Introduction:
It is well known that the iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin is heavily influenced by fantasy literature particularly George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. References to the series are prevalent throughout the band’s discography, from obscure samples to obvious lyrical choices in their most popular songs. There have been debates over the past few decades about the origin and intent of the lyrical choices in the band’s songs as well as speculation on how much influence the stories of Martin’s series had on the songs themselves. This article examines how the band used references from the series and how these references resonated with fans.
The historical context:
Led Zeppelin’s 1975 album, Physical Graffiti, was released shortly after the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire series, A Game of Thrones. The band had already made various references to fantasy literature in their earlier albums and, as the series became increasingly popular, their references to it began to increase greatly. During this era, the band was making a major shift in their sound, heavily incorporating elements from Norse mythology and ancient Celtic stories. It is likely that this shift was influenced by the growing popularity of the Song of Ice and Fire series, as Martin’s work often draws heavily on these two sources for its stories.
Song references:
This influence was not limited to the band’s music, as references to the Song of Ice and Fire series appear in their songs as well. The band’s classic song “Immigrant Song” makes several references, most notably an allusion to the mythical “burning of the seven kingdoms” as well as a line from the series’ fifth book, A Dance with Dragons. Similarly, the song “The Battle of Evermore” makes use of the same allusion to the burning of the seven kingdoms, as well as an allusion to the White Walkers, a mysterious supernatural force from the series. Other songs, such as “Dazed and Confused” and “Stairway to Heaven”, also make use of elements from the series. Notably, the lyrics to both songs heavily reference the fight between good and evil, a major theme in the Song of Ice and Fire series.
Significance:
The band’s use of references to A Song of Ice and Fire in their songs has had a lasting impact on their legacy. Their songs have become anthems for fans of the series, with many people citing them as the soundtracks to their own favorite characters’ stories. The band’s use of references has also sparked a great deal of debate about the origin and intent of the lyrical choices. For example, many have argued that the references are an intentional homage to the series while others have argued that they are simply coincidental. Regardless, it is clear that the band’s references to the series have had a significant impact on their legacy.
Contentions and criticisms:
Despite the lasting impact of Led Zeppelin’s references to A Song of Ice and Fire, there have been criticisms of their use of the series in their songs. Most notably, some have argued that the band’s frequent allusions to events in the series are an attempt to capitalize on its popularity. Additionally, there have been arguments that the band is using these references in a purely commercial way, which is often seen as disrespectful to the original work. Despite these criticisms, however, it is clear that the influence of the series on Led Zeppelin has been significant and has had a lasting impact on their legacy.
Perception of the Band Overseas
Led Zeppelin’s references to A Song of Ice and Fire have been well received overseas, with many foreign markets touting their use as an example of the band’s international reach. The German-speaking world was particularly notorious for its admiration of the band’s use of references from the series, with foreign radio stations playing songs with the references as a sign of respect for the series. Additionally, there was a period in the early 2000s where the influence of Led Zeppelin in Japan was particularly prevalent, with many stores stocking their albums and merchandise due to its connection to the series.
In China, the band was particularly well received due to its strong cultural presence. The references to the Song of Ice and Fire were seen as a sign of respect for their cultural heritage, and the band was often seen as a preserver and supporter of Chinese culture. This admiration was further enhanced as the series garnered increased attention in the country thanks to local translations and releases of the books.
In South America, the band’s references to the series were seen as a sign of a broader appreciation for fantasy literature in the region. Many fans pointed to the band’s lyrical choices as a sign that they respected the work of authors such as J.R.R Tolkien and George R.R. Martin and were willing to honor their legacy through their music. This appreciation has resulted in Led Zeppelin having a strong presence in the countries of the region, with many local bands citing them as an influence on their own work.
Viewers’ Responses
The responses of viewers to Led Zeppelin’s references to A Song of Ice and Fire have been overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the band’s acknowledgment of the series as an example of their willingness to embrace fantasy literature. Many have used the similarity between the series and the band’s lyricism as an explanation for the enduring popularity of the band’s music, suggesting that they provided their listeners with an escape from the mundane world into fantastical realms. Furthermore, Led Zeppelin’s references often served as a source of comfort and solace for many who connected to the series, providing a source of understanding and companionship as many explored the familiar themes of the series.
The impact that Led Zeppelin had on viewers was also felt through the many covers of the band’s songs that were done by various artists. Many of these covers were of the songs that contained references to the series, further propagating the influence that the band had on the viewers of the series. Additionally, many of these covers featured modified lyrics, with the artists often playing on the themes of the series and creating new storylines as they went along. This further enhanced the impact of Led Zeppelin’s music, with the covers providing an avenue for catharsis and understanding for the listeners.
Another way in which Led Zeppelin’s references to the series impacted viewers was through the many fan-fiction that was written by fans. As the series grew in popularity, so too did the fantasy literature that surrounded it, with many novels, short stories, and plays being written by fans as a form of collective catharsis. Many of these stories are said to have been heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin’s music and lyrics, with the band’s references to the series serving as a major source of comfort and identification for its fans.
Impact on Popular Culture
The influence that Led Zeppelin’s references to the series had on popular culture is significant, with their songs often serving as a source of inspiration for the popular television show Game of Thrones, which was adapted from A Song of Ice and Fire. The show often makes use of the band’s songs in its soundtrack, with many of the most memorable moments of the show being punctuated by Led Zeppelin’s music. Additionally, many of the show’s storylines have been said to be greatly influenced by the series’ themes, with the band’s use of fantasy elements said to have been instrumental in developing many of the show’s recurring themes.
In addition to its influence on Game of Thrones, Led Zeppelin’s references to A Song of Ice and Fire were also seen in other popular works. For example, the band’s references to the series are often seen in video games, with many games featuring characters and storylines that are heavily inspired by the series. Additionally, many television shows that draw from fantasy genres often pay homage to Led Zeppelin’s songs, with many of the most popular fantasy-inspired shows often citing them as an influence for their storytelling.
Overall, Led Zeppelin’s references to A Song of Ice and Fire have had a lasting impact on popular culture, with their music often serving as a source of inspiration for the series as well as for other works. The band’s influence is often seen in the stories that they tell and in the impact that their references have had on viewers, with many citing them as a major