Mick Wall Interview

[fredb]

You know it's completely honorable for Jimmy to have been low key for large sections of time over the past 10 yrs. Did he not have a family with young kids ??

Jimmy also played on one or two tracks on the most recent Jerry Lee Lewis album , RnR for sure , maybe one more ?

Mick Wall.....well deserving of a good ass-kicking !

[mos6507]

Jimmy also played on one or two tracks on the most recent Jerry Lee Lewis album , RnR for sure , maybe one more ?

He's been quite explicit that he's tried to be a better father this time around than he was when he was obssessed with Zep. Really he seems like quite a different person now than in the 70s. Not nearly as aloof and eccentric as his past reputation.

[fredb]

He's been quite explicit that he's tried to be a better father this time around than he was when he was obssessed with Zep. Really he seems like quite a different person now than in the 70s. Not nearly as aloof and eccentric as his past reputation.

Thumbs up to your post !!

Do I remember something about Jimmy guesting with Slash and Joe Perry on something several years back that never was released ?? Something being done in L.A. ??

[Aquamarine]

Just because a lot of musicians are fighting for the chance to play with him, this doesn't mean that they're the right people. I think it's far more difficult for him, and not just because of him being a guitarist and not a singer... maybe it's because he needs to feel some special vibe, which is, I'm sure, extremely rare to find.

Just because Jimmy needs some special vibe (other musicians don't?), doesn't mean it's therefore more difficult for a guitarist to move on and form a new band than a singer. (I think even Jimmy is making it more difficult than it need be, but that's just my opinion.)

He contributed one track to the Jerry Lee Lewis album, which he more or less literally mailed in.

And, as previously mentioned, other people manage to have careers and raise families.

So, summing up--more Jimmy, please!

[beatbo]

Just because Jimmy needs some special vibe (other musicians don't?), doesn't mean it's therefore more difficult for a guitarist to move on and form a new band than a singer. (I think even Jimmy is making it more difficult than it need be, but that's just my opinion.)

He contributed one track to the Jerry Lee Lewis album, which he more or less literally mailed in.

And, as previously mentioned, other people manage to have careers and raise families.

So, summing up--more Jimmy, please!

well said, but i still don't agree. the singer in a previously well known band has an easier time (and easier choices), in my opinion, no matter who it is.

more jimmy, coming up......

[Aquamarine]

Oh well, guess we'll agree to disagree, as I'm off for my (internet-free) Christmas vacation, anyway.

Happy holidays, y'all!

[Justfred]

Beatbo's Quote !!jimmy page has wasted his talent? is that what you are trying to sell me here?

play me some of your hits, genuis....

Hey Beatbo , Yeah Thats exactly What I'm Saying . You Genius.

[beatbo]

Beatbo's Quote !!jimmy page has wasted his talent? is that what you are trying to sell me here?

play me some of your hits, genuis....

Hey Beatbo , Yeah Thats exactly What I'm Saying . You Genius.

okay.....

[longdistancewinner]

Sorry, I don't agree that it's so much harder for Jimmy to launch a new band than for Robert. Jimmy's already got the songs he wants to play, he's got any number of people fighting for the chance to play/sing them with him--I don't see the problem. And any number of people, including Robert, Jonesy, Jason, and most of us, manage to have careers and raise families at the same time, even at a later point in life. It's not like he's 85. Though he will be by the time we get to hear him again, at this rate!

Well, most people aren't raising young adolescents when they're soon to be in their mid-60's. My grandfather was 50 when my dad was born. He had his own business, worked as hard as he could and really slogged it out to look after my grandmother and my dad. And he died at 65. My dad was only 15. I imagine that if he'd have known that working that hard would've resulted in his death he may have slowed down and took more time off to be with his family. I'm not saying Jimmy's right in lounging about, but he's prioritizing whilst he still can. And I'd rather have him spend more time with his children, now that he's hellbent on being a better father, than have him work tirelessly to the point where he either repeats what he'd previously done with Scarlet's upbringing, or that he does himself in with exhaustion or what have you. I know which one I'd prefer. I'm willing to bet his kid's do too. It'd be nice to see him perform again. But I'm not gonna chastise him for keeping a low profile whilst he raises his kids.

[eternal light]

Leave &(@$^ alone! Please! *@ hasn't performed onstage in years. *(# song is called *(#$@! (*&^ for a reason because all you people want is more, more, more, more!

[guitarliam]

Guys the book is freaking good! He's not almost as one sided in his book. Its a great read!

[guitarliam]

The live double c.d. with the Black Crowes in 1999. Lots of Zeppelin, but plenty of old blues and vintage rockers included.

I thought that was a freaking awesome show! How tight were they?!

Thats what i thought anyway...

[SunChild]

Oh, heck, let's cut to the chase... the subtext people are detecting is that Robert is a vital artist 'cuz he's kept singing and exploring differing musical styles since 1980, while it's regrettable how Jimmy is not using his talent and abilities because he concentrates mainly (but not exclusively) on a catalog from the 70's.

Leave aside that any human being in their right mind would be happy to claim or recognize that catalog as a life's work, or that because of his work reclaiming and remastering it, generations to come will be listening to Zeppelin.

It's sheer myth that Page has been sitting around doing nothing after Zeppelin. In reality he's kept right on playing guitar in every decade since, and in many styles, too. Has he had the same commerical success? No. Doesn't mean he's done nothing vital or worthwhile.

Is it the artistic exploration thing? Jesus Christ in a chicken basket, people, Page was making a living and earning a reputation playing everything under the sun while Robert Plant was still living at home with his mum. Maybe he's been there, done that, wrote the book on it and got the t-shirts already?

Then, he created music and in fact helped launch an entire musical style that has influenced untold numbers of people and musicians, starting with the Yardbirds and becoming full blown with Zeppelin.

Was it all four of them together that made it so phenomenal? Of course. Who was it again who put them together? Who was in the studios to wrap each album up? As hard as Robert worked in the 70's Page worked four times harder, and AFAIC he's also worked harder in the 2000's. I'm still looking for that chunk of skull his wicked, razor sharp guitar playing blew off the first time I heard the O2 show.

Jimmy Page can spend the rest of his life with a remote in his hand and I wouldn't think a remotely negative thing about it, much less lament about it. If he wants to play in public again, well, bless him. If he doesn't, bless him just the same.

If you ask me, Mr. Wall, THAT is some one who's "pulled it off."

[eternal light]

Oh, heck, let's cut to the chase... the subtext people are detecting is that Robert is a vital artist 'cuz he's kept singing and exploring differing musical styles since 1980, while it's regrettable how Jimmy is not using his talent and abilities because he concentrates mainly (but not exclusively) on a catalog from the 70's.

Leave aside that any human being in their right mind would be happy to claim or recognize that catalog as a life's work, or that because of his work reclaiming and remastering it, generations to come will be listening to Zeppelin.

It's sheer myth that Page has been sitting around doing nothing after Zeppelin. In reality he's kept right on playing guitar in every decade since, and in many styles, too. Has he had the same commerical success? No. Doesn't mean he's done nothing vital or worthwhile.

Is it the artistic exploration thing? Jesus Christ in a chicken basket, people, Page was making a living and earning a reputation playing everything under the sun while Robert Plant was still living at home with his mum. Maybe he's been there, done that, wrote the book on it and got the t-shirts already?

Then, he created music and in fact helped launch an entire musical style that has influenced untold numbers of people and musicians, starting with the Yardbirds and becoming full blown with Zeppelin.

Was it all four of them together that made it so phenomenal? Of course. Who was it again who put them together? Who was in the studios to wrap each album up? As hard as Robert worked in the 70's Page worked four times harder, and AFAIC he's also worked harder in the 2000's. I'm still looking for that chunk of skull his wicked, razor sharp guitar playing blew off the first time I heard the O2 show.

Jimmy Page can spend the rest of his life with a remote in his hand and I wouldn't think a remotely negative thing about it, much less lament about it. If he wants to play in public again, well, bless him. If he doesn't, bless him just the same.

If you ask me, Mr. Wall, THAT is some one who's "pulled it off."

I agree.

[mstork]

Oh, heck, let's cut to the chase... the subtext people are detecting is that Robert is a vital artist 'cuz he's kept singing and exploring differing musical styles since 1980, while it's regrettable how Jimmy is not using his talent and abilities because he concentrates mainly (but not exclusively) on a catalog from the 70's.

Leave aside that any human being in their right mind would be happy to claim or recognize that catalog as a life's work, or that because of his work reclaiming and remastering it, generations to come will be listening to Zeppelin.

It's sheer myth that Page has been sitting around doing nothing after Zeppelin. In reality he's kept right on playing guitar in every decade since, and in many styles, too. Has he had the same commerical success? No. Doesn't mean he's done nothing vital or worthwhile.

Is it the artistic exploration thing? Jesus Christ in a chicken basket, people, Page was making a living and earning a reputation playing everything under the sun while Robert Plant was still living at home with his mum. Maybe he's been there, done that, wrote the book on it and got the t-shirts already?

Then, he created music and in fact helped launch an entire musical style that has influenced untold numbers of people and musicians, starting with the Yardbirds and becoming full blown with Zeppelin.

Was it all four of them together that made it so phenomenal? Of course. Who was it again who put them together? Who was in the studios to wrap each album up? As hard as Robert worked in the 70's Page worked four times harder, and AFAIC he's also worked harder in the 2000's. I'm still looking for that chunk of skull his wicked, razor sharp guitar playing blew off the first time I heard the O2 show.

Jimmy Page can spend the rest of his life with a remote in his hand and I wouldn't think a remotely negative thing about it, much less lament about it. If he wants to play in public again, well, bless him. If he doesn't, bless him just the same.

If you ask me, Mr. Wall, THAT is some one who's "pulled it off."

Well said!

From what I've heard the book isn't nearly as "anti-Page" as some of Wall's comments in interviews about the book has been. I'm guessing he's probably regretted some of things he's said IMO.

[SunChild]

I agree.

Well said!

From what I've heard the book isn't nearly as "anti-Page" as some of Wall's comments in interviews about the book has been. I'm guessing he's probably regretted some of things he's said IMO.

Thank you both.

Yeah, it's unfortunate that's the road Wall chose to go down to raise some sand about his book.

[Robert's Plant]

Oh, heck, let's cut to the chase... the subtext people are detecting is that Robert is a vital artist 'cuz he's kept singing and exploring differing musical styles since 1980, while it's regrettable how Jimmy is not using his talent and abilities because he concentrates mainly (but not exclusively) on a catalog from the 70's.

Leave aside that any human being in their right mind would be happy to claim or recognize that catalog as a life's work, or that because of his work reclaiming and remastering it, generations to come will be listening to Zeppelin.

Is it the artistic exploration thing? Jesus Christ in a chicken basket, people, Page was making a living and earning a reputation playing everything under the sun while Robert Plant was still living at home with his mum. Maybe he's been there, done that, wrote the book on it and got the t-shirts already?

Jimmy Page can spend the rest of his life with a remote in his hand and I wouldn't think a remotely negative thing about it, much less lament about it. If he wants to play in public again, well, bless him. If he doesn't, bless him just the same.

If you ask me, Mr. Wall, THAT is some one who's "pulled it off."

Robert Plant is a vital artist for what he has made for himself, on his own.

That's true. It's not regrettable that Jimmy Page is "just" remastering these dvd's and cd's, it's actually good. But wouldn't you want to see him sell new projects as well?

Robert Plant is 4 years younger. Anyone at 12 typically lives with mom.

I think the guy meant that Jimmy Page still has it and can still show so much as an artist.

I wouldnt compare these two, for whatever the avenues they've chosen pre and post-Zep. They made such a magical pair, you can just see the chemistry, so natural and at home beside each other - now and then. If Robert doesn't want to reunite with Zep just to please people it's not his problem. They the four of them complemented each other, and would not have been as successful as they became regardless of who found who or who worked 4 times more. As Robert Plant once said, 4 people who blended so well in like one in a millionth chance, it was pure luck they found each other. If they find each other again (in a project), well bless them and if they don't well bless them just the same. You know Mr Wall was just saying that Robert Plant kept going after the demise of John Bonham, while Jimmy Page lived it all up already. He still has so much potential, just need to tap on the right project. Not to say that Robert Plant was hitting the jackpot at every note, but he kept searchin for his niche, and may have found it in Raising Sand -he deserves so much recognition for the work he has building for himself since 1980. He has no need to apologize to people who just wants to see him a Zeppelin forever. Just to let you know that although I belong in we love Robert Plant club, I don't belong in let's hate Jimmy Page club. I admire these 2 musicians alike for their natural gigantic talents.

[glicine]

Just to let you know that although I belong in we love Robert Plant club, I don't belong in let's hate Jimmy Page club. I admire these 2 musicians alike for their natural gigantic talents.

Cheers!

There's something on the forum never ceases to amaze me . Some people tries and tries to set a Page vs Plant modus, which I just can't understand where it comes. I mean, when they were together, they made mutual contribution to the band we all love. When they were apart, they went totally different roads.

So why had there to be a comparison between them? When you love one of the band members, there is no need to be anti- another.

And nice or not Mick Wall's way around Jimmy Page, it has nothing to do with Robert Plant.

[ninelives]

Cheers!

There's something on the forum never ceases to amaze me . Some people tries and tries to set a Page vs Plant modus, which I just can't understand where it comes. I mean, when they were together, they made mutual contribution to the band we all love. When they were apart, they went totally different roads.

So why had there to be a comparison between them? When you love one of the band members, there is no need to be anti- another.

And nice or not Mick Wall's way around Jimmy Page, it has nothing to do with Robert Plant.

There shouldn't be - as you said, they took different paths post Zep. One isn't better than the other. They're different because they're different people. That difference when they came together was 1/2 of what made Zep so amazing.

[SunChild]

Robert Plant is a vital artist for what he has made for himself, on his own.

That's true. It's not regrettable that Jimmy Page is "just" remastering these dvd's and cd's, it's actually good. But wouldn't you want to see him sell new projects as well?

Robert Plant is 4 years younger. Anyone at 12 typically lives with mom.

I think the guy meant that Jimmy Page still has it and can still show so much as an artist.

I wouldnt compare these two, for whatever the avenues they've chosen pre and post-Zep. They made such a magical pair, you can just see the chemistry, so natural and at home beside each other - now and then. If Robert doesn't want to reunite with Zep just to please people it's not his problem. They the four of them complemented each other, and would not have been as successful as they became regardless of who found who or who worked 4 times more. As Robert Plant once said, 4 people who blended so well in like one in a millionth chance, it was pure luck they found each other. If they find each other again (in a project), well bless them and if they don't well bless them just the same. You know Mr Wall was just saying that Robert Plant kept going after the demise of John Bonham, while Jimmy Page lived it all up already. He still has so much potential, just need to tap on the right project. Not to say that Robert Plant was hitting the jackpot at every note, but he kept searchin for his niche, and may have found it in Raising Sand -he deserves so much recognition for the work he has building for himself since 1980. He has no need to apologize to people who just wants to see him a Zeppelin forever. Just to let you know that although I belong in we love Robert Plant club, I don't belong in let's hate Jimmy Page club. I admire these 2 musicians alike for their natural gigantic talents.

Well, there's a whole contingent of folks who give Plant his due. I think that's well covered.

I disagree that Jimmy's work away from the stage and the guitar played a small role in Led Zeppelin's success and longevity. Yes, the chemistry among them all, and between him and Plant, was remarkable and played a part, and the amazing talent and musicianship of all of them did too. But that's not all it took; a bad producer could've fucked that up and then some. A band leader with less comittment and more "lead player's disease," someone who didn't believe in allowing other people's wills to come out, especially amongst that group of heavy hitters, well, I shudder to think. The history of bands is filled with talented, charismatic people who are one hit wonders.

Someone else said the Beatles have George Martin, and Zeppelin has Page, and I agree with that.

Page found his niche, and it's mind blowing and soul inspiring. He proved he can still stir it up on December 10, 2007... and people have been waiting with excitement ever since. (No little kudos to the others, I hasten to add.)

If you admire Plant's accomplishments, shouldn't you at least be as impressed with what Page has accomplished? Instead some people, on this site, in the press and among musicians, have climbed aboard a spin machine of trying to shame or embarass or guilt or encourage Page into performing without Robert; or else suggesting it's crazy for him to even consider performing without Robert (talk about damned if you do, damned if you don't.)

I'm not sure what they want Page to prove. That he can write music? Produce records? Play the guitar? How about, lead the biggest rock band in the world and then keep its music vital and alive from generation to generation? Not good enough, or at least, there are those who keep asking, "sure, but what have you done LATELY?" (Really, would these folks finally be impressed if he did a cover of the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love?")

At any rate, I'm sure it's true Page has "potential," because to me, it's awe-inspiring how much he's realized it.

(edited to correct grammar, ironically.)

[zepyep]

Hi all,

Sun Child,.........YOU ROCK!

KB(been along time!)

[Kentuckygirl]

Well, there's a whole contingent of folks who give Plant his due. I think that's well covered.

During the short time I have been on this message board (having been introduced to it by some Led Zeppelin fans at the first RPAK show in Louisville) one trend I have noticed is that the contingent of board members that "give Plant his due" are always extremely supportive and complimentary of Jimmy Page and openly talk (in this recession/depression) of spending money to purchase music/attend shows or whatever to support any future project that Jimmy engages in, with whatever complement of supporting musicians. What has surprised me while reading this board is not the occasional venom directed toward Bluegrass/Americana and the South in general, because we hear it all the time, but the venom directed at Plant personally. There were days early in the RPAK tour that the Bluegrass message boards were overflowing with posts very complimentary to Plant, and this board was filled with people bashing Plant's vocals, career choices, etc. I guess having grown up risking my life climbing a roof in bad weather (to secure an antennae) to listen to Led Zeppelin, I cannot understand how anyone could bash any one of the three surviving members. I guess I have more in common with the Plant contingent because although they are very vocal in their support of RP, they are also vocal in their support of Jimmy Page. I guess I am just happy they are all still with us (three of them anyway), are in good health and can still make great music. I just don't understand this whole Robert vs. Jimmy thing that goes on among the fans on this board. I have a feeling twenty years from now people will look back on this kind of stuff and realize how stupid it all was.

[eternal light]

They may be projecting their own insecurities onto Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.

[BlackandGold]

Well, there's a whole contingent of folks who give Plant his due. I think that's well covered.

I disagree that Jimmy's work away from the stage and the guitar played a small role in Led Zeppelin's success and longevity. Yes, the chemistry among them all, and between him and Plant, was remarkable and played a part, and the amazing talent and musicianship of all of them did too. But that's not all it took; a bad producer could've fucked that up and then some. A band leader with less comittment and more "lead player's disease," someone who didn't believe in allowing other people's wills to come out, especially amongst that group of heavy hitters, well, I shudder to think. The history of bands is filled with talented, charismatic people who are one hit wonders.

Someone else said the Beatles have George Martin, and Zeppelin has Page, and I agree with that.

Page found his niche, and it's mind blowing and soul inspiring. He proved he can still stir it up on December 10, 2007... and people have been waiting with excitement ever since. (No little kudos to the others, I hasten to add.)

If you admire Plant's accomplishments, shouldn't you at least be as impressed with what Page has accomplished? Instead some people, on this site, in the press and among musicians, have climbed aboard a spin machine of trying to shame or embarass or guilt or encourage Page into performing without Robert; or else suggesting it's crazy for him to even consider performing without Robert (talk about damned if you do, damned if you don't.)

I'm not sure what they want Page to prove. That he can write music? Produce records? Play the guitar? How about, lead the biggest rock band in the world and then keep its music vital and alive from generation to generation? Not good enough, or at least, there are those who keep asking, "sure, but what have you done LATELY?" (Really, would these folks finally be impressed if he did a cover of the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love?")

At any rate, I'm sure it's true Page has "potential," because to me, it's awe-inspiring how much he's realized it.

(edited to correct grammar, ironically.)

I actually think Plant is nicheless -if that's a word. Or at least he doesn't want to have a niche. His thing is doing different things. Some successful, some not so much.

Most people in the creative arts suffer at some point from "writer's block". When Dreamland came out Robert admitted he was having difficulty writing, and therefore looked to songs that had affected and inspired him. That album spurred Mighty Rearranger, all new material.

Page has been inactive for a long time in terms of doing anything that could be considered "new". Whether putting out new songs or reinterpreting someone else's. On the surface, not knowing what he is doing that he chooses not to share with the public, he appears to be in a creative lurch and has been for quite a while. I don't know about "bye bye love". After the Firm's take on "You've lost that Loving Feeling" (can't find the puking smiley) I think a better, more interesting song would be in order. Don't tell me if Page did an album of nursery rhymes you wouldn't buy it - and label it genius.

Neither Plant or Page have anything to prove. They can both stay at home and play with their grandkids for the rest of their lives if they choose to do so. They will both be remembered in history as being part of one of the greatest rock bands ever. Jimmy will always get props for being a great producer, songwriter, and guitarist. Robert will always get props for being a great singer, songwriter and frontman. Anything either of them do in their solo careers will always be overshadowed by Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin casts a long shadow, for them personally and for everyone else in the rock and roll business. Mick Wall's opinion of what they are doing at this point in time is just that - his opinion. He has as much right to that as I do to mine and you do to yours. The only person who should be remotely insulted by him voicing it is Jimmy, and I doubt he cares much. The interview has already been forgotten everywhere else but on this message board.

[SunChild]

During the short time I have been on this message board (having been introduced to it by some Led Zeppelin fans at the first RPAK show in Louisville) one trend I have noticed is that the contingent of board members that "give Plant his due" are always extremely supportive and complimentary of Jimmy Page and openly talk (in this recession/depression) of spending money to purchase music/attend shows or whatever to support any future project that Jimmy engages in, with whatever complement of supporting musicians. What has surprised me while reading this board is not the occasional venom directed toward Bluegrass/Americana and the South in general, because we hear it all the time, but the venom directed at Plant personally. There were days early in the RPAK tour that the Bluegrass message boards were overflowing with posts very complimentary to Plant, and this board was filled with people bashing Plant's vocals, career choices, etc. I guess having grown up risking my life climbing a roof in bad weather (to secure an antennae) to listen to Led Zeppelin, I cannot understand how anyone could bash any one of the three surviving members. I guess I have more in common with the Plant contingent because although they are very vocal in their support of RP, they are also vocal in their support of Jimmy Page. I guess I am just happy they are all still with us (three of them anyway), are in good health and can still make great music. I just don't understand this whole Robert vs. Jimmy thing that goes on among the fans on this board. I have a feeling twenty years from now people will look back on this kind of stuff and realize how stupid it all was.

The contingent on this board who give Plant his due can't even handle it when someone does nothing more than give Jimmy Page his propers...