Classic rock fans were in for an unforgettable night at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, when Led Zeppelin’s iconic bassist and multi-instrumentalist, John Paul Jones, took the stage to deliver a mesmerizing performance that bridged the past and present.
With dramatic flair, Jones made a striking entrance, rising from beneath the stage as the haunting notes of “Your Time Is Gonna Come” echoed from his pipe organ. The audience was instantly transported back to rock’s golden age, wrapped in nostalgia but ready for something new.
Seamlessly transitioning to the piano, Jones delivered a hauntingly powerful version of “No Quarter,” the atmospheric classic from Led Zeppelin’s 1973 Houses of the Holy. Throughout the set, he kept things fresh, switching effortlessly between instruments. From the gritty twang of the lap steel guitar on “When the Levee Breaks” to the soulful piano strains of “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” Jones showcased his remarkable versatility, reminding fans of the depth and range that made Led Zeppelin legendary.
But the night wasn’t just about revisiting old favorites. Jones brought a modern edge to the set, performing new material from his recent collaborations. He shared the stage with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and experimental guitarist Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth fame, blending rock roots with bold, avant-garde sounds that pushed musical boundaries.
Though Jones hasn’t embarked on many solo tours in recent years, his work with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures has kept fans eager for more.
As the final notes faded and the crowd roared in appreciation, it was clear that John Paul Jones hadn’t just revisited his past—he’d redefined it, proving that his musical journey is still very much alive and evolving.
