Unlocking Led Zeppelin: The Inside Story of the Band's Journey to Mainstream Success
Led Zeppelin always had an air of mystery and rebellion surrounding them. They shied away from interviews and were known for their disdain towards Rolling Stone. When given the opportunity to interview the band for the Los Angeles Times, it marked a significant moment in their journey to mainstream success. As they prepared to release their album Physical Graffiti, I was invited to join them on tour by their publicist, Danny Goldberg.
The key to getting Led Zeppelin on the cover of Rolling Stone rested on Jimmy Page's willingness to participate. Despite initial resistance, the plan was to interview the other band members first and then hopefully convince Page to join in for a group shot. However, as the tour progressed, Page became increasingly distant and unresponsive, raising doubts about the success of the interview.
During the tour, I had the opportunity to interview Robert Plant, who shared his deep passion for music and the band's journey. The shows continued to captivate audiences with new material like "Ten Years Gone" and "Kashmir." However, Page's reluctance to engage in the interview posed a challenge as time was running out on all fronts.
In a bold move, I approached Page directly on the band's plane, the Starship, and made a compelling case for the interview. Despite his initial skepticism, Page eventually agreed to the interview in New York. The interview took place in Page's hotel suite, where he opened up about his childhood, his thoughts on the band, and his personal reflections.
The article detailing the interview was met with overwhelming praise from Zeppelin fans worldwide. Rolling Stone's decision to feature Led Zeppelin proved to be a success, garnering a flood of letters filled with admiration, questions, and gratitude. The response was a testament to the enduring appeal and impact of Led Zeppelin's music and mystique.