, 2007
I Have loved jimmy page for 3 years now, he inspired me to start guitar, and i listen to led zep every time i have a spare minute, he is a legend, and no one can beat him. BEST GUITARIST EVER, WHO WAS IN THE BEST BAND EVR LED ZEPPELIN! HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR THE NINTH JIMMY! love u and zep, sachi
(no subject)
March 2, 2006
I’m a kid and I would like to use Led Zeppelin’s song “Whole Lotta Love”. I’m using this for a biography on Led Zeppelin, if you’ll give me permission to do this that would be awesome. Thanks!
Even Robert’s Height Would Be Useful
Requests for homework help.
Quick Question
July 28, 2004
I can’t seem to find anywhere how tall Jimmy Page is... I’ve asked around and no one seems to know. If you could tell me, that’d be great, even Robert’s height would be useful. Thank you for your time, I love your site!
Joanna
John Paul Jones (1747-1792)
April 30, 1997
Please send me any information on the bibliograph of John Paul Jones. Born in 1747. I need to know if he was married, had children, activities after the war, before the war, personality traits. Thank you very much PATS5.
The Name
April 25, 2004
My son is doing a school project on Led Zeppelin and would like to know what the name of the group means, or where they got the name from. We know what a Zeppelin is, but can’t figure the “LED” part.
Thanks
interview
March 12, 2007
Dear Alex,
I am currently working on an I-search paper for my English class. My topic is the connection between Led Zeppelin and Lord of the Rings. If you have any knowledge of this topic, would you be willing to do an interview over e-mail? Thank you very much, Destiny M______
english report
May 5, 2004
i am a sophmore in high school and am doing an research report for english about being a rock star, i need to interview a real rock star and Jimmy Page is favorite. I was wondering if anyone knew if and how I could contact him for an interview, either over the phone, or in person.
Jimmy Page
March 5, 2001
Your website is o.k, but I don’t think it has enough information on jimmy page. I’m doing a school project and I need a little more information. Could you please tell me more stuff on Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page.
THANKS
can i borrow your index?
January 30, 2007
can i borrow some of your lyrics?plz,its in a realy important school projekt. i love the zepplins, ther’re like gods for me. just some of jimmy,robert,bonham and jones and some other stuff.
Pink Floyd Vs Led Zeppelin
August 24, 2003
to whom it may concern,
i am a big pink floyd fan and i have visited a site that has the immortal question: Pink Floyd vs. Led Zeppeiln, whos better? i know youre a zep fan and are partial to zep. i dont know what plant, page, or jones think of the floyd’s work. because to me floyd and zeppelin are two very different bands. one’ an uper ones a downer. ones better at making sense and one’s not. i feel that roger water’s concepts were bigger and more broad then that of plant’s. nbut ive heard that robert plant never really liked the floyd and couldnt relate to them. is that true? and also id like you to a comaparison of the two bands and tell me who is better? thank you.
PLEASE HELP! IMPORTANT!
March 25, 2001
Hi! I have an assignment due this week - and one of the questions is about Jimmy Page! Can you please help me!!! I am so desperate! :)
What is the name of Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page’s sister’s horse?
a) Stewball
b) Acrimonious
c) Stroller
d) Lightning
e) Misty
Your help would be much appreciated!!
Alison!
interview
November 20, 2001
Dear Alex,
I’m a student journalist at Lincoln University in the UK, and i am in my second year of doing a BA in Journalism. For one of my assignments i have to conduct a three question interview with a person of my choice to then be published on our universities internal magazine. I’m a huge Zepp fan, and think your site is one of the better ones out there. I would be most grateful if you could get back to me with contact details and answers to these questions:
1/ Why did you choose to construct a website about Led Zeppelin?
2/What is your favourite Zepp albumn and why?
3/If you could ask John Bonham one question, what would it be?
The third one is a tough one, i haven’t a clue what i would ask! Keep up the great work on the site, you are doing a sterling job. Cheers. James F_____.
need your Zepplin expertise please!
September 6, 2005
Hi...could you tell me the answer to these two questions? Where did the cover art for Led Zepplin IV come from?
a. A sketch from Ron Wood
b. Something Robert Plant picked up at a junk shop.
c. A rejected potential cover for Lord of the Rings?
What mythology is referenced in Led Zepplin IV?
a. Doors of Perception
b. The wrath of the Gods
c. Lord of the Rings.
If you could help me with these ASAP, I’d be forever grateful!
Emily Franz
Love in the lyrics of the Led Zeppelin’s songs
April 10, 2007
Dear Mr. Reisner,
My name is Dominika and I study the English Philology at the Univerity of Opole (Poland). I am on the last year of my studies and as a result of that I have to write my master’s thesis. The topic of it is “Whole Lotta Love. The motif of love in the lyrics of the Led Zeppelin songs”. That is why I would like to know what is your (as one of the most famous experts of Led Zeppelin)opinion about it? Do you think that love is present in their songs? If yes, in which songs and how could you justify your opinion. Is it only love between man and woman or are there any kinds of love? What about song entitled “Whole Lotta Love”? I would be grateful to you for the answer. Sincerely,
Dominika
P.S say happy birthday to Page and Jones for me . And tell Plant he is the Sexiest thing i have ever seen, im goin out with a guy that looks just like him! Anyway i better go PEACE
Question
November 20, 2003
Whats up? I was wondering if you could answer a question or two that i have on Led Zepplin. I have a group project that i am doing in my “History of Rock and Roll” class at my college. The project is divided into five categories and each member gets one. My section is the Societal Context. In other words, the questions that i have to answer are:
How did the surrounding political and cultural climate influence the artists and their work? This information can be divided into 3 categories:
a. youth culture and its relationship to society
b. cultural and political movements, including the struggle for civil and human rights for minorities, peace and antiwar movements, and establishement of counterculture alternatives
c. the music industry and its current point of development.
I know its a lot of stuff to take it but i was just wondering if you could give me and info you have realting to my part of the project. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
$40,000: What, You Cannot Afford It?
Beefs with the band.
LedZep are Frauds....
June 28, 2007
It looks like the news is spreading that LedZep ripped off much of their early work and attempted to pass it off as their own. They can only find ONE song on the original album that doesn’t have lifted parts...and they may find that as a ripoff eventually. Even parts of Stariway were lifted. They’re already starting to credit the original artists on the newer compilation albums. What a disgrace. Could you post some of that on this site?
screwed over
October 7, 2005
Hi Alex. We don’t know one another but I have a Zepplin beef that’s been gnawing on me for decades.
In the spring of 1969 the band did their first West Coast tour. I was promoting concerts at the time for the Univ. of Calif. Irvine and I booked Zep for their second or third appearance following gigs at the Sunset. I met with Peter Grant and and we set the whole thing up for the gym at UCI I think it was in May of ‘69.
The details are a bit fuzzy now but I remember Grant and I agreed on a fixed percentage of the gate, selling no more than 4,000 tickets... the gyn’s maximum camapacity. Well, it seems that Grant printed several thousand ‘unauthorized’ tickets unknown to me.The night of the gig, nearly 10,000 kids show up. It was a near riot when they couldn’t get in. We had to call the Orange County Tac squad to break up the crowd. The fire marshall nearly refused to let the concert go on but it finannly did. Grant and I were going at it about the tickest and I knew I we getting screwed but nthere was little I could do about it.I was backstage with Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonham, smoking weed...geting tuned-up for the show. When they finannly went on it was a truly amazing concert.
When the gym was finally cleared and I went to settle up with Grant and try to sort out the whole thing. He claimed to be be completely innocent. He said our understanding for was a percentage of gross sales not net slaes after expenses, etc. I remember him stuffing duffle bags with cash from the box office...then they all split.
The nex week I drove over to Capitol Records to meet with some exec. I was basically told ‘tough shit’. I ended up paying the Univ. $18,000out of my pocket for damages and costs for the cops, and I figure Grant stole at least half the gate.
I ‘ve always loved Zep but I’ve never forgotten that experience. I’d love for Page or Plant to step up,do the right thing, and repay me for getting screwed by them on their way to the top.
I wouldn’t even know where to begin? Anyway...a little Zep trivia from the “good old days’.
Jon N______
legal fees
October 19, 1999
I do not have the whole story-just what was in the local paper!!! Mr.Page who i respect very much-needs to pay Mr.Burnsides legal fees!!!! Fixed income,$26,000 per year,war hero and a man,we as a society owe our exsistence to!!!!!!!
Come on Jimmy-$40,000-What you can not afford it?????If it was not for people like Mr.Burnside,there would not have ever been Led Zepplin!!!!!!!
Led Zeppelin
August 9, 2001
I heard on the radio the other day that this group was only performmers, they actually didn’t sing or play the music...is this true..?
COVER BAND
June 27, 2007
Does it bother you that LED ZEPPLIN riped off folk singers and called their songs ...as heard on the Howard Stern show today... Amust listen...will change your perspective Im sure...
Kiss You Ass Bye Bye
Beefs with me.
and who r u?
July 7, 2002
so, who the bloody bloke r u? to think so much, is to gain so least...
you are an idiot!
March 29, 2002
you have sound bites of Bonham listed as triplets, you’re fucked. Those are not triplets...watch the movie...you’re a dick. And I think that you violate copyright laws by posting any and or all of those sound bites.
Here comes the law...put your head between your legs...and kiss you ass bye bye
your zeppelin site
June 3, 1999
YOU ARE A FUCKING IDIOT!!!!! I go to your page and the first thing I see is your dumb ass saying that Jimmy Page played the guitar and John Paul Jones played the bass. IT’S THE OTHER WAY AROUND, DICK-LICKER! FUCK YOU, YOU DAMN BITCH!
(no subject)
February 23, 1996
Yea Ive got a suggestion for you put some fucking shit on your page
hii thanks about ur homepage
July 22, 2002
hiiiii my brother,how ru??i hope u fine ok.brother,ur homepage very very good but ur homepage u dont u have knowledge.
ok byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Led Zepplin Sucks, Go Away!
April 15, 1997
Led Zepplin Sucks, Go Away, Dude!
Listen and Tell Me I’m Not Going Mad
Confusion about lyrics.
whoopie cat
April 29, 2007
Iam trying to figure out what Led Zepplin song has the phrase “whoopie cat” in the lyrics. Please help.
Lyrics query
August 9, 2003
Hi Alex
Was singing along yesterday, as you do, and realised I wasn’t too sure about certian bits of the lyrics. No matter which site I search, the second line (not the one I was wondering about) including yours, have it wrong.
EVERYBODY has it wrong. It should be “Drop down, mama, lay your / mis-chief on me” and no matter which alternative I read, it still doesn’t sound as close as my version. Do me a favour, listen and tell me I’m not going mad ?
Cheers
slumpy
PS great site :-)
Stairway To Heaven?
January 17, 2005
What is the song about? Thanks
christmas song
December 11, 2003
i heard the most amazing christmas song and it was with the LD and orchestra. it was the song that goes...DA...da da da, DA...da da da...
can’t find the song or know which CD it is on. any help? thanks, joni
After receiving a number of emails in which people type-hummed songs to me and asked me to identify them I posted an entry on my frequently-asked questions (FAQ) list: “What’s the song that goes ‘Dum-da-dum da-dee dum-dum ...’”? The answer was: “I can’t actually hear you humming. If you can remember any lyrics, try using the search bar found on the top right corner of any page on this site.” I thought this was a good way to stop the humming emails but the plan backfired.
answer for question #2
January 31, 2006
the song with dum-dum-da question #2 i think their talking about The Ocean.
FAQ section
April 27, 2006
This is completely random so I apologize for wasting your time but on the FAQ section of your site I think the person asking the “dum- da-dum da-dee dum-dum” question may be refering to Friends, off of Led Zeppelin III. Again this is totally random and I’m pretty high so I apologize again...
FAQ #2
March 11, 2005
I think what they are thinking about is the guitar riff from Four Sticks.
Dum-da-dum da-dee dum-dum FAQ2
February 5, 2005
Sounds like “The Ocean”
dum de dum ...
December 3, 2006
That song is “how many more times” from Zeppelin’s first record.
I Can Make the Zeppelin Fly Again
Drummers often wrote to debate my drum transcriptions. And with John Bonham out of the picture, some saw a gig opportunity.
Rock-in-Roll drum entro
November 18, 2004
Alex, when I listen to the Led Zeppelin begining of Rock-in-Roll it sounds like
bap 1 2 bap 1 2 3 bap 1 2 bap 1 2 3 bap 1 2
bap 1 2 bap 1 bap bap 1 bap bap bap bap bap.
bap, being the accent.
I could be wrong.......what do you think??
Bob T________
The New Legend?
August 27, 2005
Hi
I was surfing on the net today and came accross a band who claim that their drummer is as good as John Bonham!!
I have looked at the video footage of the guy and I must admit that I dont know what they are talking about?
Is it just me or do you think that this is a very bold statement to make??
Maybe you could sent an email to the band with your opinion or put a comment on their forum???
this is the link for the band...
http://www.____________.co.uk/diary.htm
Cheers
Joe
Bonzo’s Drum Transcriptions
November 21, 2001
Hi Alex,
Just a note to wish you a “Big Up” for supplying Bonzo’s drum transcriptions and the clipped .mp3’s. I downloaded some for my son and it really put the fun back into drum studies (for both of us).
Some of his Bonzo’s drum parts came naturally to me but on others, I have struggled for years (could never pick where the bloody bar line was). Can we have some more please? eg. I could never pick where the bar line was on the intro to “Misty Mountain Hop”.
I started playing at the age of 15 and Doug Clifford and Bonzo were always my favourites. At 35 I kicked it all into touch and started learning sax. I’m now 43 and recently my son started to learn drums. He came home with some Zep tracks that he needed to learn. After spending quite a few hours with him (he was blown away that his worn out old fart of a dad could play the drums to Zep) I have decided to sell my sax and get back on the drums. In the meantime my son has given me permission me to use his kit for a small fee (hmmmm - we’ll see about that!).
Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh ... happiness is a warm crunge. The wrinkles are starting to disappear already.
Gotta fly. I’m off to learn “Black Dog” now I’ve got the dots. cheers
Drummer
November 16, 2000
I’m 43 and have played my style of drumming mirroring Johns style as well as Phil Collins. I would love for just one chance to prove myself to Robert,Jimmy and John-Paul as a tribute to “Bonzo” for a little Kasmir to return..If they are interested let me know. Life is short, as we all know.
The Song Remains The Same,
Gary “Gig” L______
Drummer for your band
November 4, 2006
Dear Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones,
I am writing to you guys to let you know I am the drummer who can once again reunite Led Zeppelin.
I am very sorry the loss of John Bonham. I’m sure he would have wanted you guys to continue. Led Zeppelin is not the Hindenburg. I can make the Zeppelin fly agian.
My idea is to open every show, for one year, with a thirty minute drum solo to be dedicated to the late John Bonham. My set-up is very unique. Along with my drum set, in the back,to my right I will have four timpany drums and two 40 inch gongs, and to my left, a baby grand piano. I wrote two or three songs I would like you to hear and if you like them you could have them as a gift. The drum solo would also serve as an “Am I worthy?” question to all Zeppelin fans.
My friends call me Cue, you can too.
Please take a chance and listen to my songs and my drumming.
It’s important where you’ve been and where you are, but it’s most important where you finish.
I am 49 years old. I’ve been playing drums since age five. My life is drums. It’s not just my drum kit, it’s my survival kit. It’s not gonna hurt to try an unknown drummer. Well known drummers sometimes have idenity attitudes. I am a nobody who can play with any band on Earth. PLease give me a try.
Contact me at..
Robert “Cue” C_____
Bonham’s transcriptions
January 2, 2002
I beg to differ on some of your transcriptions. The intro to “rock and roll” is not 16th notes - it is eighth notes, which has continuity with the rest of the song. It is convenient for to to start on the second 16th of the 4th beat, because the intro will mathematically resolve on one. Really, the intro starts on “one” and resolves with the final bar in 5/8 - this is what gives the intro an explosively spontaneous feel. Also, really listen to the intro (on untitled)- there are many subtle accents, not just the prominent ones you transposed.
I think the prominent thunderous lick at the end has 2 consecutive notes on the kick - sort of a “five” lick - snare, rack tom, floor tom, kick, kick - snare rack tom, floor tom kick kick etc.
Did you read that interview where Carmine Appice said Bonham “stole” the Rock and Roll ending from a tune on a Cactus album? Not true - the Cactus ending is the ole’ tom tom kick, tom tom kick triplet - Bonham’s is much more difficult to execute. The only similarity is the “tension and release” idea.
If your are interested in a second opinion on any of Bonham’s transcriptions do not hesitate to E-mail me.
Sincerely
B. L_______ - rock drummer for 18 yrs.
Transcription is wrong!!!
August 5, 2002
The fill you have in the Stairway Heaven solo, transcribed is wrong. You have the end of it going Floor, Small (Rack), Floor, Snare, Floor, Small (Rack). This is wrong. The way I he does it is with the flow with the rest of the fill. He puts the bass drum in it like the rest of the fill. It goes Bass Drum, Floor, Small (Rack), Bass, Snare. I’m 17 years old and studying this bloke as much as I can, because he is the one and only, true legend of a drummer. Cheers,
Will
Bonzo’s snare drum sound
December 23, 2003
Hi! Great site! I’m trying to find out how I could acheive the same tone on my snare drum that Bonham was famous for...any ideas? Just like to know how I should tune it so it would sound the same... so far, having some difficulty...
Thanks very much. Happy Holidays.
jason bonham transcription
May 15, 2007
I challenge you to transcribe the main verse groove of “ The Only One” from Jimmy Page’s Outrider album. Let me know.
Thanks,
Nick
All the Greatness Will Be Done
Manifestos.
LED ZEPPELIN
February 27, 1997
HAVE THE ZEP GRABBED YOUR SOUL AND RIPPED IT FROM YOUR SUBCONCIOUS YET, COS THEY HAVE WITH ME. BONZO...... YOUR THUNDER WILL SOUND AGAIN.
GOOD TO SEE SOME FOLK APPRECIATE TOP SOUNDS.
YOU WANT AMBIENT? THEY GAVE US IT WITH NO QUARTER YOU WANT REGGAE? D’YER MAKERS FOR YOU.
THEY WILL SUPPLY ANY SOUND YOU WANT . JUST DON’T CALL THEM FUCKING HEAVY METAL
KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE & DEATH TO THE EIGHTIES
KEEP GROOVIN’ YOURS
THOM C______
led zeppelin
October 12, 2002
I just wanted to say thank you!
I am an African Student studying in Phila. I am a new Led Zepp fan and I just want to read and listen to these guys all day. I ‘ve been listening to led zepp for less than 3 months and I am just awe-struck by their music.
Definitly the BEST ROCK BAND EVER.
tshiboba (pron. chiboba)
thanx
COMEBACK, PLEASE JIMMY AND ROBERT AS LED ZEPPELIN!
June 10, 2004
JIMMY PAGE ROBERT PLANT AND JOHN PAUL JONES,AND JOHN BONHAM... THE GODS OF ROCK, THE GREATEST ROCK BAND OF ALL-TIME,IF YOU JUST PUT OUT ONE MORE ALBUM, ALL THE ZEPPELIN FANS AND NOT ZEPPELIN FANS WILL RECONIZE YOU, AND ALL THE GREATNESS WILL BE DONE! AND FOR ALL OF US ZEPPELIN FANS HEARING YOU PLAY ONE LAST TIME WOULD BE THE GREATEST MOMENT IN HISTORY BECAUSE THE GREATEST ROCK BAND OF ALL- TIME HAS COMEBACK! WE’RE NOT JUST SAYING THAT. WE WOULDN’T CARE IF YOU LOST ALL YOUR MUSICAL TALENT BECAUSE WE STILL KNOW THAT YOU WERE AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE GREATEST ROCK BAND IN HISTORY. MANY OF THE KIDS NOW LISTEN TO 50 CENT AND ALL THESE FAKE ROCK BANDS WHO TRY TO IMPERSONATE YOU,AND TRY TO MATCH YOU’RE EXPECTATIONS,BUT ME AND MY FRIEND CHRIS ARE SOME OF THE MANY FANS THAT HAIL YOU. PLEASE E-MAIL ME BACK BECAUSE THIS IS URGENT TO ALL THE ZEPPELIN FANS IN THE WORLD! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH THAT IF THE CD HAD ONLY ONE SONG ON IT WE WOULD STILL BUY IT! DUDES, IF YOU DO COMEBACK KICK SOME ASS!
SINCERLY, JOHN B____ AND CHRIS Z______. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN RULES!
Where did Janis Joplins song come from?
May 12, 2001
My name is Anthony J. C______,,,,,,,,110 __________,,,,apt 3b,,,,,La mar,,,,Colorado,,,,81052 719-___-8894 ___________@hotmail.com
I am a guy that Jimmy Page may have heard about,,,,anyway I got arrested by the CIA and have been in a Government/marajuanna/ Homo game ever since..................anyway when it was age ten I
think I was in Littelton Colorado and watching television with my grandfather. We were watching dialing for dollars when a live political commentary broke in and I was controlling the discussion at age 10.........That is where the song came from,,,Oh lord wont
youu buy me a color TV.................I was ran out of money by CIA
in a game.....It is so bad that I call CIA at 18002801445 and threaten them with bomb and psychological warfare ,,spiritual warfare, witchcraft,,,,,,,,,,,,I yelled at cops ,,,told them to fuck off,,,,,,The FBI joined the moffia because of me,,,,,I have used cocaine,,opium,,,ect while in a game with them,,,,,It is like on OZZY level of mind control attributing to federal economy,,,,,,,,,,,,,I got 4800 and took 800 to the church and and am paying 94 of my 626 social security,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,CIA has me on marajuanna on social security paperwork but I am not on it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I just wanted a place to send an email at times........I like my new stuff,,,some of it will be here UPS.............Anthony ___________@hotmail.com I could make you top 10 if I set my mind to it..I know how/////It is like partying at 110 mph
finishes being restricted for the students of the same.
I understand that it is difficult to assist all of the fans, same because I think has more important things to do, haul of the expense and lost time, but who knows and of a little lucky.
In any way I thank, and please send me even an answer that negative, and excuse if I spoke something unpleasant.
Me she would like the address for correspondence for letter only that you send me with of Jimmy Page or of his Manager of shows, or if it possesses an email that can speak direct with him.
A Hug and good Luck
Evandro P______
urgent!
July 27, 2007
who ever reads these emails, You must inform led Zeppelin that someone has cheated on their music. Mr. Chris L______, a drama teacher at G______ High School in ______, directed shakespear’s Midsummer night’s dream, and he thought it be creative to have the play take place in the 70’s. he decided to use Led Zeppelin’s music for the show. He paid for the sheet music, but he claims he did pay Led Zeppelin to use their music and charge people to come and listen to it. Each ticket was about $8.00 a peice, to see his show which he even performed in as the lead guitar player for the band. My lawyer who saw this play told me that he should not have played those songs unless he had a permit from Led Zepplin.
If you have Led Zeppelin’s actual contacts, I will send them proof of Lane’s scam.
hmm
August 3, 2003
Yeah well.. this is weird.. well weird is an understatement, this is CREEPY?? anyways your site,I believe is one of the better Led Zeppelin sites on the net. now to the creepy part, I think I am madly in love with you.. yes yes I know you are probablly thinking that I am a dumbass, this is not entirely not true but the way you... hmm... write?? no.. umm I dont know but I you sound like a cool person and I would like to email you.. and just let you know your doing well. Alright now that I have made a complete moron out of myself I hope that you will realize that you should email this idiot back, unless of course you are kinda creeped out which is understandable. But I am Led Zeppelin obsessive and I cant even spell obsessive I think. Anyways I am going to shut the fuck up right now.. but yeah email me back if you want I can be quite amusing at times.
Your Devoted FAN??
Lucia
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