Throughout the history of rock n' roll, many iconic bands have lost key/original members to the other side. Many bands like AC/DC and The Who have had to go through this, yet somehow to decided to carry on as a band anyway. One band that notoriously did NOT however, is Led Zeppelin.
In 1980, Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham was lost due to his problems with alcohol. When this tragedy ensued, rather than find a replacement the band decided to call it quits with Led Zeppelin. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone guitarist Jimmy Page was asked why this was. Page says:
"Led Zeppelin wasn't a corporate entity. Led Zeppelin was an affair of the heart. Each of the members was important to the sum total of what we were. I like to think that if it had been me that wasn't there, the others would have made the same decision. And what were we going to do? Create a role for somebody, say, "You have to do this, this way?" That wouldn't be honest."
While there have been short lived reunions of Led Zeppelin throughout the years, they still have stood by their decision. Page continues:
"There were attempts [at reunion] that didn't work – trying to push it together in a hurry. That's why the [2007] show had to be done with such intent – rehearsing as much as we could so Jason [Bonham's son] felt he was part of the band as opposed to a novelty. He was filling big shoes, and we needed all of that."
Of course none of this has stopped fans for asking for a reunion tour for decades despite the countless number of times various members of Led Zeppelin have said no. I can't say I blame them considering what Page has said, but it would still be one hell of an experience to be able to see them live. I envy those who saw them in their 70's heyday.
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