I've had the good fortune to meet many rock stars. It comes with the territory of my job. That being said, I've always been of the mindset that the job comes first. Yes, it's really cool to meet some of these people I grew up listening to, or have played on the radio over my thirty-plus-year career, but if I'm there to do an interview I always come prepared. I don't want to waste their time or mine.
As far as meeting John Paul Johns, that was something! I had the chance to interview him when he came through town in the fall of 2009. What a day! I did the interview at the Book Cadilac Hotel in Detroit, went over to Cobo Joe's to do my radio show, went to the Wings' home opener then off the see the band JPJ was playing with that night at the Fillmore, Them Crooked Vultures.
Oh, I didn't mention that yet? Yes, I interviewed John Paul Jones with Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters, and Josh Homme from Queens Of The Stone Age there too! I recall being taken to a board room of sorts. It's probably big enough for about twenty people or so. I sat at the head of the table with my back to the double doors behind me. Dave and Josh to my left, with John on my right. The interview was fun, but all I could think about was there was a member of Led Zeppelin sitting right next to me! It was one of those moments I'll never forget.
Something kind of under-the-radar cool happened afterward. As we wrapped up the conversation, I asked the guys if I could get a picture with them. It was almost as if JPJ didn't know he was a legendary musician. Dave and Josh agreed as John asked if I wanted him in the picture too. Are you kidding me? Of course, I did! As always, my only thought was don't blink. There's nothing worse than seeing a picture after it's been taken and you're blinking. You don't want to bother rock legends with another one after they obliged the first time. I point out that picture to every person who comes into my Rock Room at home. Almost no one knows who it is....oh, about that, keep reading.
Meltdown with Them Crooked Vultures
Another thing happened that I'll never forget. John walked around the lobby of the hotel completely anonymous. No one knew that this guy in a flannel shirt was a rock legend. He just moved about totally unrecognized. To be honest, it was cool that he could do that. Dave on the other hand....we walked outside and there were about five to eight autograph seekers. Dave knew the deal. These weren't fans, but people who would sell their autographed items. He said he'd sign one thing and one thing only for each of them, and to have it ready. Another cool moment.
Yeah, it was a brief time in the life of rock royalty, but it was a moment etched in my memory. Happy birthday to the legendary John Paul Jones.
-Meltdown-
5 Best Led Zeppelin Songs Co-Written By John Paul Jones
Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones celebrates his birthday today (January 3.) While Jimmy Page and Robert Plant get a lot of attention for writing Zeppelin’s biggest hits, Jones has his share of songwriting credits on many fan favorites.
In honor of his birthday, we look at five of the best Zeppelin songs co-written by Jones.
5. 'Trampled Under Foot'
One of the best grooves Zeppelin ever produced.
4. 'Black Dog'
Following the more mellow, acoustic Led Zeppelin III, Led Zeppelin IV brought a return to hard rock form and kicks off with this bold statement track.
3. 'Rock and Roll'
Some songs build up to the chorus, and some blast off one the first note. “Rock and Roll” is the latter.
2. 'Good Times Bad Times'
Zeppelin sure did know how to kick off an album, even on their debut!
1. 'Whole Lotta Love'
C’mon…could any other song be number one?
