Eric Clapton held a nuanced view of Led Zeppelin, acknowledging their place as a continuation of a musical legacy while simultaneously expressing that he was not a fan of the band, reportedly finding their sound "unnecessarily loud."
Clapton's Perspective on Led Zeppelin
While Eric Clapton recognized Led Zeppelin's contribution and evolution from the blues-rock sound pioneered by bands like Cream and The Yardbirds, his personal preference leaned away from their signature style. He often spoke about his appreciation for bands rooted deeply in the blues tradition, which influenced his perspective on the burgeoning heavy rock scene.
Key Points of Clapton's Opinion:
- Legacy Continuation: Clapton viewed Led Zeppelin as an inheritor of the blues-rock lineage that he himself helped establish. This suggests a recognition of their musical roots and the way they built upon a foundation.
- Lack of Fandom: Despite this acknowledgment, Clapton was reportedly not personally fond of their music. His comments often highlighted a preference for different sonic qualities.
- Volume Criticism: A notable criticism attributed to Clapton regarding Led Zeppelin's sound was that it was "unnecessarily loud." This reflects a potential divergence in musical philosophy, favoring perhaps a more nuanced or less aggressive approach to rock.
- Heavy Metal Origins: In discussions about the origins of heavy metal, Clapton specifically mentioned bands like Blue Cheer as early pioneers due to their departure from traditional blues roots. He stated, "There was a band called Blue Cheer, who I think were probably the originators of heavy metal because they didn't really have traditional roots in the blues," as reported by IMDb. This contrasts with Led Zeppelin, who, while heavy, maintained discernible blues foundations.
Summary of Clapton's Views
Clapton's comments offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of rock music in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as different artists explored new frontiers of sound and volume. His perspective underscores a divide between those who pushed volume and aggression, and those who valued traditional blues structures and a more measured approach.
| Aspect | Eric Clapton's View on Led Zeppelin |
|---|---|
| Musical Legacy | Viewed as a continuation |
| Personal Fandom | Was not a fan |
| Sound Quality | Considered "unnecessarily loud" |
| Heavy Metal Roots | Contrasted with blues-rooted origins |
In essence, while Clapton recognized Led Zeppelin's importance and connection to a shared musical history, their specific sonic choices and intensity diverged from his personal taste, leading to his critical, yet acknowledging, remarks.
