Fallen Angel: The Untold Story of Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin [Paperback]

 

 

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As a DJ for a classic rock station, a HUGE Zep fan and most importantly a Christian, I have to say that I was ecstatic to read this book. Having been weaned on Led Zep from near birth I've been a devoted follower of the group for many years. I've even met John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page! But for all of the love I have for the band and their beautiful music, I can honestly say that I have felt something "un-kosher" about them that goes beyond their well publicized mystique. To say that there is an un-Christian element to their lyrics, image and life-style would be an obvious understatement. But what Tom Friend shows in his book is the genesis for much, if not all, of it through the bands association with Aleister Crowley. The book carefully lays out Crowley doctrine word for word along side Zep lyrics and bible scripture (when and if necessary) to show the true message being sent. Accordingly, the author factually backs up his point with accurate and in some cases scientific information and case studies relating to the rock culture and lifestyle (drug use and the effects of loud music) that created the perfect back drop to aid the band in their true objective, which was to bring people to the teachings and philosophies of Aleister Crowley - a very dangerous and sick man. Anyone (and that means die-hard Zep fans like myself) who reads this book and is the least bit objective can see the direct parallel between Crowley and the band. What many may find so shocking (and saddening) is the belief system that Crowley had and that Jimmy Page would hail him as a great man. This is where denial sets in for most. Many just don't want to believe it's possible. And that's understandable. Most Zep fans are not Christians I would imagine and so therefore would just as soon write-off the author as being some fanatical "Jesus-Freak" (unfortunately these days in society if you are a devout Christian that is how you are perceived) but he too was a die hard fan and not someone disgruntled because they were denied access to the bands fan club. It's his discovery of Crowley's doctrines as the basis for the bands message that is so unbelievable. The old line about the devil's greatest trick being that he convinced mankind that he didn't exist plays right into the sheer sensationalism of the story, and that's what will make people dismiss immediately. That's unfortunate because it's all there whether folks want to believe it or not. Page's very detailed attempts to perform Crowley's magical operations, dressing like a magician onstage and even using his violin bow like a magic wand, to the bands lyrical content mirroring Crowley doctrine and the symbolism used by the group in their own personal runes and their concert film, shows a much deeper agenda by the band than was first perceived. Even fans knowing of Page's well publicized attraction to Crowley will be amazed at the extent to which he brought it into the entire dynamic of the band. Finally, as a fan of the band I can't help but feel somewhat duped, and that's perhaps because I am a Christian. However, knowing what I now know about the true teachings of Aleister Crowley and the importance they played in being a vehicle for Led Zeppelin to deliver them, I'm glad I bought this book. I may not be as big a fan of Zeppelin now - but I will never stop listening to them, in fact, quite the contrary, I'll be listening even closer than before! Buy this book - you'll be amazed!

I originally bought this book because it was one I didn't have and had a few extra quid to spend. I also expected it to be full of biblical ranting and ridiculous unsupported statements along the lines of: "dog" in "Black Dog" is "god" spelt backwards therefore it's about the antichrist!
What I actually read was rather an interesting argument, set out almost like the prosecution case in a trial. Each chapter examines an aspect of Page/Zeppelin and then attempts to relate it to the work of Crowley or other occult practitioners. There are regular summaries of the findings as the book progresses, and though these may be repetetive to some, they do help the reader piece together the "case". Let me say here that not all the evidence hangs together, some arguments are rather far-fetched to say the least, and others are very tenuously linked.
On the other hand, there is some very good research throughout and one does suspect that the author has possibly nailed a few facts, and come very close with others. The overriding impression is that maybe there is too much here for pure coincidence.
I'm not saying I believe everything in this book, and neither am I dismissing it as pure supposition, but it is an informative, interesting analysis from the author's perspective.

It's hard to believe that someone can still write things like that in the 21st century or so. In the end. this book revitalize the satanic legend about Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page and becomes a great advertising concretion for Crowley's books, some of them hard to find and not even known by the masses. When will be the right time for free music and free artistical, philosophical, religious expression through the world? And don't even think that there are serious researches behind these 600 + pages!!
Magic is a work of committment, for those who believe in it.
So, dear Friend (author) let the people alone, and you, potential reader, don't buy this chaos of citations!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
For those may be interested in how someone's religious views are translated into their music this book is a must read. Read more

Published on Jun 11 2004 by Julie L O'Donnell

1.0 out of 5 stars I wish I could rate it lower....
What a waste of paper and time that I can never get back. If everyone is so concerned about Led Zeppelin's music - don't listen to it! Read more

Published on Jun 10 2004 by JamieWright

5.0 out of 5 stars Pissed Zep not on Lord of Rings soundtrack? Read this!!!
Very cooool book!!!... Shook me to my foundations... and made me start to re-examine my core values and faith again... Nice history on Zep and their songs too... Read more

Published on May 17 2004 by David L. Zuck

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting book by a religious zealot............
Shades of Bob Larson! If you are interested in the occult & Led Zeppelin regardless of the Author's religious biases, this is an interesting book. Read more

Published on April 29 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Bold presentation of exhaustive and detailed truth
This book is the work of a courageous soul. The length at which Thomas Friend fearlessly ventures to present the detailed truth about Led Zeppelin and their promotion of Aleister... Read more

Published on April 10 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Revelations for the average person
When I began to read "Fallen Angel," I was a little reluctant to be exposed to all the occult doctrines presented in it. Read more

Published on Mar 15 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars The Real "Force" Behind Led Zeppelin's "Mystique" Revealed
In 1975, I witnessed a Zeppelin performance at the age of 16 and it absolutely changed my life. No other concert I've seen since compares to it. Read more

Published on Mar 14 2004 by Charles Heck

1.0 out of 5 stars What a waste of my time and money!
I cannot believe that someone put this much time into tearing apart every single Led Zeppelin fan, song, and move. Read more

Published on Jan 24 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good...very long winded
This is an incredible book which is very well researched. The analysis of the songs in relation to esoteric knowledge is, to say the least, exhaustive. Read more

Published on Jun 16 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviews can be subjective...
...and this one is no different. This is a book with an agenda: to open fans' eyes to what this particular author views as the not so hidden satanic message behind Led Zeppelin's... Read more

Published on Jun 16 2003 by Kurtz

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