“When you go to this land, you understand Led Zeppelin in a way that goes deeper”: Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien on why moving to Wales reframed his love of the iconic rock band
Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien has been talking of his move to Wales, where he now spends his time close to the cottage where Led Zeppelin have written many of their songs, especially those for Led Zeppelin III.
Writing for the 1970 album took place in Bron-Yr-Aur cottage in Wales between Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and its remote setting and lack of power made for the perfect, inspiring retreat. O’Brien feels his move to Wales has made his connection to the band even stronger, and he feels he now understands them in a “deeper” way.
READ MORE: “Jimmy Page is a magical guy… Always will be!”: Ritchie Blackmore sets the record straight on Led Zeppelin ‘feud’
Speaking to Prog Magazine, O’Brien says, “When you go to this land, you understand Led Zeppelin in a way that goes deeper. When you hear The Battle Of Evermore – man, it’s like being on the top of fucking Plynlimon, the highest point in mid-Wales, and you feel it. And it’s so in this land, this land of poets, this land of mystery, this land of spirit.
“If you’re sensitive to this stuff – and, as musicians, we tend to be sensitive souls – you feel it. And that’s why I’ve been drawn to Wales. That’s why I love Wales. That’s why Wales is my home,” he explains.
Ed O’Brien has also been reflecting on Radiohead’s career. In a recent Uncut interview, he was asked about the moment in his career when he felt Radiohead had created something completely artistically new, “I think The Bends, really,” he replied.
“You could feel the influences on the sleeve of Pablo Honey, but The Bends was pretty diverse. If you think about the way that that album bookends, it starts with Planet Telex and ends with Street Spirit. Two quite different songs – the power and the sonic playfulness of one, and then the emotion of the other.
“We knew there were flaws with the first album, and it was propped up massively by Creep. If Creep hadn’t been as big as it was, there’s a very good chance we may never have made another record, because the record company would have dropped us,” he admitted.
Ed O’Brien is releasing his second solo album, Blue Morpho, on 22 May.
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