November 29, 2007 13:28

Led Zeppelin break silence about rehearsal sessions

Legends reveal what song they played together first

Led Zeppelin have broken their silence about their first rehearsal session when they reformed in June.

The band revealed that the first song they played together in rehearsal was 1973’s 'No Quarter'.

The band then played 'Kashmir' next.

"It was immediate,” guitarist Jimmy Page told Rolling Stone. "Everybody went in with a will to work and to enjoy it. It was a delight."

Singer Robert Plant said that there were “a lot of big smiles” at the rehearsal.

He added that he found the session “cathartic and therapeutic. No pressure, no weight. I didn't have any doubts. Someone picked a song, we got through it, and it rocked”.

Drummer Jason Bonham - son of original drummer John - said that he had a “real lump in the throat” when stepping into his late father’s footsteps for the first time. “I didn’t think it would be an instant sound,” he added.

“When the riff came in [on ‘No Quarter’], Bonham explained, “there was this look that went around. It was brilliant. Then we stopped [after ‘Kashmir’]. Jimmy said, 'Can you give me a hug?' And Robert shouted, 'Yeah, sons of thunder!'”

Keep checking NME.COM for the latest on the Led Zeppelin reunion, ahead of their reunion show at the O2 Arena in London on December 10.