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You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Classic Rock > Led Zeppelin > Please Clear This Up
Expert: Chris M. Zangara - 8/24/2008
Question
Chris, I see that you are a so-called expert of the music written and performed by Robert Plant and Jimmy Paige. As an avid fan of the musical history and significance of Led Zeppelin myself I appreciate your studies and knowledge of the greatest rock-n-roll band of all time. However, I was quit disappointed after reading a post that you made to another Zeppelin fan who had asked you a question. In your response you gave a very thorough explanation and background of Aleister Crowley. This explanation, however, is word-for-word the same as Stephen Davis wrote in 'Hammer of the Gods'. Davis talks about Crowley's life in the first part of chapter 4 (Valhalla I am Coming). I saw that no credit was given to Davis. If this was a simple mistake I understand and I would just appreciate it if you went back to that posting and gave credit to Davis. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank You
Answer
Thanks Zach.
I usually - if using another’s info - will put “according to...” or at the very bottom I will give “Thanks to..” whoever it was.
If I forgot to thank Mr. Davis...I’ll rectify that but I hardly think Stephen Davis has much to worry about from me. Hammer of The Gods has been quoted with and without credit to the author(s) including Richard Cole, thousands of times.
Personally I always try to make sure to at least thank the person, author, musician, reporter, magazine, whomever. BUT rarely would I copy an article word for word without injecting my own opinion and additions/corrections, (to which Davis and Cole could’ve used many!), wherever necessary so my answers come closest to the real deal.
I strive hard to deal in facts. Can’t say that for Stephen Davis - the grand exaggerator; and as for Richard Cole, forget about it. It’s been well-known for decades that the man’s a little ... off, on his recollections from the 70’s. A huge heroin abuser - but he’s actually mellowed with age, I hear so I hope he is well. But ask Jimmy Page what he thinks of Cole’s tales, which is what “Hammer of The Gods” is made up of mostly; Richard’s perception and point of view, and you’ll get a true sense of the credibility or lack thereof.
Funny, you’re the first person that actually cared about Stephen Davis getting credit when most of his writings are exaggerations on Richard Cole’s drugged hazed memories admittedly put forth in an extremely entertaining way by Davis. I love that book!
But yes, you’re right. Bottom line is correct - above all else, the book and its author(s) always deserve to be mentioned IF I used a “word-4-word” article.
Thanks much Zach, for the kind words, and for keeping me on my toes. I really do appreciate it. And please don’t get me wrong; Davis’ book on Zeppelin was not a true portrait of the band whatsoever (band members agree 100%) BUT like I’ve always said, I really do love that book! It’s immensely entertaining. A great read over and over. Stephen Davis certainly has a certain style that keeps you turning them pages I must say. He’s also the author of a few other rock n roll books, notably the one on Jim Morrison - unauthorized, as was “Hammer”, of course.
I’ve read “Hammer of The Gods” 20 times at least over the years. It’s cool. But it’s not the truth - at least the complete truth as far as how the band should be remembered for good and bad.
Thanks again Zach. I respect your looking out for Mr. Davis, and me as well. I only wish I could earn half the $$$$ he’s raked in from “Hammer”, with my own writings going on 20 years now. Lol
But alas, on my end it is simply a labor of love - which is why I get to the truth. No time for gossip with me unless it’s clearly with humor.
My readers? I certainly hope they’re people such as yourself who can feel free to contribute, and don’t mind letting me know if I screw up occasionally. That’s what Fans are for! I’m glad to hear from you.
Take care,
Chris Z.
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