The Led Zeppelin classic that Robert Plant took 40 years to accept.

      It's now a crucial part of his live performance…

      10 · 09 · 2025

      Album one; track one; side one. Led Zeppelin introduced themselves with one of their most legendary tracks, launching their debut with the explosive excitement of ‘Good Times Bad Times’. However, this song was seldom played live during the band's early years, only making more frequent appearances in Robert Plant’s solo performances of the 21st century.

      ‘Good Times Bad Times’ is a powerful showcase of hard rock excellence, highlighting Led Zeppelin's unique talents. John Bonham’s triplet-heavy drumming serves as the perfect foundation, while John Paul Jones crafted the riff, admitting it was nearly too challenging to execute live.

      Jimmy Page plays a Telecaster that was gifted to him by fellow Yardbirds member Jeff Beck, and Robert Plant's lyrics – “In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man / Now that I’ve reached that age, I try to do all those things the best I can” – serve as a concise declaration for the then-unknown band.

      Interestingly, Led Zeppelin seldom played ‘Good Times Bad Times’ in concert. While sections were sometimes included in the ‘Communication Breakdown’ medley and used as introductory phrases, the full song was typically omitted from their sets.

      That changed in the 21st century. Robert Plant fully embraced ‘Good Times Bad Times’ – it opened Led Zeppelin’s celebrated reunion show at the O2 Arena in 2007, and it features in the sets for his Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters band.

      Now able to evolve in line with his expanding influences, elements of Led Zeppelin's exuberance still shine through. Take a look at this remarkable performance from 2018 in Tucson, where he emotionally dedicated the song to the late, great Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

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