After the end of The Beatles, Rock and Roll music was changing and getting heavier and many Hard Rock bands were shaping their sound. In an interview with Hit Parader back in 1971, John Lennon gave his opinion on Led Zeppelin, that had only one album released at the time. The musician praised guitarist Jimmy Page.
John Lennon gave his opinion about Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page, saying:
“You know, I just think it’s either something I like or don’t like or it’s heavy or it’s light. I like heavy music — I call it rock. So I like Zeppelin, I’ve only heard a couple you know, they’re okay. I don’t really know much of what they’re about. But one thing’s for sure, Jimmy Page is a bloody good guitarist”, John Lennon said.
A few years later, according to rock journalist Lisa Robinson, John Lennon also said he liked “Stairway To Heaven”. In an interview with in 1975 her Robert Plant replied joking: “He’s only just heard it now?”
They were elected the best band in the United Kingdom after The Beatles
During the 60’s and 70’s Melody Maker magazine was one of the most important music publications in the United Kingdom and every year they readers would choose the best band of the UK. During the 60’s, The Beatles won for 8 consecutive years. However, in 1970 Led Zeppelin was the band that occupied the post. It was the first band to defeat The Beatles. Besides that, Robert Plant was also elected as the best male vocalist.
Plant and John Bonham gave an interview at the time talking about the prize and The Beatles
John Bonham was asked if he thought Zeppelin would be able to won the competition for 8 consecutive years like The Beatles. The drummer replied, saying: “It’s changing, I think that’s why the awards have changed. Because the kids are changing and so is the music changing.”
“I think these days, the public you know, let’s no just say the kids, because we’ve had all sorts of people at concerts. I think they’re coming to listen to what you’re playing. Not just to look you and see what you are.”
“I remember a few years when I went to see The Beatles, because we’ve mentioned them a few times. It was to look at them. You didn’t really bother what you were listening to. Today is not what you are, is what you’re playing.”