45. Led Zeppelin – How the West Was Won (1972)

Led Zeppelin – How the West Was Won (2003, but recorded in 1972)

How the West Was Won is a live album by the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, capturing the raw energy and improvisational mastery of the band during their 1972 North American tour. Although the album was not officially released until 2003, its recordings, made at two iconic shows in Los Angeles and Seattle, are regarded as some of the most electrifying live performances in the band's storied career.

The album's title refers to the expansive and iconic sound that Led Zeppelin had developed by 1972, as well as to the geographical location of the concerts. The band was riding high on the success of their early albums and pushing the limits of rock music with their live performances. How the West Was Won offers a glimpse into the band's stage presence at the peak of their powers, during a time when their influence on the rock world was becoming undeniable.

The Concerts

The performances captured on How the West Was Won come from two separate concerts:

• Los Angeles Forum (June 25, 1972)

• Seattle Kingdome (June 21, 1972)

These shows were part of their 1972 North American tour, during which Led Zeppelin was at the height of their fame and mastery of live performance. Both concerts were remarkable for their intensity, with the band combining their heavier, bluesy roots with their experimental, boundary-pushing sound.

The Sound: A Powerful Snapshot of Led Zeppelin in 1972

The performances on How the West Was Won showcase the band's unparalleled skill at improvisation and their ability to seamlessly blend rock, blues, and folk influences with sheer musical power. It's easy to see why Led Zeppelin’s live shows were so legendary. By 1972, the band was not only a hit-maker but also one of the most electrifying live acts in the world.

Key highlights of the album include:

• Jimmy Page's guitar virtuosity: Page’s performance on tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” and the extended “Whole Lotta Love” is a master class in blues and rock guitar. His solos have a deep emotional quality while also showcasing technical skill and improvisational genius. The live renditions of his guitar work are much more expansive than their studio versions, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible on stage.

• Robert Plant's iconic vocals: Plant was in top form on these shows, his voice soaring on tracks like “Immigrant Song” and “Rock and Roll”. He exhibited perfect command of his powerful voice, effortlessly transitioning from delicate, tender moments to thunderous, raspy rock screams. His performance is an integral part of why Led Zeppelin’s live shows are so revered.

• John Bonham's drumming: Bonham's drumming on How the West Was Won is a tour de force. Tracks like “Moby Dick”, which includes an epic drum solo, demonstrate why Bonham is considered one of the greatest drummers in rock history. His technical ability, as well as his sense of timing and power, set the rhythm for the entire band and created an unstoppable force on stage.

• John Paul Jones' keyboard and bass mastery: Jones’ playing is the perfect complement to the band's sound. Whether it's his melodic basslines or the complex keyboard arrangements that enrich the band’s sound, Jones adds a subtle yet crucial layer to the music. His role in songs like “No Quarter”—which blends rock with Eastern influences—is a testament to his versatility and creativity.

The Tracks

The setlist on How the West Was Won draws heavily from the band's earlier albums, as well as their most popular tracks of the time. Some of the standout tracks include:

• “Immigrant Song” – A fiery opener with its iconic scream from Robert Plant, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The track’s propulsive rhythm and heavy guitar riffs showcase Led Zeppelin’s ability to create monumental energy from the very beginning of their set.

• “Stairway to Heaven” – Arguably the most famous rock song of all time, this performance of “Stairway to Heaven” is a true highlight, with Page’s acoustic guitar intro building into a powerful crescendo. It’s a perfect example of how Led Zeppelin’s live shows could elevate the emotional impact of their songs, as they allowed room for extended instrumental jams.

• “Whole Lotta Love” – The live version of this track is an extended jam with Page improvising and weaving through different musical motifs while Bonham and Jones keep the groove tight. The "Whole Lotta Love" medley on the album is a sprawling, experimental performance that gives a raw glimpse into the band's willingness to expand beyond their radio hits.

• “No Quarter” – This dark, atmospheric track with its Eastern-influenced keyboard lines from Jones is a perfect representation of Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend different musical genres and styles. The performance of “No Quarter” is particularly notable for the way the band allows the song to breathe, stretching the song out with live improvisation and making it feel completely fresh.

• “Rock and Roll” – One of Led Zeppelin’s most well-known anthems, “Rock and Roll” is performed with an urgency that matches its upbeat, energetic nature. Bonham's drumming and Page's riffing elevate the song to new heights, making it a crowd favorite during the 1972 concerts.

Legacy and Impact

Though it wasn’t released until 2003, How the West Was Won is considered one of the definitive live albums for Led Zeppelin, capturing the band at a time when they were taking their live performances to new, exhilarating levels. It serves as a perfect document of what made Led Zeppelin such a groundbreaking live act in the '70s.

The album highlights the band's chemistry and their ability to push musical boundaries in a way that few bands could match. It also exemplifies why their live shows became legendary, with their mix of incredible technical skill, improvisation, and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy. If you want to hear Led Zeppelin at their absolute best, How the West Was Won offers a direct window into that magical moment in time when the band was unstoppable.