No, there was a documented rivalry between The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin during their prime years, suggesting a competitive dynamic rather than one of mutual admiration.
The Dynamics Between the Bands
While specific personal sentiments of The Rolling Stones' members towards Led Zeppelin are not definitively stated, the acknowledged existence of a rivalry indicates a professional tension or competition between the two iconic rock groups. In the highly competitive music landscape of the 1960s and 70s, rivalries often stemmed from:
- Dominance in the Music Scene: Both bands were titans of rock, vying for top sales, concert attendance, and critical acclaim.
- Differing Approaches: They represented distinct facets of rock music, leading to comparisons and differing fan bases.
The Rolling Stone Magazine's Stance
Adding a layer of complexity to the broader perception of Led Zeppelin was the distinct animosity they faced from Rolling Stone magazine. The influential publication harbored a strong dislike for Led Zeppelin due to several key factors:
- Anti-Press Attitude: Led Zeppelin maintained a notoriously anti-press stance, which meant they rarely engaged with media outlets.
- Controlled Narrative: When they did grant interviews, these sessions were meticulously controlled, allowing the band to dictate their narrative without significant external influence.
- Challenge to Authority: Rolling Stone magazine considered itself the authority on music. Led Zeppelin's independent and often aloof approach to media engagement was perceived as a direct challenge to the magazine's self-proclaimed status and its ability to shape public opinion about music. This contributed significantly to the publication's negative portrayal of the band.
This broader context of media friction, particularly from a publication sharing a similar name and prominence, underscored an environment where genuine mutual "liking" between such major entities was unlikely, especially amidst existing professional rivalries.
