Tody, December 4th — marks the 40th anniversary of the end of Led Zeppelin.
On December 4th, 1980, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones announced in a press release that they decided not to continue as Led Zeppelin in the wake of the death of drummer John Bonham just over two months earlier.
“We wish it to be known, that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.”
While their fan base continually clamors for a reunion, Robert Plant continues to stand in the way of that happening. Their 2007 benefit show in London was the last time they played together as Plant refused to do more shows. Here is Robert Plant on why Led Zeppelin won’t reunite.
“The responsibility of doing that four nights a week for the rest of time is a different thing [than a one-off show] ’cause we’re pretty good at what we do. But the tail should never wag the dog. If we’re capable of doing something in our own time that will be what will happen. We know what we’ve got.”
Here is Robert Plant on what people overlooked in Led Zeppelin’s music.
“A great sense of humor. ‘Hot Dog’ and ‘D’yer Mak’er’ [prn: Jamaica] and all those. There’s so many songs. We were just having a good time. I mean that whole atmosphere that’s supposed to have surrounded the band, really only surrounded the people who wrote about it. I mean there were some dark days, but it was very funny.”
