Here’s the thing I don’t think people get about Led Zeppelin: each of their members is routinely in the conversation about the “best ever” for their instrument.
Usually, when discussing best rock singer ever, it’s Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, and maybe Axl Rose (or someone will throw in their fave who isn’t really top tier but they view him as such).
When it comes to best guitarist, it’s Jimmy, Jimi, Eric, maybe Brian May and then the usual suspects in whatever order you want.
When it comes to drummers, it’s Bonzo and Neil. Yeah, you’ll hear Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, and Cozy and Ginger etc. but really, it always seems to boil down to those two.
For bassists, JPJ seems to slide down to about fifth. There’s Jaco and Geddy and Flea and Entwhistle, Deacon is usually up there. Which is kind of a shame, since JPJ might be the most essential member of the band. The dude could play anything with strings or keys, and was a world class arranger. Heck, JPJ has been quoted as saying sometimes he would lay off just so you could hear what Bonzo was doing. That’s what world class musicians do, they emphasize each other, not try to take over a song.
Now to my actual point, assuming you’ve read this far. I love AC/DC. But I couldn’t tell you a song they had that’s famous for the drums or bass. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is amazing, but same thing, does he even have a bass player? I’ve always loved ZZ Top. But Billy is no Robert Plant, and Dusty is no JPJ. When I listen to other bands, I have to listen to them as an ensemble, because if I want to start listening to specific grooves by specific instruments, it usually disappoints me. Queen was a great band, but they don’t have the most powerful lineup ever. AC/DC rocks, but Malcom may be even more important than Angus, and frankly how much Brian Johnson can you take?
But I can listen to LZ all day, because it’s literally the best (IMHO) ever on each instrument. Heck, Bonzo made one of the best grooves ever by playing on a guitar case on Ramble On! Who does that? Certainly not any other drummer. And the bass line in that song! Chef’s kiss. Bonzo got frustrated working out the kinks in the song Four Sticks, and just started letting out his frustration with a groove inspired by a Little Richard song (Keep a Knockin I believe). The band was inspired by the groove he was laying down, started improvising on the spot, and that became the song Rock and Roll. In fifteen minutes they created what one music critic called the greatest rock song ever. You have to be world class musicians to be able to do that.
Anyway, when I want to listen to the best, I have to listen to the best.
