Classic rock fans were in for an unforgettable night at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, as Led Zeppelin’s legendary bassist, John Paul Jones, took the stage to breathe new life into some of the band’s most cherished songs.
Making a dramatic entrance, Jones emerged beneath a wash of stage lights, setting the tone with the haunting melody of Your Time Is Gonna Come on the pipe organ. The moment was pure magic—transporting the audience straight back to the golden age of rock.
Seamlessly shifting gears, he took his seat at the piano and launched into a powerful rendition of No Quarter, a track that has remained a fan favorite since its release on Houses of the Holy in 1973. His effortless musicianship and deep connection to the music made the performance feel both timeless and electrifying.
Jones kept the set dynamic, switching between instruments to showcase the vast sonic landscape that defined Led Zeppelin’s sound. From the haunting slide of the lap steel guitar on When the Levee Breaks to the raw emotion of Since I’ve Been Loving You on the piano, he reminded everyone why he remains one of rock’s greatest multi-instrumentalists.
But the night wasn’t just about nostalgia. Jones also introduced the crowd to some of his more recent projects, collaborating with renowned cellist Anssi Karttunen and former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore.
Though it’s been some time since his last solo tour, Jones has kept his musical fire alive with sporadic performances, including his work with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme in Them Crooked Vultures.
As the final notes rang out, the audience erupted in applause, fully aware they had just witnessed a rare and special performance from a true rock icon.
