Prior to their worldwide success, Led Zeppelin started out as The New Yardbirds, a British rock band formed in 1968. Despite only consisting of the four core musicians, the band had come to such an impressive sound that it came to be renamed Led Zeppelin. Led by the iconic Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham, together they produced an electrifying and hard-hitting sound, quickly gaining a number of hits and critical acclaim.
The decision to rebrand the band was an interesting one. Since it was an effective way of disseminating music globally, and thus gaining international recognition, the name change was decided upon.
The New Yardbirds had evolved from another band with the same the same name. Drummer John Bonham and guitarist Jimmy Page emerged as the biggest names during this period. As early musicians, they’d already earned a reputation for their blues-rock style. Fusing electric blues with rock influences allowed them to reinvigorate the genre and set them apart from their contemporaries.
The group was given their name after Yardbirds – an English rock band of the 1960s – disbanded. In response, it was decided, with Page leading the renewal of the project, to redub The Yardbirds as ‘The New Yardbirds’.
In October 1968, the quartet recorded their first live studio sessions. These early recordings were edited and released for a limited period of time in the US. But, after The Yardbirds met unsatisfactory legal proceedings, it was decided to change the name to Led Zeppelin.
Led Zeppelin’s blues-rock style and their use of anthemic choruses became a benchmark in the 1960s and 70s. Striking instrumental sections, spellbinding improv, complemented the artistry and sheer finesse of the group. For all its undeniable borrowings, Led Zeppelin pushed traditional rock boundaries in terms of songcraft and dynamism up to a new and powerful level. They were able to draw influence from a variety of genres and fuse this with their musical process. Growing in sophistication and finesse as the years went by, Led Zeppelin are now considered one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all time.
The Band Lineup
The group was composed of four of the best-known and respected names in the British circuit at the time. Robert Plant, the band’s singer and frontman, was known for his flamboyant performances and extraordinary vocal range.
On lead guitar was Jimmy Page, a self-taught mystic-oriented musician. His unconventional yet effective techniques added a distinctive flavor to Led Zeppelin’s music.
John Paul Jones provided the low-end in the form of bass and keys. His deep baritone and agile riffs brought stability and sophistication to the band’s sound.
Finally, in the rhythm section, was drummer John Bonham. His aggressive beats and thunderous fills propelled the band’s sound with force and power.
The Powerful Performances
Led Zeppelin’s live performances were considered a phenomenon, leaving the thrilling audience speechless. From the early blues-rooted setlists to the long instrumental sections, Led Zeppelin were able to create a set of performing experiences that quickly took them to great heights. Plant and Page’s chemistry was a driving force for the band, and their improvisations often took the music beyond its origins.
The Discography
Led Zeppelin have produced eight studio albums, with ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ being their most successful and widely acclaimed. It included classic anthems such as ‘Stairway To Heaven’, which to this day has become a timeless classic above all other rock songs.
The Lasting Legacy
Led Zeppelin’s impact is undeniable. Taking inspiration from blues, folk, rock n’ roll, and psychedelia, the band was able to craft new sounds, which have been replicated by an entire generation of rock bands since. Hugely popular, Led Zeppelin have found new audiences who appreciate the band’s musical genius. Every so often, their reissues appear and remind us of the greatness of their music.
The Resurgence of Their Influence
The cultural and musical influence of Led Zeppelin has extended into the 21st century. The band has been cited as an influence on multiple genres including hard rock, metal, and alternative rock, by bands and artists such as The White Stripes, Oasis, and Foo Fighters. Led Zeppelin were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
The Post-Led Zeppelin Years
After the disbandment of Led Zeppelin, each member of the band went down a separate path. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones have all gone on to have successful careers post-breakup. John Bonham had died a year previously and the band decided that a Zeppelin reunion couldn’t happen without him.
Hit Songs and Other Contributions
Led Zeppelin is renowned for its hard-hitting rock songs. ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Rock and Roll’, ‘Communication Breakdown’, ‘Immigrant Song’ and ‘Kashmir’ are some of their greatest hits. As well as gaining critical acclaim and influencial status, the band has sold more than 200 million albums since its inception.
