Led Zeppelin was arguably the biggest rock band of the ’70s and are credited with almost single-handedly redefining the musical landscape of the era. Often seen as the epitome of “Rock & Roll” they have influenced countless modern acts in the world of Heavy Metal, Classic Rock and even Pop. But what decade did the continued success of Led Zeppelin triumphantly encompass?
The short answer is that Led Zeppelin was a band of the 1970s. Emerging out of the rubble of the recently defunct Yardbirds, the newly formed Led Zeppelin scored a Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit with “Whole Lotta Love” in 1969, ushering in their distinct style of hard rock. The band released a total of seven studio albums between 1969 and 1979, establishing their legacy as one of music’s most influential and popular bands.
Led Zeppelin’s records, tours and singles chart performance were first physical markers of the band’s success in the ’70s. All of their first six studio albums released between 1969 and 1976 attained RIAA-certified diamon status from the Recording Industry Association of America. This luminous success paints a picture of the band’s immense commercial impact, placed alongside their all-encompassing influence in shaping the sound and cultural trappings of the decade.
Led Zeppelin proved to be a formidable live act, selling out stadiums with their post-psychedelic blues rock expositions, often packing 50,000+ passionate fans into the biggest arenas around the world. Their captivating live set comprised entire renditions of some of their most popular songs; from the iconic opener “Good Times Bad Times” taken from the 1968 debut album to the perennial encore performance of “Rock and Roll” from Led Zeppelin IV, which is still their most celebrated song.
The extra-musical culture Led Zeppelin pioneered was part of their groundbreaking levels of success. From the herculean track: “Immigrant Song” which featured on Led Zeppelin III to the inspired eastern-tinged explorations of Presence, Led Zeppelin ushered in a shift in the tone of Hard Rock. The band went on to inspire explorations of style by combining myriad influences, foreshadowing Rock’s never-ending search for new sounds and textures.
The influence of Led Zeppelin has cast an inextricable shadow on modern music. A band that combines light and shade, power and soul and wildness and beauty in a very unusual and potent way. The sonic architecture which was crafted during the band’s decade-long tenure in the ’70s paved the way for countless imitators, followers and musicians who continue to explore the same intangible spaces that Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bohnam had mapped out during that time.
The Influence
Led Zeppelin are credited with a vast variety of artistic influences and they are often credited with being musically ahead of their time. The band blurred the lines between genres and became a cornerstone of the hard rock music scene, inspiring many bands of the 1970s and beyond. They are often credited with creating some of the most influential rock and blues-inspired music of all time and for being pioneers of the heavy metal genre.
Led Zeppelin’s influence can be heard in the work of peers such as Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and genres like grunge and alternative. An array of pioneering and influential bands have also declared themselves to be fans, including seminal acts such as U2, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Muse. Even nu-metal groups like Slipknot name Led Zeppelin as an influential act.
The influence of Led Zeppelin has extended beyond the realms of music. The band famously resisted contemporary trends, staying true to their creative vision and pushing boundaries.John Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones forged a powerful and uncompromising brand of rock music that made them innovative creators and trendsetters in their own right.
In today’s ever-evolving musical landscape, Led Zeppelin is celebrated as one of the most influential and innovative bands of the ’70s and continues to remain an unparalleled cultural influence that embraces each successive generation.
The Legacy
Led Zeppelin are often referred to as the world’s greatest rock band, and the group’s impact on popular music and culture can still be felt to this day. Their enduring legacy and incredible impact on the 1970s will forever solidify their place in musical history.
Their status as one of the most influential bands of all time remains unchallenged. Their monumental albums are among the best-selling, most lauded, and most influential of all time. Led Zeppelin I (1969), Led Zeppelin II (1969), Led Zeppelin III (1970), Led Zeppelin IV (1971), Houses Of The Holy (1973), Physical Graffiti (1975), and In Through the Out Door (1979), are crucial moments in the landscape of heavy rock, blues, and folk.
Their classic songs, including “Whole Lotta Love” and “Stairway To Heaven” are staples in the rock landscape. From the tridents and dragons of the bizarre artwork to frontman Robert Plant’s iconic voice, Zeppelin’s cultural influence has spanned the decades, becoming a beloved symbol of an entire generation.
The Hiatus and Reunion
Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following drummer John Bonham’s death, but reunited on several occasions for charity and to perform their classic works. The band had a series of one-off reunion concerts throughout the 1980s and ’90s. In 1985, they reformed for the Live Aid charity concert in Philadelphia, followed by a series of five reunion concerts at Earls Court in London in May 1988. In December, a further reunion gig was staged at Atlantic Records’ 40th-anniversary concert in New York.
In December 2007, the band reunited for a tribute concert for late Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. Finally, in 2012, Led Zeppelin reunited again for a show in London billed as “Celebration Day,” featuring rare and classic songs from throughout their catalogue. The concert was video-streamed to theaters worldwide and released as a live album the following year, earning a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album” and peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 album chart.
These historic moments in Led Zeppelin’s career are constant reminders of their everlasting effect on popular culture throughout the 1970s that lives on with their music being celebrated to this day.
Live Performances
Led Zeppelin’s live performances remain legendary. No other rock and roll band has had such success in playing in packed arenas, selling out stadiums and playing extended and improvisational live shows that thrilled audiences of the day.
Although the band’s catalog resides in the rock music hall of fame, even the biggest hits pale in comparison to the intoxicating experience of hearing them performed live. Zeppelin’s live performances could extend for up to three hours, with the band weaving in jams, re-workings of blues and folk songs and improvised interludes.
Robert Plant’s voice was the star of the show, with a display of range and emotion that captivated audiences all over the world. The band often stayed true to the source material of the songs, but they had a knack for delivering epic renditions that far exceeded their studio versions.
Many of the band’s performances featured guest appearances from other musicians, such as John Bonham inviting future Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers to join them on “Whole Lotta Love”. Such collaborations showcased Led Zeppelin’s influence on the world of music and its high regard for individuality.
The legacy of Led Zeppelin and their impact on music of the1970s was in part defined by their powerful live shows. They played some of the most iconic gigs of the era, such as California Jam in 1974, and Knebworth in 1979, cementing their place in the rock and roll pantheon.
Popularity and Impact
Led Zeppelin broke ground in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Despite the band’s insistence on artistic freedom, they were a commercial success as well, scoring chart-topping hits and albums throughout the 1970s.
The members of Led Zeppelin charted
