Zep vs. The Who

[Batman 2]

Probably the 2nd biggest debate in classic rock:

Who's better? Led Zeppelin or the Who? Both are the quintessential hard rock bands of the 70's, who still have massive popularity today, and sort of define a culture.

I've always been more of a Zeppelin man, myself.

Edited August 30, 2008 by Guest
thread title edit

[TheLizard 1]

Zeppelin for music, Who for lyrics, both for inventiveness.

[The Seeker 0]

The Who... no competition there.

I must admit that my knowledge of Led Zeppelin songs and albums is limited, but the Who invented the rock opera (or at least made it famous, more so than the Kinks or the Small Faces) and also took it to a much higher level... and I think there was a lot of creativity involved, mainly on Townshend's part. Lifehouse (and eventually Who's Next... synthesizers were still new then) for example -- it was lightyears ahead of the technology people used back then, and I think that what's being made of it now (the Lifehouse project online) is still different from what it was supposed to be.

Apart from that, they also went through a lot of changes... My Generation is very different from The Who Sell Out (a concept album, again... jingles in between songs to imitate a pirate radio station), Who's Next is very different from Who Are You and so on, whereas I think that Led Zep mainly focussed on one kind of music... not always very similar songs, of course, but I do think they were nowhere as inventive as The Who. Also, The Who's stage presence was quite unique -- smashed guitars and drumkits, whirling microphones, and the famous marshall stacks... and of course how they sounded.

Then of course they're three extremely talented musicians, but that's the same with Led Zeppelin.

Not to mention the fact that they wouldn't be called Led Zeppelin without the Who... and oddly enough, Robert Plant's looks remind me strangely of Roger Daltrey.

I think I could go on until tomorrow.

[Levis 6]

^ What he said

I never doubt Fin when it comes to the Who!

[Batman 2]

One thing I think the Who gets too much credit for is the creation of the rock opera. The argument is that even though they weren't the first to do a rock opera, they made the biggest rock opera. But since there really haven't been any big rock operas since Tommy, I don't see why it's considered influential.

[The Seeker 0]

I think it's not just the fact that it's a 'rock opera' as such, but more the fact that it's a completely new concept, and the introduction of a storyline... Sgt Pepper is like that too in a way, but all the songs telling a story like this was new. I don't know if it's really influential as such, because I can't think of a lot of other big rock operas off the top of my head either, but it expanded the possibilities, I think... if only just to show what else is possible.

[RonJonSurfer 15]

I just watched Monterey Pop, so today it's The Who. I love 'em both

[_Laurie_ 9]

^ What Ron said....

[Sweet Jane 61 1]

Zeppelin for me. Never got into The Who, not sure why to be honest. But I remember getting turned onto Zeppelin back in '72 and I was hooked. I would try to understand the meaning of each song, hoping I was close. I thought and still do that Jimmy Page was kick azz at guitar. When I saw them in '74 I was blown away. Robert Plant had this raw dirty sexual presence about him and you were pulled into the euphoria of the sound of Zeppelin. Like being on one big mind-blowing trip.

[johnny 1]

I really can't decide....

Can we start a poll people?

[Rayzor 1]

Here's my decision: The Doors

I like them both and I really couldn't decide one over the other. Kinda like the Beatles/Stones thing. I can't decide between them. All of these bands are ultra-cool and I hail them for that.

[TheLizard 1]

Once again, Ray is right. The Doors.

[johnny 1]

But the Doors were SO different compared to the other to.

And I know that there were so pretty big difference between the Who & Zeppelin but the Doors were somewhere else, almost in another place and time....

Ohhhh, and I'd chose the Doors to

[_Laurie_ 9]

No, no, no,...it all comes down to Badfinger

[johnny 1]

I may be the only person, I'm not sure, but I have never heard of Badfinger....

Don't hurt me! *cowers in fear*

Can you tell me a bit about them?

[Sweet Jane 61 1]

Well of course I would choose The Doors, but yes they are in a place all their own, can't even put them in the same category as The Who or Zeppelin. I mean there was no bass player in The Doors, their sound focusing on Manzereck's keyboards. And the songs, Morrison's poetic dark style of writing. No comparison. The Doors beat out both!!

[_Laurie_ 9]

Well Johnny...there's quite a bit on Badfinger....Songfacts main page can give you all the artist facts on them....One of the first bands to sign with Apple Records...If you like The Beatles, you will like Badfinger...Beatles gave them their name...you can read about that also...they were early 70's....a few of their hits were "Come And Get It" "No Matter What" "Day After Day"....give them a listen...

[johnny 1]

I can only imagine how far the Doors would've gone if Mr Mojo Risin' was still alive....but then again he could've gone deeper into drugs and booze, if that's even possible....

[TheLizard 1]

They also probably have the most tragic history of any rock and roll band, with the possible exception of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[johnny 1]

Well I have to admit Laurie that I'm not a big fan of the Beatles....but I'll still check them out...

[_Laurie_ 9]

That is very true Tim....

[johnny 1]

Nirvana had it pretty bad at the end to....

[TheLizard 1]

The death of Kurt Cobain was tragic, yes, but compared to the stories of Badfinger and Lynyrd Skynyrd? Well, I guess it isn't fair to say one story is more sad then another, but if you don't know what happened to those two bands, you should do a little research.

[johnny 1]

I know that there was a plane accent for Lynyrd Skynyrd....right?

And I will research the end of Badfinger, I only found out who Badfinger were 5 minutes ago.....

[TheLizard 1]

Yes, Lynyrd Skynyrd were involved in a plane crash that killed 2/3 of their members.