Fans at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, witnessed something extraordinary when Led Zeppelin’s legendary bassist and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones took the stage. In a performance that balanced nostalgia with daring innovation, Jones reminded the world why his name is etched so deeply into rock history.
The night began with pure drama. Rising from beneath the stage, Jones opened with a chilling pipe organ rendition of “Your Time Is Gonna Come.” The sound filled the hall with a cathedral-like atmosphere, instantly transporting the audience back to rock’s golden age. Yet, from the very start, it was clear this wouldn’t be a simple trip down memory lane.
Moving seamlessly between instruments, Jones breathed fresh life into Zeppelin classics. A thunderous “No Quarter” on piano carried a dark, hypnotic power, while “When the Levee Breaks” roared with gritty lap steel twang. The soulful piano strains of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” showed the depth of his musicianship, each note charged with both history and emotion.
But perhaps the most exciting moments came when Jones pushed beyond the past. Teaming up with acclaimed cellist Anssi Karttunen and Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, he dove into bold new territory, blending classical textures with avant-garde guitar work. The collaborations blurred genres, proving that Jones remains as fearless and forward-thinking as ever.
Though his solo appearances are rare, Jones’ creative spirit has never dimmed — from his work with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme in Them Crooked Vultures to his constant exploration of new sounds. At Big Ears, he didn’t just revisit Zeppelin’s legacy; he reshaped it, showing fans that his journey is still unfolding.
As the final notes echoed into silence and the crowd erupted in cheers, one truth was undeniable: John Paul Jones is still evolving, still experimenting, and still redefining what it means to be a rock icon.
