Led Zeppelin III Sessions
November 1969 - August 1970

NOVEMBER 1969 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Rehearsal session for Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp, then known as Jennings Farm Blues.

Recording Includes: Jennings Farm Blues (take 1) [ cut ], guitar exercise, [ cut ], Jennings Farm Blues (take 2), [ cut ], Jennings Farm Blues (take 3), Jennings Farm Blues (take 4), Jennings Farm Blues (take 5), Jennings Farm Blues (take 6), Jennings Farm Blues (take 7), Jennings Farm Blues (take 8) [ cut ], Jennings Farm Blues (take 9), Jennings Farm Blues (take 10), Jennings Farm Blues (take 11), Jennings Farm Blues (take 12, complete rough mix).
Source: Incomplete excellent soundboard recording. Near 25 minutes.

Bootleg CD Reference(s): III Sessions (Wendy Records), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Sessions Volume 6 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Scorpio Rising (Akashic), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

      The Jennings Farm Blues is an electric instrumental take, named after Robert's country mansion at that time, and recorded as a possible single, which they thought to record for a January 1970 release to coincide with their appearance at the Royal Albert Hall show. However, the song remained unreleased by the band, although one can certainly tell that considerable work went into it. Several takes are presented here, with the last one being the final version with several guitar overdubs and tambourine. The tune was slightly re-arranged in the early 1970 and was then re-named to the title we all know.

DECEMBER 13, 1969 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Final recording of Jennings Farm Blues, later re-named to Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp.

Recording Includes: Jennings Farm Blues (rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. Almost 6 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlnatic)

Official CD Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlnatic)

      This is of what might be called a final version of Jennings Farm Blues, with all guitar overdubs and tambourine made that day. This mix just sounds exactly the same as the final take from November session, but this rendition is fully finished. Although this piece sounds intriguing, it is not surprised why it ended up as a fully acoustic composition. The electric arrangement was simply too heavy for their upcoming third album, considered to be a response to the accusations of the music press accusing the band of not being able to compose lighter-sounding material.

APRIL/MAY 1970 - BRON-YR-AUR COTTAGE, MACHYNLLETH GWYNEDD, WALES, UNITED KINGDOM
Near this period of time initial versions of Celebration Day, Since I've Been Loving You, Gallows Pole and Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp were rehearsed.

Recording Includes: I Wanna Be Her Man, Down By The Seaside instrumental (several takes), Over The Hills And Far Away instrumental >> Down By The Seaside instrumental, Guitar Instrumental, Over The Hills And Far Away instrumental, Gallows Pole instrumental (several takes), Guitar Instrumental, Down By The Seaside instrumental and with initial vocals (few takes), Unknown Song, Guitar Instrumental (proto-Crunge), Guitar Instrumental (few takes), Guitar Instrumental (proto-Crunge) [ cut throughout ].
Source: Incomplete excellent 1st cassette demo recordings. Almost 47 minutes.

Recording Includes: Guitar Instrumental (take 1), Guitar Instrumental (take 2), Poor Tom (take 1, with pre-vocals line), Guitar Instrumental (take 3), Guitar Instrumental (take 4), That's The Way (take 1), That's The Way (take 2), That's The Way (take 3), That's The Way (take 4), That's The Way (take 5), Friends (take 1), Friends (take 2, with pre-vocals line and count-in), Bron-Yr-Aur (take 1), Bron-Yr-Aur (take 2), Guitar Instrumental (take 5), Guitar Instrumental (take 6), Guitar Instrumental (take 7), Friends (take 3), Friends (take 4), Friends (take 5, with pre-vocals line and count-in), Immigrant Song (with pre-vocals line and count-in), Out On The Tiles (with pre-vocals line), Bron-Yr-Aur (take 3), Poor Tom (take 2, with pre-vocal line), Poor Tom (take 3, with pre-vocal line), Hey Hey What Can I Do? (take 1), Hey Hey What Can I Do? (take 2) [ cut throughout ].
Source: Incomplete very good to excellent 2nd cassette demo recordings. 51 minutes.

Bootleg LP Reference(s) 1st cassette demo: III To Get Ready (Early Times Music Inc), The Best Of Led Zeppelin Vol. I (The Wizard's Quest Continuing Saga Records), The Final Option (no label), Led Zeppelin (aka The Can) (UFO Records), Led Zeppelin III Studio Rehearsals May 1970 (RL Records), & More Inedits (no label)

Bootleg CD Reference(s) 1st cassette demo: III Sessions (Wendy Records), Led Zeppelin III (Tarantura), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box), Ultra Rare Tracks Volume #1 (Missing Link), & Ultra Rare Trax Part 2 (Savage Beast Music)

Bootleg LP Reference(s) 2nd cassette demo: Hiawatha Express (Stash Records), The Making Of Friends (III), & A Tribute To Johnny Kidd And The Pirates (Brigand)

Bootleg CD Reference(s) 2nd cassette demo: III Sessions (Wendy Records), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), Hiawatha Express (Condor), Hookin' & Jabbin' (Tecumseh Recording Co.), Led Zeppelin III (Tarantura), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Stairway Sessions (Silver Rarities), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box), & Ultra Rare Trax Part 2 (Savage Beast Music)

      Another wonderful piece of history here, as these two demo tapes are the sketches for Led Zeppelin III and besides that, they both features some great examples of Jimmy's acoustic guitar style. Long tired of touring in North America and the social upheaval that was happening and directly affecting them, they retreated to the quiet countryside to compose and the mostly acoustic material. This is also a very intimate example, featuring just Page and Plant giving us a glimpse inside their unique musical bond. The first tape consists of many spontaneous instrumental improvisations that are haunting and contain snippets of other songs, including embryonic versions of Over The Hills And Far Away, The Crunge, Down By The Seaside, Gallows Pole as well as Crosby Stills Nash's Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Some of these interpretations have nearly the same arrangement it had when it was recorded and eventually released, except Robert hums the melody. The second tape concentrates much on tunes known from the album, and likely it was recorded few weeks after the first tape, as many songs sounds much maturated to their studio versions. It starts with an instrumental attempt to yet not named The Rover. The many takes of That's The Way, being still rehearsed under its initial title, The Boy Next Door, are wonderful, soft and gentle with some great improvised guitar from Jimmy. Clearly, his skills on the acoustic guitar are vast. The early takes of Friends include bongos from Plant, and we see that musically it is taking shape, he sings vocal harmonies of what is to become the lyrics and Jimmy adds harmonized vocals to flesh it out. Probably the most interesting part of these demos are the first known documented embryonic versions of Immigrant Song and Out On The Tiles. The first contains the famous screeching and inaudible lyrics different from the Viking saga the song developed into, and the guitar solo not available on the album version can be heard at the end. The second has yet the basic melody and only the chorus present, with “All I need from you / Is all your love“ line. A gem!

MAY 29, 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Immigrant Song is yet still under its initial title, Song In F aka Overlord. Hey Hey What Can I Do? is yet still under its initial title, Hey Hey What Will I Do?.

Recording Includes: Immigrant Song (alternate mix with count-in), Hey Hey What Can I Do? (complete mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 6 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song) & Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song), Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic), & Led Zeppelin Box Set (Atlantic)

      The legendary Immigrant Song in its developing stage. Page counts-in the track at the beginning. The phrase "in spite of all your losin'" sounds rough and edgier, which gives one the impression this might still be at the fifty percent phase of completing the track, as they might have wanted a rougher attack in the song. The ending is radically different from the official release. Hey Hey What Can I Do? is probably their most light and shady, warm and friendly tune they've ever composed. Initial single pressings of the song featured a slightly longer, gradual fade that ends abruptly when the tape is turned off. Subsequent pressings had a quicker fade, presumably to avoid the sudden end. This new version features an even shorter fade, excising the acoustic guitar fade out altogether. It is possible that either the master tape has been lost or damaged, and that every known release has been mastered from a clean vinyl re-pressing of the single. This could explain the absence of the original, full tag on an official digital release.

MAY 30, 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
That's The Way is yet still under its initial title, The Boy Next Door aka Robert's Song.

Recording Includes: That's The Way (rough mix with dulcimer and backwards echo).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 5 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      Possibly the most ecologically oriented and peaceful song the band ever composed. The mandolin in the left ear sounds very nice. A second mandolin strums in the right ear with the acoustic guitar in the centre channel in the mix is also fine. What's nice about this cut is you get to hear the vocals very well and clear. Always wondered how Jimmy got the acoustics to come in vibrant after the descending "Ah's" from Plant near the end. Then the backward tape can be heard. Worth to note is also the fact that this take is played in a higher key and a tad faster than the official version, and there are no signs of slide guitar overdubs. A kind of beauty.

MAY/JUNE 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Likely one of the mixing sessions of the material recorded in late May and early June, and later even more extensively remixed and overdubbed before using on Led Zeppelin III album.

Recording Includes: Celebration Day (pre-vocal mix with count-in), Hey Hey What Can I Do? (pre-vocal mix with no vocals), Out On The Tiles (pre-vocal mix with count-in).
Source: Incomplete excellent soundboard recording. 11 minutes.

Bootleg CD Reference(s): III Sessions (Wendy Records), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Bonzo's Last Stand (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Eternal Magic (Empress Valley Supreme Disc 3CD), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Mixes EP Volume 3 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), The Smithereens (Akashic, 1CD & 3CD box), & Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box)

      A small collection of pre-vocal takes, to which exact date is not given anywhere. Since all of them are sounding just like basic versions of the songs from their upcoming third album, we can assume they might have been recorded somewhere between early and late May and were later rearranged in spots and polished in the studio. Celebration Day is kinda similar to its album version, but overall it does sound rawer and runs also a bit faster. The guitar overdubs differs slightly. The middle guitar solo is also absent here too, and the ending has several seconds more before it fades out. Hey Hey What Can I Do? is version without vocals, the mandolin is played more as a basic melody line, but with most of the ornaments known from the final take. It also runs faster a little, and fades out several seconds earlier. Out On The Tiles again features a counting from Bonham, but it does sound much more rough than the final studio version. With all the joy, Jones' bass is well exposed in the mix, and Page's guitar plays only the basic rhythm structure. The song has the full ending instead of a familiar fade out, and like the other two, it runs faster.

JUNE 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Take 1 was later mixed on July 5, 1970 and released on Coda companion disc in 2015. Take 2 was mixed at The Sol Studio, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom and released on Coda in 1982.

Recording Includes: Poor Tom (take 1, instrumental), Poor Tom (take 2, complete mix).
Source: Complete very good to excellent & superb soundboard recording. 6 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda original, "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda original, "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): III Sessions (Wendy Records), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Coda Advanced Tapes (Boogie Mama), Different Mixed Coda (POT), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Sessions Volume 8 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

      This is a great and instructive example of Zeppelin preparing studio material. These two electric versions of Poor Tom are in fact the group's own interpretation of Robert Wilkins' Prodigal Son number. Initially, this song was intended to be a part of the third album, but this was never materialized. Two different takes are available here, from which the first is just a basic instrumental version with harmonica only, and which was later remixed and shortened for the companion disc. The second version is the complete mix with vocals that was later used on the Coda album. The bootlegged version has a longer ending for about eight seconds, and we can hear that the official take was smoothly edited.

JUNE 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Likely one of the mixing sessions of the material recorded in late May and early June, and later even more extensively remixed and overdubbed before using on Led Zeppelin III album. During this period of time, the vocals and string overdubs for Friends have been recorded.

Recording Includes: That's The Way (complete rough mix), [ cut ], Feel So Bad [ cut ], [ cut ], Feel So Bad (<< Fixin' To Die, That's Alright Mama..) (rough mix), [ cut ], Since I've Been Loving You (vocal track), [ cut ], Since I've Been Loving You (complete rough mix).
Source: Incomplete very good to excellent & superb soundboard recording. 23 minutes.

Bootleg LP Reference(s): Studio Daze (Scorpio)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): III Sessions (Wendy Records), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), Led Zeppelin III (Tarantura), The Lost Sessions Volume 6 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Scorpio Rising (Akashic), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box), & Ultra Rare Trax Part 2 (Savage Beast Music)

      These four tracks representing a mixture of songs that ended up on the third album in one way or another. The exact date is not known, but we can assume that since some of them are the takes used on the Led Zeppelin III, then they must be from one of the final mixdown sessions that happened around the end of this month or even later. That's The Way sounds almost identical to the version we all know. It has the famous slide guitar overdubs and the mandolin. It just sounds a bit more raw, but the difference is very subtle. Feel So Bad is a spontaneous jam that is in fact a medley of blues hits played by Page on a nervous sounding slide guitar. The song features the music identical to Hats Off To (Roy) Harper, and incorporates lyrics from Bukka White's Fixin' To Die Blues and Elvis Presley's That's All Right Mama, sung in the "shaky" style. The three-minute vocal take of Since I've Been Loving You follows, which many collectors questioned its authenticity when it started to circulate. The quality is much worse than the rest of the tape, and likely it might have beeen taken from a different recording session. Anyway, this is one of the best examples of how Plant dubbed his voice onto music. Then a full Since I've Been Loving You is about to begin. This is the take that was used for the final album version, with the exception of Robert screaming during the middle guitar solo. It reeks with emotion and passion like no other tune in the band's vast catalogue does, and the playing was described by Plant as the sound of Led Zeppelin live, if the bootleggers microphones could accurately capture the band's sound, this song would be it.

JUNE 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Very likely, this session occurred around the same time as many other songs during the preparation of the Led Zeppelin III album. Released on April 21, 2018 as a part of Record Store Day.

Recording Includes: Friends (alternate mix without orchestra).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 3 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Rock And Roll/Friends (Atlantic)

      An alternate mix without the orchestra that sounds much similar to the instrumental take from the companion disc. Not too many variations to report here except that this take sounds a just a bit less bright and the percussion section reveals some slight differences.

JUNE 3, 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Out On The Tiles is yet still under its initial title, Bathroom Sound.

Recording Includes: Celebration Day (alternate mix), Out On The Tiles (instrumental).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 7 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      Celebration Day is a disappointment only for the fact that we still don't know how it originally began, when we learned that the beginning was wiped off. Page's fingers get stuck in between the strings as you hear a muted sound, so this is probably an early construction. The bass is crystal clear and its strings sound like they are long rubber bands. Not only an electrified banjo is used on the track, but a slide was used on it as well. The real treat is Bonham's drum beat was made to stand out in the song. Out On The Tiles is a real treat here. You get to hear the guitar and bass very clearly on the riff, whereas on the official release it's not as clear as Plant's high-pitched vocals are on top. It sounds almost just like an album version except vocals, so it must be a much polished take.

JUNE 5, 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Friends is yet still under its initial title, My My Oh My and Poor Tom is Old Tom. Poor Tom was later mixed at The Sol Studio, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom to be a part of Coda album.

Recording Includes: Friends (instrumental), Since I've Been Loving You (rough mix), Poor Tom (instrumental).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 13 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song) & Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song) & Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      Friends is an instrumental take. Nice clear beginning, and it does not include Plant's "fuck" swear word at the start. The bongos sound very clear and are a pleasure to hear, much louder and towards the front than on Led Zeppelin III. Just after the middle you can detect a couple of whistles. After closer inspection, it is actually string noise from Page's hands as he used wound acoustic guitar strings and may have changed to flat on the album. Finally, there is no orchestration added to the track yet either, so another fine piece. Since I've Been Loving You is a gem on companion disc. The guitar is very different from the final version. Jimmy is experimenting more and taking chances. There is no squeaky hi-hat on this track either, and the organ is cut off and subdued by Jones into short snippets. Different lyrics occur throughout, too. As Plant sings this song again on the next few takes, the emotion will come more into focus until they arrive at the official release. What's interesting, the guitar solo sounds similar in start to The Song Remains The Same  soundtrack. A real precious. Poor Tom is just an instrumental take that highlights Bonham's simply sensational New Orleans shuffle throughout. It is also much shorter, but beside of this, it does sound the same as the final version released on Coda.

JUNE 10, 1970 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Most likely the band also worked on everything else known from "blues reel" during that session.

Recording Includes: Key To The Highway/Trouble In Mind (rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 4 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      This combo is the top gem, as we've never heard it before. An acoustic blues song with harmonica and with added tremolo effect on the voice. Fine blues harp by Plant, and a great lyrics, “Life ain't worth living if you ain't with the one you love“. The medley features Charlie Segar's Key To The Highway and Richard M. Jones' Trouble In Mind, but assuming the fact that one of those June sessions without exact date has a very similar fragment of another collection of old blues classics, this combo may have also included other standards, which were not released. One can only wonder what other tunes they were toying around with at this session. What's interesting about this rendition is that it is kinda close in similarity to Alexis Korner's Operator, where Robert can be heard accompanying him.

JULY 1970 - ISLAND STUDIOS, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Final recording sessions of Tangerine, That's The Way and Bron-Yr-Aur. Extensive working on Gallows Pole, Hey Hey What Can I Do? and Hats Off To (Roy) Harper. Bron-Yr-Aur was later used on Physical Graffiti album.

JULY 5, 1970 - ISLAND STUDIOS, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Recording Includes: Gallows Pole (rough mix), St. Tristan's Sword.
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. Almost 11 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song) & Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song) & Led Zeppelin III "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      Yet another pair of unreleased studio outtakes, and a big surprise with the second one. Gallows Pole is a rough mix that stands not too far away from its album version, though. At the very start of the song you can hear Plant gripping the microphone, and when the bass comes in it's a real treat. There's no banjo yet, nor guitar overdubs. The "ahhhha's" with the rest of the band on backup vocals is also not included here. Nice to hear the song stop with Bonham still playing and Page on the right. St. Tristan's Sword is a legendary tune that was believed for many years it was stored in the group's archives. This three-way instrumental workout is built around a totally invigorating bass and drum pattern. Jimmy enters with a Hendrix-like riff to accompany the rhythm section. At the second minute it all breezes off in another direction with a clipped guitar effect as it chugs on with yet more scintillating Page runs in the Jennings Farm Blues tradition. There's also a bridge part that would later to be employed on Over The Hills And Far Away.

AUGUST 1970 - ELECTRIC LADY STUDIOS, NEW YORK CITY (NY), UNITED STATES
Final mixing sessions of Gallows Pole.
AUGUST 18~19, 1970 - ARDENT STUDIOS, MEMPHIS (TN), UNITED STATES
Jimmy Page completes additional mixes of Led Zeppelin III album. Final overdubs of Since I've Been Loving You. Other mixing sessions held the place on Island Studios, Notting Hill, London, United Kingdom.