The unexpected solo journeys of Led Zeppelin's icons are a tale of musical evolution and surprise. A crash landing, a sudden end, and a new beginning for the band's key members.
Led Zeppelin's demise opened up a world of solo possibilities for Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones. Their solo careers took unexpected turns, often veering away from the heavy blues rock that defined their time with Zeppelin.
Both Jones and Page initially explored soundtrack work, with varying levels of success. It seemed they were content to stay in the shadows, perhaps still processing the loss of their bandmate, John Bonham. But here's where it gets controversial... Page's silence ended with the release of music for the 1982 film 'Death Wish II', and Jones followed suit with 'Scream for Help' in 1985.
Page's first proper solo album, 'Outrider' (1988), featured Plant as a guest, showcasing their continued collaboration. Meanwhile, Plant had already begun experimenting with contemporary sounds, working with pop icon Phil Collins and releasing his own solo project, 'Now and Zen' (1988), which incorporated samples.
Unfortunately, Bonham's solo journey remains a mystery, as he passed away before he could release any solo work. The other members, however, continued to make their mark, both solo and with other groups. Plant and Page formed the Honeydrippers, scoring a hit with their cover of 'Sea of Love', and Page teamed up with David Coverdale for the successful 'Coverdale-Page' project. Jones joined forces with Josh Homme and Dave Grohl in Them Crooked Vultures, reaching new heights.
The solo albums released by these iconic musicians often challenged expectations. Some were commercial successes, while others fell flat. But each release offered a unique glimpse into the artistic evolution of these legendary musicians.
And this is the part most people miss... the solo careers of Led Zeppelin's members are a testament to their versatility and willingness to explore new musical horizons.
So, who do you think released the best solo album? And what do you think their solo journeys say about their artistic growth? Let's discuss in the comments!
