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led zeppelin ap photo
In a recent interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Robert Plant hinted that he'd be up for a reunion with his Led Zeppelin band mates after the show declared them the greatest rock band of all time. (AP Photo)

Led Zeppelin: The best rock'n'roll band of all time

BY Jillian Raftery  on February 19, 2013 @ 3:12 pm (Updated: 5:21 pm - 2/19/13 )

Dori couldn't believe it when the Australian 60 Minutes declared Led Zeppelin the greatest rock'n'roll band of all time during an interview with legendary singer-songwriter Robert Plant.

Dori knows how iconic Led Zeppelin is for so many rock fans, calling them one of the big "soundtrack bands." But he has been biased against Led Zeppelin since childhood. He remembers hearing Stairway to Heaven for the first time during his first slow dance.

"All of the sudden, during the middle of the song, I feel her start to pull away from me," said Dori, "as if I smell bad or something."

Dori looked around and realized the song had abruptly changed from the slow, soulful beginning that was perfect for a slow-dance and changed tempo so that couples were dancing faster. It was awkward.

Ever since, Dori can't listen to them without cringing.

But Dori Monson Show listeners called in and defended Led Zeppelin, almost unanimously praising the group as the best rock'n'roll band of all time.

Countless listeners called in citing specific songs and albums that affected them. Fans said the group's innovative sound with the concussive drumming of John Bonham, Robert Plant's voice, and their sound variety across albums was a landmark in music history. Others remembered Led Zeppelin's early shows as one of the best memories of their young life.

Other listeners nominated the Grateful Dead, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, The Who, and U2.

"If they're not number one, they're at least tied with Led Zeppelin," listener Bob said of U2.

Many others nominated the Rolling Stones or the Beatles as the best rock'n'roll band of all time. But according to Dori, The Beatles aren't real rock. And the Rolling Stones haven't produced new music in years - or even mixed up any of their classics.

"They're like a Rolling Stones tribute band," said Dori.

Dori wants you to weigh in: what group is the greatest rock'n'roll band of all time?

What you're saying on Facebook:

Laura Petersen: LOL! Yea, not to mention the Beatles, The Cars, Queen, Heart, Journey, The Who....I could go on and on! ; )

Doug George: Which Beatles songs aren't rock n roll? First off, they played the most basic style of RNR of their time like everyone was doing...Then the more experimental later in their career stuff wasn't RNR? Was Wings RNR?

Jason Seipp: If I had to pick one, it would be Led Zeppelin. The Rain Song is it for me

Ross Henderson: Zeppelin for sure. Modern times, Clutch. And best Seattle rock band, Dead Language

Kathy Jannusch Jones: the Beatles, definitely.

Jillian Raftery, Social Media Captain
Jillian Raftery is a social media captain for the Dori Monson Show. She loves the neighborly vibe of the Pacific Northwest and spends as much time as possible outdoors.
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Comments (15)


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  • cigarfan wrote...
    LZ & the Beatles are pretty close
    February 19, 2013 4:30 pm
    LZ had the Energy...Beatles had the ideology....to me it's apples and oranges. Lennon had the Politics...... Page had the attitude.....different messages.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cdbtx wrote...
    I'll go with
    February 19, 2013 5:07 pm
    Led Zeppelin...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • notmygov1 wrote...
    Dori their is no doubt
    February 19, 2013 5:15 pm
    One Word QUEEN
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cash wrote...
    I love their music but
    February 19, 2013 6:28 pm
    They ripped off a lot of their songs that made them the band they became. Oh yea they are a healthy looking bunch in that photo...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Relevant13 wrote...
    Healthy looking....
    February 19, 2013 6:47 pm
    After the miles they've put on their bodies, it is impressive they look that good now. They are all pushing 70. Hell, look at Keith Richards. LZ look like models compared to him.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • fartforce1 wrote...
    yes
    February 19, 2013 6:35 pm
    of course
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rangerhawk wrote...
    As soon as Obama masters a few chords
    February 19, 2013 10:50 pm
    He will be the greatest rock band of all time, space, and dimension! (According to Kenyan 60 Minutes)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MittensRomney wrote...
    Not of all time, but like the Beatles was a top r&r band of the past.
    February 20, 2013 1:42 am
    30 Yeas ago most people called LedZEP heavy metal just like Blue Oyster Cult and Black Sabbath. They never got the fancy R&R lable until later. Back then it was not even called R&R. R&R was reserved for lame bands while Rock was reinvented by bands like Motley Crew, REO Speed-wagon, AC/DC, Twisted Sister, Loverboy, Rat, Journey, Air Supply and Van Halen. those are the Rock kings. Before Rock was simply Rock, thats when it was Rock Roll and those bands included Simon and Garfunkel, CCR, CSNY and before that Chuck Berry and the yes, the Beatles. Led Zep didn't get the air time and respect that they get now because they had a heavy metalsound, not R&R. So no, they are not the best ROCK band ever. They are simply one of the greatest bands period!
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  • soo purletiv wrote...
    For my money
    February 20, 2013 6:28 am
    Led Zeppelin is a distant second to my all time favorite Rebecca Black...

    Here is one of her greatest hits thus far:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVsfOSbJY0

    Enjoy! And no need to thank me...

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  • Fakename70 wrote...
    How Can There Be ANY Doubt?
    February 20, 2013 3:58 pm
    Thankfully, no one in this forum bothered to mention Nirvana (aw, there there, Charles Cross). I cringe everytime I see/hear them mentioned alongside the all-time greats whose music has stood the test of time. But, the obvious answer is, yes, LZ really is the G.O.A.T. The Beatles may have been the first "real" rock n roll group, but the Zeppelin took things to an entirely different level that will never be matched. Again, sorry, Charlie.
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  • AZ HAWKSFAN wrote...
    Dori giving commentary of rock bands??? HHMMMM......
    February 21, 2013 12:44 pm
    This from a guy who says "The Beatles aren't real rock" and considers BILLY JOEL ONE OF THE GREATEST MUSICIANS EVER!!!! BWWWAAAHHHH.......
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