…On JPJ, Bonzo and Led Zep 2 40 Years On…

In an exclusive interview conducted by Dave Lewis, Eddie Kramer the director of engineering and mixing on Led Zeppelin 2, reflected on the making of the album 40 years on.

Eddie was quick to give due recognition to John Paul Jones and John Bonham

for their contributions to the album:

‘’Something like Thank You with the long fade was down to John Paul Jones. He was something of an unsung hero of the band.

Foe me Heartbreaker is a stand out. The solo was genius Page. That track goes straight into Living Loving Maid . I know it’s been said that’s a bit of a throwaway song, but that’s because it’s not a heavy duty track. It was a fun thing and it was always good to include one of those.

Ramble On for me, well that’s all about the bass line. It’s Jonesy again. Such a talented musician. You can pinpoint certain things on the tracks. It’s the whole band looking into each other eyes getting the result. Sometimes they went head to head and argued it out. If you don’t have that one on one method then it’s not a band. I mean Lennon and McCartney certainly had that. As for Moby Dick, that was a bit of a job editing performances from two different studios. Whenever I hear it I think of the job that took but it was all worth it – it’s Bonzo and he was the best.’’

Watch this space for more of Eddie’s thoughts on Zep 2 soon…

Your Led Zeppelin 2 Feedback required:

Where did you first hear the Led Zeppelin 2 album?

Where did you buy it?

How does it shape up four decades on?

What are the best live versions of the nine tracks?

Do you have a rare Zep 2 pressing?

We’d like to hear your views on any of the above topics as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin 2.

Email davelewis.tbl1@ntlworld.com with your thoughts.