Today I found out the genesis of “Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Led Zeppelin. You know, the song on ZOSO where they stop pretending to be Vikings with wizard powers and kick out some retro jams. On a break from recording the ancient Norwegian longboat anthem “Four Sticks,” John Bonham played the intro for the ’50s Little Richard howler “Keep a Knockin” as a goof. Excited that a drum goof was afoot, Jimmy Page joined in with a quick and dirty Link Wray-style riff and boom, “Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
With that in mind, comparing the two drum intros is pretty hilarious. Good goof, Bonzo! (RIP)
Previous explorations of instances of alleged Led Zep thievery follow:
No, Led Zeppelin Didn’t Really Steal “Stairway.” But They Stole Everything Else
Oh, Wait. Maybe Jimmy Page did Steal “Stairway” After All
John Lennon vs. Jimmy Page: Battle of the Master Riff-Thieves
Thankfully, LZ left off the sax solo.