Zep was one of those groups where the whole was greater than the sum of it's parts. Lose one part, and the whole machine falls to pieces.
Jimmy Page is probably one of the most versatile guitarists, ever, and an innovator in the truest sense of the word. Who else do you know that used a violin bow on a guitar before Page?
John Bonham defined heavy drumming. Listen closely, though, to how he plays around with the rhythm, always keeping rock solid time. There's a lot of nuance there that no other drummer has been able to match since. To be sure some have been more technical, but no one has ever had the touch of Bonzo since, IMHO.
John Paul Jones? Fantastic bass player, who always has the right note handy, and knows how important it is for the bass player to lock in with a drummer. He also knows very well how to push or lay back from the beat to create tension and release in a song. Awesome sense of melody on the keyboard parts. "Kashmir," anyone?
Robert Plant helped create the archetype for the modern male rock singer. One cannot hope to aspire to much more than that!
Great post Robert!
Guitars:
Fender 2006 MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS in 3TS
Ibanez RG 570 with a bridge Invader
ESP M II Deluxe with a Tune-o-Matic bridge
Eleanor, the magical, mystical Road Worn wonder Tele
Blackstar HT Club 40