At the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, fans of classic rock received a special surprise from Led Zeppelin’s legendary bassist, John Paul Jones. Jones made a grand entrance, emerging from beneath the stage to captivate the audience with the haunting notes of “Your Time Is Gonna Come” played on the pipe organ. It was a moment that transported everyone back to the height of rock ‘n’ roll.
John Paul Jones then sat down at the piano and performed a powerful rendition of “No Quarter,” a timeless track from Led Zeppelin’s iconic 1973 album Houses of the Holy. Throughout the performance, Jones demonstrated his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between instruments, giving fans a taste of Led Zeppelin’s varied sound.
Jones effortlessly demonstrated his musical talent, from the twang of the lap steel guitar in “When the Levee Breaks” to the soulful strains of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” on the piano. He also performed collaborations with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore, which delighted the audience.
It had been some time since Jones’ last solo performance. His occasional appearances with Them Crooked Vultures, which included Dave Grohl and Josh Homme, had kept fans eagerly awaiting his return to the stage. As the final chords of Led Zeppelin’s classics faded away, the crowd erupted in excitement, reminded of Jones’ enduring legacy as a rock icon.
