In a 2021 interview, Kiss bassist and vocalist revealed that, in his opinion, there was a bigger project than Led Zeppelin at the time
There is no doubt that the Led Zeppelin was one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, especially in the heavier segments, such as hard rock. However, in the opinion of Gene Simmonsbassist and vocalist of another legendary group of this medium — the kiss —, there was an even better project than the one led by guitarist jimmy page.
It’s about the Jeff BeckGroupas revealed by simmonsin a 2021 interview with Guitar World. The musician from kiss talked about the band captained by the late guitarist Jeff Beck when remembering that ronnie woodthen the group’s bassist, was one of his greatest influences on the instrument.
Initially, Genequoted Paul McCartney as one of its “points of reference”. When citing woodbest known for his work as guitarist for the Rolling Stoneshe declared that the colleague “is underrated” and “better on bass than guitar”.
From then on, the bassist of kiss expressed its appreciation for the Jeff BeckGroup and placed the project above the Led Zeppelinalthough the fame has not been the same.
“For musicians who want to evolve in bass, I suggest listening to the first albums of Jeff BeckGroup — truth (1968) and beck-hello (1969). In my opinion, they blow away anything the Led Zeppelin and other bands have released in the same period.”
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But what does the Jeff BeckGroup be so good? in the opinion of Gene Simmons, the recording style was a differentiator. According to him, the band created their songs live, from improvisations in the studio.
“What Ron Wood was doing there was more advanced than the music he was playing. There was more overall movement on the bass. He gave a sexy feel to everything, with nice movements on the bottom.”
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Another influence of Gene Simmons
During the same interview, Gene Simmons resorted to another little-remembered name when citing yet another reference he has on bass: Felix Pappalardideceased member of mountain who also played on several other projects.
“He was great. It took a different approach to Motown. By the way, I pay homage to Motown in ‘Love Her All I Can‘ [música do Kiss]. You can hear, there, how my bass works against the chords of paul [Stanley, vocalista e guitarrista do Kiss].”
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Did Led Zeppelin copy the Jeff Beck Group?
In a more recent statement, now to the magazine goldmine, simmons hinted that the Led Zeppelin it was only formed because jimmy page heard the Jeff BeckGroup. The member of kiss quoted a compilation of the albums truth It is beck-hello among the 10 albums that changed his life.
“Before the Led Zeppelinthere was a band called Jeff BeckGroup. jimmy page heard what Jeff Beck was doing and said: ‘I have to start a band’. Hence, he formed the Led Zeppelin. If I have to choose between the first two records of Led Zeppelinor the first two of Jeff BeckGroupchoose the Jeff BeckGroupundoubtedly.”
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
