The Battle of Evermore is basically a Celtic influenced folk song with Tolkien references throughout. Robert Plant was in and out of northern Wales all his life and the Celt definitely influenced him in this song. Often overlooked but not by me. I absolutely love this track and God bless Sandy Denny.
Im curious as how its a celtic influenced song , its in English and is based on Tolkien's work , the music may be but is the song ? Any references i can learn more from ? It would be good to see how far back it can be traced .
Avalon was supposedly in Wiltshire or Somerset England,the area where England was born through Alfred the great. There's definitely a connection with Wales in Arthurian legend. It's one of those British legends where a kernel of truth has been mythologised. Like Robin hood.
Alot of the lyrics and musical styles of Led Zeppelin was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. ‘The Battle of Evermore’ is a prime example. If fact they mention the Ringwraiths, the servants of Sauron who is the main villain of the story, in this song. They mention Gollum and the Evil One (Sauron) in ‘Ramble On’ as another example of many LotR references. These songs were written in the early 70’s when Tolkien’s books were first started to gain popularity with the general public.
Ah ! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14. Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled " Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD" I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
@@Isleofskye Not quite 65 and didn’t read LotR until I was in my early 30’s. But it’s still one of my favorite fantasy series ever. I disagree with being a sad person for still liking it after so many years. In fact, I think it speaks well of the book being that multiple generations consider it their favorite books. It has endured the test of time IMHO.
That's the late great Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention singing alongside Robert Plant. One of the finest female singers of the British folk-rock scene. Or any scene, for that matter.
Unfortunately,@@hankstaines6568, that contributed to her untimely death at age 31... Booze also killed Zepp drummer Bonham at age 32, which is when the band disbanded.
"The Battle of Evermore" is an acoustic guitar and mandolin track from Led Zeppelin's fourth album. Folk singer Sandy Denny duets with Robert Plant. In live performances bassist John Paul Jones, who plays the mandolin on this track, sang along with Plant. It is commonly believed to be based on events in The Return of the King. In the most common interpretation, the Prince of Peace, who "embraced the gloom" and "walked the night alone", refers to Frodo, who left the Fellowship of the Ring and left for Mordor with only his servant and friend Samwise Gamgee for company. "The Queen of Light" who "took her bow" is taken to refer to Galadriel, a queen of the Elves, signifying that the Third Age is ending and that the Age of Men will begin soon.
I always thought that, "The queen of light took her bow and then she turned to go. The prince of peace embraced the gloom, and walked the night alone." was about the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon.
@@TheMerryPup Well and then I have to believe it's a double entendre for Lucifer (Queen of Light) and Jesus (Prince of Peace) Because I know PAGE knows those references too.
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
@@King14000 I have read LOTR (including audio book listens) over 50 times, and the Silmarillion about 30 times. What a master of languages Tolkien was.
The song is totally influenced by The Lord of the Ring Books - Dragon of Darkness, Ringwraiths ride in black, the Dark Lord rides in force tonight... it's all there in the lyrics. If you're not a fan of the books or movies then this would have gone over your heads. It's such a magical song from start to finish
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
It was great how they always wore their influences on their sleeves.* I would say--- it would only go over people's heads if they just weren't listening to the words at all. Even way back in the day ('60s and '70s, pre-Internet), when listening to a song like "Ramble On" for example, trust me: everyone in the room knew who Gollum was. *You could argue, and some will, that they maybe carried it too far with the blues lyrics...
Ah! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14. Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled " Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD" I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
I was mucking about with a mandolin back in the late seventies, and a friend asked me if I had ever heard this song? I said no and he lent me the album and down the Zepp rabbit hole I went! What a ride!
This is a pretty unique Zep song, you first have the duet with Sandy Denny which is rare but you also have multiple references to Tolkien's work, in some cases nearly direct quotes "The drums will shake the castle walls" and the "queen of light" (Galadriel) along with ring wraiths, the dark lord etc. It's an absolute gem of a song, and yes Lex thats Jimmy Page on the Mandolin.
This song is a MASTERPIECE!! Everytime I hear it I feel like I'm in England drinking some cold beer in a pub. If I ever go to the UK I hope they have jukeboxes in their pubs! So I can get the Led Out and jam to some Beatles and get drunk at the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club! Man that would be a dream come true! Thanks for sharing Brad and Lex!
@@lyndoncmp5751 Did you build it? Just kidding! Greetings from Texas! I betcha you have visited the pub! I think I would have become an alcoholic if I lived near the area. I hope to go to your beautiful country before. my time is up🙏 Of all the countries ,.England will always be my first choice! Thanks for responding mate!
@@sporkfindus4777 I just want to see what's inside and then start to emptying those pints right into my belly! Jamming out to " LOVE ME DO!!" And all their other great songs!
I say it all the time…. Heart covering this live on their “Alive in Seattle” dvd is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. Anne sings the main part and plays acoustic guitar while Nancy sings the secondary part and plays the mandolin. It’s an opportunity to realize that Heart has TWO incredible singers and it’s absolutely perfect. They even nail the the end with the echoing delay on the voices and overlapping harmonies. It’s shows why they were chosen to perform Led Zeppelin songs in front of the band.
I totally agree - I prefer Heart's take on this to their version of Stairway To Heaven, which is very good, but still managed to slightly disappoint me, as I'd been led (ha!) to believe it was the greatest cover ever, which was as good as, if not better than, the original.
The female singer is Sandy Denny, an english folk singer with a huge back catalogue of her own, and the only ever guest singer on a Led Zep song. Check her out too.
You're correct that Jimmy plays the mandolin on this. When played live, Jimmy would play the mandolin while John Paul Jones would play a three-necked instrument that had a mandolin at the top, a 12-string, and 6-string as well as sing the Sandy Denny part.
@@PeterTea lol basically, yes. There's an interview with Jonesy where he said something along the lines of he couldn't wait to show Jimmy. They stopped performing it live because the instrument was too cumbersome to bring on stage.
One of my favorite Zep tunes! Thanks for listening! A lot of this song is about Lord of The Rings... Ring Wraiths. Shooting straighter than before, etc.
This song is from led zeppelin IV. There are 8 songs on the album. Every one of them is a smash hit. However if you listen to them all, in order, your mind will be blown. One of the best albums in human history...
In the 60's and 70's, Tolkiens' "Lord of the Rings" was considered an important literary piece and was on most primary and secondary school curriculums (in the commonwealth)... it was part of our youth... it's a big reason why a NZ director created the series... and it's influence on Zeppelin is similar, it was in their school youth and celtic roots.... the eternal battle between good and evil trope
Definition, period piece: "an object or work that is set in or strongly reminiscent of an earlier historical period." Just wanted to say Hi, to Brad & Lex. 😊
Lex, Great job identifying the mandolin I’m impressed! A group of Canadian musicians recently did a Live Christmas show with this song featured including Alex Lifeson of Rush.
This flows right into "Stairway to Heaven" to end side A of their 4th album (referred to as Zoso), perhaps the single greatest side to any record ever created.
One of my favorite songs of theirs. I grew up in the 70's with both Led Zeppelin and Tolkien. For me when I hear this song I always imagine a group living in the world of LOTR but removed from the main story. Just a small band of people facing the same threat but not from Gondor, not from Rohan, etc. But facing the same evil and challenge and this is their song. Just an incredible song.
I first heard this song while camping out deep in the logging roads outside Aberdeen WA in 1998, 1999 maybe. This song hits different by a campfire at night in a cold forest.
you are listening to one of the many songs by Zep heavily influenced by Page's love for Tolkien. So glad you guys did this often overlooked masterpiece from Led. The constant struggle against "The Dark Lord" is timeless and one that requires everyone to choose what side they'll be on.
PLANT’S love of Tolkien! Typo? I sometimes do that myself. But yeah, it was Robert who was the Tolkien freak……Jimmy sort of rolled his eyes when Robert went there. Good naturedly of course.
Welsh songstress Sandy Denny joins Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore". She was the only other singer to ever appear on a Led Zeppelin album. The band even assigned a special rune symbol for her on the liner notes to the album. If you've got a thing for angelic voices, then lend your ears to her voice. Her work with Fairport Convention is quite masterful. For a taste, check out "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", "Farewell, Farewell", "The Ballad Of Easy Rider", and "She Moves Through The Fair" among others.
Welsh? Sandy Denny was English. Born and bred in the Wimbledon, south west London, area. She did have Scottish grandparents though. But she was English and had an English accent. 👍
Inspired by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Great song. If you haven't read it, you should. If you won't read it, at least see the movies. They did a pretty good job of being faithful to the books.
You decided to react to Battle of Evermore! You people are beautiful 😍. I'm glad you waited 3 minutes to speak. Lex, you seem so excited. Brad, mesmerized. Yeah, LZ is very diverse. There's the pop side, that got tons of Radio Airplay(Rock n' Roll, Stairway to Heaven, etc). Then, hard core fans discovered this track, Physical Graffiti, Presence, CODA. Anyway, nice reaction. 🙂 Lex, I agree with you about Metallica, the only speed metal band I ever got into.
although we are about 4 decades apart in age... Lex and I are kindred spirits, that totally get and understand The Mighty Led Zeppelin! thumbs up for your man Brad's patience and understanding of your musical obsession too! lol... love this channel sez ole man rocker gt
I simply love this song, particularly the choice of instruments. The use of dissonant notes, the amorphous quality to beat groupings all give such a unique sound and makes you admire their versatility and willingness to make music, interesting music, not just solid rock.
The female voice is Sandy Denny, (1947/1978) from Fairport Convention fame. She died in 1978 from the aftermath of falling down the stairs in her home.
Thanks. I remember rockin out to this with headphones on at my boyfriend's trailer in 1971 and being taken for a trip! Such fun memories. Bring it back. (50th Wedding Anniversary this September.)
Lexi's POV is so on point about the band sitting around a campfire in a wooded area the night before going to battle. Love this girl. Of all the reaction sites, hers is the most heartfelt and naturally articulated with no filler...straight no chaser...no bullcrap, gets right to the point and is usually right.
"I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak." Thanks for making me laugh Brad. Pretty funny. Great reaction - so much more Zeppelin to go - thanks for posting this one.
Some of my Favorite Led Zeppelin you need to check out : Over the Hills and Far Away - Dyer Maker - All of my Love - Kashmir - Rock n Roll - Whole Lotta Love - Stairway to Heaven
Great song choice. Lex has insight and a natural empathy with the music, to suspend disbelief, be in the song, dream and follow the singer's story. Love Sandy Denny's voice - can you tell her parts? Celtic sounds. Awesome goodness for the soul. All the music of the 60s and 70s was made in the long after shadow of WW2, and looking to a brighter image of the future.
I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan and songs like this one are an example of why for me they are untouchable. They have so many different styles of songs and every style they do is brilliant. They are four absolute genius’s and I think their music will always be loved and liked I’m a hundred years or more. By the way you both are brilliant at this 👏👏👌👌
Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny (6 January 1947 - 21 April 1978) was an English singer-songwriter who was lead singer of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". Plant felt he needed another voice to tell the story, and for the recording of the song, singer Sandy Denny was invited to duet with Plant. Denny was a former member of British folk rock group Fairport Convention, with whom Led Zeppelin had shared a bill in 1970 at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music. Plant played the role of the narrator and Denny represented the town crier. Page elaborated that "[The song] sounded like an old English instrumental first off. Then it became a vocal and Robert did his bit. Finally we figured we'd bring Sandy by and do a question-and-answer-type thing." In 1971, Denny duetted with Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore", which was included on Led Zeppelin's 1971 album (Led Zeppelin IV); she was the only guest vocalist ever to appear on a Led Zeppelin album.
Whether heavy or acoustic, they just sound better than anyone. Lex is right, this related to battle and heavily influenced by Lord of the Rings. That 4th album is as good as it gets. Try Four Sticks a great deep track that is legendary. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎤🎶
A lot of Led Zeppelin music is inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Welsh/Celtic mythology. There is Welsh poetry which talks about celtic warriors feasting for days before going to battle.
Oh man, I missed y’all again. Been bing watching your videos!! Love 💕 you guys!! Lex, I love your your reactions and air guitar!! 😊 I would love to hear some Boston, Foreigner, Journey , Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Pretenders. sometime. 🥰
Everybody in the '70s of college age was obsessed with J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings books. There were no movies out then, just the books, and everybody was reading or had read them. A few Zeppelin songs reference elements of those books. When I was in college at the University of Florida in the late '70s, there was even a restaurant called "Bilbo & Gandalf's" that was quite popular with us college kids.
Sandy Denny from Fairport Convention. She had such a beautiful, unmistakable voice. OMG - Brad is stuck in literal mode again. I thought he had moved beyond that.
In my top 5 favourite song of all-time. The buildup to "Bring it back..." gives me goosebumps everytime! Brad, you didnt have anyting to say about the song? lol
This was the first Led Zeppelin album that I had as a kid I didn’t know what I was getting I thought it was going to be hard rock and then I heard this. Of course I played stairway to heaven over and over
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
The Battle of Evermore is basically a Celtic influenced folk song with Tolkien references throughout. Robert Plant was in and out of northern Wales all his life and the Celt definitely influenced him in this song. Often overlooked but not by me. I absolutely love this track and God bless Sandy Denny.
he's still seen in and around the locale from time to time
LOTR is embodied in this song.
Im curious as how its a celtic influenced song , its in English and is based on Tolkien's work , the music may be but is the song ? Any references i can learn more from ? It would be good to see how far back it can be traced .
I don't think this song would have made such an impact without Sandy Denny
Avalon was supposedly in Wiltshire or Somerset England,the area where England was born through Alfred the great.
There's definitely a connection with Wales in Arthurian legend.
It's one of those British legends where a kernel of truth has been mythologised.
Like Robin hood.
Alot of the lyrics and musical styles of Led Zeppelin was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. ‘The Battle of Evermore’ is a prime example. If fact they mention the Ringwraiths, the servants of Sauron who is the main villain of the story, in this song. They mention Gollum and the Evil One (Sauron) in ‘Ramble On’ as another example of many LotR references. These songs were written in the early 70’s when Tolkien’s books were first started to gain popularity with the general public.
In late 60’s, early 70’s, Tolkien was “required reading” in the counter culture. Like listening to Dylan…
"The magic runes are writ in Gold to bring the balance back"
The one ring.
Ah ! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14.
Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled "
Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD"
I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
@@Isleofskye Not quite 65 and didn’t read LotR until I was in my early 30’s. But it’s still one of my favorite fantasy series ever. I disagree with being a sad person for still liking it after so many years. In fact, I think it speaks well of the book being that multiple generations consider it their favorite books. It has endured the test of time IMHO.
I entered college in 1977 and we had a dorm complex called “ Middle Earth “.
That's the late great Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention singing alongside Robert Plant. One of the finest female singers of the British folk-rock scene. Or any scene, for that matter.
Also the only Zeppelin song to feature another singer other than Robert Plant ...
According to Plant, Sandy Denny was someone who could drink him under the table. Check out her song "Who knows where the time goes'
@@karlhungus8006 Lead singer, yes. The rest of the boys sang some harmonies on the first couple albums
Unfortunately,@@hankstaines6568, that contributed to her untimely death at age 31... Booze also killed Zepp drummer Bonham at age 32, which is when the band disbanded.
Yes she was a rampant alcoholic and drug user- falling down the steps several times in an attempt to kill herself. Shows all that glitters isn't gold.
Songs like this are what set Led Zeppelin apart from all the rest of the rock bands.
BUT, Free was really Amazing! And Black Sabbath! The early 70's, what a time?
On the heels of Vietnam. Yeah!
"The Battle of Evermore" is an acoustic guitar and mandolin track from Led Zeppelin's fourth album.
Folk singer Sandy Denny duets with Robert Plant. In live performances bassist John Paul Jones, who plays the mandolin on this track, sang along with Plant.
It is commonly believed to be based on events in The Return of the King.
In the most common interpretation, the Prince of Peace, who "embraced the gloom" and "walked the night alone", refers to Frodo, who left the Fellowship of the Ring and left for Mordor with only his servant and friend Samwise Gamgee for company. "The Queen of Light" who "took her bow" is taken to refer to Galadriel, a queen of the Elves, signifying that the Third Age is ending and that the Age of Men will begin soon.
Got that straight.
Duane Allman named his daughter Galadriel after the Lord of the rings Galadriel.
I always thought that, "The queen of light took her bow and then she turned to go. The prince of peace embraced the gloom, and walked the night alone." was about the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon.
@@TheMerryPup Well and then I have to believe it's a double entendre for Lucifer (Queen of Light) and Jesus (Prince of Peace)
Because I know PAGE knows those references too.
or more than double ;)
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?'
'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear'
'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
You should check out Heart covering this one. Heart is better at Zeppelin than Zeppelin, lo.
ruclips.net/video/wShmbjqP3WU/видео.html
Love those books. Tolkien was a master. I reread them about every 5 years and have done so since around 1979. I am always entertained.
@@King14000 I have read LOTR (including audio book listens) over 50 times, and the Silmarillion about 30 times. What a master of languages Tolkien was.
Chills
@@fordp69 I have read LOTR over 5000 billion times, and The Silmarillion about 3000 billion times. Indeed he was a Master.
Brad is just a very literal man. Lex gets it. The feel of death coming, hours before the battle of metal weapons.
Phenomenal song that gets overlooked.
Not by me lol! Been one of my absolute favourites for a looong time. The vibe on this one is nothing but otherworldly.
One of my favourite Zep songs.
tremendous live versions on youtube
My favourite song, full stop!
That"s because of the song that comes behind it..
The song is totally influenced by The Lord of the Ring Books - Dragon of Darkness, Ringwraiths ride in black, the Dark Lord rides in force tonight... it's all there in the lyrics. If you're not a fan of the books or movies then this would have gone over your heads. It's such a magical song from start to finish
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?'
'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear'
'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
It was great how they always wore their influences on their sleeves.* I would say--- it would only go over people's heads if they just weren't listening to the words at all. Even way back in the day ('60s and '70s, pre-Internet), when listening to a song like "Ramble On" for example, trust me: everyone in the room knew who Gollum was.
*You could argue, and some will, that they maybe carried it too far with the blues lyrics...
The influence is also in other songs, very cool!
I hope they sneak a version of this song into Rings of Power as fan service. Also, Tom Bombadil! Give us Tom!
Ah! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14.
Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled "
Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD"
I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
I loved how certain Zeppelin songs just transported you to a different time and place.
I always pictured a coming battle in the middle ages when I listened to this. Great song and another example of just how brilliant Led Zep were
I was mucking about with a mandolin back in the late seventies, and a friend asked me if I had ever heard this song? I said no and he lent me the album and down the Zepp rabbit hole I went! What a ride!
Lex is nailed it. It wasnt intended to be fake but living in the past through present eyes. Love the deep dives from one of the greatest bands. thanks
I'm starting realize that Lex almost always nails the song's meaning.
I always thought that the Battle of Evermore was about the battle between night & day. This is one of the few Zeppelin songs I can play on drums 😆
😆 Love that!
Lol love it ;).
Or maybe then the battle between darkness and light...
Lol!!!
@@PeterTea or good and evil
Brad "I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak"
Lex "...Yet."
These two kill me.
Lex you hit it right in the head ,that's the vibe Plant put into this song
I love Led Zeppelin and this song is great.
such a brilliant song..still gives me goosebumps
yes me too
This is a pretty unique Zep song, you first have the duet with Sandy Denny which is rare but you also have multiple references to Tolkien's work, in some cases nearly direct quotes "The drums will shake the castle walls" and the "queen of light" (Galadriel) along with ring wraiths, the dark lord etc. It's an absolute gem of a song, and yes Lex thats Jimmy Page on the Mandolin.
John Paul jones on mandolin
This song, Kashmir and When the Levee Breaks are my 3 favorite Led Zeppelin songs.
This song is a MASTERPIECE!!
Everytime I hear it I feel like I'm in England drinking some cold beer in a pub.
If I ever go to the UK I hope they have jukeboxes in their pubs! So I can get the Led Out and jam to some Beatles and get drunk at the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club!
Man that would be a dream come true!
Thanks for sharing Brad and Lex!
I've been to England...it is fantastic!
Some pubs have jukeboxes 👍
I AM in England. My local pub is older than the USA. 😜✌️
@@lyndoncmp5751
Did you build it? Just kidding!
Greetings from Texas!
I betcha you have visited the pub!
I think I would have become an alcoholic if I lived near the area.
I hope to go to your beautiful country before. my time is up🙏
Of all the countries ,.England will always be my first choice!
Thanks for responding mate!
@@sporkfindus4777
I just want to see what's inside and then start to emptying those pints right into my belly! Jamming out to
" LOVE ME DO!!" And all their other great songs!
If you've ever seen or read "Lord of the Rings" you'll recognize the Tolkien influence
I say it all the time…. Heart covering this live on their “Alive in Seattle” dvd is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. Anne sings the main part and plays acoustic guitar while Nancy sings the secondary part and plays the mandolin. It’s an opportunity to realize that Heart has TWO incredible singers and it’s absolutely perfect. They even nail the the end with the echoing delay on the voices and overlapping harmonies. It’s shows why they were chosen to perform Led Zeppelin songs in front of the band.
Heart did this fabulously!
I 100% agree and I like HEARTS💖 rendition better.
@@franklinzappa7043 Well, I wouldn't go THAT far...
I totally agree - I prefer Heart's take on this to their version of Stairway To Heaven, which is very good, but still managed to slightly disappoint me, as I'd been led (ha!) to believe it was the greatest cover ever, which was as good as, if not better than, the original.
@@TheoZoffrok stop it, your being very silly.
The female singer is Sandy Denny, an english folk singer with a huge back catalogue of her own, and the only ever guest singer on a Led Zep song. Check her out too.
Robert Plant was definitely deep into his Tolkien LOTR imagery at this time.
A musical fantasy based on LOTR. The harmonies are sublime.
"The ring wraiths ride in black" direct Lord of the Rings reference
You're correct that Jimmy plays the mandolin on this. When played live, Jimmy would play the mandolin while John Paul Jones would play a three-necked instrument that had a mandolin at the top, a 12-string, and 6-string as well as sing the Sandy Denny part.
Lol. Yah. It's like Jonesy said to Jimmy, "Playing a two guitar instrument, eh? Hold my beer."
Jones usually played mandolin live
@@PeterTea lol basically, yes. There's an interview with Jonesy where he said something along the lines of he couldn't wait to show Jimmy. They stopped performing it live because the instrument was too cumbersome to bring on stage.
@@baredas indeed, Jonesy did, but not for this song.
My favorite footage on Jimmy Page 1977 Backstage and a bit of Battle of Evermore
ruclips.net/video/WUiy_6hI-xU/видео.html
Lex is right on. Heart doe a great cover of this, as they do on most Led Zeppelin songs, btw.. Robert Plant does his own cover with Allison Krauss.
His 2 LPs with Alison are fantastic. They covered this song and other Zeppelin songs during tours. Their live performance of Black Dog is very good.
Yeah I saw Heart back in 2013, and their entire second set was Led Zeppelin songs, with Jason Bonham on drums. They opened the set with this song. 🤘😎
He's currently on tour with Alison Krauss 🎸
One of my favorite Zep tunes! Thanks for listening! A lot of this song is about Lord of The Rings... Ring Wraiths. Shooting straighter than before, etc.
This song is from led zeppelin IV. There are 8 songs on the album. Every one of them is a smash hit. However if you listen to them all, in order, your mind will be blown. One of the best albums in human history...
In the 60's and 70's, Tolkiens' "Lord of the Rings" was considered an important literary piece and was on most primary and secondary school curriculums (in the commonwealth)... it was part of our youth... it's a big reason why a NZ director created the series... and it's influence on Zeppelin is similar, it was in their school youth and celtic roots.... the eternal battle between good and evil trope
Love all Zeppelin! Greatest band Ever! So much talent!
Such a great song and it sets up the next song on the album perfectly... Stairway to Heaven.
Definition, period piece: "an object or work that is set in or strongly reminiscent of an earlier historical period."
Just wanted to say Hi, to Brad & Lex. 😊
Love how Lex doesn't take things too seriously, enjoying the music 😃💖🥳
One of my all time favorite Zep tunes, Heart does a great cover too
Lex, Great job identifying the mandolin I’m impressed! A group of Canadian musicians recently did a Live Christmas show with this song featured including Alex Lifeson of Rush.
How can I find that? Il try Alex Lifeson Battle of evermore….see if it comes up…
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Oh stairway to Heaven to ruclips.net/video/aWktFEoqXbc/видео.html
Sue's right! This is ritual, tribal, battle on the horizon vibes for sure! It's primal!
Sue?? U mean Lex?
@@brainscott8198 I meant she's... idk where it got sue from lol
This flows right into "Stairway to Heaven" to end side A of their 4th album (referred to as Zoso), perhaps the single greatest side to any record ever created.
One of my favorite songs of theirs. I grew up in the 70's with both Led Zeppelin and Tolkien. For me when I hear this song I always imagine a group living in the world of LOTR but removed from the main story. Just a small band of people facing the same threat but not from Gondor, not from Rohan, etc. But facing the same evil and challenge and this is their song. Just an incredible song.
Music for a Renaissance Festival. I will play this EVERY time I go to one!
Led Zepplin could give off that mystical vibe better than any other
They had such a love for Tolkien and all his work. This song is amazing.
I first heard this song while camping out deep in the logging roads outside Aberdeen WA in 1998, 1999 maybe. This song hits different by a campfire at night in a cold forest.
Song still gives me chills,,,,💥💥💥👍😎
you are listening to one of the many songs by Zep heavily influenced by Page's love for Tolkien. So glad you guys did this often overlooked masterpiece from Led. The constant struggle against "The Dark Lord" is timeless and one that requires everyone to choose what side they'll be on.
PLANT’S love of Tolkien! Typo? I sometimes do that myself. But yeah, it was Robert who was the Tolkien freak……Jimmy sort of rolled his eyes when Robert went there. Good naturedly of course.
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 good catch :)
My favorite of all time.
Welsh songstress Sandy Denny joins Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore". She was the only other singer to ever appear on a Led Zeppelin album. The band even assigned a special rune symbol for her on the liner notes to the album. If you've got a thing for angelic voices, then lend your ears to her voice. Her work with Fairport Convention is quite masterful. For a taste, check out "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", "Farewell, Farewell", "The Ballad Of Easy Rider", and "She Moves Through The Fair" among others.
Welsh?
Sandy Denny was English. Born and bred in the Wimbledon, south west London, area. She did have Scottish grandparents though. But she was English and had an English accent. 👍
I had heard Joni Mitchell was an early influence, now I really heard it!
Inspired by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Great song. If you haven't read it, you should. If you won't read it, at least see the movies. They did a pretty good job of being faithful to the books.
I too am waiting for the Eastern glow. The song's got a definite underworld, Lord Of The Rings vibe...trolls, goblins and fairies abound.
This should have been used in the closing credits of the Lord Of The Rings Movie. Peter Jackson made a big ass mistake.
Jimmy picks up JPJ's mandolin at Headely Grange having never played one, and comes up with this. Says "I was familiar with the tuning"
You decided to react to Battle of Evermore! You people are beautiful 😍.
I'm glad you waited 3 minutes to speak.
Lex, you seem so excited. Brad, mesmerized.
Yeah, LZ is very diverse. There's the pop side, that got tons of Radio Airplay(Rock n' Roll, Stairway to Heaven, etc). Then, hard core fans discovered this track, Physical Graffiti, Presence, CODA.
Anyway, nice reaction. 🙂
Lex, I agree with you about Metallica, the only speed metal band I ever got into.
although we are about 4 decades apart in age... Lex and I are kindred spirits, that totally get and understand The Mighty Led Zeppelin! thumbs up for your man Brad's patience and understanding of your musical obsession too! lol... love this channel sez ole man rocker gt
Sandy Denny background vocals! 😀
Love the Led Zeppelin reactions! Thank you!❤️👍🏻 Bron-Y-Aur Stomp and Tangerine are great Led Zeppelin songs that should be added to the list!
A fabulous track, fantastic Mandolin and what beautiful vocals from the late Sandy Denny who was taken from us so young. RIP Sandy
That isn’t Jimmy page on mandolin it is the bassist John Paul Jones the most overlooked member in the band
I simply love this song, particularly the choice of instruments. The use of dissonant notes, the amorphous quality to beat groupings all give such a unique sound and makes you admire their versatility and willingness to make music, interesting music, not just solid rock.
MOMMA SAYS...ZEPPLIN IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES...
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR GOIN TO GET.
The female voice is Sandy Denny, (1947/1978) from Fairport Convention fame. She died in 1978 from the aftermath of falling down the stairs in her home.
Such gems of perfection and light should not fall on dull ears.
Thanks. I remember rockin out to this with headphones on at my boyfriend's trailer in 1971 and being taken for a trip! Such fun memories. Bring it back. (50th Wedding Anniversary this September.)
Thanks for listening to the whole thing with only a single interruption. So refreshing.
Lexi's POV is so on point about the band sitting around a campfire in a wooded area the night before going to battle. Love this girl. Of all the reaction sites, hers is the most heartfelt and naturally articulated with no filler...straight no chaser...no bullcrap, gets right to the point and is usually right.
What an epic song. I smoked ALOT of weed to this.
this is one of my favorite songs by Zep, it has Lord of the Rings vibe all over it
"I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak." Thanks for making me laugh Brad. Pretty funny. Great reaction - so much more Zeppelin to go - thanks for posting this one.
One of the most beautiful songs ever to grace the planet.
Some of my Favorite Led Zeppelin you need to check out :
Over the Hills and Far Away - Dyer Maker - All of my Love - Kashmir - Rock n Roll - Whole Lotta Love - Stairway to Heaven
Man I can't hear the mandolin fadeout on this without imagining the opening guitar and recoder intro of Stairway starting up right after it....
The absolute best rock band. “When the Levee Breaks” is one their countless great songs. Thank you.
John Paul Jones plays the Mandolin and Jimmy plays the acoustic guitars, guest vocals by Sandy Denny.
One of my favorite by them. Paints a great picture.
Great song choice. Lex has insight and a natural empathy with the music, to suspend disbelief, be in the song, dream and follow the singer's story. Love Sandy Denny's voice - can you tell her parts? Celtic sounds. Awesome goodness for the soul. All the music of the 60s and 70s was made in the long after shadow of WW2, and looking to a brighter image of the future.
I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan and songs like this one are an example of why for me they are untouchable. They have so many different styles of songs and every style they do is brilliant. They are four absolute genius’s and I think their music will always be loved and liked I’m a hundred years or more. By the way you both are brilliant at this 👏👏👌👌
This is one of my favorite songs by zeppelin
The only guest vocalist on any Zepplin song Sandy Denny made some wonderful old school English folk music.
A song that could go with medieval times. Something out of Camelot. Peace and love to you two! God bless.
thanks for being authentiC in all of your videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm loW-key crushinG on one of you twO, and really happy for the other oNe toO.
Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny (6 January 1947 - 21 April 1978) was an English singer-songwriter who was lead singer of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". Plant felt he needed another voice to tell the story, and for the recording of the song, singer Sandy Denny was invited to duet with Plant. Denny was a former member of British folk rock group Fairport Convention, with whom Led Zeppelin had shared a bill in 1970 at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music. Plant played the role of the narrator and Denny represented the town crier. Page elaborated that "[The song] sounded like an old English instrumental first off. Then it became a vocal and Robert did his bit. Finally we figured we'd bring Sandy by and do a question-and-answer-type thing."
In 1971, Denny duetted with Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore", which was included on Led Zeppelin's 1971 album (Led Zeppelin IV); she was the only guest vocalist ever to appear on a Led Zeppelin album.
One of my favorite songs of all time. Of evermore, even.
Whether heavy or acoustic, they just sound better than anyone. Lex is right, this related to battle and heavily influenced by Lord of the Rings. That 4th album is as good as it gets. Try Four Sticks a great deep track that is legendary. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎤🎶
Brad, you are so patient. And Lex, I love the way your mind works. ❤️
A lot of Led Zeppelin music is inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Welsh/Celtic mythology. There is Welsh poetry which talks about celtic warriors feasting for days before going to battle.
Oh man, I missed y’all again. Been bing watching your videos!! Love 💕 you guys!!
Lex, I love your your reactions and air guitar!! 😊
I would love to hear some Boston, Foreigner, Journey , Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Pretenders. sometime. 🥰
Everybody in the '70s of college age was obsessed with J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings books. There were no movies out then, just the books, and everybody was reading or had read them. A few Zeppelin songs reference elements of those books. When I was in college at the University of Florida in the late '70s, there was even a restaurant called "Bilbo & Gandalf's" that was quite popular with us college kids.
Sandy Denny from Fairport Convention. She had such a beautiful, unmistakable voice. OMG - Brad is stuck in literal mode again. I thought he had moved beyond that.
In my top 5 favourite song of all-time. The buildup to "Bring it back..." gives me goosebumps everytime!
Brad, you didnt have anyting to say about the song? lol
Sounds like Jon Anderson of Yes did some guest vocals.
When it comes to Led Zeppelin this has always been a cherished favorite of mine since I was a child.
I love this song
Lord of the rings guys
The Heart cover is great too.
Vocally a masterpiece of vocal control. Ethnically true and quite profound.
Wonderful reaction! Love you both!!!
The only duet officially...thank you so much my goddess Sandy Denny
This is one of their best songs!
Every time I listen to Brad and Lex I have to get into my albums again. sometimes I forget the diversity of Led Zeppelin
This was the first Led Zeppelin album that I had as a kid I didn’t know what I was getting I thought it was going to be hard rock and then I heard this. Of course I played stairway to heaven over and over