8 Cool Things Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones Has Done That Aren’t Led Zeppelin (PHOTOS)

The Led Zeppelin Bassist Turns 70 On 3 January, 2016

Possibly the most underrated bass player in rock and roll history, Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones is far and away one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Though he’s best known for his work with Led Zeppelin, he’s also experienced a wildly successful solo career that’s put him in the studio and onstage with some of rock’s most iconic figures.

In honor of John’s 70th birthday on January 3, here are 8 cool things he’s done – that aren’t Led Zeppelin.

 

1. In 2010, John Paul Jones joined supergroup Them Crooked Vultures

photo credit: mtv.com

For the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Joshua Homme of Kyuss and Queens Of The Stone Age, their boyhood dreams were fulfilled when John Paul Jones joined the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures. When John Paul Jones wants to join your band, you know you’ve made it!

 

2. He also appeared on the Foo Fighters’ 2005 album In Your Honor

photo credit: amazon.com

Understandably, Dave Grohl described Jones’ guest appearance as the “second greatest thing to happen to me in my life”.

 

3. In 2008, John appeared with Jimmy Page and – you guessed it, the Foo Fighters – and this happened:

John really loves those Foo Fighters, doesn’t he?

 

4. 1999 saw JPJ’s solo debut with Zooma

photo credit: amazon.com

Finally – the world got to hear what John Paul Jones was capable of in the form of 1999’s Zooma, his debut solo album that’s 47 minutes of instrumental goodness.

 

5. He even went back to producing (at which, by the way, he is also awesome)

photo credit: ledzeppelinnews.com

In 2008, he produced Nickel Creek singer-fiddler Sara Watkins’ self-entitled solo debut.

6.  John played at Reading and Leeds Festival alongside blues musician Seasick Steve in 2011

photo credit: wordpress.com via westholts

Seasick Steve even loves to introduce JPJ as, “a member of the best band in the world”. We agree, Steve. We agree.

 

7. He played the Sunflower Charity Jam in 2012…with a few very, very special guests

photo credit: tightbutloose.co.uk

There isn’t anyone in rock who doesn’t love JPJ – ask Queen’s Brian May, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, or even Deep Purple’s Ian Paice, because they all shared a stage with John in 2012 for the Sunflower Charity Jam.

 

8. In 2007, he reunited with Led Zeppelin at London’s O2 Arena

photo credit: music-stories.ru

I know, I know – we said cool things that aren’t Led Zeppelin, but come on – how cool was this?! It even featured Jason Bonham on drums, and who can resist a Bonham behind the kit?

 

Happy 70th birthday, John Paul Jones!