THE SONG THAT NEARLY DESTROYED ZEP

[thomasallencummins]

www.slate.com/id/2179112/nav/tap3/?GT1=10733
If Led Zeppelin reunites, will they play the song that almost destroyed them?

Many other bands have seemingly been blessed/victimized by a single song. Most of those groups have been utterly defined by that one song and are frequently labeled "One Hit Wonders" because of the wild popularity that both draws and ultimately condemns success.
Led Zeppelin's longevity and wide ranged popularity is proof that they are among the exceptions to the rule.

[ram]

That was a good article!

I don't have strong feelings about "Stairway" either way. It's an epic that I like, but it's not my most favorite Led Zep song.

Personally, I don't think they HAVE to play "Stairway" on their reunion gig. I don't think Led Zep is defined by that one song. If the band isn't playing the song for the right reasons, then they shouldn't play it at all. On the other hand, I could get cynical and say that since $$$ is the only real reason reunion tours come about, the band should just play whatever sells out stadiums.

The article does make a good point about how the "Led Zep mystique" could be undermined if the reformed Zep falls flat on its face in concert, because then they'd be unfavorably compared to the Stones. I can see that happening, cuz the Stones - love 'em or hate 'em - have been touring successfully for decades now, so they are one lean live machine. Yeah, the Stones are senior citizens now, but they can still rock. The question is, can Led Zep?