Led Zeppelin’s ‘The Song Remains The Same’: A Masterpiece of Rock and Roll
by Wayne J. Gardner
In the world of music, we often hear the phrase “the song remains the same.” This phrase has become almost cliché over the years, but it still holds a lot of truth. Music has been around for thousands of years, and yet, despite all the changes in technology, culture, and society, the fundamental nature of music remains the same.
“If I had to choose one album to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be ‘The Song Remains The Same’ by Led Zeppelin.” — Slash
At its core, music is about expression. It is a way for artists to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with the world. This is why music has always been such an important part of human culture. From the earliest days of civilization, people have used music to tell stories, celebrate, mourn, and communicate with one another. This is precisely what Led Zeppelin acheived at Madison Square Garded New York in 1973… the semanol live album named… you guessed it, “The Song Remains The Same”.
Led Zeppelin’s live album, The Song Remains The Same, is a tour de force of the band’s unmatched musicianship and showmanship. Recorded during a three-night stand at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1973, the album captures the band at the height of their powers, delivering a blistering set of their greatest hits.
The album’s opening track, “Rock and Roll,” is a high-energy crowd-pleaser that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the performance. Robert Plant’s powerful vocals and Jimmy Page’s searing guitar riffs combine to create a visceral, unforgettable experience that draws the listener in from the start.
“Celebration Day” follows, showcasing John Bonham’s thunderous drumming and John Paul Jones’ virtuosic bass playing. The band’s chemistry is on full display here, as they effortlessly navigate the song’s complex rhythms and intricate interplay.
Next up is “The Song Remains the Same,” the album’s title track. Here, the band delves into the mystical, incorporating elements of Middle Eastern music and mysticism into their already potent blend of blues and rock. Plant’s vocals are haunting and ethereal, and Page’s guitar work is nothing short of mesmerizing.
“Rain Song” slows things down a bit, offering a respite from the intense energy of the previous tracks. Plant’s lyrics are introspective and poetic, and the band’s instrumentation is lush and expansive.
Page produces lush echoplex-driven Marshall tones from his double neck Gibson SG which among some of his best guitar work of his career… astounding.
The album’s centerpiece, “Dazed and Confused,” is an epic tour de force that clocks in at over 26 minutes. Page’s extended guitar solo is the stuff of legend, and Bonham’s drumming is nothing short of thunderous. The band explores a variety of different moods and textures throughout the song’s extended runtime, taking the listener on a journey that is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.
“Stairway to Heaven” follows, and the band delivers a performance that is both faithful to the studio recording and full of fresh, unexpected twists and turns. Plant’s vocals are as powerful as ever, and Page’s guitar work is nothing short of iconic.
The album’s final two tracks, “Moby Dick” and “Whole Lotta Love,” are both showcases for Bonham’s virtuosic drumming. “Moby Dick” features an extended drum solo that is both inventive and awe-inspiring, while “Whole Lotta Love” is a crowd-pleaser that features some of the band’s most iconic riffs and melodies.
“The performances on ‘The Song Remains The Same’ are some of the most electrifying and powerful in the history of rock and roll.” — Eddie Vedder
Overall, The Song Remains The Same is a stunning live album that showcases Led Zeppelin at the height of their powers. The band’s musicianship and showmanship are unparalleled, and their ability to improvise and ad-lib on the fly is nothing short of remarkable. The album is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, and it remains a classic to this day.
Jimmy Pages performance and equipment
Jimmy Page’s performance on The Song Remains The Same live album is nothing short of exceptional. His guitar work is a masterclass in virtuosity and innovation, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and folk influences into a distinctive sound that is uniquely his own.
Throughout the album, Page’s playing is marked by its raw power and emotional depth. Whether he’s unleashing blistering solos on tracks like “Rock and Roll” and “Whole Lotta Love” or exploring more introspective, nuanced passages on songs like “Rain Song” and “The Song Remains the Same,” his playing is always engaging and compelling.
One of the things that sets Page apart as a guitarist is his ability to create a wide range of sounds and textures using a variety of different equipment. On The Song Remains The Same, he employs a range of different guitars, including his iconic Gibson Les Paul and his double-necked Gibson EDS-1275, which he uses to great effect on “Stairway to Heaven.” Jimmy’s amp of choice after 1971 where a Marshall modded Super Bass and two 1959 Super Leads, which deliver classic British tones.
Page does not use many effects pedals live, and on The Song Remains The Same, he uses a couple of different pedals to create unique sounds and textures. For example, he uses a wah-wah pedal to create the distinctive opening riff on “Dazed and Confused,” and a phaser pedal to add a swirling, psychedelic effect to “Whole Lotta Love.”
According to Page himself, his Marshalls were modified to some extent by Tony Franks. Based on the info in the section above, this was his Marshall Super Bass, but based on his wording, it sounds like Tony modified more than just one amp.
Marshall 100’s which are customized by Tony Franks in New York (he customized Hendrix’s amps too actually) so they’re about 200 watts, KL88s, or whatever they call them.
Jimmy Page — Guitar Player interview, 1977
Of course, Page’s performance on The Song Remains The Same is about more than just his equipment. It’s also about his incredible skill and musicianship, which shines through in every note he plays. Whether he’s executing complex solos with ease or riffing along with the rest of the band, his playing is always top-notch, and it’s a testament to his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Page created an art form?
It’s certainly true that Jimmy Page’s work with Led Zeppelin in the 1970s was groundbreaking and influential. Along with his bandmates, Page helped to define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the electric guitar.
One of the things that set Page apart from other guitarists of the time was his ability to incorporate a wide range of influences into his playing. He drew from blues, folk, and classical music, as well as Indian and Middle Eastern music, creating a unique sound that was both innovative and timeless.
Page was also known for his mastery of the studio as an art form. He was a skilled producer and arranger, and he used the studio to create intricate, layered soundscapes that were unlike anything that had come before. From the dynamic, bluesy riffs of “Whole Lotta Love” to the epic, multi-part suites of “Stairway to Heaven,” Page’s work with Led Zeppelin was marked by its ambition, creativity, and technical proficiency.
In many ways, Led Zeppelin’s music was a form of art, and Page’s contributions were a crucial part of that. His guitar playing was at the heart of the band’s sound, and his creativity and innovation helped to make Led Zeppelin one of the most important and enduring bands in rock history.
Robert Plants performance on The Song Remains The Same
Robert Plant’s performance on The Song Remains The Same live album is a tour de force of rock and roll vocal prowess. Throughout the album, Plant demonstrates his incredible range and power, delivering passionate, emotionally charged performances that perfectly complement the band’s music.
One of the things that sets Plant apart as a singer is his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his voice. Whether he’s delivering the primal screams of “Black Dog” or the tender, plaintive vocals of “Rain Song,” his singing is always engaging and full of nuance.
On The Song Remains The Same, Plant also showcases his ability to improvise and ad-lib, adding new vocal flourishes and variations to the songs that make them even more dynamic and exciting. For example, in the live version of “Whole Lotta Love,” Plant adds a call-and-response section with the audience that wasn’t present in the studio version, giving the song an added sense of spontaneity and energy.
“If you want to understand the true genius of Led Zeppelin, just listen to ‘The Song Remains The Same’ and you’ll get it.” — Steven Tyler
Plant’s performance on The Song Remains The Same is also marked by his incredible stage presence. He is a dynamic and charismatic performer, commanding the attention of the audience with his powerful vocals and magnetic personality. Whether he’s strutting across the stage or interacting with the crowd, Plant is always in complete control of the performance, and his energy and charisma are a major part of what makes Led Zeppelin’s live shows so legendary.
Overall, Robert Plant’s performance on The Song Remains The Same is a testament to his status as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. His singing is full of power, emotion, and nuance, and his ability to improvise and ad-lib adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the music.
John Bonhams performance and equipment in The Song Remains The Same
John Bonham’s performance on The Song Remains The Same live album is a masterclass in rock drumming. His playing is marked by its raw power, impeccable timing, and dynamic range, and he effortlessly drives the band’s music forward with his thunderous beats and intricate fills.
One of the things that sets Bonham apart as a drummer is his ability to create a huge, bombastic sound using a relatively minimalist drum kit. On The Song Remains The Same, he uses a simple four-piece kit, consisting of a bass drum, snare drum, rack tom, and floor tom, along with a handful of cymbals. Despite this minimalist setup, he is able to create an enormous sound that fills the entire arena, thanks to his powerful playing and expert technique.
Bonham’s playing on The Song Remains The Same is also notable for its virtuosity and creativity. He is a master of rhythm and timing, and he constantly shifts between different grooves and feels, adding depth and nuance to the band’s music. He also incorporates a wide range of different techniques into his playing, from rapid-fire double bass drumming to intricate, jazz-inspired fills.
One of the highlights of Bonham’s performance on The Song Remains The Same is his epic drum solo on “Moby Dick.” Clocking in at over 20 minutes, the solo is a tour-de-force of drumming technique and creativity, showcasing Bonham’s ability to create complex, polyrhythmic patterns using just his hands and feet.
Overall, John Bonham’s performance on The Song Remains The Same is a testament to his status as one of the greatest drummers in rock history. His playing is marked by its power, creativity, and technical proficiency, and his ability to create a huge, dynamic sound using a minimalist setup is a testament to his incredible talent and skill.
John Paul Jones phenomonal and versatile performance and equipment in The Song Remains The Same
John Paul Jones’ performance on The Song Remains The Same live album is a testament to his incredible versatility and musicianship. As the band’s bassist, keyboardist, and occasional mandolin player, Jones plays a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound, and his playing is marked by its technical proficiency, musicality, and creativity.
One of the things that sets Jones apart as a musician is his ability to seamlessly switch between different instruments and musical styles. On The Song Remains The Same, he plays bass guitar on most of the songs, creating deep, grooving basslines that anchor the band’s music. He also plays keyboards on several tracks, adding lush, atmospheric textures and melodic counterpoints to the music.
Jones’ playing on The Song Remains The Same is also notable for its technical proficiency and musicality. He is a virtuoso on both bass and keyboards, and his playing is marked by its precision, fluidity, and sense of melody. Whether he’s playing thunderous basslines on “Dazed and Confused” or delicate keyboard lines on “No Quarter,” Jones’ playing is always engaging and full of nuance.
In terms of equipment, Jones uses a wide range of different instruments and gear on The Song Remains The Same. For his bass playing, he typically uses a Fender Precision bass, which he runs through a variety of different effects pedals, including a Big Muff distortion pedal and a wah-wah pedal. For his keyboard playing, he uses a variety of different instruments, including a Mellotron, a Hammond organ, and a Fender Rhodes electric piano, along with various effects pedals and other gear.
Overall, John Paul Jones’ performance on The Song Remains The Same is a testament to his incredible musicianship and versatility. His playing on bass, keyboards, and mandolin is marked by its technical proficiency, musicality, and creativity, and his ability to seamlessly switch between different instruments and styles adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the band’s music.
The Legacy and Final Thoughts of The Song Remains The Same Perfomance and Album release
The Song Remains The Same is a live album and concert film that captured Led Zeppelin at the height of their powers. Released in 1976, the album features recordings from the band’s 1973 performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and it quickly became a classic of the rock genre.
The album features some of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic songs, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Rock and Roll,” all of which are performed with incredible energy and passion. The band’s virtuosic musicianship is on full display throughout the album, with each member contributing their own unique talents and styles to create a truly unforgettable listening experience.
In addition to the music itself, The Song Remains The Same also features stunning visuals and imagery, including psychedelic light shows, surreal animations, and footage of the band performing on stage. This combination of music and visuals creates a truly immersive and unforgettable concert experience, one that captures the raw power and energy of Led Zeppelin at their peak.
Despite some criticism at the time of its release for its uneven sound quality and lack of cohesion, The Song Remains The Same has endured as a classic of the rock genre, and it remains one of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved and iconic albums. Its influence can be heard in countless rock bands that have followed in Led Zeppelin’s footsteps, and its place in rock history is secure.
In conclusion, The Song Remains The Same is a testament to Led Zeppelin’s incredible musicianship, creativity, and artistic vision. The album captures the band at their peak, delivering powerful, virtuosic performances that continue to inspire and amaze listeners to this day. Its legacy as a classic of the rock genre is secure, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers for years to come.
Ultimately, the song remains the same because music is a reflection of what is great about rock’n Roll and human nature.
That night these 4 guys express themselves, connected with others, and made sense of the world around us.
As long as there are humans, there will be music, and the fundamental elements that make music so powerful will continue to endure.
So the next time you hear someone say “tLed Zeppelin’s The song remains the same,” take a moment to appreciate the timeless nature of this event & music in general.
Whether you’re listening to a classic rock track or a cutting-edge new age song, the essence of what makes music so special will always be there.
“The sound of Led Zeppelin’s ‘The Song Remains The Same’ is the sound of my youth, my coming of age, and the most memorable concerts I have ever been to.” — Anthony Kiedis
About: Wayne J. Gardner has been a musician in the Sydney rock scene for over 40 years.
