Led Zeppelin
Biography
Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band's heavy, guitar-driven sound, rooted in blues and psychedelia, has led them to be cited as one of the progenitors of hard rock and heavy metal. They are recognized as one of the most successful, innovative, and influential rock groups in history.
Formation and Early Years
Led Zeppelin's origins trace back to the English blues-rock band The Yardbirds. Jimmy Page was the final lead guitarist for The Yardbirds and, after the group disbanded in 1968, he was left to fulfill remaining tour dates. Page recruited veteran session musician John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and then found vocalist Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham. Initially billed as "The New Yardbirds," they soon adopted the name Led Zeppelin. The band secured a deal with Atlantic Records that offered them significant artistic freedom.
Their self-titled debut album, "Led Zeppelin," was released in 1969 and quickly climbed the charts in both the US and the UK. It featured a blend of hard rock and blues with tracks like "Good Times Bad Times," "Dazed and Confused," and "Communication Breakdown." In the same year, they released "Led Zeppelin II," which was an even greater commercial success, reaching number one in both the US and UK and featuring the iconic track "Whole Lotta Love."
Rise to Global Stardom
The 1970s marked Led Zeppelin's ascent to becoming one of the biggest bands in the world. Their 1970 album, "Led Zeppelin III," showcased a more acoustic and folk-influenced sound with songs like "Immigrant Song." In 1971, they released their untitled fourth album, commonly known as "Led Zeppelin IV." This album is one of the best-selling in history and includes enduring classics such as "Black Dog," "Rock and Roll," and the legendary "Stairway to Heaven."
Subsequent albums "Houses of the Holy" (1973) and the double album "Physical Graffiti" (1975), released on their own Swan Song Records label, continued their commercial success and musical experimentation. The band became a massive touring act, known for long, improvisational live performances and setting new standards for stadium rock tours.
Later Period and Breakup
The latter part of the 1970s saw the band's output slow down. They released the album "Presence" in 1976 and "In Through the Out Door" in 1979. In September 1980, drummer John Bonham died tragically at the age of 32. In December 1980, the remaining members announced they would disband, stating they could not continue without their "dear friend."
Legacy and Influence
Led Zeppelin is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated record sales of 200 to 300 million units worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. The band's fusion of hard rock, folk, and blues has influenced countless musicians across various genres, including bands like Black Sabbath, Nirvana, and Queen. The surviving members have reunited on a few rare occasions, most notably for the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in London in 2007, with John Bonham's son, Jason Bonham, on drums.