No artist is obliged to perform music indefinitely. While being on stage with a band can be exhilarating, there comes a time when musicians must either step away or explore new creative avenues.
Don Henley, for instance, finds satisfaction playing the Eagles’ classic hits, but he believes that certain iconic bands should set aside their differences and reunite. One band he refers to is Led Zeppelin.
However, the possibility of a reunion poses significant challenges.
The passing of drummer John Bonham cast a long shadow over the band, as his unmatched intensity brought life to songs like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Moby Dick.”
While no one can replace Bonham, Led Zeppelin has the potential to continue as a collective force, given their past.
Robert Plant’s solo career demonstrates that he hasn’t lost his vocal prowess; in fact, he has showcased greater range than many anticipated.
Collaborating with Jimmy Page on Walking into Clarksdale offered fans a glimpse of what they missed during the years without new Zeppelin music.
Many legendary bands have continued performing despite losing original members.
The Rolling Stones still thrive with only Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as founding members, while Pink Floyd maintained a solid presence even without Roger Waters in their later shows.
Despite some special performances, including the monumental Celebration Day at the O2 Arena, Plant has typically squashed any discussions of Led Zeppelin reunions.
Compared to his 1970s self, he seems more inclined to explore bluegrass-influenced material, as evident in his work on Raising Sand with Alison Krauss.
Henley feels strongly that the world would be missing out if the original Zeppelin lineup never tours again.
He stated, “I really wish [Led Zeppelin] would get back together because they were one of the greatest bands of all time.
I think maybe Robert is worried about hitting those notes. He may not be able to unbutton his shirt anymore.”
Henley understands the pressures of leading a band. Listening to how he approaches his earlier hits today, it’s evident that some songs, like “The Boys of Summer,” have been lowered in key to accommodate his vocal range, and he often refrains from attempting the heights he reached in the studio version of “One of These Nights.”
Considering Led Zeppelin’s enduring legacy, it might be best that they chose to disband while still at their peak, avoiding the temptation of a lucrative reunion tour.
This way, when fans reminisce about tracks like “Rock and Roll” and “Stairway to Heaven,” they remember the band at the height of their powers without questioning if they should have called it quits.
