One of my older brothers played Zeppelin all the time when I was a kid. But, it wasn't until the late 70's before I really started really listening when my brother played Zeppelin. Which was everyday. I wasn't even 10 years old. And with four older siblings I grew up hearing everything that came out from about 1965-1980.
By the time I was in high school in the late 80's I'd been listening to Zeppelin on my own for as long as I could remember. And forgive me but, I just could not get into 80's music. It musta been somethin about synthesized drums as opposed to the real thing that made it all seem flat for me.
I have always wanted to have gone to a Zeppelin concert. But, I grew up knowing John Bonham died and there was no more Led Zeppelin. In fact the day Led Zeppelin announced that they could not continue as they were.. was my 9th birthday. So, what I had was cassette tapes and stories. Being able to sit down and listen to them all at once is just fine with me. Although I prefer to listen to one album in it's entirety and then listen to another one later. What I've always understood about Led Zeppelin is that each album told a story. Not just each song on the album. So, I often go one album at a time not just listening but, taking in the music.
When I first started watching the DVD's they made me really sad. Sad because, I know that John Bonham died. And to see him there young and strong playing like a man creating an art and to know he's not doing that anymore made me sad. Not to mention how young he was. Or his family. It still makes me sad. But, for me growing up knowing there was no more Zeppelin when they're my favorite band is like being invited to a party that you run just a little bit too late for. And no matter how many times you hit rewind you never get to the party on time.
On an up note to read the books and hear the songs and the bootlegs ..especially, if they have any kind of talking on them makes me feel like a fly on the wall. It's almost like traveling back in time. Watching the DVD's got easier the more I did it. And I love watching them.
Listening to the music all at once though as you asked.. I want to say it hasn't lost any of the impact but, I can't compare it with not having heard it all at once. Even when I was a kid I was too young to notice how long between albums it was. But, I don't think it has lost it's impact. What is gone though is the experience of the excitement of waiting for the next album. Or the excitement of knowing you're going to a Led Zeppelin concert. But, the music gives me goosebumps. And I feel my emotions getting all twisted up in the songs. Like in Achilles Last Stand.. that riff that Jimmy has? It levels me every time. It's hilarious because, I have 2 kids who are young adults and they both know the rule.. no talking when Jimmy's riffs start. Weird I know.
And I just have to say that in my house it's always been "MOM turn the music down it's too loud!". I always respond the same way "Led Zeppelin ..can't ever be played too loud!".