To be a rock... and not to roll

W

ho is the best band of all time? Almost 30 years ago that question launched a somewhat heated argument. The most vocal person in the conversation (other than me) held strongly to the belief that the Beatles were the best band of all time. And while I respect the Beatles’ talent and even like a handful of their songs, my position was just as strong as I proposed Led Zeppelin as the world’s best band.

Thirty years later, I still hold that belief. Thirty additional years and thousands of new bands have not changed the fact (not merely my belief... FACT) that Led Zeppelin is the best band in the history of the world.

D'yer Mak'er—by Led Zeppelin

When a band puts out music written with outstanding musicianship, that music stands the test of time and works even in different genres. Have you ever considered what Led Zeppelin would sound like if played by a symphony orchestra, an easy listening group, or perhaps by a bluegrass band? That’s difficult to think of, unless you actually listen to it. Led Zeppelin has been translated into every imaginable musical genre and comes out sounding great no matter what! It’s quite simply phenomenal music that is appreciated by people from every background—well, with the single exception of those who think they are too holy to appreciate God given talent when God gave that talent to someone from a different philosophical stripe.

D'yer Mak'er—bluegrass style

My office in D.C. is directly across the Potomac River from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Two months ago the American Music Association honored Led Zeppelin, and the venue for this event was the Kennedy Center. And here is that event:

Wow!!! What a great band!

Thank you Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and Jason Bonham!

UPDATE — I have just listened to this incredible performance of Led Zeppelin songs again. Oh my goodness! Oh my! Oh! Can music be more wonderful? Oh ... Led Zeppelin!!! Wow !!!!!

I LOVE MUSIC!!!!