This man is the reason I ever picked up a (Fender Jazz) Bass. I met him in 1994, giving me the opportunity to tell him this and thank him for it. He is the humblest, most gracious person I have ever encountered.The only thing better than his musicianship is his humanity. Thank you, JPJ, for being!
@@ronbar4192 why don't you shut the f**k up and stop crushing people's spirit ?? So what if he didn't have a band?! You dont have to have a band to be motivated by a musician. You obviously have problem wit yourself that you are projecting onto others on the internen. Pathetic !
Jones said it perfectly!! "John Bonham wasn't the drummer of Led Zeppelin, he was a quarter of it". That right there shows how much respect there was for one another in Led Zeppelin.
I think this is what made them larger than life so to speak. Any great band is more than the sum of it's parts. This is what made me want to be a musician, I really wanted to be part of a team that made something more than could ever be done as an individual, or even a group of individuals who were unable to meld in this way.
I have heard the same sentiment from Jimmy Page in some of his interviews. They all had an immense respect for one another and this is what made the band so damn good. John Paul Jones said it as well "really good musicians who were really dedicated"
Great one. Been watching you on and off for years but only today subscribed. I have a VC channel now and did a video on my ROBERT LUDWIG RL cut led zep II . Hope u can check it out when you can TONYS LPSRUS..THANKS and keep rockN
Finally, an interviewer that asks interesting questions and John Paul Jones gives great, honest answers. He really is a class act and 1/4 of the greatest band in history!
Very good interviewer. He is a fan, you can tell. That makes a difference.. being a fan of the music and knowing some things about music history/theory at least to an extent instead of zomg im talking with a famous person :D
You know what's funny? Follow the RUclips channel blancolirio the guy is a pilot in Northern California and his neighbor is John Paul Jones... they sometimes Jam together check it out
What a gentleman he is! In '86, I was in WH Smith (UK newsagents), browsing magazines. I turned around, and John Paul Jones was just behind me, doing the same. I don't think anyone else in the vicinity recognized him. Shyness stopped me saying Hello, but I'm glad it did - who wants to be interrupted while shopping? You can tell from this interview that JPJ doesn't see himself as a celebrity or star, just a working musician / writer / producer. One of the best music interviews I've seen. Thank you. 🥍
There is no hyperbole in this statement....Led Zeppelin consisted of four ground breaking revolutionary musical virtuosos. Given that indisputable fact, John Paul Jones is arguably the most gifted all around musician. That's quite an honor when you're talking about the most astonishingly talented band that Rock ever produced.
This is by far a great Man among men. I have always loved these guys. I am so glad to hear and see the smile and appreciation of the work he and the band did. Such a great guy!
John Paul, you've been a blessing to Led Zeppelin. Your Bass lines alone are incredible, not to mention the other instruments. I've been a big fan since 74.
Of all the relevant things you could have said, you say the most stupid and irrelevant thing. Age is not something within our control but, I don't believe that Page or Plant would agree with you. All three are active, vital and ageless. I also believe they are comfortable being known as icons based on the ten year run of the band. It has made them mysterious in some ways yet, having a place in rock n roll history that few groups have achieved. I hardly think how they have worn the years in a physical sense has ever crossed anyones mind. Truth is, we all get old and we all show it.
It’s more than being solid. Any band can play in the “pocket” drums and bass so to speak. It’s the mixing of time signatures, the push n pull of the rhythm section and the restraint. The less is more and the feeeel the groove. But ya. Kick ass and something you can’t just duplicate with a studio musician
I'm not saying they were a *better* rhythm section (not saying that at all) but, just as solidness goes, Crazy Horse (Neil Young's band) has the solidest rhythm section.
Definitely underrated to those that don't really know much about music or Zeppelin. The guy was/is a master musician on bass, keyboards, mandolin, etc. plus doing arrangements. Just a quiet, brilliant musician. Poor guy was one of two people that found Bonham dead.
@@benmeltzer In the sense that both are the quieter, lesser-celebrated members of their respective bands. Both the most straight also... I certainly didn't mean to imply that Graham Nash was nearly as musically gifted or as versatile as JPJ though...
I always thought John Paul was the secret weapon of the band, he covered a fair bit of musical territory and not just with the bass. I saw them supporting The Who in the US on a early tour, then I saw them at the Bath Festival in England eighteen months later in 1970 and they obliterated everyone else. Great interview by the young man. Thank you.
Very Nice ... Very Well Done. It's so pleasant seeing John get to participate in an interview without having to wait until Robert finally runs out of breath.
John is such an awesome person, I have such a respect for him and I think he can just be so hilarious sometimes with some of the little things he says, legend
@@mikejohnson2638 Jimmy knew all the tricks of the trade for producing a record in the studio. Jones was a exceptionally gifted arranger. These are two separate things that's why Zeppelin is so special. No other band had these elements on that level within the band.
Honestly Zeppelin were just like the best football team of a season, untouchable, all contributing their part, Jimmy with the riifs and solos, JPJ with keys/mandolin and of course bass and rhythm with Bonham, Bonham with the most distinguishable drum sound of all time, and of course Page's lyrics voice and wild rock star persona, now the Beatles were great, arguably the best BAND of all time, but rock and roll band? Zeppelin hands down.
I believe the words out of Page's mouth and can see that he was talking about the varied musicianship of Jones with abilities on mandolin, bass, 6-string acoustic, electric guitar, organ, and piano, as well as an extensive rap sheet of session work with an eclectic list of performers. Jimmy was the guitar god and creator of the group and was the main producer but it is easy to see why he brought in Jones with his extensive gifts.
Such a wonderful interview, I love JPJ's sense of humor throughout. And he's very candid and direct with his sensibilities about different material they performed and the qualities about it. Wonderful stuff.
One of the things that I admire most about Zeppelin is that they were a band, in the truest sense of the word. When Bonham died, the rest of the band knew that Zeppelin was done. It appears as if success, fortune, fame were secondary to them. It was all about the music that they were making. "John Bonham wasn't the drummer of Led Zeppelin; he was 1/4 of Led Zeppelin"
Now that I think about it, it does say a lot that they felt they couldn't rightly carry on as "Led Zeppelin" without all four of the individual members.
@Kirk Cousins Spoken by someone who knows.Thank you The Beach boys of all people got it right,, 'If you should ever leave me,the world will still go on believe me, but it will show nothing to me so what good will living do me?' Been like that since I lost my partner 12 years ago that is Exactly what life is like.You carry on, you kid yourself you are living for them too now, but the truth is it means Nothing.It is just killing time. Zep made the right decisoni
He and Page were genius together. What a great decision by Page to go get Jones as his first mate. Wonderful interview, he has a wonderful sense of humor. "You have a few parties and they remind you of it in 30 years' time." Cincinatti shut down after the third number, what else were we going to do? Hilarious. Also handles some very difficult questions with poise. His comments about Bonham show such deep respect - their decision to stop puts them with the Beatles in unparalleled company.
No, Page did not "go get Jones". Jones, at his wife's suggestion, called Page when he heard Page was forming a new band and asked him if he needed a bass player.
@@nickv4073 - Jones had recorded with Page before and had told him, "if you ever start a band, give me a call. Jones wife was right, most people familiar with the British music scene had some idea of what might happen with the Yardbirds after they imploded and left Page holding the rights to the name and not much else. There was just too much potential there to overlook an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of any kind of reboot that was going to happen. It sure paid off for Jones, though. Not just the money, but what Page has said many times, they have left behind an admirable body of work.
i was lucky enough to see Zeppelin may years ago,they gave everything,played for 3 hours plus,worked their arses off,amazing,hard working and professional band,miss Bonzo,best rock drummer ever
John Paul Jones actually answers the questions directly, unlike Jimmy Page who stutters, stammers, touches his nose fifty times and then answers a different question. Or like Robert who seems to dance around the answers and say weird things like, "I can't remember.". I love them all, but the truth is JPJ gives the best interviews. He's a great guy and so down to earth.
I think Plant has a very different experience from those days. I think he dances around the answers because he lost a very close friend, Bonzo, and I think Plant just kind of wanted to move away from it all. I mean 10 years of greatness, your closest friend passes away and it's all over. I think Plant said in an interview that it all happened so fast, 10 years and it all ended.
Christopher you're so right on about page...lol..👍🏻💯 he's annoying when he talks. It's like he'll give you a 3 hour convoluted answer to a simple stupid question. I think page does that to try and seem "deep" or sound profound and prolific. I hate the way jimmy talks that shoplifter..lol..🤘🏻🇬🇧 page is bullshit, Jones here was the real weapon the real genius of zeppelin. I don't care that much for zeppelin but I like a few things/ songs they covered, specially Jones' stuff he did. He's brilliant.
That's what you call a class act.. It wasn't until I saw his solo act at the house of blues that I realized what a tremendous part he played in LZ... An outstanding artist, and quite a likable guy.
13:15 "John Bonham wasn´t the drummer of Led Zeppelin. He was the quarter of Led Zeppelin and you couldn´t just say get another drummer" ( Jones, John Paul)
He was the heart and soul of Led Zeppelin. Besides his bass, his organ parts were absolutely critical to the overall sound on their songs. I could listen to it for hours. When I saw them live in the 70s the bass player, John, was ill, and the band actually asked if there was anyone in the audience who could play bass. A guy got up and walked onto stage and knew every song they did. It was an amazing night.
Jonesy never got enough face time in my estimation. This man was and is so full of talent and I'm always wishing I could see more of him on film to see what his fingers were doing. There is a scene on stage in The Song Remains the Same movie where he and Bonzo were playing and smiling at one another. That's one of my favorite parts. It's really awesome to hear his takes on all of the different songs. Still love these guys after all these years! Who wouldn't? Great interview! Great guy! Gotta add that Peter Grant certainly had their backs. He was balls to the wall, Peter Grant.
@@ftwins2000 yeah the interviewers in the early days quickly picked up on the fact that if they talked to Jonesy he would give honest answers (the opposite of what they wanted) lol
@@benmeltzer You're right Ben. Page was/is an excellent musician. Just as Jones is. The reason I made that statement is based on Jones playing so many different instruments and doing arrangements as well. If you ask me the same question tomorrow I'll probably say Page was the best in the group. Both were GREAT as was the group.
Probably around that time a friend and I bought tickets for King Crimson and the opening act was billed as "Special Guest" and this guy shows up on stage!! What an amazing show!! He was funny as hell, entertaining us between songs because there were numerous instrument changes and super generous with his show! A great man!!
What can make you stand out from other bands? Good arrangements. John Paul was intelligent, musically trained, and versatile. What a fortunate occurrence to have these four particular musicians in the same band.
Class act right here. From the mags I read in the 70's to any media he's done since JPJ comes across as the grit that LZ needed. He never told a nasty tale on his bandmates and always played to the song. The respect he has is well earned.
"It wasn't the age of therapy which came 20 years too late for us" Aw man. He said it with a chuckle but you know there's so much pain with that statement underneath. RIP Bonzo.
Great interview: enlightening, educational, and most of all very funny. I think one of the things that set LZ apart, besides their obviously stellar musicianship, was the fact that they were simply more intelligent than most of their peers.
I agree man.Rock and Roll doesnt have a lot of genius musicians. Led Zeppelin had 2 . And the others had skills that damn few if any of their peers can boast of
ericynot--SORRY, men. But, having a young guy who looked like Robert Plant! Got us gals to take notice, & the MUSIC got us to stay for 50 yrs. Plant, was a true ROCK-GOD in his time.
What a classy, gracious and humble gentleman. I really really love Jimmy, I can relate to his phrasing and punch, the modes he uses to improvise.... But this one I must say is the rare gem in the band. Only respect and ... respect. :--)
Has there ever been a hugely successful entity - be it sports, music, art, business - that had such mutual respect and incredible loyalty from the principals as Led Zeppelin? The absolute, unconditional respect and loyalty these guys had for one another is just so awesome. 13:08 - the comments almost bring tears. They haven't changed their story since that day in 1980. That was the end. It had to be those four guys.
The great thing is that he mentions Peter Grant. They never would have been who they were without him, but he also changed the entire industry and made things better for every band that came after them. He is the unsung hero of Led Zeppelin and the music industry...
I don't think it's outrageous to say the John Paul Jones was the most talented multi-instrumentalist of his era. It's also entirely likely that the only person that would disagree with that would be himself.
If I was in a jazz band I would want Jaco Pastorious to play bass, but in a rock band John Paul Jones would surely be my first choice. I mean, I would want him even just for his keyboard playing, let alone the bass. Then there's his talent on acoustic guitar. One of these days I hope I get to hear what he can do on electric guitar.
He and Bonham, individually, were 10-degree black belt masters of their respective instruments with very few others amongst their contemporary and future peers their equals thereof -- collectively, they were the under-acknowledged contribution to what made the Zeppelin "sound" so distinctive and recognizable. While the band's vocalist and guitarist, Plant and Page, understandably got the disproportiona majority of the spotlight, the drumming of Bonham's and bass-playing (and occasionally keyboard-playing as well) of Jones' were at least as critical to the Zeppelin "sound. Specifically with regard to Jones, unlike most rock bassists (especially with respect to the hard rock of the 'mid-late 60s and thru the '70s and into the '80s who sounded the same, he has a signature sound that is all his that when you hear it, you know that you're listening to JPJ bass lines and no one else's. There are only so many rock bassists you can say this about (Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten, Phil Lynott, Flea, Mike Watt, Cliff Burton, Les Claypool, Mark Sandman are amongst those on my personal list). To hear his bass alongside Josh Homme's guitar and vocals and Dave Grohl's drumming on the Them Crooked Vultures album some years ago now was a very pleasing aural experience! Even though it sounds like another Queens Of The Stone Age album, Jones' signature bass is very noticeable -- kudos to the producers and engineers on that album who mixed the tracks so that his bass wouldn't be buried beneath Homme's guitar and vocals and Grohl's drums!
John Paul Jones was and is one of the greatest--yet most underrated--musicians in the world. He also is absolutely delightful to hear during his interviews.
I appreciate hearing John Paul speaking so honest and free. My impression from the interviews together with Robert and Jimmy in the past years has always been, that John Paul has not even had 5% of the speaking time... In this interview, he is just himself! Thank you so much, John Paul, for bringing up your own perspective about the band. It is great fun listening to you...!
this is an interview for the Smithsonian. The interviewer did a great job and really let JPJ present his true self. just great work all around......and no surprise, Swedish people are civilized, so I've heard....
yeah, i don't know why,page and plant didn't let him tour with them, he was around way before the beggining of zeppelin, he was a studio manager and helped arrange donovans great 'hurdy gurdy man, and alot of other great arrangements, jones surely was great
He's so thoughtful here. These guys were all brilliant. He makes a good point that other bands didn't put so much light and shade into their songs. Made them like mini rock operas.
Listening to the Live album growing up I was always fascinated about the improvisations pulled off so smoothly….”how did they do that?” John explains this well in this interview, watching Bonham so closely and paying very close attention. Bonham was great at signaling the changes. Not until playing in a live band later in life do I begin to understand what was going on here…
When I first started listening to Zeppelin heavily in 1983 as a 15 year old. It was easy to get caught up in Page’s riffs, and Bonham’s drumming, but throughout the years, I really started focusing on what JPJones was doing, every step of the way. Especially the live shows, where Page would lead a song in one direction with his solos, and Jones had to adapt and keep grooving on the spot. His talent was immense, and his contribution to the greatest Rock Band of All Time, cannot be understated.
@@catherinethompson2525 I was referring to you as this is what you said 'Funny I think Roberts wife was a Maureen, JPJ also and John Bonham i think his wife was Maureen Just a funny coincidence'
My all time favorite musician. There is no Led Zeppelin without him. Geddy Lee said he was the best bass player. Geddy was the best I ever saw live so that said it all.
I can listen to this guy all day. Brilliant, humble and down to earth. You would think you were speaking to someone’s grandfather not one of the greatest musicians of the century
@@Peterickenbacker1 " His influences ranged from the blues of Big Bill Broonzy, the jazz of Charles Mingus, to the classical piano of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Trained classical piano player as an adolescent, as well as a choirmaster at 14 years of age." He was the only trained musician in the band. Before Zeppelin, he backed up and recorded with the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Shirley Bassey, Herman's Hermits, and other popular British acts of the early and mid sixties.He was one of the top, on demand, professional studio musicians in London at the time. In '68 he started the band along with Page. He's a MF bassist and multi-instrumentalist. Plant and Bonham were certainly incredible, but they were two young, inexperienced 19-20 year olds with a lot of talent and desire, but little refined or honed musical background. JPJ played and was well-versed in rock, jazz, soul, classical, skiffle, folk, and of course, blues. His musicianship and producing is top-drawer. There would not have been Zep without him.
Led Zeppelin was just another complete surprize in a world full of musical surprises for us born in the mid 50s and having lived through an absolute marvel of a time that covered familiar pop, the British Invasion, Motown, Show music. Though turbulent, this was magic time for music, and i fear Rolling Stone just wasn't ready for this completely different kind of hard rock. For cryin' out loud, Robert Plant's voice, for one, was truly unique.
Plant the golden, Page of the shadows, Bonzo "the Led" of Zeppelin and finally Darkhorse JPJ (quiet, humble, multi-talented gentle genious)... I 💕you JPJ!
This man is the reason I ever picked up a (Fender Jazz) Bass. I met him in 1994, giving me the opportunity to tell him this and thank him for it. He is the humblest, most gracious person I have ever encountered.The only thing better than his musicianship is his humanity. Thank you, JPJ, for being!
you don't have a band so it doesn't matter if you pick the bass or not bro
Same here at 14 yrs old, what a good guy and the cement of Zep! Only I picked a Rickenbacker.
@@ronbar4192 why don't you shut the f**k up and stop crushing people's spirit ?? So what if he didn't have a band?! You dont have to have a band to be motivated by a musician. You obviously have problem wit yourself that you are projecting onto others on the internen. Pathetic !
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Absoluthily agree my friends
JPJ, the quiet musical genius backbone ot Led Zeppelin
WITHOUT JOHN PAUL JONES THERE IS NO LED ZEPPELIN
@@CattleRustlerOCNWITHOUT JIMMY PAGE THERE IS NO LED ZEP....PAGE STARTED THE BAND.. FACT..
Jones said it perfectly!! "John Bonham wasn't the drummer of Led Zeppelin, he was a quarter of it". That right there shows how much respect there was for one another in Led Zeppelin.
DesignPro2002 No Quarter, no Zeppelin. Am I right?
I think this is what made them larger than life so to speak. Any great band is more than the sum of it's parts. This is what made me want to be a musician, I really wanted to be part of a team that made something more than could ever be done as an individual, or even a group of individuals who were unable to meld in this way.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 8.o000
I have heard the same sentiment from Jimmy Page in some of his interviews. They all had an immense respect for one another and this is what made the band so damn good. John Paul Jones said it as well "really good musicians who were really dedicated"
Beaver eating carrots
The stars aligned for Zeppelin, it was lightning in a bottle we’ll never see again and it completely fascinates me
So true.
What about Greta Van Fleet
Great one. Been watching you on and off for years but only today subscribed. I have a VC channel now and did a video on my ROBERT LUDWIG RL cut led zep II . Hope u can check it out when you can TONYS LPSRUS..THANKS and keep rockN
@@WhiteNachoI love Greta but it’s not even close, these dudes were centennial masters of their instruments
Agree
Finally, an interviewer that asks interesting questions and John Paul Jones gives great, honest answers. He really is a class act and 1/4 of the greatest band in history!
Very good interviewer. He is a fan, you can tell. That makes a difference.. being a fan of the music and knowing some things about music history/theory at least to an extent instead of zomg im talking with a famous person :D
I agree, right up to the point where he slightly pressures John to talk about busting up hotel rooms. A bit lame that bit, imo.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 Yeah, and I could have done without the drug questions, too. Leave the drugs and hotel rooms to the tabloids.
Greatest band right behind the Beatles.haha
@Officer Gregory Stevens- Great Point. On the mark!- definitely.
I want him to be my neighbor and say "good morning" to me every day.
Yep, someone to talk over the picket fence and share a morning cup of coffee or tea...
At least he won't report to the police after blasting zeppelin on full volume
You know what's funny? Follow the RUclips channel blancolirio the guy is a pilot in Northern California and his neighbor is John Paul Jones... they sometimes Jam together check it out
For real he wants posted video him jamming along with John Paul Jones in a Northern California bar or Winery
Ok
What a gentleman he is! In '86, I was in WH Smith (UK newsagents), browsing magazines. I turned around, and John Paul Jones was just behind me, doing the same. I don't think anyone else in the vicinity recognized him. Shyness stopped me saying Hello, but I'm glad it did - who wants to be interrupted while shopping? You can tell from this interview that JPJ doesn't see himself as a celebrity or star, just a working musician / writer / producer. One of the best music interviews I've seen. Thank you. 🥍
One of the most down to earth guys in rock, and a great musician at that.
There is no hyperbole in this statement....Led Zeppelin consisted of four ground breaking revolutionary musical virtuosos. Given that indisputable fact, John Paul Jones is arguably the most gifted all around musician. That's quite an honor when you're talking about the most astonishingly talented band that Rock ever produced.
The Druid on vocals, Wizard on Guitar, Zen Monk on Bass and then the Tornado on drums!
This is by far a great Man among men. I have always loved these guys. I am so glad to hear and see the smile and appreciation of the work he and the band did. Such a great guy!
Ramble on.. a brilliant bassist, musician, and human, JPJ is a living legend!
My favorite Zeppelin tune. I listen to it almost everyday!
Lemon song!
It’s one helluva bass line for sure! Totally iconic!
John Paul, you've been a blessing to Led Zeppelin. Your Bass lines alone are incredible, not to mention the other instruments. I've been a big fan since 74.
he aged better than page and plant
probably has a better hold on his vices and more self-control
Of all the relevant things you could have said, you say the most stupid and irrelevant thing. Age is not something within our control but, I don't believe that Page or Plant would agree with you. All three are active, vital and ageless. I also believe they are comfortable being known as icons based on the ten year run of the band. It has made them mysterious in some ways yet, having a place in rock n roll history that few groups have achieved. I hardly think how they have worn the years in a physical sense has ever crossed anyones mind. Truth is, we all get old and we all show it.
That's because he was the only one not to have sold his soul to the Devil ;) He's the only one that came out of Zeppelin unscathed.
@@gabrieljohannson6777 I can totally see that.
I wonder why.
I love this man. SO humble, so nice, so engaging and a genius musician. I would love to meet this man.
That’s correct … shit hot and the music’s intense. 🔥🇬🇧
Why can't someone ever just say he's "gentle" ...where do you get " humble" from???????
I’d love to get a date !
This man's bass tone is unbelievable, the unsung hero of Zeppelin. Amazing organist as well.
His music knowledge is expansive . He can play any instrument and read music backwards. So he was just as important as the others no doubt
If what you say is true, it was cruel of them to make him read music that way. It's needless.
Jonesy is a class act. Always was. Possibly the most gifted musician in the band
Led Zeppelin: the most solid rhythm section in rock history, and there were a Lot of great rhythm sections in that era.
It’s more than being solid. Any band can play in the “pocket” drums and bass so to speak. It’s the mixing of time signatures, the push n pull of the rhythm section and the restraint. The less is more and the feeeel the groove. But ya. Kick ass and something you can’t just duplicate with a studio musician
I'm not saying they were a *better* rhythm section (not saying that at all) but, just as solidness goes, Crazy Horse (Neil Young's band) has the solidest rhythm section.
Definitely underrated to those that don't really know much about music or Zeppelin. The guy was/is a master musician on bass, keyboards, mandolin, etc. plus doing arrangements. Just a quiet, brilliant musician. Poor guy was one of two people that found Bonham dead.
JPJ seemingly was to Page and Plant what Graham Nash was to Crosby, Stills and Young
@@arsalmonar nahhhhh
He can play just about anything
@@arsalmonar How do you mean? Like as the secret weapon or something?
@@benmeltzer In the sense that both are the quieter, lesser-celebrated members of their respective bands. Both the most straight also... I certainly didn't mean to imply that Graham Nash was nearly as musically gifted or as versatile as JPJ though...
I always thought John Paul was the secret weapon of the band, he covered a fair bit of musical territory and not just with the bass. I saw them supporting The Who in the US on a early tour, then I saw them at the Bath Festival in England eighteen months later in 1970 and they obliterated everyone else. Great interview by the young man. Thank you.
What a wonderful guy JPJ is. I can see why any band would love to have him on board.
That and he is super talented. Would love to be in a band with him for both reasons equally.
Very Nice ... Very Well Done. It's so pleasant seeing John get to participate in an interview without having to wait until Robert finally runs out of breath.
No one could have POSSIBLY stated that any better. F.R.P. 😖. He got LUCKY in '68.
We don't hear enough from JPJ, such an admirable man.
Probably the best Zep interview I've heard. JPJ is so cool. How thoughtful are his comments.
John is such an awesome person, I have such a respect for him and I think he can just be so hilarious sometimes with some of the little things he says, legend
Never heard zep described as puppylike 😆😆😆
He has always had such great sense of humor, even busts the other guys up too!
the artist u
Oh, but in the early days they were so young and nubile...maybe not for Plant(he was always so base) but Jones and Page look so young.
Julie Strauss 'but shit hot too' he said. 😎
John Paul Jones is down to earth, and fabulous. Highly talented.
The most musically gifted member of the band, according to Jimmy.
Page was in fact the back bone of the band, ask Robert plant, Plant admitted Page was led zeppelin.
@@mikejohnson2638 Jimmy knew all the tricks of the trade for producing a record in the studio. Jones was a exceptionally gifted arranger. These are two separate things that's why Zeppelin is so special. No other band had these elements on that level within the band.
Amazing mandolin player! Look him up here on RUclips he’s been playing a bunch of Bluegrass
Honestly Zeppelin were just like the best football team of a season, untouchable, all contributing their part, Jimmy with the riifs and solos, JPJ with keys/mandolin and of course bass and rhythm with Bonham, Bonham with the most distinguishable drum sound of all time, and of course Page's lyrics voice and wild rock star persona, now the Beatles were great, arguably the best BAND of all time, but rock and roll band? Zeppelin hands down.
I believe the words out of Page's mouth and can see that he was talking about the varied musicianship of Jones with abilities on mandolin, bass, 6-string acoustic, electric guitar, organ, and piano, as well as an extensive rap sheet of session work with an eclectic list of performers. Jimmy was the guitar god and creator of the group and was the main producer but it is easy to see why he brought in Jones with his extensive gifts.
Such a wonderful interview, I love JPJ's sense of humor throughout. And he's very candid and direct with his sensibilities about different material they performed and the qualities about it. Wonderful stuff.
One of the things that I admire most about Zeppelin is that they were a band, in the truest sense of the word. When Bonham died, the rest of the band knew that Zeppelin was done. It appears as if success, fortune, fame were secondary to them. It was all about the music that they were making. "John Bonham wasn't the drummer of Led Zeppelin; he was 1/4 of Led Zeppelin"
Now that I think about it, it does say a lot that they felt they couldn't rightly carry on as "Led Zeppelin" without all four of the individual members.
They kept their mystique by not continuing.
Jones found Bonham dead. I wonder how you get over something like that. I can't imagine.
We don't really, we just keep living slowly accepting the changes.
@@TheRealShawnCrowe yes.
@Kirk Cousins Spoken by someone who knows.Thank you The Beach boys of all people got it right,, 'If you should ever leave me,the world will still go on believe me, but it will show nothing to me so what good will living do me?' Been like that since I lost my partner 12 years ago that is Exactly what life is like.You carry on, you kid yourself you are living for them too now, but the truth is it means Nothing.It is just killing time. Zep made the right decisoni
Robert plant lost his 5 year old son. Worst thing that can ever happen to a father.
Copious amounts of drugs doesn’t hurt.
Lovely guy, so talented and unassuming. Met him once in Blackpool, we brought fish and chips and walked along the seafront together.
He and Page were genius together. What a great decision by Page to go get Jones as his first mate. Wonderful interview, he has a wonderful sense of humor. "You have a few parties and they remind you of it in 30 years' time." Cincinatti shut down after the third number, what else were we going to do? Hilarious. Also handles some very difficult questions with poise. His comments about Bonham show such deep respect - their decision to stop puts them with the Beatles in unparalleled company.
No, Page did not "go get Jones". Jones, at his wife's suggestion, called Page when he heard Page was forming a new band and asked him if he needed a bass player.
Jones, like Page, a skilled studio musician; they knew one another from those days.
One of the 'luckiest moments' in music history!
@@nickv4073 - Jones had recorded with Page before and had told him, "if you ever start a band, give me a call. Jones wife was right, most people familiar with the British music scene had some idea of what might happen with the Yardbirds after they imploded and left Page holding the rights to the name and not much else. There was just too much potential there to overlook an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of any kind of reboot that was going to happen.
It sure paid off for Jones, though. Not just the money, but what Page has said many times, they have left behind an admirable body of work.
@@nickv4073 They got each other. Doesn't matter about who called whom.
So humble.....
JPJ was criminally underrated, I think.
I saw them in Seattle 1977-
Ears rang for months.
So good ❤
i was lucky enough to see Zeppelin may years ago,they gave everything,played for 3 hours plus,worked their arses off,amazing,hard working and professional band,miss Bonzo,best rock drummer ever
John Paul Jones actually answers the questions directly, unlike Jimmy Page who stutters, stammers, touches his nose fifty times and then answers a different question. Or like Robert who seems to dance around the answers and say weird things like, "I can't remember.". I love them all, but the truth is JPJ gives the best interviews. He's a great guy and so down to earth.
@Benjamin S Ever see that interview he did in 1963, black and white, as a 19 year old session musician? He gave a decent interview there.
Probabaly because Jimmy was actually shy and conscience of his persona when under the influence of strong drugs
Agreed
I think Plant has a very different experience from those days. I think he dances around the answers because he lost a very close friend, Bonzo, and I think Plant just kind of wanted to move away from it all. I mean 10 years of greatness, your closest friend passes away and it's all over. I think Plant said in an interview that it all happened so fast, 10 years and it all ended.
Christopher you're so right on about page...lol..👍🏻💯 he's annoying when he talks. It's like he'll give you a 3 hour convoluted answer to a simple stupid question. I think page does that to try and seem "deep" or sound profound and prolific. I hate the way jimmy talks that shoplifter..lol..🤘🏻🇬🇧 page is bullshit, Jones here was the real weapon the real genius of zeppelin. I don't care that much for zeppelin but I like a few things/ songs they covered, specially Jones' stuff he did. He's brilliant.
That's what you call a class act.. It wasn't until I saw his solo act at the house of blues that I realized what a tremendous part he played in LZ... An outstanding artist, and quite a likable guy.
13:15 "John Bonham wasn´t the drummer of Led Zeppelin. He was the quarter of Led Zeppelin and you couldn´t just say get another drummer" ( Jones, John Paul)
This actually proves beyond all doubt that they were in it for so much more than just the money. Real and true artists those guys.
ledcover .... Only a genious could give an answer like this!
Until Jason Bonham was old enough to play. Jason played as well as his father.
Yep, he's as pointlessly pedantic as ever. (See his peevish upchucks on Newhart.) This, despite his considerable achievements.
Aylbdr Madison Absolutely right. Though you must admit, the money wasn’t bad…
He was part of a band who had a wealth of knowledge about their craft. We need more JPJ interviews!
He was the heart and soul of Led Zeppelin. Besides his bass, his organ parts were absolutely critical to the overall sound on their songs. I could listen to it for hours. When I saw them live in the 70s the bass player, John, was ill, and the band actually asked if there was anyone in the audience who could play bass. A guy got up and walked onto stage and knew every song they did. It was an amazing night.
I love John Paul Jones. He is the backbone of Led Zeppelin.
Like so many bass players from that time.
If my dog could meow it would be my cat. Led Zeppelin the great.
Page was the back bone of the band, you have no idea who much Page influenced the rest of the band. ask plant. Plant said page was led zeppelin.
“Unless it comes back in a DVD 30 years later” HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAH
Jonesy never got enough face time in my estimation. This man was and is so full of talent and I'm always wishing I could see more of him on film to see what his fingers were doing. There is a scene on stage in The Song Remains the Same movie where he and Bonzo were playing and smiling at one another. That's one of my favorite parts. It's really awesome to hear his takes on all of the different songs. Still love these guys after all these years! Who wouldn't? Great interview! Great guy! Gotta add that Peter Grant certainly had their backs. He was balls to the wall, Peter Grant.
It’s because Jonesy never seek the attention. It just wasn’t his Style, just a Quite English Gentleman
@@ftwins2000 For certain. If he'd wanted the attention, he'd off had it. He was a family man and as you said; "Quiet English Gentleman."
@@ftwins2000 yeah the interviewers in the early days quickly picked up on the fact that if they talked to Jonesy he would give honest answers (the opposite of what they wanted) lol
He also interviews really well.
Jonesy was the best musician out of all of them.
I always thought people said Page was? (I'm by no means a Zeppelin expert so I'm just conveying what I've picked up.)
@@benmeltzer You're right Ben. Page was/is an excellent musician. Just as Jones is.
The reason I made that statement is based on Jones playing so many different instruments and doing arrangements as well.
If you ask me the same question tomorrow I'll probably say Page was the best in the group.
Both were GREAT as was the group.
@@Colstonewall Thanks. Appreciate the detailed explanation.
Why the competition,they were all superb musicians that’s what makes them so special
Probably around that time a friend and I bought tickets for King Crimson and the opening act was billed as "Special Guest" and this guy shows up on stage!! What an amazing show!! He was funny as hell, entertaining us between songs because there were numerous instrument changes and super generous with his show! A great man!!
Glad you got to see him.. Rock on!
What can make you stand out from other bands? Good arrangements. John Paul was intelligent, musically trained, and versatile. What a fortunate occurrence to have these four particular musicians in the same band.
Class act right here. From the mags I read in the 70's to any media he's done since JPJ comes across as the grit that LZ needed. He never told a nasty tale on his bandmates and always played to the song. The respect he has is well earned.
And still married to the same woman. That says ALOT for a rocker from the 60s-70s.
"It wasn't the age of therapy which came 20 years too late for us"
Aw man. He said it with a chuckle but you know there's so much pain with that statement underneath. RIP Bonzo.
Bongo was going through drug therapy for his heroin addiction when he died.
@@Slipmahoney21 Nope. And who the f*ck is bongo?
@@TheRoomfull Bonham was an alcoholic
@@TheRoomfull I think he means Bonzo.
@benmeltzer Yeah no sh!t...I was being sarcastic. The @ss clown also said Bonzo was on heroin when he died, which I'd absolute bullsh!t.
Great interview: enlightening, educational, and most of all very funny.
I think one of the things that set LZ apart, besides their obviously stellar musicianship, was the fact that they were simply more intelligent than most of their peers.
I agree man.Rock and Roll doesnt have a lot of genius musicians. Led Zeppelin had 2 . And the others had skills that damn few if any of their peers can boast of
ericynot--SORRY, men. But, having a young guy who looked like Robert Plant! Got us gals to take notice, & the MUSIC got us to stay for 50 yrs. Plant, was a true ROCK-GOD in his time.
@@patriciawright8786 I met Robert in 1973 in Los Angeles (when they were in town) he was very sweet and humble himself. BUT he certainly had swagger.
What a classy, gracious and humble gentleman. I really really love Jimmy, I can relate to his phrasing and punch, the modes he uses to improvise.... But this one I must say is the rare gem in the band. Only respect and ... respect. :--)
A master musician in every sense of the word. Base guitar, piano, arrangements, song writing, composition etc. Incredible.
hes so adorable
tank ! Im a guy, but I'd have to agree...i guess I'd say charming but he is quite adorable no doubt. He's cool.
What a pleasure just to listen to this man, intelligent, polite and funny, God Bless him!!!
13:15 That's beautifully said by JPJ: "John wasn't the drummer of Led Zeppelin, he was a quarter of Led Zeppelin."
Peter Grant would have like 10 consecutive heart attacks then a few strokes if he found out about RUclips haha...
Officer Gregory Stevens or Spotify
A true legend and a great person. Any band would benefit from such a magnificent musician. He’s an icon of rock.
Has there ever been a hugely successful entity - be it sports, music, art, business - that had such mutual respect and incredible loyalty from the principals as Led Zeppelin? The absolute, unconditional respect and loyalty these guys had for one another is just so awesome. 13:08 - the comments almost bring tears. They haven't changed their story since that day in 1980. That was the end. It had to be those four guys.
Twotontessie U2
Of course there has (and are), but most did not, or will not, become famous.
It is apparent that Jones was the the energy which kept the band in balance.
What a Man, what a incredible musician! Along with Bonham
he was the Pulsing Heart of Zeppelin!!
The great thing is that he mentions Peter Grant. They never would have been who they were without him, but he also changed the entire industry and made things better for every band that came after them. He is the unsung hero of Led Zeppelin and the music industry...
I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks for the upload. Greetings from South Africa.
JPJ laughing at Robert "not liking" Stairway. That's funny : )
At 11:09 John recalls the death of John Bonham -- you can see the pain before it's ever mentioned.
I don't think it's outrageous to say the John Paul Jones was the most talented multi-instrumentalist of his era. It's also entirely likely that the only person that would disagree with that would be himself.
He probably wouldn't think about it. It was all about whatever worked/sounded good for the song, etc. Always seemed very focused.
Brilliant ... J.P.Jones is simply a GENIUS., as all LEd Zeppelin's members ... THE BEST GROUP EVER
Great Interview! Bless you!
These musicians were almost too good to be true! Otherworldly! 🌟
Great guy , the secret weapon if you ask me . I would love to drum with him .
Absolute iron backbone of the band :-[]
If I was in a jazz band I would want Jaco Pastorious to play bass, but in a rock band John Paul Jones would surely be my first choice. I mean, I would want him even just for his keyboard playing, let alone the bass. Then there's his talent on acoustic guitar. One of these days I hope I get to hear what he can do on electric guitar.
He and Bonham, individually, were 10-degree black belt masters of their respective instruments with very few others amongst their contemporary and future peers their equals thereof -- collectively, they were the under-acknowledged contribution to what made the Zeppelin "sound" so distinctive and recognizable. While the band's vocalist and guitarist, Plant and Page, understandably got the disproportiona majority of the spotlight, the drumming of Bonham's and bass-playing (and occasionally keyboard-playing as well) of Jones' were at least as critical to the Zeppelin "sound. Specifically with regard to Jones, unlike most rock bassists (especially with respect to the hard rock of the 'mid-late 60s and thru the '70s and into the '80s who sounded the same, he has a signature sound that is all his that when you hear it, you know that you're listening to JPJ bass lines and no one else's. There are only so many rock bassists you can say this about (Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten, Phil Lynott, Flea, Mike Watt, Cliff Burton, Les Claypool, Mark Sandman are amongst those on my personal list). To hear his bass alongside Josh Homme's guitar and vocals and Dave Grohl's drumming on the Them Crooked Vultures album some years ago now was a very pleasing aural experience! Even though it sounds like another Queens Of The Stone Age album, Jones' signature bass is very noticeable -- kudos to the producers and engineers on that album who mixed the tracks so that his bass wouldn't be buried beneath Homme's guitar and vocals and Grohl's drums!
Oliver Patrick Loughnan JPJ probably contributed more to the band than anyone else
Drum with him? He played bass and keyboard.
It's hard to express how great a musician, and how great a human, JPJ is. Master musician, humble, decent man. Giant of 20th century music.
NOW ladies & gents, this guy is what you call a total class act.
John Paul Jones was and is one of the greatest--yet most underrated--musicians in the world. He also is absolutely delightful to hear during his interviews.
Fabulous honest interview. Zepp will live forever. Best. Band. Ever.
Without question❤
I appreciate hearing John Paul speaking so honest and free. My impression from the interviews together with Robert and Jimmy in the past years has always been, that John Paul has not even had 5% of the speaking time... In this interview, he is just himself! Thank you so much, John Paul, for bringing up your own perspective about the band. It is great fun listening to you...!
What a nice man. Very genuine.
how did he feel, .. WTF man he's the one that found bonzo, he's got to live with that memory forever
One of the top musicians that ever lived. HIs sense of melody was amazing.
this is an interview for the Smithsonian. The interviewer did a great job and really let JPJ present his true self. just great work all around......and no surprise, Swedish people are civilized, so I've heard....
Green Sombrero I concur. The interviewer can hold his head high.
John Bonhams Death , one of Biggest tragedys on this Planet , Led Zeppelin has to be Playing till Today ...Better than the Stones ;_D
AMEN JIMI 😘
I love them all but he is the most down the earth member of the band
He is a musical genius who did not get enough credit as he came up with a lot of the band's riffs like Black Dog.
yeah, i don't know why,page and plant didn't let him tour with them, he was around way before the beggining of zeppelin, he was a studio manager and helped arrange donovans great 'hurdy gurdy man, and alot of other great arrangements, jones surely was great
My favorite of the four. Wish the interviewer had asked him about the No Quarter video from The Song Remains the Same.
give it up for the guy who preferred to stay in the background and carry every single track and live a more quiet life
Reuben Ackroyd
John Paul was a musician who was interested in being in a rock band but never bought into the sordid rock star life.
@@annanydegger8795 That's the best explanation of John I've ever heard.
what a good soul. Class all the way and one hell of a musician/producer!
He's so thoughtful here. These guys were all brilliant. He makes a good point that other bands didn't put so much light and shade into their songs. Made them like mini rock operas.
Bless this man, such a pro on & off stage. Finally the interview that we wanted, full of information and the input of JPJ to LD.
Listening to the Live album growing up I was always fascinated about the improvisations pulled off so smoothly….”how did they do that?” John explains this well in this interview, watching Bonham so closely and paying very close attention. Bonham was great at signaling the changes. Not until playing in a live band later in life do I begin to understand what was going on here…
Such an utterly brilliant musician in every way on so many instruments and underappreciated more than anyone in music.
I love and respect this gentleman. So down to earth. So humble. Thanks for this interview. Love from Bangladesh.
such a lovely guy...very down to earth....and an awesome musician
Excellent. Never knew much about JPJ but certainly enjoyed his candor and honest assessment. 👍
FEE FI FO FUM. I smell the blood of an Englishman .
mmmmmm TOUR DATES!!!!!!!
@@sofakingwhat4798 This is tommorow...
be he alive or be he dead....
Be he alive or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make me bread.
this is tomorrow
THANKS---a pleasure to listen to JPJ. How down to earth the real masters are. Love his only-slightly-creased brow when the interviewer gets awkward.
When I first started listening to Zeppelin heavily in 1983 as a 15 year old. It was easy to get caught up in Page’s riffs, and Bonham’s drumming, but throughout the years, I really started focusing on what JPJones was doing, every step of the way. Especially the live shows, where Page would lead a song in one direction with his solos, and Jones had to adapt and keep grooving on the spot. His talent was immense, and his contribution to the greatest Rock Band of All Time, cannot be understated.
He still looks great and he's still married to his wife Maureen Jones she had a part in the Concert film . The Song Remains The Same
Funny I think Roberts wife was a Maureen, JPJ also and John Bonham i think his wife was Maureen
Just a funny coincidence
@@catherinethompson2525 Jon Bonham's wife was called 'Pat'.
@@heliotropezzz333 I don't think I was the person you ate referring to
@@catherinethompson2525 I was referring to you as this is what you said 'Funny I think Roberts wife was a Maureen, JPJ also and John Bonham i think his wife was Maureen
Just a funny coincidence'
Catherine Thompson. Bonzo's wife's name is Pat (Phillips). He adored her
John Paul Jones, a man with class and integrity, long live Jonsey.
My all time favorite musician. There is no Led Zeppelin without him. Geddy Lee said he was the best bass player. Geddy was the best I ever saw live so that said it all.
I can listen to this guy all day. Brilliant, humble and down to earth. You would think you were speaking to someone’s grandfather not one of the greatest musicians of the century
Oh you make me feel so old! 😂 I was a teenager during the Zep years. 😊
FACT. Jimmy credits Jonesy as THE best musician out of all four of the band. How can one man be so good.
I looked for this comment that jimmy says JPJ was the band’s best musician. Can’t find it. Would be interesting to know this as fact
@@Peterickenbacker1 " His influences ranged from the blues of Big Bill Broonzy, the jazz of Charles Mingus, to the classical piano of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Trained classical piano player as an adolescent, as well as a choirmaster at 14 years of age." He was the only trained musician in the band. Before Zeppelin, he backed up and recorded with the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Shirley Bassey, Herman's Hermits, and other popular British acts of the early and mid sixties.He was one of the top, on demand, professional studio musicians in London at the time. In '68 he started the band along with Page. He's a MF bassist and multi-instrumentalist. Plant and Bonham were certainly incredible, but they were two young, inexperienced 19-20 year olds with a lot of talent and desire, but little refined or honed musical background. JPJ played and was well-versed in rock, jazz, soul, classical, skiffle, folk, and of course, blues. His musicianship and producing is top-drawer. There would not have been Zep without him.
You won't find it because he never said it.
"What is and what should never be" it s one of my fav. Led zeppelin song too....great song a litlle bit underrated if u ask me
might be the single best musician in the world
Music isn't a contest. There is no "best".
It doesn't have to be a contest for someone to be the best at what they do
You must not know meany musicians
Agreed
Led Zeppelin was just another complete surprize in a world full of musical surprises for us born in the mid 50s and having lived through an absolute marvel of a time that covered familiar pop, the British Invasion, Motown, Show music. Though turbulent, this was magic time for music, and i fear Rolling Stone just wasn't ready for this completely different kind of hard rock. For cryin' out loud, Robert Plant's voice, for one, was truly unique.
In one of the early hit pieces RS Magazine wrote, that JPJ's work on the mellotron sounded like cats screeching!!
Plant the golden, Page of the shadows, Bonzo "the Led" of Zeppelin and finally Darkhorse JPJ (quiet, humble, multi-talented gentle genious)... I 💕you JPJ!