The Beginnings
Led Zeppelin began with the coming together of four musicians, who all had impressive music backgrounds and experiences. Robert Plant, previously of the folk-rock group The Hobbits, was already known for his powerful vocals; while guitarist Jimmy Page was a successful session musician, with credits ranging from The Kinks to Donovan and Lulu. John Paul Jones was an experienced session bassist and John Bonham a renowned session drummer. They hit the ground running, and in October 1968 they began recording their first album at Olympic Studios in London.
The Influence of Psychedelia
Led Zeppelin’s music was heavily influenced by the late 1960s psychedelic music scene in London. They blended elements of blues, folk, rock and classical music, creating a unique sound. They were also inspired by the flamboyant instrumentation of Led Zeppelin’s heroes, such as Cream, who used powerful Hammond organ, Leslie pianos and banks of Marshall amplifiers. The influence of psychedelic-style improvisation and blues solos can be heard in some of their earliest live performances.
The Sound of Led Zeppelin I
Led Zeppelin’s first album was released in January 1969, to an immediate critical acclaim. It contained the hard rockers “Good Times Bad Times” and “Communication Breakdown”, blues-rock influenced songs such as “Dazed and Confused” and “You Shook Me” and more arena-friendly hits such as “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Black Mountain Side”. The combination of heavy guitar riffs, bluesy solos, soul-influenced vocals and powerful drumming made this album one of the most exciting debuts of any band.
Breaking New Ground
Led Zeppelin certainly broke new ground with their debut album. Their style of blues-rock was unique in its time. The band’s frontman Robert Plant often improvised on vocals, giving their songs an element of unpredictability that added to the excitement of the music. The musicians also explored more unusual time signatures, and often opted for extended multi-part instrumental passages, which showcased their remarkable improvisatory skills.
The Impact of Led Zeppelin I
Led Zeppelin I was a huge success, reaching no. 4 in the UK album charts and no. 10 in the US Billboard chart. It also paved the way for the band’s next three studio albums, which were even more experimental and expansive. The album has since become one of the most iconic and influential rock albums of all time, influencing countless bands and musicians, from Black Sabbath to Metallica.
Live Performances
For Led Zeppelin, live performances were the most important aspect of their career. Led Zeppelin’s live shows were legendary for their length and intensity. The band played everywhere, from small clubs to arenas and stadiums, and their concerts always sold out. They also often played extended improvisatory jams that pushed the boundaries of rock music.
Legacy
The legacy of Led Zeppelin I is immense. The album was a huge commercial success at the time, and it influenced a generation of aspiring musicians. In recent years, Led Zeppelin’s music has taken on a new relevance, as a new wave of musicians continue to be inspired by their pioneering sound.
Post Led Zeppelin I Albums
Led Zeppelin’s follow up albums, such as Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin III and Led Zeppelin IV, continued to garner both critical and commercial acclaim. Led Zeppelin II featured the hit single “Whole Lotta Love”, while Led Zeppelin III showcased the band’s more intimate, acoustic-based material. Led Zeppelin IV contained the epic “Stairway To Heaven” and their classic hard rock anthem “Rock And Roll”.
Studio Experiments
Led Zeppelin’s studio albums contain a wide range of ambitious experimental tracks. Their explorations in genre-blending can be heard on “The Crunge” and “No Quarter”, which featured elements of funk and African percussion, while the Celtic-inspired “The Battle Of Evermore” showcased their love of traditional folk music.
The Final Album
Led Zeppelin’s final release was the 1982 live album, Coda. The album contained several songs that had not been previously released, including “Bonzo’s Montreux” and “Wearing And Tearing”, which was recorded at Knebworth Festival in 1979. Coda was the band’s final statement and a fitting end to their illustrious career.
Reunion and Later Music
Led Zeppelin reunited in 2007 for a one-off performance at the Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert in London. In 2014 and 2015, the band released The Complete BBC Sessions and a series of archival live and studio albums. Led Zeppelin’s music has continued to influence new generations of rock musicians, as the band’s unique blend of blues, folk and rock still stands tall 50 years after their debut.
