Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin Uncensored

Rating:
Summary: Text book style writing
Review: Although Cole dishes up a lot of dirt that wasn't mentioned in "Hammer of the Gods," his writing style, with the aid of Trubo, is so dry that it seems like he was trying to publish an article for a medical journal. (He uses the words "inebriated" and "intoxicated" so often that can you picture him looking up different ways to say he was drunk.) You also get the impression that he considered himself a member of the band. Too bad he didn't tell more of his stories to Stephen Davis when he was writing "Hammer." It would make for a lot better read.

Rating:
Summary: There are better Zep books
Review: Even though Richard Cole was the road manager and has some good stories to tell, he basically comes off like a blabbermouth who should have just been loyal and quiet about his friends. Led Zep rocked, and that's all you need to know.

Rating:
Summary: Tales from the road and not much else
Review: For those seeking the utimate Led Zeppelin book or a one that focuses on this legendary band's music must look elsewhere, for here we have chapter upon chapter of tour stories and anecdotes mostly dealing with Zeppelin's excesive lifestyle. It's really not surprising since the book's author was Led Zeppelin's tour manager and was really not privy to the creative side of the band. The one band member he was close to was drummer John Bonham who shared with the author many a drunken drug-filled night, but Bonham, talented drummer though he was, was not a prolific songwriter and was only a supporting player in the Zeppelin musical canvas.
However, taken for what it is -a collection of tour stories- the book is quite entertaining, and gives insight into Zeppelin's rise to fame, and for those of us too young to have experienced Zeppelin live, we get a sense of just how big the band really was in the 70's.

Rating:
Summary: very cliched but things work
Review: having listened to Led Zeppelin's music for years now I always wondered why a Group that had as strong a following as them&were a Huge Act kinda just fell off?this Book answers alot of that.while the Music would have been much more interesting fully brought out more this Book explores the Personalitys of the Band Members.it's Cliche ShowBiz Life,Sex,Drugs,&Rock&Roll&Ego tripping.this is the kind of Book that if you have a One-Sided View of a Act just based on there Talent you may or may not look at them the same.But aside from some Issues within themselves,they were still a Happening Band&that Made there Mark.

Rating:
Summary: Unlikely stories never seem so tasty
Review: I am a big Zep fan, and with following them since 1976, This book seemed appealing. At first, I couldnt put it down. The rock gods (hero's) I have heard little about seem to come to life with every word. From Bonham's antics to John Paul Jonses "quiet" persona, it captured the energy and excitement to cure my fascination with fame... Until the 5th and 6th time each antic seems to be repeating. By the 5th american tour, I didnt appreciate the stories anymore, I was focusing more on the albums creations (which were scarcely informitive). If you like Jerry Springer, and happen to ingest rumors and stories, this is the book for you. If you want the truth, nobody knows but the 4 men who created the music that defined Rock and Roll.

Rating:
Summary: Lousy!
Review: I bought this thinking it would give some insight to one of the greatest bands ever...I was sorely disappointed. I think other people here have adequately described what a terrible book it is but I wanted to add my opinion.
It is amazing how most of the stories revolve around John Bonham who, unfortunately, is not around to contradict these stories. There is no real insight to the band that most people did not know prior to Cole writing this book.
Equally amazing is how Cole begins to speak as a member of the band using the word "We" like he played an instrument or contributed something to the success of Led Zeppelin.
Do yourself a favor and use the money to buy another Zep' CD...it is money much better spent than on this garbage!

Rating:
Summary: Good Book!!
Review: I had found this book in my basement piled under all my brother's records and I had decided to give the book a shot. After reading it, I was amazed with all the stories that Richard Cole had, but I was disappointed in the way he delivered it. I found that he didn't elaborate on most of the events that occured in the book. During his description regarding the process of writing and recording each of Led Zeppelin's albums, it only summed up to be a couple of pages long at the most. (And keep in mind it is written in large font.) Some of his stories were so outrageous and unbelievable, that it leaves you wondering if some of it were true or not. Or quite possibly, could these illusions have been the result of the alcohol and drug binges that were a part of their everyday life. Never the less, it was a great read.

Rating:
Summary: Better than the rest.
Review: I have read several Zep books and this is the best. Mr. Cole's brutal and seemingly honest recollection is a must read for any true Zep fan.

Rating:
Summary: i truthfully never have read the book
Review: i havent read the book yet but after reading numerous reviews i do not feel enthusiastic about reading it. what i really want to know from a zeppelin fan is the comment i once heard about zeppelin being satanic....if you have any information email me about it at [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Only 3 other people know the real truth...
Review: I read a lot of bad reviews of this book, but it all comes down to this: Richard Cole WAS the "right hand man" for Zeppelin. If they needed drugs, girls, anything- they talked to him. I'm sure there are some exxagerations, but the bottom line is it is an entertaining book. He has every right to say "We" when talking about Zeppelin. If I talk about my company, I use "we". That's all he means. He takes no credit for any creative aspect of Zeppelin, and he shouldn't. But this guy was with Zeppelin for 650 shows, so how bad of job could he have done? I think you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He loved Zeppelin.He has many kind words for each member in the band. He had a lot to be proud of.Jimmy may say its garbage, but Jimmy (nor Robert) has not been the most outspoken member to enlighten the fans either. Even if this book is 50% accurate, it is 50% more than anyone inside Zeppelin has ever written about. The remaining members may deny much of it, but there's not much to be proud about- other than the concerts and the music. I'm as big as fan of Zep as there is. I thought it was a great book. But who am I, or who is the guy from Arizona that slammed the book? Only Jimmy, Robert and John Paul can one-up this author... How many books have they written? Until then you decide. 11 bucks?? Worth every penny.