Jack Black’s Rock Revelation: Why You Haven’t Truly Lived Until You’ve Done the Led Zeppelin Marathon
Jack Black once boldly declared that not liking Led Zeppelin isn’t a matter of taste—it’s a matter of exposure. According to the actor and musician, if someone claims they don’t enjoy the legendary rock band, it’s only because they haven’t really listened to them. And by “really,” he means undertaking what he calls the Zeppelin marathon—sitting down and listening to all nine Led Zeppelin albums in a single stretch. For Black, this immersive experience is the only way to fully grasp the depth, energy, and brilliance of the band. “Led Zeppelin… the greatest rock and roll band of all time. Better than the Beatles, better than The Stones,” he proclaimed with confidence.
Among the band’s iconic catalogue, Black highlighted “Whole Lotta Love” as a standout favourite. This track, one of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved songs, holds a special place not just for fans but also for guitarist and producer Jimmy Page. For Page, “Whole Lotta Love” is more than just a powerful rock anthem—it’s a testament to the band’s innovative spirit in the studio. The unique soundscape of the song came from their bold recording methods, including placing the drums in a high-ceilinged room for added resonance and experimenting with studio equipment, twisting “every knob known to man.”
Page has emphasized the significance of the song’s original mix, recalling how the rough version at the end of that recording session captured something raw and magical. The track exemplifies the intense creative process behind their music and the boundary-pushing techniques they employed. For Page, and undoubtedly for Jack Black, “Whole Lotta Love” is a defining moment in rock history—a perfect entry point for anyone beginning their Zeppelin marathon.
