At the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, fans of classic rock got a special surprise from John Paul Jones, the legendary bassist of Led Zeppelin. Jones made a grand entrance by emerging from underneath the stage, captivating 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 golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Switching things up, Jones then sat at the piano and delivered a powerful rendition of “No Quarter,” a timeless track from Led Zeppelin’s iconic 1973 album, Houses of the Holy. Throughout the performance, Jones showcased his versatility by seamlessly moving between instruments, giving fans a taste of Led Zeppelin’s diverse sound.
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, Jones demonstrated his musical talent with ease. He also delighted the audience with collaborations, including sets with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore.
Although it had been some time since Jones’s last solo performance, his occasional appearances with Them Crooked Vultures alongside Dave Grohl and Josh Homme had kept fans eagerly anticipating his return to the stage. As the final chords of Led Zeppelin’s classics faded away, the crowd was left buzzing with excitement, once again reminded of Jones’s enduring legacy as a rock icon.
