Led Zeppelin

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Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With their heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are regularly cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal, though their style drew from a variety of influences, including blues, psychedelia, and folk music.

History

Formation and Early Years (1968–1970)

Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968 by Jimmy Page, the last remaining member of the disbanding The Yardbirds. Page recruited Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, and initially the group was named "The New Yardbirds" for their first Scandinavian tour. However, they soon adopted the name Led Zeppelin, a play on the phrase "lead balloon". Their eponymous debut album, Led Zeppelin, was released in early 1969 and was a commercial and critical success.

Rise to Fame (1970–1975)

The release of Led Zeppelin II in 1969 and Led Zeppelin III in 1970 established the band as a dominant force in the rock music scene of the 1970s. Led Zeppelin IV, which included the track "Stairway to Heaven", is among the best-selling albums in history. During this period, the band's tours became legendary for their scale and extravagance.

Later Years and Disbandment (1976–1980)

In 1976, Led Zeppelin released Presence, and the following year, the concert film and soundtrack The Song Remains the Same. However, the band's later years were marred by tragedy and turmoil, including Plant's serious car accident in 1975 and the death of John Bonham in 1980, which led to the band's dissolution.

Musical Style and Legacy

Led Zeppelin's music was rooted in the blues, but it also incorporated elements of rock, folk, and psychedelia. This eclectic mix, combined with their innovative use of studio technology, created a sound that was both unique and influential. The band is often credited with helping to lay the groundwork for the heavy metal genre, though their music was more diverse than what is typically classified as heavy metal.

The band's influence on rock music is immense, with countless bands citing Led Zeppelin as an inspiration. Their approach to album-oriented rock and disdain for singles prefigured the album rock era of the 1970s. Despite disbanding in 1980, Led Zeppelin's music continues to be popular, and they remain one of the best-selling music artists in history.

Members

• Robert Plant – vocals, harmonica
• Jimmy Page – guitar
• John Paul Jones – bass guitar, keyboards
• John Bonham – drums

Discography

• Led Zeppelin (1969)
• Led Zeppelin II (1969)
• Led Zeppelin III (1970)
• Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
• Houses of the Holy (1973)
• Physical Graffiti (1975)
• Presence (1976)
• The Song Remains the Same (1976, soundtrack)
• In Through the Out Door (1979)
• Coda (1982, posthumous)

See Also

• List of best-selling music artists
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• British rock