Led Zeppelin is one of the biggest rock bands in history, lasting for four decades. Over the years, the main line-up of the band has seen some changes, however, the tragedy that befell them struck harder in recent years than before; four of the band’s members have died in the last decade. This article will provide information about how many members of Led Zeppelin have died, and it will cover the brief biographies of the deceased members.
John Bonham was the first one to perish, in September of 1980, due to an alcohol related lung ailment. He was the Fender drumming specialist in the band and he was renowned for his flamboyant style and technical proficiency as a percussionist. His unexpected death left the band in shock, and to this day, some of their most iconic songs such as “Whole Lotta Love” still bear the marks of his fervent style.
John Paul Jones, the English bassist and keyboardist in the band, witnessed the death of his colleague and friend.He decided to leave the group shortly after, citing irreconcilable differences with the rest of the members.
In August of 1983, Robert Plant’s five year old son, Karac, died from a bacterial infection. The tragedy led Plant to go on a hiatus, until the remaining four members of the band decided to reunite and perform for the Live Aid concerts in 1985.
John Bonham’s son, Jason, was the drummer in the band for their comeback performance, however, in 1988, Foundations Forum magazine reported that Robert Plant was considering resurrecting the band but he decided against it due to the untimely death of John Paul Jones’ son, Greg, in December of the same year.
Jimmy Page, the last remaining group member, continued to be active in the music industry when his band decides to disband. He was recently nominated for the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Band Members’ Career After Zeppelin
After Led Zeppelin disintegrated, its members pursued their own careers. Robert Plant released various solo albums and collaborated with bands such as Alison Krauss & Union Station. John Paul Jones is mostly known for his collaboration with Foo Fighters and Melissa Etheridge in the SuperHeavy group. Jimmy Page resumed to his solo career while young Jason Bonham continues to pay tribute to his late father with various concerts.
Themes From the Bands Songs
Despite being a heavy metal band, Led Zeppelin introduced a number of new sounds and elements in their music that have never before been explored. The lyrics of the songs are often imbued with spiritual themes, referencing philosophical concepts such as karma, reincarnation and finding solace in the unknown. With topics such as these, Led Zeppelin managed to create a powerful and lasting legacy.
The Band’s Impacts on Music Industry
Many experts and music analysts consider Led Zeppelin as having had a massive influence on the music industry. They are seen as having created a unique and eclectic mix of hard rock, blues, folk and heavy metal that is now considered genre defining. The band has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, affirming the legacy they have left in the music world.
Reasons For Band’s Continued Popurlarity
In recent years, the music and legacy of Led Zeppelin has only continued to grow, and the band is now seen in a positive light, despite years of legal disputes and lawsuits. Since the release of their 4th album, Led Zeppelin IV, they received a renewed interest, especially due to the fact that it sold more than 37 million copies worldwide and generated a variety of successful and iconic singles.
Reunion Concert After Band Member’s Death
Led Zeppelin reunited in 2007 for the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in London, in honour of their late record label manager. This was, in a fashion, the first posthumous concert of the band, since its departed members were still honored as part of the group’s setlist. In total, family and friends from the world of rock and roll gathered to witness this special and unprecedented event.
