After Led Zeppelin’s breakup in 1980 following John Bonham’s death, John Paul Jones experienced a period where he felt “left out” and struggled to find his footing in the music industry. While Plant and Page continued collaborating, Jones was notably absent from many of their post-Zeppelin projects, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration….

After the untimely death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, Led Zeppelin made the difficult decision to disband, marking the end of an era for one of rock music’s most iconic bands. In the aftermath, the remaining members—Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones—were left to navigate their careers without the collective identity that had defined them for over a decade. While Plant and Page soon found avenues to continue their musical journeys, often collaborating with one another on various projects, Jones found himself on the periphery, both creatively and emotionally.

John Paul Jones, a multi-instrumentalist and the band’s quiet backbone, struggled with the abrupt transition. While his bandmates ventured into solo albums and high-profile performances, Jones felt a sense of isolation. His more reserved personality and behind-the-scenes role during Zeppelin’s heyday didn’t lend itself as naturally to the limelight, and his contributions, though integral, were often overlooked by the public. This disparity in post-Zeppelin visibility contributed to a period of self-doubt and frustration.

Adding to Jones’s sense of alienation was the exclusion from key reunions and collaborations between Page and Plant throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their project “Page and Plant,” which notably toured and released new material in the mid-’90s, proceeded without Jones’s involvement, further deepening the divide. In interviews, Jones expressed surprise and disappointment at not being informed or included, reinforcing his feelings of being left out.

Despite these challenges, Jones eventually carved a unique path for himself in the music industry, shifting his focus to composing, arranging, and producing across a wide range of genres. He collaborated with a diverse array of artists and even found renewed success as a solo artist. His later work, including his role in the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures alongside Dave Grohl and Josh Homme, showcased his versatility and reaffirmed his musical genius.

Though his journey was marked by periods of frustration and marginalization, John Paul Jones ultimately emerged as a resilient and innovative figure. His post-Zeppelin career, though quieter than those of his bandmates, proved no less impactful in its breadth and artistry.