It was a huge mistake for Jimmy Page and Robert Plant not to include John Paul Jones to join them for the Page/ Plant tours in the nineties. However they did choose the right drummer for the gig. Not to take anything away from Jason Bonham but I’m glad they picked Michael Lee. How does one go about filling John Bonham’s shoes. There are many great drummers out there but Michael Lee was the perfect fit for Jimmy Page.
There was definitely a strong chemistry between the two musicians. It was the closest thing to Zeppelin I had ever heard. “Walking into Clarksdale” tour was much more raw than the previous “Unledded” tour. The 1994 Unledded tour was great and all but the orchestra was a bit too much… It was kind of like ‘Led Zeppelin on Ice’. Anyways I still get chills remembering the opening song “The Wanton Song” from the Las Vegas show in ’98… Michael’s drumming was incredible to say the least.
Michael Lee also played with The Cult, Guns N Roses, Echo & The Bunnymen, Lenny Kravitz and the reformed Thin Lizzy amongst others.
Sadly MIchael Lee passed away in November 2008 from an epileptic seizure. I have put together a few videos featuring Michael Lee as a tribute (see below).
R.I.P Michael Lee
i am a jimmy page fan. i love jimmy page.
I saw Michael Lee several times with Page and Plant…he was a great presence for a drummer.
When you see a touring band several times, you get to ascribe characters to them. Michael was an enthusiastic fan. Everytime they played “Gallows Pole” you’d wait for the moment when Page would turn to Michael who would fire-up the drums…a big grin on his face.
Michael Lee – RIP
I too saw him play on the Page&Plant tour in 94/95… The one thing I remembered of the drummer was the huge smile he had on at all times. I thought to myself, I’d probably have the same look were I up there with those guys. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.
I just saw Michael with Page&Plant in DVD Kashmir from 1994. It was awesome!
Michael’s drumming and his personality was perfect in this music and area. Powerful and joyful play! I do not know Him at all, but i am sure, He was a great man! R.I.P Michael Lee!