The Battle of Evermore is basically a Celtic influenced folk song with Tolkien references throughout. Robert Plant was in and out of northern Wales all his life and the Celt definitely influenced him in this song. Often overlooked but not by me. I absolutely love this track and God bless Sandy Denny.
Im curious as how its a celtic influenced song , its in English and is based on Tolkien's work , the music may be but is the song ? Any references i can learn more from ? It would be good to see how far back it can be traced .
Avalon was supposedly in Wiltshire or Somerset England,the area where England was born through Alfred the great. There's definitely a connection with Wales in Arthurian legend. It's one of those British legends where a kernel of truth has been mythologised. Like Robin hood.
Alot of the lyrics and musical styles of Led Zeppelin was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. ‘The Battle of Evermore’ is a prime example. If fact they mention the Ringwraiths, the servants of Sauron who is the main villain of the story, in this song. They mention Gollum and the Evil One (Sauron) in ‘Ramble On’ as another example of many LotR references. These songs were written in the early 70’s when Tolkien’s books were first started to gain popularity with the general public.
Ah ! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14. Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled " Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD" I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
@@Isleofskye Not quite 65 and didn’t read LotR until I was in my early 30’s. But it’s still one of my favorite fantasy series ever. I disagree with being a sad person for still liking it after so many years. In fact, I think it speaks well of the book being that multiple generations consider it their favorite books. It has endured the test of time IMHO.
That's the late great Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention singing alongside Robert Plant. One of the finest female singers of the British folk-rock scene. Or any scene, for that matter.
Unfortunately,@@hankstaines6568, that contributed to her untimely death at age 31... Booze also killed Zepp drummer Bonham at age 32, which is when the band disbanded.
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
@@King14000 I have read LOTR (including audio book listens) over 50 times, and the Silmarillion about 30 times. What a master of languages Tolkien was.
"The Battle of Evermore" is an acoustic guitar and mandolin track from Led Zeppelin's fourth album. Folk singer Sandy Denny duets with Robert Plant. In live performances bassist John Paul Jones, who plays the mandolin on this track, sang along with Plant. It is commonly believed to be based on events in The Return of the King. In the most common interpretation, the Prince of Peace, who "embraced the gloom" and "walked the night alone", refers to Frodo, who left the Fellowship of the Ring and left for Mordor with only his servant and friend Samwise Gamgee for company. "The Queen of Light" who "took her bow" is taken to refer to Galadriel, a queen of the Elves, signifying that the Third Age is ending and that the Age of Men will begin soon.
I always thought that, "The queen of light took her bow and then she turned to go. The prince of peace embraced the gloom, and walked the night alone." was about the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon.
@@TheMerryPup Well and then I have to believe it's a double entendre for Lucifer (Queen of Light) and Jesus (Prince of Peace) Because I know PAGE knows those references too.
The song is totally influenced by The Lord of the Ring Books - Dragon of Darkness, Ringwraiths ride in black, the Dark Lord rides in force tonight... it's all there in the lyrics. If you're not a fan of the books or movies then this would have gone over your heads. It's such a magical song from start to finish
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?' 'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear' 'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
It was great how they always wore their influences on their sleeves.* I would say--- it would only go over people's heads if they just weren't listening to the words at all. Even way back in the day ('60s and '70s, pre-Internet), when listening to a song like "Ramble On" for example, trust me: everyone in the room knew who Gollum was. *You could argue, and some will, that they maybe carried it too far with the blues lyrics...
Ah! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14. Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled " Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD" I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
I was mucking about with a mandolin back in the late seventies, and a friend asked me if I had ever heard this song? I said no and he lent me the album and down the Zepp rabbit hole I went! What a ride!
This is a pretty unique Zep song, you first have the duet with Sandy Denny which is rare but you also have multiple references to Tolkien's work, in some cases nearly direct quotes "The drums will shake the castle walls" and the "queen of light" (Galadriel) along with ring wraiths, the dark lord etc. It's an absolute gem of a song, and yes Lex thats Jimmy Page on the Mandolin.
I say it all the time…. Heart covering this live on their “Alive in Seattle” dvd is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. Anne sings the main part and plays acoustic guitar while Nancy sings the secondary part and plays the mandolin. It’s an opportunity to realize that Heart has TWO incredible singers and it’s absolutely perfect. They even nail the the end with the echoing delay on the voices and overlapping harmonies. It’s shows why they were chosen to perform Led Zeppelin songs in front of the band.
I totally agree - I prefer Heart's take on this to their version of Stairway To Heaven, which is very good, but still managed to slightly disappoint me, as I'd been led (ha!) to believe it was the greatest cover ever, which was as good as, if not better than, the original.
This song is from led zeppelin IV. There are 8 songs on the album. Every one of them is a smash hit. However if you listen to them all, in order, your mind will be blown. One of the best albums in human history...
One of my favorite Zep tunes! Thanks for listening! A lot of this song is about Lord of The Rings... Ring Wraiths. Shooting straighter than before, etc.
This song is a MASTERPIECE!! Everytime I hear it I feel like I'm in England drinking some cold beer in a pub. If I ever go to the UK I hope they have jukeboxes in their pubs! So I can get the Led Out and jam to some Beatles and get drunk at the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club! Man that would be a dream come true! Thanks for sharing Brad and Lex!
@@lyndoncmp5751 Did you build it? Just kidding! Greetings from Texas! I betcha you have visited the pub! I think I would have become an alcoholic if I lived near the area. I hope to go to your beautiful country before. my time is up🙏 Of all the countries ,.England will always be my first choice! Thanks for responding mate!
@@sporkfindus4777 I just want to see what's inside and then start to emptying those pints right into my belly! Jamming out to " LOVE ME DO!!" And all their other great songs!
The female singer is Sandy Denny, an english folk singer with a huge back catalogue of her own, and the only ever guest singer on a Led Zep song. Check her out too.
In the 60's and 70's, Tolkiens' "Lord of the Rings" was considered an important literary piece and was on most primary and secondary school curriculums (in the commonwealth)... it was part of our youth... it's a big reason why a NZ director created the series... and it's influence on Zeppelin is similar, it was in their school youth and celtic roots.... the eternal battle between good and evil trope
You're correct that Jimmy plays the mandolin on this. When played live, Jimmy would play the mandolin while John Paul Jones would play a three-necked instrument that had a mandolin at the top, a 12-string, and 6-string as well as sing the Sandy Denny part.
@@PeterTea lol basically, yes. There's an interview with Jonesy where he said something along the lines of he couldn't wait to show Jimmy. They stopped performing it live because the instrument was too cumbersome to bring on stage.
One of my favorite songs of theirs. I grew up in the 70's with both Led Zeppelin and Tolkien. For me when I hear this song I always imagine a group living in the world of LOTR but removed from the main story. Just a small band of people facing the same threat but not from Gondor, not from Rohan, etc. But facing the same evil and challenge and this is their song. Just an incredible song.
This flows right into "Stairway to Heaven" to end side A of their 4th album (referred to as Zoso), perhaps the single greatest side to any record ever created.
Whether heavy or acoustic, they just sound better than anyone. Lex is right, this related to battle and heavily influenced by Lord of the Rings. That 4th album is as good as it gets. Try Four Sticks a great deep track that is legendary. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎤🎶
Definition, period piece: "an object or work that is set in or strongly reminiscent of an earlier historical period." Just wanted to say Hi, to Brad & Lex. 😊
You decided to react to Battle of Evermore! You people are beautiful 😍. I'm glad you waited 3 minutes to speak. Lex, you seem so excited. Brad, mesmerized. Yeah, LZ is very diverse. There's the pop side, that got tons of Radio Airplay(Rock n' Roll, Stairway to Heaven, etc). Then, hard core fans discovered this track, Physical Graffiti, Presence, CODA. Anyway, nice reaction. 🙂 Lex, I agree with you about Metallica, the only speed metal band I ever got into.
I first heard this song while camping out deep in the logging roads outside Aberdeen WA in 1998, 1999 maybe. This song hits different by a campfire at night in a cold forest.
you are listening to one of the many songs by Zep heavily influenced by Page's love for Tolkien. So glad you guys did this often overlooked masterpiece from Led. The constant struggle against "The Dark Lord" is timeless and one that requires everyone to choose what side they'll be on.
PLANT’S love of Tolkien! Typo? I sometimes do that myself. But yeah, it was Robert who was the Tolkien freak……Jimmy sort of rolled his eyes when Robert went there. Good naturedly of course.
Lex, Great job identifying the mandolin I’m impressed! A group of Canadian musicians recently did a Live Christmas show with this song featured including Alex Lifeson of Rush.
Welsh songstress Sandy Denny joins Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore". She was the only other singer to ever appear on a Led Zeppelin album. The band even assigned a special rune symbol for her on the liner notes to the album. If you've got a thing for angelic voices, then lend your ears to her voice. Her work with Fairport Convention is quite masterful. For a taste, check out "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", "Farewell, Farewell", "The Ballad Of Easy Rider", and "She Moves Through The Fair" among others.
Welsh? Sandy Denny was English. Born and bred in the Wimbledon, south west London, area. She did have Scottish grandparents though. But she was English and had an English accent. 👍
Inspired by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Great song. If you haven't read it, you should. If you won't read it, at least see the movies. They did a pretty good job of being faithful to the books.
Brad, in the movie the song remains the same, Robert Plant is a sword wielding knight on horseback who is also a falconer. Just sayin’ Lex isn’t that far off.
beautiful duet between Plant & Sandy Denny. Love it, don't care about anyone ragging on the hobbit lyrics. Just a very beautiful song, really nice overall sound and instrumentation. "pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath" made my feeble pre-teen mind realize that everything isn't hunky dory right after the war ends. Good stuff, maybe I was just shallow, but worked for me. Also just fyi, Zep didn't let anyone use their music for commercial stuff for probably 25ish (?) years after the band folded up.
although we are about 4 decades apart in age... Lex and I are kindred spirits, that totally get and understand The Mighty Led Zeppelin! thumbs up for your man Brad's patience and understanding of your musical obsession too! lol... love this channel sez ole man rocker gt
Lexi's POV is so on point about the band sitting around a campfire in a wooded area the night before going to battle. Love this girl. Of all the reaction sites, hers is the most heartfelt and naturally articulated with no filler...straight no chaser...no bullcrap, gets right to the point and is usually right.
I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan and songs like this one are an example of why for me they are untouchable. They have so many different styles of songs and every style they do is brilliant. They are four absolute genius’s and I think their music will always be loved and liked I’m a hundred years or more. By the way you both are brilliant at this 👏👏👌👌
Many movies and television shows requested permission to use Led Zeppelins music over the years, but Jimmy Page rarely allowed it, only in rare circumstances, like when they allowed writer/director friend Cameron Crowe to use their music in his movie "Almost Famous". Another rarity was when Jimmy Page allowed the song "Rock and Roll" to be used in Cadillac Commercials. Later on, he lightened up a little and allowed "Immigrant Song" to be used in Shrek 3, and some music in a few other rare circumstances. Here is one of the Cadillac commercials featuring Led Zeppelin...Pretty awesome! ua-cam.com/video/gpD7f8gWgDg/v-deo.html Peace
Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny (6 January 1947 - 21 April 1978) was an English singer-songwriter who was lead singer of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". Plant felt he needed another voice to tell the story, and for the recording of the song, singer Sandy Denny was invited to duet with Plant. Denny was a former member of British folk rock group Fairport Convention, with whom Led Zeppelin had shared a bill in 1970 at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music. Plant played the role of the narrator and Denny represented the town crier. Page elaborated that "[The song] sounded like an old English instrumental first off. Then it became a vocal and Robert did his bit. Finally we figured we'd bring Sandy by and do a question-and-answer-type thing." In 1971, Denny duetted with Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore", which was included on Led Zeppelin's 1971 album (Led Zeppelin IV); she was the only guest vocalist ever to appear on a Led Zeppelin album.
The female voice is Sandy Denny, (1947/1978) from Fairport Convention fame. She died in 1978 from the aftermath of falling down the stairs in her home.
Oh man, I missed y’all again. Been bing watching your videos!! Love 💕 you guys!! Lex, I love your your reactions and air guitar!! 😊 I would love to hear some Boston, Foreigner, Journey , Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Pretenders. sometime. 🥰
Thanks. I remember rockin out to this with headphones on at my boyfriend's trailer in 1971 and being taken for a trip! Such fun memories. Bring it back. (50th Wedding Anniversary this September.)
Some of my Favorite Led Zeppelin you need to check out : Over the Hills and Far Away - Dyer Maker - All of my Love - Kashmir - Rock n Roll - Whole Lotta Love - Stairway to Heaven
I simply love this song, particularly the choice of instruments. The use of dissonant notes, the amorphous quality to beat groupings all give such a unique sound and makes you admire their versatility and willingness to make music, interesting music, not just solid rock.
"I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak." Thanks for making me laugh Brad. Pretty funny. Great reaction - so much more Zeppelin to go - thanks for posting this one.
A lot of Led Zeppelin music is inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Welsh/Celtic mythology. There is Welsh poetry which talks about celtic warriors feasting for days before going to battle.
In my top 5 favourite song of all-time. The buildup to "Bring it back..." gives me goosebumps everytime! Brad, you didnt have anyting to say about the song? lol
Zeppelin definitely has a soft side, soft underbelly, to their music. I've always enjoyed it once I understood which way they were going, blues, folk, or country.
Great reaction Brad n Lex never ceases to amaze the quality the depth of Les Zeppelin’s catalog of Greatnesses!! The Rover off Physical Graffiti will get you twirling your finger Lex ☮️
Yes, Lex. The members of Led Zeppelin are of English descent and Robert Plant often wrote colorful tales and fanciful adventures about Vikings, Celtics warriors, magical creatures, and mythic battles both historic and fictional. And songs of brave men, beautiful maidens, fallen soldiers, love and death, evil and magic, conquering heroes, and the deeds that made for songs to be passed down to the following generations. Infused with passion and imagination, they retell the stories that captured that spirit. Artistic choices of how the tales were told can be varied. But the topics carry the blood and fire of remembrance.
I agree 100% , it’s was written after reading Tolkien’s books. Others songs have references in them too, like golem the evil crept up and sneaked away with her. And the misty mountains .
I've been waiting for you to do this one, I love it so much and have for 50 years! As others have said it was influenced by The Lord of the Rings and Celtic folklore. Lord of the Rings was massively popular in the 70's...a hippy/flower child thing that flowed into the 80's and on, much like Led Zeppelin! This song to me is an absolute masterpiece and an amazing tribute to Lord of the Rings that I'm sure JRR Tolkien would've been very moved by. The vocals and instrumentals are absolute perfection and must be listened to loud!
The Battle of Evermore is basically a Celtic influenced folk song with Tolkien references throughout. Robert Plant was in and out of northern Wales all his life and the Celt definitely influenced him in this song. Often overlooked but not by me. I absolutely love this track and God bless Sandy Denny.
he's still seen in and around the locale from time to time
LOTR is embodied in this song.
Im curious as how its a celtic influenced song , its in English and is based on Tolkien's work , the music may be but is the song ? Any references i can learn more from ? It would be good to see how far back it can be traced .
I don't think this song would have made such an impact without Sandy Denny
Avalon was supposedly in Wiltshire or Somerset England,the area where England was born through Alfred the great.
There's definitely a connection with Wales in Arthurian legend.
It's one of those British legends where a kernel of truth has been mythologised.
Like Robin hood.
Alot of the lyrics and musical styles of Led Zeppelin was inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. ‘The Battle of Evermore’ is a prime example. If fact they mention the Ringwraiths, the servants of Sauron who is the main villain of the story, in this song. They mention Gollum and the Evil One (Sauron) in ‘Ramble On’ as another example of many LotR references. These songs were written in the early 70’s when Tolkien’s books were first started to gain popularity with the general public.
In late 60’s, early 70’s, Tolkien was “required reading” in the counter culture. Like listening to Dylan…
"The magic runes are writ in Gold to bring the balance back"
The one ring.
Ah ! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14.
Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled "
Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD"
I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
@@Isleofskye Not quite 65 and didn’t read LotR until I was in my early 30’s. But it’s still one of my favorite fantasy series ever. I disagree with being a sad person for still liking it after so many years. In fact, I think it speaks well of the book being that multiple generations consider it their favorite books. It has endured the test of time IMHO.
I entered college in 1977 and we had a dorm complex called “ Middle Earth “.
Songs like this are what set Led Zeppelin apart from all the rest of the rock bands.
BUT, Free was really Amazing! And Black Sabbath! The early 70's, what a time?
On the heels of Vietnam. Yeah!
That's the late great Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention singing alongside Robert Plant. One of the finest female singers of the British folk-rock scene. Or any scene, for that matter.
Also the only Zeppelin song to feature another singer other than Robert Plant ...
According to Plant, Sandy Denny was someone who could drink him under the table. Check out her song "Who knows where the time goes'
@@karlhungus8006 Lead singer, yes. The rest of the boys sang some harmonies on the first couple albums
Unfortunately,@@hankstaines6568, that contributed to her untimely death at age 31... Booze also killed Zepp drummer Bonham at age 32, which is when the band disbanded.
Yes she was a rampant alcoholic and drug user- falling down the steps several times in an attempt to kill herself. Shows all that glitters isn't gold.
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?'
'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear'
'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
You should check out Heart covering this one. Heart is better at Zeppelin than Zeppelin, lo.
ua-cam.com/video/wShmbjqP3WU/v-deo.html
Love those books. Tolkien was a master. I reread them about every 5 years and have done so since around 1979. I am always entertained.
@@King14000 I have read LOTR (including audio book listens) over 50 times, and the Silmarillion about 30 times. What a master of languages Tolkien was.
Chills
@@fordp69 I have read LOTR over 5000 billion times, and The Silmarillion about 3000 billion times. Indeed he was a Master.
"The Battle of Evermore" is an acoustic guitar and mandolin track from Led Zeppelin's fourth album.
Folk singer Sandy Denny duets with Robert Plant. In live performances bassist John Paul Jones, who plays the mandolin on this track, sang along with Plant.
It is commonly believed to be based on events in The Return of the King.
In the most common interpretation, the Prince of Peace, who "embraced the gloom" and "walked the night alone", refers to Frodo, who left the Fellowship of the Ring and left for Mordor with only his servant and friend Samwise Gamgee for company. "The Queen of Light" who "took her bow" is taken to refer to Galadriel, a queen of the Elves, signifying that the Third Age is ending and that the Age of Men will begin soon.
Got that straight.
Duane Allman named his daughter Galadriel after the Lord of the rings Galadriel.
I always thought that, "The queen of light took her bow and then she turned to go. The prince of peace embraced the gloom, and walked the night alone." was about the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon.
@@TheMerryPup Well and then I have to believe it's a double entendre for Lucifer (Queen of Light) and Jesus (Prince of Peace)
Because I know PAGE knows those references too.
or more than double ;)
The song is totally influenced by The Lord of the Ring Books - Dragon of Darkness, Ringwraiths ride in black, the Dark Lord rides in force tonight... it's all there in the lyrics. If you're not a fan of the books or movies then this would have gone over your heads. It's such a magical song from start to finish
“Aragorn looked at the pale stars, and at the moon, now sloping behind the western hills that enclosed the valley. 'This is a night as long as years', he said. 'How long will the day tarry?'
'Dawn is not far off', said Gamling, who had now climbed up beside him. 'But dawn will not help us, I fear'
'Yet dawn is ever the hope of men', said Aragorn.”
It was great how they always wore their influences on their sleeves.* I would say--- it would only go over people's heads if they just weren't listening to the words at all. Even way back in the day ('60s and '70s, pre-Internet), when listening to a song like "Ramble On" for example, trust me: everyone in the room knew who Gollum was.
*You could argue, and some will, that they maybe carried it too far with the blues lyrics...
The influence is also in other songs, very cool!
I hope they sneak a version of this song into Rings of Power as fan service. Also, Tom Bombadil! Give us Tom!
Ah! Lord Of The Rings !!! 576,459 Words(Google) and I remember 2 distinct things about it when I read this at Grammar School in South East London in 1968 aged 14.
Firstly, it said "For width of imagination this is unparalleled "
Secondly, it was said "If this is your favourite book at 14 years old then that is wonderful however if it is STILL your favourite book when you are 65 then you are SAD"
I guess this Londoner is just sad then😀
Phenomenal song that gets overlooked.
Not by me lol! Been one of my absolute favourites for a looong time. The vibe on this one is nothing but otherworldly.
One of my favourite Zep songs.
tremendous live versions on youtube
My favourite song, full stop!
That"s because of the song that comes behind it..
I loved how certain Zeppelin songs just transported you to a different time and place.
Brad is just a very literal man. Lex gets it. The feel of death coming, hours before the battle of metal weapons.
I always pictured a coming battle in the middle ages when I listened to this. Great song and another example of just how brilliant Led Zep were
Lex is nailed it. It wasnt intended to be fake but living in the past through present eyes. Love the deep dives from one of the greatest bands. thanks
I'm starting realize that Lex almost always nails the song's meaning.
I always thought that the Battle of Evermore was about the battle between night & day. This is one of the few Zeppelin songs I can play on drums 😆
😆 Love that!
Lol love it ;).
Or maybe then the battle between darkness and light...
Lol!!!
@@PeterTea or good and evil
I was mucking about with a mandolin back in the late seventies, and a friend asked me if I had ever heard this song? I said no and he lent me the album and down the Zepp rabbit hole I went! What a ride!
Lex you hit it right in the head ,that's the vibe Plant put into this song
If you've ever seen or read "Lord of the Rings" you'll recognize the Tolkien influence
such a brilliant song..still gives me goosebumps
yes me too
Brad "I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak"
Lex "...Yet."
These two kill me.
This is a pretty unique Zep song, you first have the duet with Sandy Denny which is rare but you also have multiple references to Tolkien's work, in some cases nearly direct quotes "The drums will shake the castle walls" and the "queen of light" (Galadriel) along with ring wraiths, the dark lord etc. It's an absolute gem of a song, and yes Lex thats Jimmy Page on the Mandolin.
John Paul jones on mandolin
Robert Plant was definitely deep into his Tolkien LOTR imagery at this time.
A musical fantasy based on LOTR. The harmonies are sublime.
I say it all the time…. Heart covering this live on their “Alive in Seattle” dvd is one of the greatest live performances I’ve ever seen. Anne sings the main part and plays acoustic guitar while Nancy sings the secondary part and plays the mandolin. It’s an opportunity to realize that Heart has TWO incredible singers and it’s absolutely perfect. They even nail the the end with the echoing delay on the voices and overlapping harmonies. It’s shows why they were chosen to perform Led Zeppelin songs in front of the band.
Heart did this fabulously!
I 100% agree and I like HEARTS💖 rendition better.
@@franklinzappa7043 Well, I wouldn't go THAT far...
I totally agree - I prefer Heart's take on this to their version of Stairway To Heaven, which is very good, but still managed to slightly disappoint me, as I'd been led (ha!) to believe it was the greatest cover ever, which was as good as, if not better than, the original.
@@TheoZoffrok stop it, your being very silly.
This song, Kashmir and When the Levee Breaks are my 3 favorite Led Zeppelin songs.
This song is from led zeppelin IV. There are 8 songs on the album. Every one of them is a smash hit. However if you listen to them all, in order, your mind will be blown. One of the best albums in human history...
One of my favorite Zep tunes! Thanks for listening! A lot of this song is about Lord of The Rings... Ring Wraiths. Shooting straighter than before, etc.
This song is a MASTERPIECE!!
Everytime I hear it I feel like I'm in England drinking some cold beer in a pub.
If I ever go to the UK I hope they have jukeboxes in their pubs! So I can get the Led Out and jam to some Beatles and get drunk at the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club!
Man that would be a dream come true!
Thanks for sharing Brad and Lex!
I've been to England...it is fantastic!
Some pubs have jukeboxes 👍
I AM in England. My local pub is older than the USA. 😜✌️
@@lyndoncmp5751
Did you build it? Just kidding!
Greetings from Texas!
I betcha you have visited the pub!
I think I would have become an alcoholic if I lived near the area.
I hope to go to your beautiful country before. my time is up🙏
Of all the countries ,.England will always be my first choice!
Thanks for responding mate!
@@sporkfindus4777
I just want to see what's inside and then start to emptying those pints right into my belly! Jamming out to
" LOVE ME DO!!" And all their other great songs!
Lex is right on. Heart doe a great cover of this, as they do on most Led Zeppelin songs, btw.. Robert Plant does his own cover with Allison Krauss.
His 2 LPs with Alison are fantastic. They covered this song and other Zeppelin songs during tours. Their live performance of Black Dog is very good.
Yeah I saw Heart back in 2013, and their entire second set was Led Zeppelin songs, with Jason Bonham on drums. They opened the set with this song. 🤘😎
He's currently on tour with Alison Krauss 🎸
The female singer is Sandy Denny, an english folk singer with a huge back catalogue of her own, and the only ever guest singer on a Led Zep song. Check her out too.
In the 60's and 70's, Tolkiens' "Lord of the Rings" was considered an important literary piece and was on most primary and secondary school curriculums (in the commonwealth)... it was part of our youth... it's a big reason why a NZ director created the series... and it's influence on Zeppelin is similar, it was in their school youth and celtic roots.... the eternal battle between good and evil trope
You're correct that Jimmy plays the mandolin on this. When played live, Jimmy would play the mandolin while John Paul Jones would play a three-necked instrument that had a mandolin at the top, a 12-string, and 6-string as well as sing the Sandy Denny part.
Lol. Yah. It's like Jonesy said to Jimmy, "Playing a two guitar instrument, eh? Hold my beer."
Jones usually played mandolin live
@@PeterTea lol basically, yes. There's an interview with Jonesy where he said something along the lines of he couldn't wait to show Jimmy. They stopped performing it live because the instrument was too cumbersome to bring on stage.
@@baredas indeed, Jonesy did, but not for this song.
My favorite footage on Jimmy Page 1977 Backstage and a bit of Battle of Evermore
ua-cam.com/video/WUiy_6hI-xU/v-deo.html
Such a great song and it sets up the next song on the album perfectly... Stairway to Heaven.
I too am waiting for the Eastern glow. The song's got a definite underworld, Lord Of The Rings vibe...trolls, goblins and fairies abound.
Love how Lex doesn't take things too seriously, enjoying the music 😃💖🥳
They had such a love for Tolkien and all his work. This song is amazing.
"The ring wraiths ride in black" direct Lord of the Rings reference
One of my favorite songs of theirs. I grew up in the 70's with both Led Zeppelin and Tolkien. For me when I hear this song I always imagine a group living in the world of LOTR but removed from the main story. Just a small band of people facing the same threat but not from Gondor, not from Rohan, etc. But facing the same evil and challenge and this is their song. Just an incredible song.
Song still gives me chills,,,,💥💥💥👍😎
This flows right into "Stairway to Heaven" to end side A of their 4th album (referred to as Zoso), perhaps the single greatest side to any record ever created.
One of my all time favorite Zep tunes, Heart does a great cover too
Sue's right! This is ritual, tribal, battle on the horizon vibes for sure! It's primal!
Sue?? U mean Lex?
@@brainscott8198 I meant she's... idk where it got sue from lol
Whether heavy or acoustic, they just sound better than anyone. Lex is right, this related to battle and heavily influenced by Lord of the Rings. That 4th album is as good as it gets. Try Four Sticks a great deep track that is legendary. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎤🎶
Definition, period piece: "an object or work that is set in or strongly reminiscent of an earlier historical period."
Just wanted to say Hi, to Brad & Lex. 😊
Led Zepplin could give off that mystical vibe better than any other
You decided to react to Battle of Evermore! You people are beautiful 😍.
I'm glad you waited 3 minutes to speak.
Lex, you seem so excited. Brad, mesmerized.
Yeah, LZ is very diverse. There's the pop side, that got tons of Radio Airplay(Rock n' Roll, Stairway to Heaven, etc). Then, hard core fans discovered this track, Physical Graffiti, Presence, CODA.
Anyway, nice reaction. 🙂
Lex, I agree with you about Metallica, the only speed metal band I ever got into.
Love all Zeppelin! Greatest band Ever! So much talent!
Music for a Renaissance Festival. I will play this EVERY time I go to one!
This should have been used in the closing credits of the Lord Of The Rings Movie. Peter Jackson made a big ass mistake.
I first heard this song while camping out deep in the logging roads outside Aberdeen WA in 1998, 1999 maybe. This song hits different by a campfire at night in a cold forest.
you are listening to one of the many songs by Zep heavily influenced by Page's love for Tolkien. So glad you guys did this often overlooked masterpiece from Led. The constant struggle against "The Dark Lord" is timeless and one that requires everyone to choose what side they'll be on.
PLANT’S love of Tolkien! Typo? I sometimes do that myself. But yeah, it was Robert who was the Tolkien freak……Jimmy sort of rolled his eyes when Robert went there. Good naturedly of course.
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 good catch :)
Lex, Great job identifying the mandolin I’m impressed! A group of Canadian musicians recently did a Live Christmas show with this song featured including Alex Lifeson of Rush.
How can I find that? Il try Alex Lifeson Battle of evermore….see if it comes up…
@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Oh stairway to Heaven to ua-cam.com/video/aWktFEoqXbc/v-deo.html
Love the Led Zeppelin reactions! Thank you!❤️👍🏻 Bron-Y-Aur Stomp and Tangerine are great Led Zeppelin songs that should be added to the list!
Welsh songstress Sandy Denny joins Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore". She was the only other singer to ever appear on a Led Zeppelin album. The band even assigned a special rune symbol for her on the liner notes to the album. If you've got a thing for angelic voices, then lend your ears to her voice. Her work with Fairport Convention is quite masterful. For a taste, check out "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", "Farewell, Farewell", "The Ballad Of Easy Rider", and "She Moves Through The Fair" among others.
Welsh?
Sandy Denny was English. Born and bred in the Wimbledon, south west London, area. She did have Scottish grandparents though. But she was English and had an English accent. 👍
Jimmy picks up JPJ's mandolin at Headely Grange having never played one, and comes up with this. Says "I was familiar with the tuning"
Inspired by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Great song. If you haven't read it, you should. If you won't read it, at least see the movies. They did a pretty good job of being faithful to the books.
My favorite of all time.
MOMMA SAYS...ZEPPLIN IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES...
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR GOIN TO GET.
What an epic song. I smoked ALOT of weed to this.
I had heard Joni Mitchell was an early influence, now I really heard it!
Brad, in the movie the song remains the same, Robert Plant is a sword wielding knight on horseback who is also a falconer. Just sayin’ Lex isn’t that far off.
beautiful duet between Plant & Sandy Denny. Love it, don't care about anyone ragging on the hobbit lyrics. Just a very beautiful song, really nice overall sound and instrumentation. "pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath" made my feeble pre-teen mind realize that everything isn't hunky dory right after the war ends. Good stuff, maybe I was just shallow, but worked for me. Also just fyi, Zep didn't let anyone use their music for commercial stuff for probably 25ish (?) years after the band folded up.
although we are about 4 decades apart in age... Lex and I are kindred spirits, that totally get and understand The Mighty Led Zeppelin! thumbs up for your man Brad's patience and understanding of your musical obsession too! lol... love this channel sez ole man rocker gt
Thanks for listening to the whole thing with only a single interruption. So refreshing.
this is one of my favorite songs by Zep, it has Lord of the Rings vibe all over it
A song that could go with medieval times. Something out of Camelot. Peace and love to you two! God bless.
Lexi's POV is so on point about the band sitting around a campfire in a wooded area the night before going to battle. Love this girl. Of all the reaction sites, hers is the most heartfelt and naturally articulated with no filler...straight no chaser...no bullcrap, gets right to the point and is usually right.
I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan and songs like this one are an example of why for me they are untouchable. They have so many different styles of songs and every style they do is brilliant. They are four absolute genius’s and I think their music will always be loved and liked I’m a hundred years or more. By the way you both are brilliant at this 👏👏👌👌
Many movies and television shows requested permission to use Led Zeppelins music over the years, but Jimmy Page rarely allowed it, only in rare circumstances, like when they allowed writer/director friend Cameron Crowe to use their music in his movie "Almost Famous". Another rarity was when Jimmy Page allowed the song "Rock and Roll" to be used in Cadillac Commercials. Later on, he lightened up a little and allowed "Immigrant Song" to be used in Shrek 3, and some music in a few other rare circumstances.
Here is one of the Cadillac commercials featuring Led Zeppelin...Pretty awesome!
ua-cam.com/video/gpD7f8gWgDg/v-deo.html
Peace
Immigrant song was also used in the opening credits of ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’.
ua-cam.com/video/xQtXsp4tIbw/v-deo.html
@@andrewmorton9327 Very cool!
Alexandra Elene MacLean Denny (6 January 1947 - 21 April 1978) was an English singer-songwriter who was lead singer of the British folk rock band Fairport Convention. She has been described as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". Plant felt he needed another voice to tell the story, and for the recording of the song, singer Sandy Denny was invited to duet with Plant. Denny was a former member of British folk rock group Fairport Convention, with whom Led Zeppelin had shared a bill in 1970 at the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music. Plant played the role of the narrator and Denny represented the town crier. Page elaborated that "[The song] sounded like an old English instrumental first off. Then it became a vocal and Robert did his bit. Finally we figured we'd bring Sandy by and do a question-and-answer-type thing."
In 1971, Denny duetted with Robert Plant on "The Battle of Evermore", which was included on Led Zeppelin's 1971 album (Led Zeppelin IV); she was the only guest vocalist ever to appear on a Led Zeppelin album.
A fabulous track, fantastic Mandolin and what beautiful vocals from the late Sandy Denny who was taken from us so young. RIP Sandy
The female voice is Sandy Denny, (1947/1978) from Fairport Convention fame. She died in 1978 from the aftermath of falling down the stairs in her home.
I love Led Zeppelin and this song is great.
One of the most beautiful songs ever to grace the planet.
Such gems of perfection and light should not fall on dull ears.
Oh man, I missed y’all again. Been bing watching your videos!! Love 💕 you guys!!
Lex, I love your your reactions and air guitar!! 😊
I would love to hear some Boston, Foreigner, Journey , Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Pretenders. sometime. 🥰
Thanks. I remember rockin out to this with headphones on at my boyfriend's trailer in 1971 and being taken for a trip! Such fun memories. Bring it back. (50th Wedding Anniversary this September.)
Some of my Favorite Led Zeppelin you need to check out :
Over the Hills and Far Away - Dyer Maker - All of my Love - Kashmir - Rock n Roll - Whole Lotta Love - Stairway to Heaven
The Heart cover is great too.
I simply love this song, particularly the choice of instruments. The use of dissonant notes, the amorphous quality to beat groupings all give such a unique sound and makes you admire their versatility and willingness to make music, interesting music, not just solid rock.
The absolute best rock band. “When the Levee Breaks” is one their countless great songs. Thank you.
"I'm just glad this song isn't about heartbreak." Thanks for making me laugh Brad. Pretty funny. Great reaction - so much more Zeppelin to go - thanks for posting this one.
That isn’t Jimmy page on mandolin it is the bassist John Paul Jones the most overlooked member in the band
The only guest vocalist on any Zepplin song Sandy Denny made some wonderful old school English folk music.
This is one of my favorite songs by zeppelin
One of my favorite songs of all time. Of evermore, even.
A lot of Led Zeppelin music is inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Welsh/Celtic mythology. There is Welsh poetry which talks about celtic warriors feasting for days before going to battle.
Vocally a masterpiece of vocal control. Ethnically true and quite profound.
In my top 5 favourite song of all-time. The buildup to "Bring it back..." gives me goosebumps everytime!
Brad, you didnt have anyting to say about the song? lol
John Paul Jones plays the Mandolin and Jimmy plays the acoustic guitars, guest vocals by Sandy Denny.
This is one of their best songs!
Zeppelin definitely has a soft side, soft underbelly, to their music. I've always enjoyed it once I understood which way they were going, blues, folk, or country.
Brad looked like he was in physical pain listening to that song.😂
Great reaction Brad n Lex never ceases to amaze the quality the depth of Les Zeppelin’s catalog of Greatnesses!! The Rover off Physical Graffiti will get you twirling your finger Lex ☮️
Man I can't hear the mandolin fadeout on this without imagining the opening guitar and recoder intro of Stairway starting up right after it....
This is sublime. The female singer is the magnificent Sandy Denny who left us far too soon. Only time anyone else ever played with them.
Brad, you are so patient. And Lex, I love the way your mind works. ❤️
Yes, Lex. The members of Led Zeppelin are of English descent and Robert Plant often wrote colorful tales and fanciful adventures about Vikings, Celtics warriors, magical creatures, and mythic battles both historic and fictional. And songs of brave men, beautiful maidens, fallen soldiers, love and death, evil and magic, conquering heroes, and the deeds that made for songs to be passed down to the following generations. Infused with passion and imagination, they retell the stories that captured that spirit. Artistic choices of how the tales were told can be varied. But the topics carry the blood and fire of remembrance.
Of European descent?
They are Englishmen.
@@lyndoncmp5751 OK. I stand corrected.
I agree 100% , it’s was written after reading Tolkien’s books. Others songs have references in them too, like golem the evil crept up and sneaked away with her. And the misty mountains .
I've been waiting for you to do this one, I love it so much and have for 50 years! As others have said it was influenced by The Lord of the Rings and Celtic folklore. Lord of the Rings was massively popular in the 70's...a hippy/flower child thing that flowed into the 80's and on, much like Led Zeppelin! This song to me is an absolute masterpiece and an amazing tribute to Lord of the Rings that I'm sure JRR Tolkien would've been very moved by. The vocals and instrumentals are absolute perfection and must be listened to loud!
Every time I listen to Brad and Lex I have to get into my albums again. sometimes I forget the diversity of Led Zeppelin
The only duet officially...thank you so much my goddess Sandy Denny