That's the Way (Live 1972)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the mellow vibes of Led Zeppelin's "That's the Way (Live 1972)" from the iconic live album How the West Was Won, and the Zoo Freaks are surely soaking in the acoustic magic. This track, recorded during the band's June 25, 1972, performance at the L.A. Forum, is a standout from their acoustic set, showcasing a softer, folk-infused side of the rock giants. According to Led Zeppelin's official discography, the song was originally from Led Zeppelin III (1970), but its live rendition on How the West Was Won captures a raw, communal energy between the band and the audience. In a 2010 interview with The Times, guitarist Jimmy Page described this era as the band's artistic peak, emphasizing the emotional depth of their 1972 performances. The live version of "That's the Way" is notable for its delicate interplay between Page's acoustic guitar and Robert Plant's heartfelt vocals, a moment of introspection amidst the album's heavier tracks.

One piece of trivia about "That's the Way (Live 1972)" is its place in the acoustic mini-set alongside "Going to California" and "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp." This trio of songs offered a breather during Led Zeppelin's marathon concerts, which often stretched over three hours. Fans on the Led Zeppelin Official Fan Group on Facebook have shared stories of how this acoustic segment felt like an intimate fireside jam, even in massive venues like the L.A. Forum. Another tidbit comes from the album's liner notes, where Page explains that the recordings were meticulously pieced together from two California shows (June 25 and 27, 1972) to create the illusion of a single, seamless concert. Some fans on Discogs have noted that "That's the Way" was a rare live showcase for Plant's lower register, contrasting his usual high-pitched wails, which by 1972 were showing signs of strain, as evidenced by his struggles with "Stairway to Heaven" on the same album.

Delving into Led Zeppelin's origins, the band formed in 1968 when guitarist Jimmy Page, a seasoned session musician and former member of The Yardbirds, sought to create a new group after the latter's breakup. Page recruited vocalist Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham, and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones, and the quartet initially performed as The New Yardbirds to fulfill existing tour obligations. Their chemistry was immediate, and by October 1968, they had recorded their debut album, Led Zeppelin, under their new name, inspired by a quip from The Who's Keith Moon about the band going down like a "lead zeppelin." The album, released in 1969, blended blues, folk, and hard rock, setting the stage for their meteoric rise. A 2018 post on Led Zeppelin's X account celebrated the band's 50th anniversary, noting their first performance together in Gladsaxe, Denmark, on September 7, 1968, as The New Yardbirds.

Led Zeppelin's early days were marked by relentless touring and recording, with their second album, Led Zeppelin II, solidifying their reputation for heavy, riff-driven rock. Plant, a relatively unknown singer from Birmingham, brought a charismatic stage presence, while Bonham's thunderous drumming and Jones's versatile bass and keyboard work gave the band its dynamic range. Fan communities, like those on the Led Zep Fan website, often share stories of discovering the band through bootlegs of their early shows, which circulated widely before official releases like How the West Was Won. The band's official social media presence keeps the legacy alive: follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper dives, fans can join discussions on the Led Zeppelin Official Fan Group or explore The Official Led Zeppelin Forum, where enthusiasts share rare photos, bootleg reviews, and memories of the band's live prowess.