John Paul Jones recently dropped a truth bomb that got me thinking: “Bonzo and I were great groovers. People would dance to our music.” As a bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin, Jones wasn’t just laying down notes—he was crafting a pulse that made hips sway and feet stomp. And honestly, isn’t that what great rock music is all about?
Let’s be real: when was the last time you heard a hard rock band and felt the irresistible urge to dance? Sure, headbanging and air guitar are fun, but there’s something magical about a band that can make you move without even trying. Led Zeppelin had that in spades. From the funky swagger of “Trampled Under Foot” to the primal groove of “The Lemon Song,” Jones and Bonzo (John Bonham) were the heartbeat of a band that refused to be boxed in.
What’s fascinating is how Jones and Jimmy Page approached their roles. While Page was weaving intricate guitar riffs and solos, Jones was holding down the fort with bass lines that were both melodic and rhythmic. He didn’t just follow the guitar—he danced around it, creating a dynamic interplay that gave Zeppelin’s music its depth and texture. It wasn’t just about playing the right notes; it was about feeling the music and letting it flow.
Fast forward to today, and it feels like we’ve lost some of that groove in hard rock. Don’t get me wrong—there’s still incredible talent out there, but the emphasis often seems to be on technical prowess or sheer volume rather than making people move. Maybe it’s time for a revival of the “groove-first” mentality. After all, rock ‘n’ roll was born on the dance floor, and it’s high time we brought that energy back.
So, here’s to John Paul Jones and the legacy of Led Zeppelin. They didn’t just play music—they created an experience. And if there’s one thing we can learn from their approach, it’s this: great music isn’t just heard; it’s felt. Let’s keep the groove alive.
What do you think? Are there any modern rock bands that still make you want to dance? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
