Good Times Bad Times

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Good Times Bad Times," the electrifying opener from Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut album, Led Zeppelin, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, which served as the band's first U.S. single, hit #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1969, a modest start for a track that would become a classic rock staple. Originally titled "A Man I Know," the song’s main riff was crafted by bassist John Paul Jones on a Hammond organ, a riff he later described as the most challenging he ever wrote, both to compose and perform. Guitarist Jimmy Page added a distinctive swirling effect to his solo by feeding his Fender Telecaster—gifted to him by Jeff Beck—through a Leslie speaker, typically used for organs. Drummer John Bonham’s thunderous triplets on a single bass drum, inspired by Vanilla Fudge’s Carmine Appice, were so impressive that even Jimi Hendrix praised his technique. Robert Plant’s double-tracked vocals brought a commanding edge, setting the stage for the band’s hard rock revolution.

Interestingly, "Good Times Bad Times" was rarely performed live in its entirety by Led Zeppelin. In 1969, it occasionally served as an intro to "Communication Breakdown," and in 1970, it appeared in a medley with a bass solo by Jones, as heard on the bootleg Live on Blueberry Hill. The song made a triumphant return as the opener for their 2007 reunion show at London’s O2 Arena, with Jason Bonham filling in for his late father, John. A quirky anecdote from the studio involves Bonham’s drum setup: the band reportedly avoided giving him a double bass drum, fearing he’d rely on it too much, which forced him to master those rapid single-pedal triplets. The track’s raw energy was captured in just 36 hours of studio time, with Page producing and engineer Glyn Johns using minimal mics to amplify Bonham’s colossal sound, a technique that accidentally birthed stereo drum micing.

Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968, rising from the ashes of The Yardbirds. Jimmy Page, a seasoned session guitarist who’d played with the likes of The Who and The Kinks, joined The Yardbirds in 1966. When the band dissolved in 1968, Page was tasked with fulfilling a Scandinavian tour under the name The New Yardbirds. He recruited Robert Plant, a blues-loving singer from Birmingham’s Band of Joy, who recommended his friend John Bonham, a powerhouse drummer known for his work with various local acts. John Paul Jones, another session veteran who’d arranged for artists like Donovan, joined after contacting Page about the project. Their first rehearsal on August 19, 1968, was, in Jones’ words, “pure magic,” and after the tour, Page renamed the group Led Zeppelin, inspired by a quip from The Who’s Keith Moon that the band would go down like a lead balloon. They recorded their debut album in a matter of days, blending original tracks like "Good Times Bad Times" with reimagined blues and folk covers.

Fans can dive deeper into Led Zeppelin’s legacy through their official website, which offers discography, news, and tour archives. Stay connected with their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates and vintage content. The Led Zeppelin Official Forum is a vibrant fan hub for discussions and rare insights, while the Led Zeppelin Fan Group on Facebook connects devotees sharing photos, stories, and memorabilia. Another great resource is Led Zeppelin Wiki, a fan-driven site packed with detailed song and album histories. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the Led Zeppelin vibe, "Good Times Bad Times" is a perfect gateway to their legendary sound.