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{{Short description|English rock band (1968–1980)}}
{{about|the band|their debut album|Led Zeppelin (album){{!}}''Led Zeppelin'' (album)|other uses}}
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{{Use British English|date=July 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Led Zeppelin
| background        = group_or_band
| image             = Led Zeppelin - promotional image (1971).jpg
| alt               = A photoshoot of the band Led Zeppelin in front of a white wall
| caption           = Led Zeppelin in 1971<br />From left to right: [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]], [[Jimmy Page]], [[John Bonham]] and [[Robert Plant]]
| landscape         = yes
| alias             = 
| origin            = London, England
| genre             = {{flatlist|class=nowraplinks|
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[blues rock]]
* [[folk rock]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]}}
| works             = {{hlist|[[Led Zeppelin discography|Discography]]|[[List of songs recorded by Led Zeppelin|songs]]}}
| years_active      = 1968–1980{{refn|group=nb|One-off reunions: 1985, 1988, 1995, 2007}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[Swan Song Records|Swan Song]]
}}
| spinoffs          = {{hlist|[[The Honeydrippers]]|[[Page and Plant]]|[[Them Crooked Vultures]]}}
| spinoff_of        = {{hlist|[[The Yardbirds]]|[[Band of Joy]]}}
| awards            = [[List of awards and nominations received by Led Zeppelin|Full list]]
| website           = {{URL|ledzeppelin.com}}
| past_members      = * [[Jimmy Page]]
* [[Robert Plant]]
* [[John Bonham]]
* [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]]
}}

'''Led Zeppelin''' were <!-- This article is written in British English, which commonly treats collective nouns as plural. DO NOT change "WERE" to "WAS". --> an English [[rock music|rock]] band formed in London in 1968. The band comprised vocalist [[Robert Plant]], guitarist [[Jimmy Page]], bassist-keyboardist [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]] and drummer [[John Bonham]]. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound and drawing from influences including [[blues]] and [[folk music]], Led Zeppelin are cited as a progenitor of [[hard rock]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]. Among the [[list of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists of all time]], they influenced the music industry, particularly in the development of [[album-oriented rock]] and [[stadium rock]].

Led Zeppelin evolved from a previous band, [[the Yardbirds]], and were originally named "the New Yardbirds". They signed a deal with [[Atlantic Records]] that gave them considerable artistic freedom. Initially unpopular with critics, they achieved commercial success with eight studio albums over ten years. Their 1969 debut, ''[[Led Zeppelin (album)|Led Zeppelin]]'', was a top-ten album in several countries and features such tracks as "[[Good Times Bad Times]]", "[[Dazed and Confused (Jake Holmes song)|Dazed and Confused]]" and "[[Communication Breakdown]]". ''[[Led Zeppelin II]]'' (1969), their first number-one album, includes "[[Whole Lotta Love]]" and "[[Ramble On]]". In 1970, they released ''[[Led Zeppelin III]]'' which opens with "[[Immigrant Song]]". Their untitled fourth album, commonly known as ''[[Led Zeppelin IV]]'' (1971), is one of the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling albums]] in history, with 37 million copies sold. It includes "[[Black Dog (Led Zeppelin song)|Black Dog]]", "[[Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin song)|Rock and Roll]]" and "[[Stairway to Heaven]]", with the latter being among the most popular and influential works in rock. ''[[Houses of the Holy]]'' (1973) includes "[[The Song Remains the Same (song)|The Song Remains the Same]]" and "[[The Rain Song]]". ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' (1975), a double album, features "[[Trampled Under Foot]]" and "[[Kashmir (song)|Kashmir]]".

Page composed most of Led Zeppelin's music, while Plant wrote most of the lyrics. Jones occasionally contributed keyboard-focused parts, particularly on the band's final album. The latter half of their career saw a series of [[Led Zeppelin concerts|record-breaking tours]] that earned the group a reputation for excess and debauchery. Although they remained commercially and critically successful, their touring and output, which included ''[[Presence (album)|Presence]]'' (1976) and ''[[In Through the Out Door]]'' (1979), declined in the late 1970s. After Bonham's death in 1980, the group disbanded. The three surviving members have sporadically collaborated and participated in one-off concerts, including the 2007 [[Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert]] in London, with Bonham's son [[Jason Bonham]] on drums.

Led Zeppelin have sold an estimated 200 to 300&nbsp;million records worldwide. They achieved eight consecutive UK number-one albums and six number-one albums on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], with five of their albums certified [[RIAA certification#RIAA Diamond certifications|Diamond]] in the US by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' described them as "the heaviest band of all time", "the biggest band of the seventies", and "unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history".<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=2006 Rolling Stone Covers |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/2006-rolling-stone-covers-207609/led-zeppelin-rs-1006-august-10-2006-3-135624/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=14 December 2006 |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214133328/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/2006-rolling-stone-covers-207609/led-zeppelin-rs-1006-august-10-2006-3-135624/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 1995; the museum's biography states that they were "as influential" in the 1970s as [[the Beatles]] were in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Led Zeppelin Biography |url=http://rockhall.com/inductees/led-zeppelin/bio/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628093543/http://rockhall.com/inductees/led-zeppelin/bio/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=5 September 2010 |website=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}</ref>

== History ==
=== Formation: 1966–1968 ===
[[File:Led Zeppelin logo.svg|thumb|upright=1.15|The band's logotype, used since 1973|alt=The name Led Zeppelin in irregular capitals in black and white]]

In 1966, London-based session guitarist [[Jimmy Page]] joined the blues-influenced rock band [[the Yardbirds]] to replace bassist [[Paul Samwell-Smith]]. Page soon switched from bass to lead guitar, creating a dual lead guitar line-up with [[Jeff Beck]]. Following Beck's departure in October 1966, the Yardbirds became a four-piece with Page as the sole guitarist. This new line-up recorded an album, ''[[Little Games]]'', in 1967, before embarking on a tour of the United States, during which they performed several songs which would later be part of Led Zeppelin's early repertoire, including covers of [[Johnny Burnette]]'s "[[Train Kept A-Rollin']]" and "[[Dazed and Confused (Jake Holmes song)|Dazed and Confused]]", a song originally written and recorded by [[Jake Holmes]].{{sfn|Yorke|1993|pp=56–59}} In early April 1968, the Yardbirds held a recording session at [[Columbia Records|Columbia Studios]] in New York City, recording a number of tracks including a Page-Relf composition initially titled "Knowing That I'm Losing You", which was eventually re-recorded by Led Zeppelin as "[[Tangerine (Led Zeppelin song)|Tangerine]]".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Russo |first=Greg |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIYDAAAACAAJ |title=Yardbirds: The Ultimate Rave-up |date=March 2001 |publisher=Crossfire Publications |isbn=978-0-9648157-8-0 |language=en |access-date=15 August 2023 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927162936/https://books.google.com/books?id=sIYDAAAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=January to July .... and everything in between |url=https://yardbirds68.blogspot.com/2015/04/fillmore-days.html |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=January to July .... and everything in between |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801011823/https://yardbirds68.blogspot.com/2015/04/fillmore-days.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Yardbirds' 1968 tour proved to be exhausting for the band. Drummer [[Jim McCarty]] and vocalist [[Keith Relf]] aimed to embark in a more acoustic direction, forming a [[folk rock]] duo which would eventually evolve into the group [[Renaissance (band)|Renaissance]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Together Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/together-mn0000520166/biography |access-date=25 June 2023 |website=AllMusic |language=en |archive-date=25 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625204405/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/together-mn0000520166/biography |url-status=live }}</ref> Page, on the other hand wanted to continue the heavier blues-based sound he had established with the Yardbirds. With the support of the Yardbirds' new manager [[Peter Grant (music manager)|Peter Grant]], Page planned to form a [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] with Beck and himself on guitars, and [[The Who]]'s [[Keith Moon]] and [[John Entwistle]] on drums and bass, respectively.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=15–16}} Vocalists [[Steve Winwood]] and [[Steve Marriott]] were also considered for the project.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=13–15}} The group never formed, although Page, Beck, and Moon had recorded a song together in 1966, "[[Beck's Bolero]]", in a session that also included bassist-keyboardist [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]].{{sfn|Davis|1985|pp=28–29}}

The Yardbirds played their final gig on 7 July 1968 at [[University of Bedfordshire|Luton College of Technology]] in Bedfordshire.{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=1198}} They were still committed to several concerts in Scandinavia, so McCarty and Relf authorised Page and bassist [[Chris Dreja]] to use the Yardbirds' name to fulfill the band's obligations. Page and Dreja began putting a new line-up together. Page's first choice for the lead singer was [[Terry Reid]], but Reid declined the offer and suggested [[Robert Plant]], a singer for the [[Band of Joy]] and Hobbstweedle.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=65}} Plant eventually accepted the position, recommending former Band of Joy drummer [[John Bonham]].{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} John Paul Jones enquired about the vacant position of bass guitarist, at the suggestion of his wife, after Dreja dropped out of the project to become a photographer.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=10}}{{refn|group=nb|Dreja would later take the photograph that appeared on the back of Led Zeppelin's debut album.{{sfn|Fyfe|2003|p=45}}}} Page had known Jones since they were both session musicians, and agreed to let him join as the final member.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=64}}

[[File:Hindenburg disaster.jpg|alt=A black and white photograph of an airship near a mooring mast exploding at its stern.|left|thumb|A 1937 photograph of the burning [[LZ 129 Hindenburg]] taken by news photographer Sam Shere, used on the cover of the band's debut album and extensively on later merchandise]]

In August 1968, the four played together for the first time in a room below a record store on [[Gerrard Street, London|Gerrard Street]] in London.{{sfn|Lewis|1994|p=3}} Page suggested that they attempt "[[Train Kept A-Rollin']]", originally a [[jump blues]] song popularised in a [[rockabilly]] version by [[Johnny Burnette]], which had been covered by the Yardbirds. "As soon as I heard John Bonham play", Jones recalled, "I knew this was going to be great&nbsp;... We locked together as a team immediately".{{sfn|Welch |Nicholls|2001|p=75}} Before leaving for Scandinavia, the group took part in a recording session for the [[P. J. Proby]] album ''[[Three Week Hero]]''. The album's track "Jim's Blues", with Plant on harmonica, was the first studio track to feature all four future members of Led Zeppelin.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=54}}

The band completed the [[Led Zeppelin Scandinavian Tour 1968|Scandinavian tour]] as the New Yardbirds, playing together for the first time in front of a live audience at Gladsaxe Teen Club at the Egegård School (today Gladsaxe School) festive hall, [[Gladsaxe Municipality|Gladsaxe]], Denmark, on 7 September 1968.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=54}} Later that month, they began recording their first album, which was based on their live set. The album was recorded and mixed in nine days, and Page covered the costs.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=51–52}} After the album's completion, the band were forced to change their name after Dreja issued a [[cease and desist]] letter, stating that Page was allowed to use the New Yardbirds moniker for the Scandinavian dates only.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=72–73}} One account of how the new band's name was chosen held that Moon and Entwistle had suggested that a supergroup with Page and Beck would go down like a "lead balloon", an idiom for being very unsuccessful or unpopular.{{sfn|Shadwick|2005|p=36}} The group dropped the 'a' in ''lead'' at the suggestion of Peter Grant, so that those unfamiliar with the term would not pronounce it "leed".{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=57}} The word "balloon" was replaced by "[[zeppelin]]", a word which, according to music journalist Keith Shadwick, brought "the perfect combination of heavy and light, combustibility and grace" to Page's mind.{{sfn|Shadwick|2005|p=36}}

Grant secured a $143,000 advance contract (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|143000|1968|r=-3}}}} today) from [[Atlantic Records]] in November 1968—at the time, the biggest deal of its kind for a new band.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=84}} Atlantic was a label with a catalogue of mainly blues, soul, and jazz artists, but in the late 1960s, it began to take an interest in British [[progressive rock]] acts. At the recommendation of British singer [[Dusty Springfield]], a friend of Jones who at the time was completing her first Atlantic album, ''[[Dusty in Memphis]]'', record executives signed Led Zeppelin without having ever seen them.{{sfn|Fortnam|2008|p=43}} Under the terms of their contract, the band had autonomy in deciding when they would release albums and tour and had the final say over the contents and design of each album. They would also decide how to promote each release and which tracks to release as singles. They formed their own company, Superhype, to handle all publishing rights.{{sfn|Lewis|1994|p=3}}

=== Early years: 1968–1970 ===
Still billed as the New Yardbirds, the band began their first tour of the UK on 4 October 1968, when they played at the [[Mayfair Ballroom]] in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bath |first1=Jo |last2=Stevenson |first2=Richard F. |date=2013 |title=The Newcastle Book of Days |location=Stroud |publisher=The History Press |isbn=9780752468662 |page=280}}</ref> Their first show as Led Zeppelin was at the [[University of Surrey]] in [[Guildford]] on 25 October.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Concert Timeline: October 25, 1968 |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/show/october-25-1968 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102222301/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/show/october-25-1968 |archive-date=2 January 2012 |access-date=3 November 2017 |website=Led Zeppelin.com|date=20 September 2007 }}</ref> Tour manager [[Richard Cole]], who would become a major figure in the touring life of the group, organised their [[Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1968–1969|first North American tour]] at the end of the year.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=94}}{{refn|group=nb|The first show was in Denver on 26 December 1968, followed by other West Coast dates before the band travelled to California to play Los Angeles and San Francisco.{{sfn|Wall|2008||pp=92–93}}}} Their debut album, ''[[Led Zeppelin (album)|Led Zeppelin]]'', was released in the US during the tour on 13 January 1969, and peaked at number 10 on the ''Billboard'' chart;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Led Zeppelin Billboard Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/led-zeppelin-p4739/charts-awards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906193322/http://allmusic.com/artist/led-zeppelin-p4739/charts-awards |archive-date=6 September 2011 |website=AllMusic}}</ref> it was released in the UK, where it peaked at number 6, on 31 March.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=92, 147, 152}} According to [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine|Steve Erlewine]], the album's memorable guitar riffs, lumbering rhythms, [[Psychedelic rock|psychedelic blues]], groovy, [[Swing (jazz performance style)|bluesy shuffles]] and hints of [[Folk music of England|English folk music]] made it "a significant turning point in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal".{{sfn|Erlewine|2011b}}

[[File:Bron-y-aur - geograph.org.uk - 21107 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Bron-Yr-Aur]], near [[Machynlleth]], the Welsh cottage to which Page and Plant retired in 1970 to write many of the tracks that appeared on the band's third and fourth albums|alt=A colour photograph of a stone cottage on a hill]]

In their first year, Led Zeppelin completed four US and four UK [[concert tour]]s, and also released their second album, ''[[Led Zeppelin II]]''. Recorded mostly on the road at various North American studios, it was an even greater commercial success than their first album and reached the number one chart position in the US and the UK.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=161}} The album further developed the mostly blues-rock musical style established on their debut release, creating a sound that was "heavy and hard, brutal and direct", and which would be highly influential and frequently imitated.{{sfn|Erlewine|2010}} Steve Waksman has suggested that ''Led Zeppelin II'' was "the musical starting point for heavy metal".{{sfn|Waksman|2001|p=263}}

The band saw their albums as indivisible, complete listening experiences, disliking the re-editing of existing tracks for release as singles. Grant maintained an aggressive pro-album stance, particularly in the UK, where there were few radio and TV outlets for rock music. Without the band's consent, however, some songs were released as singles, particularly in the US.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=166–167}} In 1969, an edited version of "[[Whole Lotta Love]]", a track from their second album, was released as a single in the US. It reached number four in the ''Billboard'' chart in January 1970, selling over one million copies and helping to cement the band's popularity.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=165}} The group also increasingly shunned television appearances, citing their preference that their fans hear and see them in live concerts.{{sfn|Welch|1994|p=49}}{{sfn|Wale|1973|p=11}}

Following the release of their second album, Led Zeppelin completed several more US tours. They played initially in clubs and ballrooms, and then in larger auditoriums as their popularity grew.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} Some early [[Led Zeppelin concerts]] lasted more than four hours, with expanded and improvised live versions of their repertoire. Many of these shows have been preserved as [[Led Zeppelin bootleg recordings|bootleg recordings]]. It was during this period of intensive concert touring that the band developed a reputation for off-stage excess.{{sfn|Wall|2008}}{{refn|group=nb|One alleged example of such extravagance was the shark episode said to have taken place at the [[The Edgewater (Seattle, Washington)|Edgewater Inn]] in [[Seattle]] on 28 July 1969.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=103}}{{sfn|Wall|2008}}}}

In 1970, Page and Plant retired to [[Bron-Yr-Aur]], a remote cottage in [[Wales]], to commence work on their third album, ''[[Led Zeppelin III]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2010 |title=Led Zeppelin at Bron-Yr-Aur |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/history/pages/led-zeppelin-bron-yr-aur.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514164952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/history/pages/led-zeppelin-bron-yr-aur.shtml |archive-date=14 May 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=BBC Wales Music}}</ref> The result was a more acoustic style that was strongly influenced by [[folk music|folk]] and [[Celtic music]], and showcased the band's versatility. The album's rich acoustic sound initially received mixed reactions, with critics and fans surprised at the turn from the primarily electric arrangements of the first two albums, further fuelling the band's hostility to the musical press.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=208–209}} It reached number one in the UK and US charts, but its stay would be the shortest of their first five albums.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=130}} The album's opening track, "[[Immigrant Song]]", was released as a US single in November 1970 against the band's wishes, reaching the top twenty on the ''Billboard'' chart.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=129}}

Page played his 1959 Dragon Telecaster until a friend stripped Page's custom modifications and repainted the guitar.<ref>{{Citation| last1 = Fender| last2 = Page| first2 = Jimmy| title = "Dragon" Telecaster (serial no. 50062)| access-date = 15 August 2024| date = 1959| url = https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/754827}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | first = Jeff |last=Slate | title =Jimmy Page: "The whole idea of the Dragon Tele was to bring a new life into it - to mix my identity into the actual guitar"| work = MusicRadar| access-date = 15 August 2024| date = 3 July 2019| url = https://www.musicradar.com/news/jimmy-page-the-whole-idea-of-the-dragon-tele-was-to-bring-a-new-life-into-it-to-mix-my-identity-into-the-actual-guitar}}</ref> From 1969 onwards the [[mahogany]] "Number 1" Les Paul has been Page's main guitar.<ref>{{Citation| last1 = Gibson| last2 = Page| first2 = Jimmy| title = "Number One" Les Paul Standard| access-date = 15 August 2024| date = 1959| url = https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/752453}}</ref>

=== "The Biggest Band in the World": 1970–1975 ===
During the 1970s, Led Zeppelin reached new heights of commercial and critical success that made them one of the most influential groups of the era, eclipsing their earlier achievements.{{sfn|Waksman|2001|p=238}}{{sfn|Wall|2008}} The band's image also changed as the members began to wear elaborate, flamboyant clothing, with Page taking the lead on the flamboyant appearance by wearing a glittering moon-and-stars outfit. Led Zeppelin changed their show by using things such as lasers, professional light shows and mirror balls.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=281}} They began travelling in a private jet airliner, a [[Boeing 720]] (nicknamed ''[[the Starship]]''), rented out entire sections of hotels (including the [[Andaz West Hollywood|Continental Hyatt House]] in Los Angeles, known colloquially as the "Riot House"), and became the subject of frequently repeated stories of debauchery. One involved John Bonham riding a motorcycle through a rented floor of the Riot House,{{sfn|Wall|2008a}} while another involved the destruction of a room in the Tokyo [[Hilton Hotels & Resorts|Hilton]], leading to the group being banned from that establishment for life.{{sfn|Williamson|2005|p=68}} Although Led Zeppelin developed a reputation for trashing their hotel suites and throwing television sets out of the windows, some suggest that these tales have been exaggerated. According to music journalist [[Chris Welch]], "[Led Zeppelin's] travels spawned many stories, but it was a myth that [they] were constantly engaged in acts of wanton destruction and lewd behaviour".{{sfn|Welch|1994|p=47}}

[[File:Zoso.svg|thumb|Led Zeppelin's Four Symbols{{refn|group=nb|According to a Chris Welch: “I tried to guess which symbol represented which member of the group. And according to Bonzo – got them right. Three strong circles represent Bonham, a feather in a circle for Robert, linked ovals for John Paul and artistic lettering for Jimmy. Guest artist Sandy Denny was symbolised with three inverted pyramids.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Welch |first=Chris |year=2025 |orig-date=13 November 1971|title=The next stage... |work=The history of Rock - 1971 (retrieving a Melody Maker article) |publisher=Uncut |page=139 |issue=7}}</ref>}}]]
Led Zeppelin released their [[Led Zeppelin IV|fourth album]] on 8 November 1971. The album is officially untitled but variously referred to as ''Led Zeppelin IV'', ''Untitled'', ''IV'', or, due to the four symbols appearing on the record label, as ''Four Symbols'', ''Zoso'' or ''Runes''.{{sfn|Davis|2005|p=25}} The band had wanted to release the fourth album with no title or information, in response to the music press "going on about Zeppelin being a hype", but the record company wanted something on the cover, so in discussions, it was agreed to have four symbols to represent both the four members of the band and that it was the fourth album.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=269–270}} With 37&nbsp;million copies sold, ''Led Zeppelin IV'' is one of the [[List of best-selling albums|best-selling albums]] in history, and its massive popularity cemented Led Zeppelin's status as superstars in the 1970s.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=128}}{{sfn|Brown|2001|p=480}} By 2021, it had sold 24&nbsp;million copies in the United States alone.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Led+Zeppelin&ti=Led+Zeppelin+iv&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |title=Gold & Platinum – RIAA<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=10 November 2021 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110211204/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Led+Zeppelin&ti=Led+Zeppelin+iv&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref> The track "[[Stairway to Heaven]]", never released as a single, was the most requested and most played song on American rock radio in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Monitor |magazine=Broadcasting |location=Washington, DC |publisher=Broadcasting Publications Inc. |date=12 November 1979 }}</ref> The group followed up the album's release with [[Led Zeppelin United Kingdom Tour Winter 1971|tours of the UK]], [[Led Zeppelin Australasian Tour 1972|Australasia]], [[Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1972|North America]], [[Led Zeppelin Japanese Tour 1972|Japan]], and [[Led Zeppelin United Kingdom Tour 1972–1973|the UK again]] from late 1971 through early 1973.
[[File:Led Zeppelin acoustic 1973.jpg|thumb|Plant and Page during an acoustic performance in [[Hamburg]] in March 1973, just before the release of the band's fifth album, ''[[Houses of the Holy]]''.|alt=A black and white photograph of Robert Plant with a tambourine and Jimmy Page with an acoustic guitar seated and performing.]]

Led Zeppelin's next album, ''[[Houses of the Holy]]'', was released in March 1973. It featured further experimentation by the band, who expanded their use of synthesisers and [[mellotron]] orchestration. The predominantly orange album cover, designed by the London-based design group [[Hipgnosis]], depicts images of nude children climbing the [[Giant's Causeway]] in Northern Ireland. Although the children are not shown from the front, the cover was controversial at the time of the album's release. As with the band's fourth album, neither their name nor the album title was printed on the sleeve.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=290–291}}

''Houses of the Holy'' topped charts worldwide,{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=294}} and the band's subsequent [[Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1973|concert tour of North America in 1973]] broke records for attendance, as they consistently filled large auditoriums and stadiums. At [[Tampa Stadium]] in Florida, they played to 56,800 fans, breaking the record set by [[The Beatles' 1965 US tour|the Beatles' 1965 Shea Stadium concert]] and grossing $309,000.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=194}} Three sold-out shows at [[Madison Square Garden]] in New York City were filmed for a motion picture, but the theatrical release of this project (''[[The Song Remains the Same (film)|The Song Remains the Same]]'') was delayed until 1976. Before the final night's performance, $180,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|180000|1973|r=-3}}}} today) of the band's money from gate receipts was stolen from a safe deposit box at the [[Drake Hotel (New York City)|Drake Hotel]].{{sfn|Yorke|1993|pp=186–187}}
[[File:LedZeppelinChicago75 2.jpg|thumb|left|Led Zeppelin perform at [[Chicago Stadium]] in January 1975, a few weeks before the release of ''[[Physical Graffiti]]''.|alt=A colour photograph of the four members of Led Zeppelin performing onstage, with some other figures visible in the background.]]

In 1974, Led Zeppelin took a break from touring and launched their own record label, [[Swan Song Records|Swan Song]], named after an unreleased song. The record label's logo is based on a drawing called ''Evening: Fall of Day'' (1869) by [[William Rimmer]]. The drawing features a figure of a winged human-like being interpreted as either [[Apollo]] or [[Icarus]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |title=William Rimmer Evening (The Fall of Day) |url=http://www.mfashop.org/wiriitfaofda.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926230017/http://www.mfashop.org/wiriitfaofda.html |archive-date=26 September 2019 |access-date=26 September 2019 |website=Mfashop.org |publisher=Museum of Fine Arts, Boston}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |title=A History of the Led Zeppelin Icarus Logo |url=http://www.band-shirt.com/2013/03/09/history-of-the-led-zeppelin-icarus-logo/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926224856/http://www.band-shirt.com/2013/03/09/history-of-the-led-zeppelin-icarus-logo/ |archive-date=26 September 2019 |access-date=26 September 2019 |website=Band-shirt.com}}</ref>{{sfn|Williamson|2007|p=107}} The logo can be found on Led Zeppelin memorabilia, especially T-shirts. In addition to using Swan Song as a vehicle to promote their own albums, the band expanded the label's roster, signing artists such as [[Bad Company]], [[the Pretty Things]] and [[Maggie Bell]].{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=191}} The label was successful while Led Zeppelin existed, but folded less than three years after they disbanded.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=312}}

In 1975, Led Zeppelin's double album ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' was their first release on the Swan Song label. It consisted of fifteen songs, of which eight had been recorded at [[Headley Grange]] in 1974 and seven had been recorded earlier. A review in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine referred to ''Physical Graffiti'' as Led Zeppelin's "bid for artistic respectability", adding that the only bands Led Zeppelin had to compete with for the title "The World's Best Rock Band" were [[the Rolling Stones]] and the Who.{{sfn|Miller|1975}} The album was a massive commercial and critical success. Shortly after the release of ''Physical Graffiti'', all previous Led Zeppelin albums simultaneously re-entered the top-200 album chart,{{sfn|Davis|1985|pp=225, 277}} and the band embarked on another [[Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1975|North American tour]],{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=359}} now employing sophisticated sound and lighting systems.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=197}} In May 1975, Led Zeppelin played five sold-out nights at the [[Earls Court Arena]] in London, at the time the largest arena in Britain.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=359}}

=== Hiatus from touring and return: 1975–1977 ===
[[File:Jimmy Page with Robert Plant 2 - Led Zeppelin - 1977.jpg|thumb|Plant and Page performing at [[Chicago Stadium]] in Chicago on 10 April 1977, during Led Zeppelin's last North American tour|alt=A colour photograph of Robert Plant with microphone and Jimmy Page with a double necked guitar performing on stage.]]

Following their triumphant [[Earls Court 1975|Earls Court appearances]], Led Zeppelin took a holiday and planned an autumn tour in America, scheduled to open with two outdoor dates in San Francisco.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=35}} In August 1975, however, Plant and his wife Maureen were involved in a serious car crash while on holiday in [[Rhodes]], Greece. Plant suffered a broken ankle and Maureen was badly injured; a blood transfusion saved her life.{{sfn|Davis|1985|pp=354–355}} Unable to tour, he headed to the [[Channel Islands|Channel Island]] of [[Jersey]] to spend August and September recuperating, with Bonham and Page in tow. The band then reconvened in [[Malibu, California]]. During this forced hiatus, much of the material for their next album, ''[[Presence (album)|Presence]]'', was written.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=364}}

By this time, Led Zeppelin were the world's number one rock attraction,{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=45}} having outsold most bands of the time, including the Rolling Stones.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=173}} ''Presence'', released in March 1976, marked a change in the Led Zeppelin sound towards more straightforward, guitar-based jams, departing from the acoustic ballads and intricate arrangements featured on their previous albums. Though it was a [[Music recording sales certification|platinum]] seller, ''Presence'' received a mixed reaction among fans and the music press, with some critics suggesting that the band's excesses may have caught up with them.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}}{{sfn|Davis|1976}} Page had been using heroin regularly since 1975 and relied on it during the rapid recording sessions for the album, a habit which affected the band's later live shows and studio recordings, although he has since denied this.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=364}}

[[File:Silverdome 2.jpg|thumb|left|The Pontiac [[Silverdome]], Michigan, where the band set a record for the largest solo indoor attraction in 1977 with an attendance of 76,229|alt=a colour photograph of a large domed stadium]]

Because of Plant's injuries, Led Zeppelin did not tour in 1976. Instead, the band completed the concert film ''[[The Song Remains the Same (film)|The Song Remains the Same]]'' and the accompanying [[The Song Remains the Same (album)|soundtrack album]]. The film premiered in New York City on 20 October 1976, but was given a lukewarm reception by critics and fans.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} The film was particularly unsuccessful in the UK, where, unwilling to tour since 1975 because of their [[tax exile]] status, Led Zeppelin faced an uphill battle to recapture the public's affection.{{sfn|Shadwick|2005|p=320}}

In 1977, Led Zeppelin embarked on another major [[Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1977|concert tour of North America]]. The band set another attendance record, with an audience of 76,229 at their [[Silverdome]] concert on 30 April.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=229}} It was, according to the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of Records]]'', the largest attendance to that date for a single act show.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=49}} Although the tour was financially profitable, it was beset by off-stage problems. On 19 April, over 70 people were arrested as about 1,000 fans tried to gatecrash Cincinnati Riverfront Coliseum for two sold-out concerts, while others tried to gain entry by throwing rocks and bottles through glass doors.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=392}} On 3 June, a concert at Tampa Stadium was cut short because of a severe thunderstorm, despite tickets indicating "Rain or Shine". A riot broke out, resulting in arrests and injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Concert Timeline: June 3, 1977 |url=http://ledzeppelin.com/show/june-3-1977 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407234121/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/show/june-3-1977 |archive-date=7 April 2011 |access-date=5 September 2010 |website=Led Zeppelin.com|date=22 September 2007 }}</ref>

After the 23 July show at the [[Day on the Green]] festival at the [[Oakland Coliseum]] in [[Oakland, California]], Bonham and members of Led Zeppelin's support staff were arrested after a member of promoter [[Bill Graham (promoter)|Bill Graham]]'s staff was badly beaten during the band's performance by Zeppelin manager Peter Grant and one of his security staff, John Bindon.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=277}}{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=210}} The following day's second Oakland concert was the group's final live appearance in the United States. Two days later, as they checked in at a [[French Quarter]] hotel for their 30 July performance at the [[Louisiana Superdome]], Plant received news that his five-year-old son, Karac, had died from a stomach virus. The rest of the tour was immediately cancelled, prompting widespread speculation about Led Zeppelin's future.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}}{{sfn|Welch|1994|p=85}}
{{Clear}}

=== Bonham's death and break-up: 1978–1980 ===
[[File:John Bonham 1975.jpg|thumb|upright|After the death of Bonham (pictured in July 1973) on 25 September 1980, the remaining members of Led Zeppelin decided to disband the group.|alt=A black and white photograph of John Bonham playing drums]]

In November 1978, the group recorded at [[Polar Studios]] in Stockholm, Sweden. The resulting album, ''[[In Through the Out Door]]'', featured sonic experimentation that again drew mixed reactions from critics.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=424}} Nevertheless, the album reached number one in the UK and the US in just its second week of release. With this album's release, Led Zeppelin's entire catalogue returned to the ''Billboard'' Top 200 in the weeks of 27 October and 3 November 1979.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=80}}

In August 1979, after two warm-up shows in [[Copenhagen]], Led Zeppelin headlined [[Knebworth Festival 1979|two concerts]] at the [[Concerts at Knebworth House|Knebworth Music Festival]], playing to a crowd of approximately 104,000 on the first night.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=425}} A brief, low-key [[Tour Over Europe 1980|European tour]] was undertaken in June and July 1980, featuring a stripped-down set without the usual lengthy jams and solos. On 27 June, at a show in [[Nuremberg]], West Germany, the concert came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the third song, when Bonham collapsed onstage and was rushed to hospital.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=431–432}} Speculation in the press suggested that his collapse had been the result of excessive alcohol and drug use, but the band claimed that he had simply overeaten.{{sfn|Davis|1985|p=300}}

[[Led Zeppelin – The 1980s, Part One|A North American tour]], the band's first since 1977, was scheduled to commence on 17 October 1980. On 24 September, Bonham was picked up by Led Zeppelin assistant Rex King to attend rehearsals at [[Bray Studios (UK)|Bray Studios]].{{sfn|Welch|1994|p=92}} During the journey, Bonham asked to stop for breakfast, where he downed four quadruple vodkas (from {{convert|16|to|24|usoz|abbr=on}}), with a ham roll. After taking a bite of the ham roll he said to his assistant, "breakfast". He continued to drink heavily after arriving at the studio. The rehearsals were halted late that evening and the band retired to Page's house—the Old Mill House in [[Clewer]], [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]].

After midnight, Bonham, who had fallen asleep, was taken to bed and placed on his side. At 1:45&nbsp;pm the next day, Benji LeFevre (Led Zeppelin's new tour manager) and John Paul Jones found Bonham dead. The cause of death was [[asphyxiation]] from vomit; the finding was accidental death.{{sfn|Welch|1994|pp=92–94}}<ref name="srapdisbnds">{{Cite news |date=6 December 1980 |title=Rock group Led Zeppelin disbands |page=24 |work=Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |location=Spokane, WA, U.S. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=McopAAAAIBAJ&pg=7157%2C2314905 |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210090253/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=McopAAAAIBAJ&pg=7157,2314905 |archive-date=10 December 2020}}</ref> An [[autopsy]] found no other recreational drugs in Bonham's body. Although he had recently begun to take Motival (a cocktail of the [[antipsychotic]] [[fluphenazine]] and the [[tricyclic antidepressant]] [[nortriptyline]]) to combat his anxiety, it is unclear if these substances interacted with the alcohol in his system.{{sfn|Gilmore|2006}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=John Bonham Biography |url=http://home.att.net/~chuckayoub/john_bonham_biography.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316013818/http://home.att.net/~chuckayoub/john_bonham_biography.htm |archive-date=16 March 2010 |website=home.att.net/~chuckayoub}}</ref> Bonham's remains were cremated and his ashes interred on 12 October 1980, at [[Rushock]] parish church, [[Worcestershire]].

The planned North American tour was cancelled, and despite rumours that [[Cozy Powell]], [[Carmine Appice]], [[Barriemore Barlow]], [[Simon Kirke]], [[Ric Lee]] or [[Bev Bevan]] would join the group as his replacement, the remaining members decided to disband. A 4 December 1980 press statement stated that, "We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend, and the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were."<ref name="srapdisbnds" /> The statement was signed simply "Led Zeppelin".{{sfn|Welch|1994|pp=94–95}}

=== Post-breakup ===
==== 1980s ====
[[File:Jimmy Page 1983.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Page performs at the [[Cow Palace]] in [[Daly City, California]] in 1983.|alt=A colour photograph of Jimmy Page performing on stage with a double-necked guitar]]

The studio album ''[[Coda (Led Zeppelin album)|Coda]]'' – a collection of Zeppelin outtakes and unused tracks – was issued in November 1982. It included two tracks from the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in 1970, one each from the ''Led Zeppelin III'' and ''Houses of the Holy'' sessions, and three from the ''In Through the Out Door'' sessions. It also featured a 1976 Bonham drum instrumental with electronic effects added by Page, called "[[Bonzo's Montreux]]".{{sfn|Yorke|1993|p=267}}

The first significant post-breakup musical project by Led Zeppelin members was [[the Honeydrippers]], formed by Plant in 1981. The group featured Page on lead guitar along with studio musicians and friends of the pair, including Jeff Beck, [[Paul Shaffer]], and [[Nile Rodgers]]. It released one EP, in 1984. Plant focused on a different direction from Zeppelin, playing [[Standard (music)|standards]] and in a more [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] style, highlighted by a cover of "[[Sea of Love (Phil Phillips song)|Sea of Love]]" that peaked at number three on the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' chart]] in early 1985.{{sfn|Huey|2011}}

[[File:Live Aid at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, PA.jpg|thumb|right|Page, Plant, and Jones performing at Live Aid in Philadelphia]]

On 13 July 1985, Page, Plant, and Jones reunited for the [[Live Aid]] concert at [[John F. Kennedy Stadium|JFK Stadium, Philadelphia]], playing a short set with drummers [[Tony Thompson (drummer)|Tony Thompson]] and [[Phil Collins]] and bassist [[Paul Martinez]]. Collins had contributed to Plant's first two solo albums; Martinez was a member of Plant's solo band. The performance was marred by a lack of rehearsal with the two drummers, Page's struggles with an out-of-tune guitar, poorly functioning monitors, and Plant's hoarse voice.{{sfn|Lewis|Pallett|1997|p=139}}{{sfn|Prato|2008}} Page described the performance as "pretty shambolic",<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 November 2007 |title=Jimmy Page says last Led Zeppelin reunion was a disaster |work=The List |url=http://www.list.co.uk/article/5700-jimmy-page-says-last-led-zeppelin-reunion-was-a-disaster/ |url-status=dead |access-date=29 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712163557/http://www.list.co.uk/article/5700-jimmy-page-says-last-led-zeppelin-reunion-was-a-disaster/ |archive-date=12 July 2014}}</ref> while Plant characterised it as an "atrocity".{{sfn|Lewis|Pallett|1997|p=139}}

The three members reunited again on 14 May 1988, for the [[Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary]] concert, with Bonham's son [[Jason Bonham|Jason]] on drums. The result was again disjointed: Plant and Page had argued immediately before taking the stage about whether to play "Stairway to Heaven", and Jones' keyboards were absent from the live television feed.{{sfn|Prato|2008}}{{sfn|Lewis|Pallett|1997|p=140}} Page described the performance as "one big disappointment" and Plant said "the gig was foul".{{sfn|Lewis|Pallett|1997|p=140}}

==== 1990s ====
[[File:JasonBonham2010b.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Jason Bonham]], who filled his late father's position for reunions in 1988, 1995 and 2007|alt=A colour photograph of Jason Bonham playing drums]]

The first [[Led Zeppelin Boxed Set|Led Zeppelin box set]], featuring tracks remastered under Page's supervision, was released in 1990 and bolstered the band's reputation, leading to abortive discussions among members about a reunion.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=457}} This set included four previously unreleased tracks, including a version of [[Robert Johnson]]'s "[[Travelling Riverside Blues]]".{{sfn|Erlewine|2011c}} The song peaked at number seven on the ''Billboard'' [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Album Rock Tracks]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Artist Chart History&nbsp;– Led Zeppelin |url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=5047&model.vnuAlbumId=10333 |url-status=dead |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221050358/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=5047&model.vnuAlbumId=10333 |archive-date=21 February 2009}}</ref> ''[[Led Zeppelin Boxed Set 2]]'' was released in 1993; the two box sets together contained all known studio recordings, as well as some rare live tracks.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011e}}

In 1994, [[Page and Plant]] reunited for a 90-minute "UnLedded" MTV project. They later released an album called ''[[No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded]]'', which featured some reworked Led Zeppelin songs, and embarked on a world tour the following year. This is said to be the beginning of a rift between the band members, as Jones was not even told of the reunion.{{sfn|Murray|2004|p=75}}

In 1995, Led Zeppelin were inducted into the United States [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] by [[Steven Tyler]] and [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]] of [[Aerosmith]]. Jason and Zoë Bonham also attended, representing their late father.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=163}} At the [[List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees|induction ceremony]], the band's inner rift became apparent when Jones joked upon accepting his award, "Thank you, my friends, for finally remembering my phone number", causing consternation and awkward looks from Page and Plant.{{sfn|Lewis|Pallett|1997|p=144}} Afterwards, they played one brief set with Tyler and Perry, with Jason Bonham on drums, and then a second with [[Neil Young]], this time with [[Michael Lee (musician)|Michael Lee]] playing the drums.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=163}}

In 1997, Atlantic released a single edit of "Whole Lotta Love" in the US and the UK, the only single the band released in their homeland, where it peaked at number 21.{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=166}} November 1997 saw the release of ''[[BBC Sessions (Led Zeppelin album)|Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions]]'', a two-disc set largely recorded in 1969 and 1971.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011f}} Page and Plant released another album called ''[[Walking into Clarksdale]]'' in 1998, featuring all new material, but after disappointing sales, the partnership dissolved before a planned Australian tour.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=460–461}}

==== 2000s ====
[[File:Led Zeppelin 2007.jpg|thumb|Led Zeppelin performing at the [[Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert]] in London in December 2007|alt=A colour photograph of John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page performing on stage, with Jason Bonham partially visible on drums in the background]]

The year 2003 saw the release of the triple live album ''[[How the West Was Won (Led Zeppelin album)|How the West Was Won]]'', and ''[[Led Zeppelin DVD]]'', a six-hour chronological set of live footage that became the best-selling music DVD in history.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=437}} In July 2007, Atlantic/[[Rhino Entertainment|Rhino]] and [[Warner Home Video]] announced three Zeppelin titles to be released that November: ''[[Mothership (Led Zeppelin album)|Mothership]]'', a 24-track best-of spanning the band's career; a reissue of the soundtrack ''The Song Remains the Same'', including previously unreleased material; and a new DVD.{{sfn|Cohen|2007}} Zeppelin also made their catalogue legally available for download,<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 October 2007 |title=Led Zeppelin to sell music online |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/music-zeppelin-downloads-dc-idUSL1535184120071017 |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512213033/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/10/17/music-zeppelin-downloads-dc-idUSL1535184120071017 |archive-date=12 May 2012}}</ref> becoming one of the last major rock bands to do so.{{sfn|Thorpe|2007}}

On 10 December 2007, Zeppelin reunited for the [[Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert]] at [[The O2 Arena|the O<sub>2</sub> Arena]] in London, with Jason Bonham again taking his father's place on drums. According to ''Guinness World Records 2009'', the show set a record for the "Highest Demand for Tickets for One Music Concert" as 20&nbsp;million requests were submitted online.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 December 2009 |title=Guinness 2010 entertainment winners |work=TVNZ |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/guinness-2010-entertainment-winners-revealed-3313600 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306170534/http://tvnz.co.nz/entertainment-news/guinness-2010-entertainment-winners-revealed-3313600 |archive-date=6 March 2011}}</ref> Critics praised the performance{{sfn|Gardner|2007}} and there was widespread speculation about a full reunion.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=472}} Page, Jones and Jason Bonham were reported to be willing to tour and to be working on material for a new Zeppelin project.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 August 2008 |title=Led Zeppelin trio back in studio |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7582917.stm |url-status=live |access-date=25 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031035611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7582917.stm |archive-date=31 October 2011}}</ref> Plant continued his touring commitments with [[Alison Krauss]],{{sfn|Talmadge|2008}} stating in September 2008 that he would not record or tour with the band.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2008 |title=Robert Plant&nbsp;– official statement |url=http://www.robertplant.com/index.php?l1=2&l2=0&l3=0&articleID=186&rt=NE&PHPSESSID=6235928e9e15317186503f0c80686264 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930212955/http://www.robertplant.com/index.php?l1=2&l2=0&l3=0&articleID=186&rt=NE&PHPSESSID=6235928e9e15317186503f0c80686264 |archive-date=30 September 2008 |access-date=29 September 2008 |website=Robertplant.com}}</ref>{{sfn|Beech|2008}} "I told them I was busy and they'd simply have to wait," he recalled in 2014. "I would come around eventually, which they were fine with – at least to my knowledge. But it turns out they weren't. And what's even more disheartening, Jimmy used it against me."{{sfn|Anders|2014|p=30}}

Jones and Page reportedly looked for a replacement for Plant; candidates including [[Steven Tyler]] of [[Aerosmith]], and [[Myles Kennedy]] of [[Alter Bridge]].{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=459–460}} However, in January 2009, it was confirmed that the project had been abandoned.{{sfn|Bosso|2009}} "Getting the opportunity to play with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham was pretty special," Kennedy recalled. "That is pretty much the zenith right there. That was a crazy, good experience. It's something I still think of often ... It's so precious to me."{{sfn|Chamberlain|2014|p=138}}

==== 2010s ====
[[File:Led Zeppelin answering questions, 2012 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Led Zeppelin answering questions at the film premiere of ''[[Celebration Day (film)|Celebration Day]]'' at the [[Hammersmith Apollo]] in London, October 2012]]

A film of the O2 performance, ''[[Celebration Day (film)|Celebration Day]]'', premiered on 17 October 2012 and was released on DVD on 19 November.{{sfn|Greene|2012}} The film grossed $2&nbsp;million in one night, and the live album peaked at number 4 and 9 in the UK and US, respectively.{{sfn|Dawtrey|2012}} Following the film's premiere, Page revealed that he had been [[Led Zeppelin Deluxe Edition|remastering the band's discography]].{{sfn|Renshaw|2012}} The first wave of albums, ''[[Led Zeppelin (album)|Led Zeppelin]]'', ''[[Led Zeppelin II]]'', and ''[[Led Zeppelin III]]'', were released on 2 June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 March 2014 |title=First Three Albums Newly Remastered With Previously Unreleased Companion Audio |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2014/03/13/first-three-albums-newly-remastered-previously-unreleased-companion-audio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235805/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2014/03/13/first-three-albums-newly-remastered-previously-unreleased-companion-audio |archive-date=14 March 2014 |access-date=14 March 2014 |website=Led Zeppelin.com}}</ref> The second wave of albums, ''[[Led Zeppelin IV]]'' and ''[[Houses of the Holy]]'', were released on 27 October 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2014 |title=Led Zeppelin Reissues Continue with Deluxe Editions of Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2014/07/29/led-zeppelin-reissues-continue-deluxe-editions-led-zeppelin-iv-and-houses-holy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512125927/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2014/07/29/led-zeppelin-reissues-continue-deluxe-editions-led-zeppelin-iv-and-houses-holy |archive-date=12 May 2016 |access-date=22 January 2017 |website=Led Zeppelin.com}}</ref> ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' was released on 23 February 2015, almost exactly forty years to the day after the original release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 January 2015 |title=Physical Graffiti Deluxe Edition Arrives Exactly 40 Years After Debut, Produced and Newly Remastered by Jimmy Page, with Previously Unreleased Companion Audio |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2015/01/08/physical-graffiti-deluxe-edition-arrives-exactly-40-years-after-debut-produced-and-n |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119205049/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2015/01/08/physical-graffiti-deluxe-edition-arrives-exactly-40-years-after-debut-produced-and-n |archive-date=19 January 2015 |access-date=22 January 2017 |website=Led Zeppelin.com}}</ref> The fourth and final wave of studio album reissues, ''[[Presence (album)|Presence]]'', ''[[In Through the Out Door]]'', and ''[[Coda (Led Zeppelin album)|Coda]]'', were released on 31 July 2015.{{sfn|Grow|2015}}

Through this remastering project, each studio album was reissued on CD and vinyl and was also available in a Deluxe Edition, which contained a bonus disc of previously unheard material (''[[Coda (Led Zeppelin album)|Coda]]''{{'}}s Deluxe Edition would include two bonus discs). Each album was also available in a Super Deluxe Edition Box Set, which included the remastered album and bonus disc on both CD and 180-gram vinyl, a high-definition audio download card of all content at 96&nbsp;kHz/24 bit, a hardbound book filled with rare and previously unseen photos and memorabilia, and a high-quality print of the original album cover.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2015 |title=Pre-Order Deluxe Editions of Presence, In Through the Out Door, and Coda, Each Newly Remastered by Jimmy Page, With Previously Unreleased Companion Audio |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2015/06/03/pre-order-deluxe-editions-presence-through-out-door-and-coda-each-newly-remastered-j |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017230942/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2015/06/03/pre-order-deluxe-editions-presence-through-out-door-and-coda-each-newly-remastered-j |archive-date=17 October 2016 |access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>

On 6 November 2015, the ''[[Mothership (Led Zeppelin album)|Mothership]]'' compilation was reissued using the band's newly remastered audio tracks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2015 |title=Led Zeppelin / Mothership 4LP vinyl |url=http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/led-zeppelin-mothership-4lp-vinyl/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017204901/http://www.superdeluxeedition.com/news/led-zeppelin-mothership-4lp-vinyl/ |archive-date=17 October 2015 |access-date=23 January 2017 |website=superdeluxeedition.com}}</ref> The reissuing campaign continued the next year with the re-release of ''[[BBC Sessions (Led Zeppelin album)|BBC Sessions]]'' on 16 September 2016. The reissue contained a bonus disc with nine unreleased [[BBC]] recordings, including the heavily bootlegged but never officially released "Sunshine Woman".<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 July 2016 |title=The Complete BBC Sessions – With Previously Unreleased Recordings Out Sept. 16th |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2016/07/20/complete-bbc-sessions-previously-unreleased-recordings-out-sept-16th |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013016/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/2016/07/20/complete-bbc-sessions-previously-unreleased-recordings-out-sept-16th |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=22 January 2017}}</ref>

To commemorate the band's 50th anniversary, Page, Plant and Jones announced an official illustrated book celebrating 50 years since the formation of the band.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2017 |title=Led Zeppelin Official Illustrated Book – Coming 2018 |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/led-zeppelin-official-illustrated-book-coming-2018-1260556 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125135155/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/led-zeppelin-official-illustrated-book-coming-2018-1260556 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref> Also released for the celebration was a reissue of ''[[How the West Was Won (Led Zeppelin album)|How the West Was Won]]'' on 23 March 2018, which includes the album's first pressing on vinyl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2018 |title=Live Album How The West Was Won To Be Reissued With New Remastering Supervised By Jimmy Page |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/live-album-how-west-was-won-be-reissued-new-remastering-supervised-jimmy-page-1261051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134837/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/news/live-album-how-west-was-won-be-reissued-new-remastering-supervised-jimmy-page-1261051 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref> For [[Record Store Day]] on 21 April 2018, Led Zeppelin released a 7" single [[Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin song)|"Rock and Roll" (Sunset Sound Mix)]]/[[Friends (Led Zeppelin song)|"Friends" (Olympic Studio Mix)]], their first single in 21 years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 January 2019 |title=Led Zeppelin share teaser trailer for beautiful Record Store Day release |agency=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/led-zeppelin-announce-special-7-inch-single-record-store-day-2249554 |url-status=live |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103161251/https://www.nme.com/news/music/led-zeppelin-announce-special-7-inch-single-record-store-day-2249554 |archive-date=3 January 2019}}</ref>

==== 2020s ====
In October 2020, Page released a photo collection called ''Jimmy Page: The Anthology'', in which it was confirmed a documentary was in the works for the band's 50th anniversary.{{sfn|Light|2020}} A work-in-progress version of the documentary film, titled ''[[Becoming Led Zeppelin]]'', was screened at the [[Venice Film Festival]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Reed |first=Ryan |title=Led Zeppelin Documentary to Feature Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/led-zeppelin-documentary-robert-plant-jimmy-page-john-paul-jones-832748/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Penske Business Media |access-date=2 March 2023 |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225104302/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/led-zeppelin-documentary-robert-plant-jimmy-page-john-paul-jones-832748/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the first time the band's members had agreed to participate in a biographical documentary.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simpson |first=George |date=2 August 2021 |title=Led Zeppelin official documentary title announced: 'Film had unprecedented access to band' |work=Express |publisher=Express Newspapers |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1471317/Led-Zeppelin-documentary-Becoming-Led-Zeppelin-Robert-Plant-Jimmy-Page |access-date=2 March 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302093733/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/1471317/Led-Zeppelin-documentary-Becoming-Led-Zeppelin-Robert-Plant-Jimmy-Page |url-status=live }}</ref> The completed film premiered in [[IMAX]] in several countries on 7 February 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |title='Becoming Led Zeppelin' Documentary Sets 2025 Release Date |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/becoming-led-zeppelin-documentary-release-date-imax-1236236439/ |website=Variety |date=5 December 2024 |publisher=Variety Media, LLC |access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=6 February 2025 |title=Becoming Led Zeppelin review – enjoyable retrospective will be met with a Whole Lotta Love |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/06/becoming-led-zeppelin-review-enjoyable-retrospective-will-be-met-with-a-whole-lotta-love |access-date=11 October 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
[[File:John Bonham-2.jpg|thumb|John Bonham's aggressive drumming style was critical to the hard rock sound associated with the band.|alt=A black and white photograph of John Bonham wearing a headband and behind the cymbals of a drum kit]]Led Zeppelin's music was rooted in the [[blues]].{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} The influence of American blues artists such as [[Muddy Waters]] and [[Skip James]] was particularly apparent on their first two albums, as was the distinct [[country blues]] style of [[Howlin' Wolf]].{{sfn|Gulla|2001|pp=153–159}} There were tracks structured around the [[twelve-bar blues]] on every studio album except for one, and the blues directly and indirectly influenced other songs both musically and lyrically.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=8}} The band were also strongly influenced by the music of the [[British folk revival|British]], [[Celtic music|Celtic]], and [[American folk music revival|American folk revivals]].{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} Scottish folk guitarist [[Bert Jansch]] helped inspire Page, and from him he adapted [[Guitar tunings#Open tunings|open tunings]] and aggressive strokes into his playing.{{sfn|Wall|2008|p=94}} The band also drew on a wide variety of genres, including [[world music]],{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} and elements of early [[rock and roll]], [[jazz]], [[country music|country]], [[funk]], [[soul music|soul]], and [[reggae]], particularly on ''Houses of the Holy'' and the albums that followed.{{sfn|Gulla|2001|pp=153–159}}

The material on the first two albums was largely constructed out of extended jams of [[List of blues standards|blues standards]]{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} and [[Folk music|folk songs]].{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=56–59}}{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=26}} Page recounted the process, saying "We didn't over-rehearse things. We just had them so that they were just right, so that there was this tension – maybe there might be a mistake. But there won't be, because this is how we're all going to do it and it's gonna work!"<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Scaramangapublished |first=Jenna |date=2022-08-19 |title=The greatest guitar albums of the '70s: Getting the Led out with Sabbath, the Who, Pink Floyd and more |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/greatest-guitar-albums-of-the-70s |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=guitarworld |language=en}}</ref> This method led to musical and lyrical elements from different songs and versions, as well as improvised passages, being mixed together to create new material—which would also lead to later accusations of plagiarism and legal disputes over copyright.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=56–59}} Usually the music was developed first, sometimes with improvised lyrics that might then be rewritten for the final version of the song.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=26}} From the visit to [[Bron-Yr-Aur]] in 1970, the songwriting partnership between Page and Plant became predominant, with Page supplying the music, largely via his acoustic guitar, and Plant emerging as the band's chief lyricist. Jones and Bonham then added to the material, in rehearsal or in the studio, as a song was developed.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=294–296 and 364–366}} In the later stages of the band's career, Page took a back seat in composition and Jones became increasingly important in producing music, often composed on the keyboard. Plant then added lyrics before Page and Bonham developed their parts.{{sfn|Yorke|1993|pp=236–237}}{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=412–413}}

[[File:Jimmy Page early.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Page with the double-neck [[Gibson EDS-1275]] used for playing "Stairway to Heaven" among other songs live|alt=A black and white photograph of Jimmy Page playing a double-necked guitar]]
Early lyrics drew on the band's blues and folk roots, often mixing lyrical fragments from different songs.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=25}} Many of the band's songs dealt with themes of romance, unrequited love and sexual conquest, which were common in rock, pop and blues music.{{Sfn|Cope|2010|p=81}} Some of their lyrics, especially those derived from the blues, have been interpreted as [[misogyny|misogynistic]].{{sfn|Cope|2010|p=81}} Particularly on ''Led Zeppelin III'', they incorporated elements of [[mythology]] and [[mysticism]] into their music,{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} which largely grew out of Plant's interest in legends and history.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=59}} These elements were often taken to reflect Page's interest in the [[occult]], which resulted in accusations that the recordings contained [[subliminal stimuli|subliminal]] satanic messages, some of which were said to be contained in [[backmasking]]; these claims were generally dismissed by the band and music critics.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=278–279}} The pastoral fantasies in Plant's songwriting were inspired by the landscape of the [[Black Country]] region and [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s high fantasy novel ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.{{sfn|Schinder |Schwartz|2008|p=383}} Susan Fast argues that as Plant emerged as the band's main lyricist, the songs more obviously reflected his alignment with the West Coast [[counterculture of the 1960s]].{{sfn|Fast|2001|pp=9–10}} In the later part of the band's career Plant's lyrics became more autobiographical, and less optimistic, drawing on his own experiences and circumstances.{{sfn|Wall|2008|pp=364–365}}

According to musicologist [[Robert Walser (musicologist)|Robert Walser]], "Led Zeppelin's sound was marked by speed and power, unusual rhythmic patterns, contrasting terraced dynamics, singer Robert Plant's wailing vocals, and guitarist Jimmy Page's heavily distorted crunch".{{sfn|Walser|1993|p=10}} These elements mean that they are often cited as one of the originators of [[hard rock]]{{sfn|Fast|2011|p=5}} and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]{{sfn|Walser|1993|p=10}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Led Zeppelin |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/led-zeppelin/biography |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505012026/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/led-zeppelin/biography |archive-date=5 May 2011 |access-date=24 December 2009}}</ref> and they have been described as the "definitive heavy metal band",{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} although the band members have often eschewed the label.{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=124}} Led Zeppelin, together with [[Deep Purple]] and [[Black Sabbath]], have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid- seventies".{{sfn|McIver|2006|loc=Chapter 11, p. 1}} Part of this reputation depends on the band's use of distorted guitar riffs on songs like "Whole Lotta Love" and "[[The Wanton Song]]".{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=1198}}{{sfn|Fast|2001|pp=113–117}} Often riffs were not doubled by guitar, bass and drums exactly, but instead there were melodic or rhythmic variations.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=96}} Page's guitar playing incorporated elements of the [[blues scale]] with those of [[Music of Asia|eastern music]].{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=87}} Plant's use of high-pitched shrieks has been compared to [[Janis Joplin]]'s vocal technique.{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=1198}}{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=45}} [[Robert Christgau]] found him integral to the group's heavy "power blues" aesthetic, functioning as a "mechanical effect" similarly to Page's guitar parts. While noting Plant "hints at real feeling" on some of their acoustic songs, Christgau believed he abandoned traditional blues singing's emphasis on emotional projection in favour of vocal precision and dynamics: "Whether he is mouthing sexist blues cliches or running through one of the band's half-audible, half-comprehensible ... lyrics about chivalry or the counter-culture, his voice is devoid of feeling. Like the tenors and baritones of yore, he wants his voice to be an instrument—specifically, an electric guitar."{{sfn|Christgau|1972a}} Bonham's drumming was noted for its power, his rapid rolls and his fast beats on a single bass drum; while Jones' basslines have been described as melodic and his keyboard playing added a classical touch to the band's sound.{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=13}}{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=1198}}

{{quote box
| quote = At some deep level, Led Zeppelin's music is about the relationship between humanity and technology. Philosophically, the band prefers humanity pure and simple, but in practice it must realize its humanity technologically. That seems truer than most good-time pastoral fantasies.{{sfn|Christgau|1972a}}
| source = —[[Robert Christgau]], 1972
| width = 30%
| align = right
| style = padding:8px;
}}

Led Zeppelin have been widely viewed as a hard rock band, although Christgau regarded them as [[art rock]] as well.{{sfn|Christgau|1980}} According to popular music scholar [[Reebee Garofalo]], "because hip critics could not find a constructive way of positioning themselves in relation to Led Zeppelin's ultra-macho presentation, they were excluded from the art rock category despite their broad range of influences."{{sfn|Garofalo|2008|p=233}} Christgau wrote in 1972, the band could be considered art rock because they "relate to rock and roll not organically but intellectually", idealising the "amplified beat" as "a kind of formal challenge". Unlike their contemporaries in [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]] and [[Yes (band)|Yes]], who use "the physical compulsion of beat and volume to involve the mind", Led Zeppelin "make body music of an oddly cerebral cast, arousing aggression rather than sexuality." As such, along with other second-generation English hard rock bands like [[Black Sabbath]] and [[Mott the Hoople]], they can attract both intellectuals and working-class youths in "a strange potential double audience."{{sfn|Christgau|1972b}} Years later, ''In Through the Out Door''{{'}}s "tuneful synthesizer pomp" further confirmed for Christgau they were an art rock band.{{sfn|Christgau|1980}}

Page stated that he wanted Led Zeppelin to produce music that had "light and shade", and held the belief that instrumentation could be used to "set the scene."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rachel |first=Daniel |title=The Art of Noise: Conversations with Great Songwriters |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |year=2014 |publication-date=October 7, 2014 |pages=48}}</ref> This began to be more clearly realised beginning with ''Led Zeppelin III'', which made greater use of acoustic instruments.{{sfn|Erlewine|2011a}} This approach has been seen as exemplified in the fourth album, particularly on "[[Stairway to Heaven]]", which begins with acoustic guitar and recorder and ends with drums and heavy electric sounds.{{sfn|Schinder |Schwartz|2008|p=390}}{{sfn|Fast|2001|p=79}} Page was quoted saying, "The music is lyrical without lyrics. The lyrics are telling a story and they're conveying a situation or a person or a reflection or an observation, and the construction of the music I felt was doing the same sort of thing. It was lyrical in the way it was being played."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rachel |first=Daniel |title=The Art of Noise: Conversations with Great Songwriters |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin |year=2014 |publication-date=October 7, 2014 |pages=55}}</ref> Towards the end of their recording career, they moved to a more mellow and [[progressive rock|progressive]] sound, dominated by Jones' keyboard motifs.{{sfn|Schinder |Schwartz|2008|pp=380–391}} They also increasingly made use of various layering and production techniques, including multi-tracking and [[Overdubbing|overdubbed]] guitar parts.{{sfn|Gulla|2001|pp=153–159}} Their emphasis on the sense of dynamics and ensemble arrangement{{sfn|Gulla|2001|pp=153–159}} has been seen as producing an individualistic style that transcends any single music genre.{{sfn|Brackett|2008|pp=53–76}}{{sfn|Buckley|2003|p=585}} Ian Peddie argues that they were "...&nbsp;loud, powerful and often heavy, but their music was also humorous, self-reflective and extremely subtle".{{sfn|Peddie|2006|p=136}} Page stated that the band's albums were intended to be taken as a whole. He was quoted saying, "We were crafting albums for the album market. It was important, I felt, to have the flow and the rise and fall of the music and the contrast, so that each song would have more impact against the other."<ref name="auto"/>

== Legacy ==
[[File:Robert-Plant.jpg|thumb|Plant's vocal style has been highly influential in rock music, while his mane of long blond hair and powerful, bare-chested appearance, helped to create the "rock god" archetype.<ref>{{Cite news |title=How Robert Plant contributed to creating the 'rock god' archetype |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-robert-plant-contributed-to-creating-the-rock-god-archetype/g-45147384 |url-status=live |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703211239/https://www.dw.com/en/how-robert-plant-contributed-to-creating-the-rock-god-archetype/g-45147384 |archive-date=3 July 2020}}</ref> A 2011 ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' readers' pick named him the "Best Lead Singer of All Time".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=12 April 2011 |title=Rolling Stone Readers Pick the Best Lead Singers of All Time |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/rolling-stone-readers-pick-the-best-lead-singers-of-all-time-19450/1-robert-plant-256503/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703213249/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/rolling-stone-readers-pick-the-best-lead-singers-of-all-time-19450/1-robert-plant-256503/ |archive-date=3 July 2020}}</ref>|alt=A black and white photograph showing a headshot of Robert Plant with a microphone in hand]]
Led Zeppelin is widely regarded as one of the most successful, innovative, and influential bands in the history of rock music.{{sfn|Schinder |Schwartz|2008|p=380}} Rock critic [[Mikal Gilmore]] said, "Led Zeppelin—talented, complex, grasping, beautiful and dangerous—made one of the most enduring bodies of composition and performance in twentieth-century music, despite everything they had to overpower, including themselves".{{sfn|Gilmore|2006}}

Led Zeppelin have influenced hard rock and heavy metal bands such as [[Deep Purple]],{{sfn|Thompson|2004|p=61}} [[Black Sabbath]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 March 2006 |title=Black Sabbath: the greatest metal bands of all time |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index2.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319045933/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index2.jhtml |archive-date=19 March 2008 |access-date=5 September 2010 |publisher=MTV}}</ref> [[Rush (band)|Rush]],{{sfn|Prown |Newquist |Eiche|1997|p=167}} [[Queen (band)|Queen]],{{sfn|Prown |Newquist |Eiche|1997|p=106}} [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]],{{sfn|Nur Pervan|2022}} [[Aerosmith]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aerosmith inducts Led Zeppelin 1995 |url=https://rockhall.com/inductees/aerosmith/video/4433/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523004050/https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/aerosmith/video/4433/ |archive-date=23 May 2016 |access-date=10 May 2016 |website=Rockhall.com}}</ref> [[the Black Crowes]],<ref name="The Black Crowes">{{Cite web |title=Jimmy Page and the Black Crowes Interview |url=https://www.guitar.com/articles/jimmy-page-and-black-crowes-interview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513025921/https://www.guitar.com/articles/jimmy-page-and-black-crowes-interview |archive-date=13 May 2016 |access-date=10 May 2016 |website=Guitar.com}}</ref> and [[Megadeth]]{{sfn|Davies|2010}} as well as progressive metal bands like [[Tool (band)|Tool]]{{sfn|Pareles|1997}} and [[Dream Theater]].{{sfn|Sparks|2010}} Jeff Mezydlo of [[Yardbarker]] wrote, "While Black Sabbath and Deep Purple also influenced a hard, guitar-driven sound that opened the door for the heavy metal movement, Zeppelin did it better than anybody."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-28 |title=The 25 most legendary bands to hail from England |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_25_greatest_english_rock_bands/s1__30317819#slide_1 |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}</ref> The band also influenced some early [[punk rock|punk]] and [[post-punk]] bands, among them the [[Ramones]],{{sfn|Jones|2003}} [[Joy Division]]{{sfn|Day|2005}}{{sfn|johnrobb|2012}} and [[the Cult]].{{sfn|Erlewine|2007}} They were also an important influence on the development of [[alternative rock]], as bands adapted elements from the "Zeppelin sound" of the mid-1970s,{{sfn|Witmer|2010}}{{sfn|Grossman|2002}} including [[the Smashing Pumpkins]],{{sfn|Haskins|1995|p=xv}}{{sfn|Turner|2010}} [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]],{{sfn|Gaar|2009|p=36}} [[Pearl Jam]],{{sfn|Schinder |Schwartz|2008|p=405}} and [[Soundgarden]].{{sfn|Budofsky|2006|p=147}} Bands and artists from diverse genres have acknowledged the influence of Led Zeppelin, such as [[Madonna]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1999 |title=Interview Madonna reviews life on Larry King Live |publisher=CNN |url=http://articles.cnn.com/1999-01-19/entertainment/9901_19_madonna.lkl_1_dancer-madonna-madonna-ciccone-modern-dance/12?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ |url-status=dead |access-date=5 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121105431/http://articles.cnn.com/1999-01-19/entertainment/9901_19_madonna.lkl_1_dancer-madonna-madonna-ciccone-modern-dance/12?_s=PM%3ASHOWBIZ |archive-date=21 January 2012}}</ref> [[Shakira]],{{sfn|García Márquez|2002}} [[Lady Gaga]],{{sfn|Cochrane|2009}} [[Kesha]],{{sfn|Hendicott|2011}} and [[Katie Melua]].{{sfn|Melua|2007}}

[[File:JohnPaulJones1980-2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Jones performing with the band in [[Mannheim]], West Germany in 1980 on their last tour|alt=A red tinged photograph of John Paul Jones playing a bass guitar]]
Led Zeppelin influenced the [[music business]], particularly in the development of album-oriented rock (AOR) and [[Arena rock|stadium rock]].{{sfn|Bukszpan|2003|p=121}}{{sfn|Waksman|2009|pp=21–31}} In 1988, [[John Kalodner]], then-[[Geffen Records]] [[Artists and repertoire|A&R]] executive, said, "Next to the Beatles they're the most influential band in history. They influence the way music is on records, AOR radio, concerts. They set the standards for the AOR-radio format with 'Stairway to Heaven,' having AOR hits without necessarily having [[Top 40]] hits. They're the ones who did the first real big arena concert shows, consistently selling out and playing stadiums without support. People can do as well as them, but nobody surpasses them."{{sfn|Pond|1988|pp=68–69}}
[[Andrew Loog Oldham]], the former producer and manager of the Rolling Stones, said Led Zeppelin influenced the record business and the way rock concerts were managed and presented to huge audiences.{{sfn|Hughes|2010}} In 2007, they were a featured artist in the stadium rock episode of the BBC/VH1 series ''[[Seven Ages of Rock]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Seven Ages of Rock. Episode 5: Stadium Rock |work=BBC one |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qhtg |url-status=live |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808212720/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qhtg |archive-date=8 August 2019}}</ref>

The band have sold over 200&nbsp;million albums worldwide, according to some sources,{{sfn|Thorpe|2007}}{{sfn|Beaumont|2020}} while others state that they have sold more than 300&nbsp;million records,{{sfn|Sorel-Cameron|2007}} including 111.5&nbsp;million certified units in the United States. According to the [[Recording Industry Association of America]], Led Zeppelin are the [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States|third-highest-selling band, the fifth highest selling music act in the US]], and one of only four acts to earn five or more Diamond albums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top-Selling Artists |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719114528/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists |archive-date=19 July 2012 |access-date=8 January 2011 |website=RIAA's Gold & Platinum Program |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America}}</ref> They achieved eight consecutive number-ones on the [[UK Albums Chart]], a record for most consecutive UK number-one albums shared with [[ABBA]].{{sfn|Lane|2013}} Led Zeppelin remain one of the most [[Bootleg recording|bootlegged]] artists in the history of rock music.{{sfn|Clinton|2004|p=8}}

Led Zeppelin had cultural impact. Jim Miller, editor of ''Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll'', argues that "on one level, Led Zeppelin represents the final flowering of the sixties' psychedelic ethic, which casts rock as passive sensory involvement".{{sfn|Straw|1990|p=84}} Led Zeppelin have also been described as "the quintessential purveyors"{{sfn|Waksman|2001|pp=238–239}} of masculine and aggressive "[[cock rock]]", although this assertion has been challenged.{{sfn|Fast|2001|pp=162–163}} The band's fashion-sense has been seminal; Simeon Lipman, head of pop culture at [[Christie's]] auction house, has commented that "Led Zeppelin have had a big influence on fashion because the whole aura surrounding them is so cool, and people want a piece of that".{{sfn|Long|2007}} Led Zeppelin laid the foundation for the [[big hair]] of the 1980s [[glam metal]] bands such as [[Mötley Crüe]] and [[Skid Row (American band)|Skid Row]].{{sfn|Batchelor|Stoddart|2007|p=121}} Other musicians have also adapted elements from Led Zeppelin's attitude to clothes, jewellery and hair, such as the hipster flares and tight band T-shirts of [[Kings of Leon]], shaggy hair, clingy T-shirts and bluesman hair of [[Jack White]] of [[the White Stripes]], and [[Kasabian]] guitarist [[Sergio Pizzorno]]'s silk scarves, [[trilby|trilbies]] and side-laced tight jeans.{{sfn|Long|2007}}

== Achievements ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Led Zeppelin}}
[[File:Barack Obama speaks to Led Zeppelin.jpg|thumb|Led Zeppelin were honoured by US President [[Barack Obama]] at the 2012 [[Kennedy Center Honors]].]]
Led Zeppelin have collected many honours and awards. They were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 1995,{{sfn|Lewis|2003|p=163}} and the [[UK Music Hall of Fame]] in 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 September 2006 |title=Led Zeppelin make UK Hall of Fame |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5338196.stm |url-status=live |access-date=16 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813230616/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5338196.stm |archive-date=13 August 2011}}</ref> Among the band's awards are an [[American Music Award]] in 2005, and the [[Polar Music Prize]] in 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2006 |title=Award for 'pioneers' Led Zeppelin |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5007476.stm |url-status=live |access-date=16 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210002035/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5007476.stm |archive-date=10 February 2012}}</ref> Led Zeppelin received a [[Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2005;<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 February 2005 |title=Zeppelin celebrate Grammy honour |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4261905.stm |url-status=live |access-date=22 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615104949/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4261905.stm |archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> Four of their recordings have been inducted into the [[Grammy Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=GRAMMY Hall of Fame |url=http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124012108/http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/awards/hall-of-fame |archive-date=24 November 2011 |access-date=18 December 2011 |website=GRAMMY.org |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref> They have been awarded five [[Music recording sales certification|Diamond albums]], as well as fourteen Multi-Platinum, four Platinum and one Gold album in the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum database search: 'Led Zeppelin' |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=4&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Led_Zeppelin&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=&endMonth=&startYear=&endYear=&sort=Artist&perPage=100 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154623/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=4&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Led_Zeppelin&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=&endMonth=&startYear=&endYear=&sort=Artist&perPage=100 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=26 March 2009 |website=RIAA's Gold & Platinum Program |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref> while in the UK they have five Multi-Platinum, six Platinum, one Gold and four Silver albums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Certified Awards Search—Led Zeppelin |url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805005459/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |archive-date=5 August 2011 |access-date=18 December 2011 |website=[[British Phonographic Industry]]}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' named Led Zeppelin the 14th-greatest artist of all time in 2004.{{sfn|Grohl|2011|p=27}}

In 2003, ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s [[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|500 Greatest Albums of All Time]] list included ''[[Led Zeppelin (album)|Led Zeppelin]]'' at number 29,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Led Zeppelin ranked no. 29 |newspaper=Rollingstone.com |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902065011/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ''[[Led Zeppelin IV]]'' at number 66,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Led Zeppelin IV ranked no. 66 |newspaper=Rollingstone.com |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-iv-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902065011/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-iv-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' at number 70,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Physical Graffiti ranked no. 70 |newspaper=Rollingstone.com |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/physical-graffiti-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902033813/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/physical-graffiti-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> ''[[Led Zeppelin II]]'' at number 75,<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Led Zeppelin II ranked no. 75 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-ii-led-zeppelin-19691231 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902065005/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-ii-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=15 October 2021}}</ref> and ''[[Houses of the Holy]]'' at number 149.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Houses of the Holy ranked no. 149 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/houses-of-the-holy-led-zeppelin-19691231 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902072718/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/houses-of-the-holy-led-zeppelin-19691231 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |access-date=15 October 2021}}</ref> And in 2004, on their [[The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|500 Greatest Songs of All Time]] list, ''Rolling Stone'' included "[[Stairway to Heaven]]" at number 31, "[[Whole Lotta Love]]" at number 75,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 1–100 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619072533/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page |archive-date=19 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> "[[Kashmir (song)|Kashmir]]" at number 140,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 101–200 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620035744/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/2 |archive-date=20 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> "[[Black Dog (Led Zeppelin song)|Black Dog]]" at number 294,<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2007 |title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 201–300 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619105433/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/3 |archive-date=19 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> "[[Heartbreaker (Led Zeppelin song)|Heartbreaker]]" at number 320,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 301–400 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621075825/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/4 |archive-date=21 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> and "[[Ramble On]]" at number 433.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 2004 401–500 |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622112029/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/5 |archive-date=22 June 2008 |access-date=15 October 2021 |publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref>

In 2005, Page was appointed an [[Order of the British Empire|Officer of the Order of the British Empire]] in recognition of his charity work, and in 2009 Plant was honoured as a [[Order of the British Empire|Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] for his services to popular music.{{sfn|Leonard|2008}} The band are ranked number one on [[VH1]]'s ''100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock''<ref>{{Cite web |year=2000 |title=VH1: '100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists' |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108173414/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm |archive-date=8 January 2008 |access-date=17 February 2010 |publisher=[[VH1]] |via=RockOnTheNet.com}}</ref> and ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]''{{'}}s "50 best live acts of all time".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 2008 |title=50 Best Live Acts of All Time |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |issue=118 |pages=34–45}}</ref> They were named as the best Rock band in a poll by BBC Radio 2.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Best Band |work=BBC – Radio 2 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/rocknrollband/best-band/ |url-status=live |access-date=27 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204224424/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/rocknrollband/best-band/ |archive-date=4 December 2014}}</ref> They were awarded an [[Ivor Novello Awards|Ivor Novello Award]] for "Outstanding Contribution to British Music" in 1977,<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=28 May 1977 |title=PRS/Novello Awards shared by intl artists |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2UQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT3 |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001000601/https://books.google.com/books?id=2UQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT3 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |access-date=18 December 2011}}</ref> as well as a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 42nd Annual Ivor Novello awards ceremony in 1997.{{sfn|Hunter|1997}} The band were honoured at the [[2008 MOJO Awards]] with the "Best Live Act" prize for their one-off reunion, and were described as the "greatest rock and roll band of all time".<ref>{{Cite web |year=2008 |title=Mojo Awards 'Best Live Act' 2008&nbsp;– Acceptance Speech |url=http://www.ledzeppelin.com/node/3312/2112 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013003739/http://www.ledzeppelin.com/node/3312/2112 |archive-date=13 October 2011 |website=Led Zeppelin.com |format=video}}</ref> In 2010, ''Led Zeppelin IV'' was one of ten classic album covers from British artists [[Great Britain commemorative stamps 2010–2019#2010|commemorated on a UK postage stamp]] issued by the [[Royal Mail]]; they were unveiled by Jimmy Page.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Royal Mail unveil classic album cover stamps |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/royal-mail-unveil-classic-album-cover-stamps-1860738.html |access-date=23 September 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511182125/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/royal-mail-unveil-classic-album-cover-stamps-1860738.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Royal Mail puts classic albums on to stamps |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2009/nov/21/guidelines-rock-stamp-album-covers |access-date=23 September 2022 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923165945/https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2009/nov/21/guidelines-rock-stamp-album-covers |url-status=live }}</ref> Led Zeppelin were named as 2012 recipients of the [[Kennedy Center Honors]].{{sfn|Gans|2007}}

== Band members ==
* [[Robert Plant]] – vocals, harmonica, percussion (1968–1980, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2007)
* [[Jimmy Page]] – guitars (1968–1980, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2007)
* [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]] – bass, keyboards (1968–1980, 1985, 1988, 1995, 2007)
* [[John Bonham]] – drums, percussion (1968–1980; died 1980)

'''Guest musicians post-breakup'''
* [[Tony Thompson (drummer)|Tony Thompson]] – drums (1985; died 2003)
* [[Phil Collins]] – drums (1985)
* [[Paul Martinez]] – bass (1985; died 2024)
* [[Jason Bonham]] – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1988, 1995, 2007)
* [[Michael Lee (musician)|Michael Lee]] – drums (1995; died 2008)

== Discography ==
{{Main|Led Zeppelin discography|List of songs recorded by Led Zeppelin}}
* ''[[Led Zeppelin (album)|Led Zeppelin]]'' (1969)
* ''[[Led Zeppelin II]]'' (1969)
* ''[[Led Zeppelin III]]'' (1970)
* [[Led Zeppelin IV|Untitled album]] (1971) (commonly known as ''Led Zeppelin IV'')
* ''[[Houses of the Holy]]'' (1973)
* ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' (1975)
* ''[[Presence (album)|Presence]]'' (1976)
* ''[[In Through the Out Door]]'' (1979) 
* ''[[Coda (Led Zeppelin album)|Coda]]'' (1982)

== See also ==
* [[List of cover versions of Led Zeppelin songs]]
* [[List of Led Zeppelin songs written or inspired by others]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin|colwidth=30em}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Anders|first=Marcel|date=October 2014|title=Q&A: Robert Plant |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|issue=202}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Batchelor |first1=Bob |title=American Popular Culture Through History: the 1980s |last2=Stoddart |first2=Scott |publisher=Greenwood |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-313-33000-1 |location=Westport, Connecticut}}
* {{Cite news |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |date=1 December 2020 |title=The untimely death of Led Zeppelin |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-split-john-bonham-jimmy-page-b1762786.html |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413100955/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-split-john-bonham-jimmy-page-b1762786.html |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news|last=Beech|first=Mark|date=29 September 2008|title=Led Zeppelin Singer Robert Plant rules out reunion record, tour|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aU_5GfM1LTsc&refer=muse|access-date=29 September 2008|work=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805024112/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aU_5GfM1LTsc&refer=muse|archive-date=5 August 2011|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite web |last=Bosso |first=Joe |date=7 January 2009 |title='Led Zeppelin are over!', says Jimmy Page's manager |url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/led-zeppelin-are-over-says-jimmy-pages-manager-190946 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012165241/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/led-zeppelin-are-over-says-jimmy-pages-manager-190946 |archive-date=12 October 2011 |access-date=1 October 2011 |website=[[MusicRadar]] }}
* {{cite journal|last=Brackett|first=John|title=Examining rhythmic and metric practices in Led Zeppelin's musical style|journal=Popular Music|volume=27|issue=1|pages=53–76|year=2008|doi=10.1017/s0261143008001487|s2cid=55401670|url=https://hcommons.org/deposits/download/hc:16060/CONTENT/examining_rhythmic_and_metric_practices.pdf/|id={{ProQuest|1325852}}|access-date=1 June 2020|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927162938/https://hcommons.org/deposits/objects/hc:16060/datastreams/CONTENT/content?download=true|url-status=live|issn=0261-1430 |url-access=subscription}}
* {{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Pat |title=The Guide to United States Popular Culture |publisher=Popular Press |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-87972-821-2 |location=Minneapolis}}
* {{Cite book |last=Buckley |first=Peter |url=https://archive.org/details/roughguidetorock00roug |title=The Rough Guide to Rock |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-85828-457-6 |location=London }}
* {{Cite book |last=Budofsky |first=Adam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MWA6a9AKhzUC&pg=PA147 |title=The Drummer: 100 Years of Rhythmic Power and Invention |publisher=Hal Leonard |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-4234-0567-2 |location=Milwaukee |access-date=26 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913135251/https://books.google.com/books?id=MWA6a9AKhzUC&pg=PA147 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Bukszpan |first=Daniel |title=The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal |publisher=Barnes & Noble |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-7607-4218-1 |location=New York}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Chamberlain|first=Rich|date=October 2014|title=Heavy Load: Myles Kennedy|magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|issue=202}}
* {{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=15 June 1972a|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/news/nd720615.php|title=A Power Plant|work=[[Newsday]]|access-date=10 September 2018|via=Robertchristgau.com|url-status=live|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426105401/https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/news/nd720615.php}}
* {{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|date=December 1972b|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-aow/mott.php|title=Growing Up Grim With Mott the Hoople|work=Newsday|access-date=10 September 2018|via=Robertchristgau.com|url-status=live|archive-date=10 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910204453/https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-aow/mott.php}}
* {{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|date=31 March 1980|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv3-80.php|title=Christgau's Consumer Guide|work=[[The Village Voice]]|access-date=6 September 2018|via=Robertchristgau.com|url-status=live|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825025717/http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv3-80.php}}
* {{Cite book |last=Clinton |first=Heylin |title=Bootleg! The Rise & Fall of the Secret Recording Industry |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-84449-151-3 |location=London}}
* {{cite news|last=Cochrane|first=Greg|date=23 January 2009|work=BBC|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7846000/7846658.stm|access-date=13 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126040104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7846000/7846658.stm|url-status=live|archive-date=26 January 2009|title=Lady GaGa reveals her touring secrets}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050472/led-zeppelin-readies-fall-reissue-bonanza|title=Led Zeppelin readies fall reissue bonanza|magazine=Billboard|date=27 July 2007|access-date=1 October 2011|archive-date=26 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126230903/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050472/led-zeppelin-readies-fall-reissue-bonanza|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Cope |first=Andrew L. |title=Black Sabbath and the Rise of Heavy Metal Music |publisher=Ashgate |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-7546-6881-7 |location=Aldershot}}
* {{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Claire |date=29 September 2010 |title=Megadeth interview (Monster Riffs Week): Megadeth axeman Dave Mustaine walks Total Guitar through the fiery riff from 'Hangar 18' |url=http://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/monster-riffs-week-megadeth-interview-280473/3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202082432/http://www.musicradar.com/totalguitar/monster-riffs-week-megadeth-interview-280473?cpn=RSS&source=MRTOTALGUITAR |archive-date=2 February 2012 |access-date=22 February 2012 |website=Total Guitar }}
* {{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Erik |title=Led Zeppelin IV |publisher=Continuum |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-8264-1658-2 |location=New York}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Davis|first=Stephen|date=20 May 1976|author-link=Stephen Davis (music journalist)|title=Album Review: Led Zeppelin: Presence|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ledzeppelin/albums/album/224305/review/5945483/presence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423153508/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ledzeppelin/albums/album/224305/review/5945483/presence|archive-date=23 April 2009|access-date=29 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Stephen |title=Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga |title-link=Hammer of the Gods (book) |publisher=Pan |year=1985 |isbn=978-0-330-34287-2 |location=London |author-link=Stephen Davis (music journalist)}}
* {{Cite web |last=Dawtrey |first=Adam |date=26 October 2012 |title='Zeppelin' film grosses $2 mil in one night |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/zeppelin-film-grosses-2-mil-in-one-night-1118061306/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106173816/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118061306/ |archive-date=6 January 2013 |access-date=12 January 2013 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation|Penske Business Media]] }}
* {{Cite web |last=Day |first=Adrienne |date=4 July 2005 |title=The Records That Changed My Life: Bernard Sumner of New Order |url=https://www.spin.com/2005/07/records-changed-my-life-bernard-sumner-new-order/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142102/https://www.spin.com/2005/07/records-changed-my-life-bernard-sumner-new-order/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=31 August 2017 |website=Spin }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |year=2007 |title=The Cult&nbsp;– Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p4001 |access-date=15 January 2007 |website=AllMusic |archive-date=17 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017062429/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p4001 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |year=2010 |title=Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin II: review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r11460 |access-date=5 September 2010 |website=AllMusic |archive-date=3 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103000930/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r11460 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |date=2011a |title=Led Zeppelin: biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/led-zeppelin-p4739/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905083801/http://allmusic.com/artist/led-zeppelin-p4739/biography |archive-date=5 September 2011 |access-date=8 September 2011 |website=AllMusic }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |date=2011b |title=Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin: review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-r11459/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926082019/http://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-r11459/review |archive-date=26 September 2011 |access-date=16 September 2011 |website=AllMusic }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |year=2011c |title=Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin Box Set: review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-box-set-r11470/review |access-date=22 September 2011 |website=AllMusic |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927162939/https://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-box-set--mw0000690188 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |year=2011e |title=Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin Box Set 2: review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-box-set-2-r168735 |access-date=22 September 2011 |website=AllMusic |archive-date=28 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828031654/http://www.allmusic.com/album/led-zeppelin-box-set-2-r168735 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |year=2011f |title=Led Zeppelin: BBC Sessions: review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bbc-sessions-r318040/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125092924/http://www.allmusic.com/album/bbc-sessions-r318040/review |archive-date=25 November 2011 |access-date=22 September 2011 |website=AllMusic }}
* {{Cite book |last=Fast |first=Susan |title=In the Houses of the Holy: Led Zeppelin and the Power of Rock Music |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-19-514723-0 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=2011 |title=Led Zeppelin (British Rock Group) |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/334473/Led-Zeppelin |access-date=17 January 2010 |last=Fast |first=Susan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212201316/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/334473/Led-Zeppelin |archive-date=12 February 2010 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite magazine|last=Fortnam|first=Ian|date=2008|title=Dazed & Confused |magazine=[[Classic Rock Magazine]]: Classic Rock Presents Led Zeppelin}}{{full citation needed|date=July 2020|reason=Best guess is that this is a magazine source. Title is probably incorrect; need volume, issue or full date. (Improved guess July 2022 based on refs in Robert Plant article.)}}
* {{Cite book |last=Fyfe |first=Andy |url=https://archive.org/details/whenleveebreaks00andy |title=When the Levee Breaks: The Making of Led Zeppelin IV |publisher=Chicago Review Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-55652-508-7 |location=Chicago }}
* {{cite news |last=Gans |first=Alan |title=Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, Buddy Guy, Led Zeppelin Are Kennedy Center Honorees |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/169937-Dustin-Hoffman-David-Letterman-Natalia-Makarova-Buddy-Guy-Led-Zeppelin-Are-Kennedy-Center-Honorees |work=Playbill |access-date=12 September 2012 |date=11 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109035635/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/169937-Dustin-Hoffman-David-Letterman-Natalia-Makarova-Buddy-Guy-Led-Zeppelin-Are-Kennedy-Center-Honorees }}
* {{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Alan |title=You review: Led Zeppelin |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/dec/11/youreviewledzeppelin |work=The Guardian |access-date=20 February 2012 |date=11 December 2007 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113210713/http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/dec/11/youreviewledzeppelin |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Gaar |first=Gillian G. |title=The Rough Guide to Nirvana |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-85828-945-8 |location=London}}
* {{cite news |first=Gabriel |last=García Márquez |date=8 June 2002 |title=The poet and the princess |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2002/jun/08/shopping.colombia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802170421/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2002/jun/08/shopping.colombia |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=20 February 2012 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Garofalo |first=Reebee |title=Rockin' Out: Popular Music in the USA |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-13-234305-3 |edition=4th}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Gilmore|first=Mikal|title=The Long Shadow of Led Zeppelin|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=10 August 2006|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-long-shadow-of-led-zeppelin-20060810|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234300/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-long-shadow-of-led-zeppelin-20060810|url-status=live}}
* {{cite magazine |first=Andy |last=Greene |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/led-zeppelins-2007-reunion-concert-to-hit-theaters-in-october-20120913 |title=Led Zeppelin's 2007 reunion concert to hit theatres in October |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=13 September 2012 |access-date=29 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918040533/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/led-zeppelins-2007-reunion-concert-to-hit-theaters-in-october-20120913 |archive-date=18 September 2012 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Grohl |first=Dave |title=Rolling Stone: The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time |publisher=Rolling Stone |year=2011 |editor-last=Brackett |editor-first=Nathan |chapter=Led Zeppelin |access-date=2 September 2017 |chapter-url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-20110419 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019204145/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/led-zeppelin-20110419 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=2002 |title=Alternative rock |encyclopedia=St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture 2002 |publisher=Gale Group |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_tov/ai_2419100030/ |last=Grossman |first=Perry |isbn=1-55862-400-7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013070816/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_tov/ai_2419100030/ |archive-date=13 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=3 June 2015|title=Led Zeppelin Announce Final Three Deluxe Reissues|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/led-zeppelin-announce-final-three-deluxe-reissues-20150603|access-date=3 June 2015|archive-date=4 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604144435/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/led-zeppelin-announce-final-three-deluxe-reissues-20150603|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Gulla |first=Bob |title=Guitar Gods: The 25 Players Who Made Rock History |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-313-35806-7 |location=Santa Barbara, California}}
* {{Cite book |last=Haskins |first=Django |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VwS-wUBRvnoC&q=smashing+pumpkins+led+zeppelin&pg=PR15 |title=Stand Alone Tracks '90s Rock: Handy Guide, Book & CD |publisher=Alfred Music |year=1995 |isbn=978-0-88284-658-3 |location=Los Angeles |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927162939/https://books.google.com/books?id=VwS-wUBRvnoC&q=smashing+pumpkins+led+zeppelin&pg=PR15#v=snippet&q=smashing%20pumpkins%20led%20zeppelin&f=false |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Hendicott |first=James |date=5 July 2011 |title=Ke$ha: 'I have 200 songs for my second album' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/keha/57771 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723220910/http://www.nme.com/news/keha/57771 |archive-date=23 July 2015 |access-date=21 January 2017 |website=NME }}
* {{Cite web |last=Huey |first=Steve |year=2011 |title=The Honeydrippers: biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-honeydrippers-p4507/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114220027/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-honeydrippers-p4507/biography |archive-date=14 January 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |website=AllMusic }}
* {{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Rob |date=January 2010 |title=The real Jimmy Page |url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/jimmy_page/special_features/12529 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101051527/http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/jimmy_page/special_features/12529 |archive-date=1 January 2011 |access-date=31 May 2010 |website=Uncut }}
* {{cite magazine |first=Nigel |last=Hunter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KBAEAAAAMBAJ&q=ivor+novello+award+led+zeppelin+1997+lifetime+achievement&pg=PA48 |title=Anniversaries abound at the Novello Awards |magazine=Billboard |date=21 June 1997 |access-date=18 December 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927163441/https://books.google.com/books?id=KBAEAAAAMBAJ&q=ivor+novello+award+led+zeppelin+1997+lifetime+achievement&pg=PA48#v=snippet&q=ivor%20novello%20award%20led%20zeppelin%201997%20lifetime%20achievement&f=false |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=johnrobb |date=26 October 2012 |title=Peter Hook : my top 10 favourite albums – Louder Than War |url=http://louderthanwar.com/peter-hook-my-top-10-favourite-albums/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827051450/http://louderthanwar.com/peter-hook-my-top-10-favourite-albums/ |archive-date=27 August 2017 |access-date=31 August 2017 }}
* {{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Robert |date=2 April 2003 |title=Conservative Punk's interview with Johnny Ramone |url=http://www.robertjonesphoto.com/johnnyramone.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204132350/http://www.robertjonesphoto.com/johnnyramone.html |archive-date=4 December 2010 |access-date=2 December 2010 }}
* {{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Daniel |date=10 November 2013 |title=Eminem scores seventh consecutive UK Number 1 album |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eminem-scores-seventh-consecutive-uk-number-1-album-2599/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008102148/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/eminem-scores-seventh-consecutive-uk-number-1-album-2599/ |archive-date=8 October 2014 |access-date=30 September 2016 |publisher=Official Charts Company }}
* {{cite news |first=Michael |last=Leonard |title=Robert Plant awarded CBE in UK Honours list |url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/robert-plant-awarded-cbe-in-uk-honours-list-189898 |work=MusicRadar |date=31 December 2008 |access-date=18 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513154843/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/robert-plant-awarded-cbe-in-uk-honours-list-189898 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=Dave |title=The Complete Guide to the Music of Led Zeppelin |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-7119-3528-0 |location=London}}
* {{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=Dave |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFWS0Xx3esYC&pg=PA166 |title=Led Zeppelin: Celebration II: The 'Tight But Loose' Files |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-84449-056-1 |location=London |access-date=26 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506153639/https://books.google.com/books?id=oFWS0Xx3esYC&pg=PA166 |archive-date=6 May 2016 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=Dave |title=Led Zeppelin: The Concert File |last2=Pallett |first2=Simon |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-7119-5307-9 |location=London}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Light |first=Alan |date=20 October 2020 |title=Jimmy Page Is Still Practicing |magazine=Esquire |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34417764/jimmy-page-2020-interview/ |access-date=6 March 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206153052/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a34417764/jimmy-page-2020-interview/ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |first=Carola |last=Long |title=Led Zeppelin: the enduring influence of flares and flowing locks |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-the-enduring-influence-of-flares-and-flowing-locks-763442.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405082313/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-the-enduring-influence-of-flares-and-flowing-locks-763442.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2008 |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=27 September 2011 }}
* {{Cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |title=Sabbath Bloody Sabbath |publisher=Omnibus Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-84449-982-3 |location=London |author-link=Joel McIver}}
* {{cite news |last=Melua |first=Katie |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-katie-melua-on-rocknroll-riffs-that-rake-the-psyche-763443.html |title=Led Zeppelin: Katie Melua on rock'n'roll riffs that rake the psyche |work=The Independent |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=5 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-date=23 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523220138/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-katie-melua-on-rocknroll-riffs-that-rake-the-psyche-763443.html }}
* {{cite magazine|first=Jim|last=Miller|title=Album review: Physical Graffiti|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=27 March 1975|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/physical-graffiti-19750327|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423132813/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ledzeppelin/albums/album/158693/review/5944206/physical_graffiti|archive-date=23 April 2009|access-date=29 July 2011}}
* {{cite news|first=Charles Shaar|last=Murray|author-link=Charles Shaar Murray|title=The Guv'nors|work=[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]|date=August 2004}}
* {{Cite web |last=Nur Pervan |first=Melek |date=15 February 2022 |title=Klaus Meine Names The Song That Laid Out The Formula For Scorpions |url=https://rockcelebrities.net/klaus-meine-names-the-song-that-laid-out-the-formula-for-scorpions/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519000019/https://rockcelebrities.net/klaus-meine-names-the-song-that-laid-out-the-formula-for-scorpions/ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9903EEDF1738F937A25754C0A961958260 |title=Lollapalooza's recycled hormones: rebellion by the numbers |work=The New York Times |date=14 July 1997 |access-date=4 December 2010 |archive-date=17 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617003352/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9903EEDF1738F937A25754C0A961958260 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Peddie |first=Ian |title=The Resisting Muse: Popular Music and Social Protest |publisher=Ashgate |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7546-5114-7 |editor-last=Ian Peddie |location=Aldershot |chapter=The bleak country: the Black Country and the rhetoric of escape}}
* {{cite magazine|first=Steven |last=Pond |title=Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same |magazine=Rolling Stone |volume=522|date=24 March 1988 }}
* {{Cite web |last=Prato |first=Greg |year=2008 |title=Jimmy Page: biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jimmy-page-p5091/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112000235/http://allmusic.com/artist/jimmy-page-p5091/biography |archive-date=12 November 2010 |access-date=11 November 2008 |website=AllMusic }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Prato |first1=Greg |url=https://www.amazon.com/BONZO-Drummers-Remember-Legendary-Bonham/dp/B08GRSMM17 |title=BONZO: 30 Rock Drummers Remember the Legendary John Bonham |last2=Prato |first2=Greg |publisher=Kindle Direct |year=2020 |isbn=979-8645370008 |location=Seattle}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Prato |first1=Greg |url=https://www.amazon.com/Led-Clones-Zeppelin-Imitator-Beyond/dp/B0DJZDMBHN |title=Led Clones: The Led Zeppelin Imitator Craze of the '80s...and Beyond |last2=Prato |first2=Greg |publisher=Kindle Direct |year=2024 |isbn=979-8645370008 |location=Seattle}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Prown |first1=Pete |title=Legends of Rock Guitar: The Essential Reference of Rock's Greatest Guitarists |last2=Newquist |first2=H. P. |last3=Eiche |first3=Jon F. |publisher=H.Leonard |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-7935-4042-6 |location=Milwaukee}}
* {{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=30 October 2012 |title=Jimmy Page remastering Led Zeppelin albums for 2013 boxset release |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/led-zeppelin-98-1247962 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202091950/http://www.nme.com/news/music/led-zeppelin-98-1247962 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=22 January 2017 |website=NME }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Schinder |first1=Scott |url=https://archive.org/details/iconsofrockencyc0000schi |title=Icons of Rock |last2=Schwartz |first2=Andy |publisher=Greenwood |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-313-33846-5 |location=Westport, Connecticut |url-access=registration }}
* {{Cite book |last=Shadwick |first=Keith |title=Led Zeppelin: The Story of a Band and Their Music 1968–1980 |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-87930-871-1 |location=San Francisco}}
* {{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/09/led.zep/index.html |title=Can Led Zeppelin still rock? |last=Sorel-Cameron |first=Peter |date=9 December 2007 |work=CNN.com Entertainment |access-date=17 February 2011 |archive-date=26 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226125245/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/09/led.zep/index.html |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Sparks |first=Ryan |year=2010 |title=Carpe Diem: an exclusive interview with Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater |url=http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/interviewsportnoy.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103230524/http://classicrockrevisited.com/interviewsportnoy.htm |archive-date=3 January 2010 |access-date=29 July 2011 |publisher=classicrockrevisited.com }}
* {{Cite book |last=Straw |first=Will |title=On Record: Rock, Pop and the Written Word |publisher=Routledge |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-415-05306-8 |editor-last=Simon Frith |location=London |chapter=Characterizing rock music culture: the case of heavy metal |editor-last2=Andrew Goodwin}}
* {{cite news|last=Talmadge|first=Eric|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/28/led-zeppelin-guitarist-wa_n_83534.html|title=Led Zeppelin guitarist wants World tour|work=The Huffington Post|date=28 January 2008|access-date=25 November 2008|archive-date=18 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918081945/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/28/led-zeppelin-guitarist-wa_n_83534.html|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Dave |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LzzCw6xs9roC&q=Led+Zeppelin+Deep+Purple&pg=PA61 |title=Smoke on the Water: The Deep Purple Story |publisher=ECW Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-55022-618-8 |location=Toronto, Ontario |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927163442/https://books.google.com/books?id=LzzCw6xs9roC&q=Led+Zeppelin+Deep+Purple&pg=PA61#v=snippet&q=Led%20Zeppelin%20Deep%20Purple&f=false |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news|first=Vanessa|last=Thorpe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jul/29/musicnews.music|title=Led Zeppelin join the net generation|work=The Observer|date=29 July 2007|access-date=23 July 2011|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005061523/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/jul/29/musicnews.music|url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |first=Gustavo |last=Turner |url=http://www.laweekly.com/2010-08-26/music/the-l-a-weekly-interview-billy-corgan/3/ |title=The L.A. weekly interview: Billy Corgan |work=LA Weekly |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=20 October 2010 |archive-date=31 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831094238/http://www.laweekly.com/2010-08-26/music/the-l-a-weekly-interview-billy-corgan/3/ |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Waksman |first=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-DWxyYapaBwC&q=led+zeppelin&pg=PA238 |title=Instruments of Desire: the Electric Guitar and the Shaping of Musical Experience |publisher=[[Harvard University Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-674-00547-1 |location=Cambridge, Massachusetts |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927163443/https://books.google.com/books?id=-DWxyYapaBwC&q=led+zeppelin&pg=PA238#v=snippet&q=led%20zeppelin&f=false |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Waksman |first=Steve |title=This Ain't the Summer of Love: Conflict and Crossover in Heavy Metal and Punk |publisher=University of California Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-520-25310-0 |location=Berkeley, California}}
* {{cite news|first=Michael|last=Wale|url=http://archive.timesonline.co.uk/tol/viewArticle.arc?articleId=ARCHIVE-The_Times-1973-07-11-11-003&pageId=ARCHIVE-The_Times-1973-07-11-11|title=Led Zeppelin|work=[[The Times]]|date=11 July 1973|access-date=23 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=February 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* {{cite book|first=Mick|last=Wall|author-link=Mick Wall|year=2008|title=When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin|location=London|publisher=Orion|isbn=978-1-4091-0319-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d0-nmLBW-SUC}}
* {{cite news|last=Wall|first=Mick|date=1 November 2008a|title=The truth behind the Led Zeppelin legend|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/the-truth-behind-the-led-zeppelin-legend-k5z80vsmpqc|work=[[The Times]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219230054/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-truth-behind-the-led-zeppelin-legend-k5z80vsmpqc|archive-date=19 December 2019}}
* {{cite book|first=Robert|last=Walser |author-link=Robert Walser (musicologist) |year=1993 |title=Running with the Devil: Power, Gender, and Madness in Heavy Metal Music |location=New York |publisher=Wesleyan University Press |isbn=978-0-8195-6260-9}}
* {{cite book|first=Chris|last=Welch|author-link=Chris Welch|year=1994|title=Led Zeppelin|location=London|publisher=Orion|isbn=978-1-85797-930-5}}
* {{cite book|first1=Chris|last1=Welch|first2=Geoff|last2=Nicholls|year=2001|title=John Bonham: A Thunder of Drums|location=San Francisco|publisher=Backbeat |isbn=978-0-87930-658-8}}
* {{cite news|first=Nigel|last=Williamson|title=Forget the myths |work=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] |date=May 2005 }}
* {{cite book|first=Nigel|last=Williamson|year=2007|title=The Rough Guide to Led Zeppelin|place=London|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|isbn=978-1-84353-841-7}}
* {{cite book|first=Scott|last=Witmer|year=2010|title=History of Rock Bands|location=Edina, Minnesota|publisher=ABDO|isbn=978-1-60453-692-8}}
* {{cite book|first=Ritchie|last=Yorke|author-link=Ritchie Yorke|year=1993|title=Led Zeppelin: The Definitive Biography|url=https://archive.org/details/ledzeppelindefin0000york|url-access=registration|location=Novato, California|publisher=Underwood–Miller|isbn=978-0-88733-177-0}}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite web |title=Sold on song: Stairway to Heaven |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/soldonsong/songlibrary/indepth/stairway.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040709101842/https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/soldonsong/songlibrary/indepth/stairway.shtml |archive-date=9 July 2004 |access-date=22 September 2011 |publisher=[[BBC Radio 2]]}}
* {{Cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|chapter=Genius Dumb: Led Zeppelin|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EdN8VLiEZtcC&pg=PA89|title=Grown Up All Wrong: 75 Great Rock and Pop Artists from Vaudeville to Techno|pages=89–90|year=1998|publisher=[[Harvard University Press]]|isbn=978-0-674-44318-1}}
* {{Cite web |last=Copsey |first=Rob |date=19 June 2020 |title=Live albums: The Number 1s and top sellers on the Official Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/live-albums-the-number-1s-and-top-sellers-on-the-official-chart__30022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715170045/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/live-albums-the-number-1s-and-top-sellers-on-the-official-chart__30022/ |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=16 July 2022 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]}}
* {{Cite magazine|last=Fricke|first=David|author-link=David Fricke|date=26 November 2012|title=Jimmy Page Digs Up 'Substantial' Rarities for New Led Zeppelin Remasters|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/alternate-take/jimmy-page-digs-up-substantial-rarities-for-new-led-zeppelin-remasters-20121126|access-date=27 November 2012|archive-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127083403/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/alternate-take/jimmy-page-digs-up-substantial-rarities-for-new-led-zeppelin-remasters-20121126|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite magazine|last=Greene|first=Andy|title=This week in rock history: Bob Dylan wins his first Grammy and Led Zeppelin become the Nobs|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=28 February 2011|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/this-week-in-rock-history-bob-dylan-wins-his-first-grammy-and-led-zeppelin-become-the-nobs-20110228|access-date=24 April 2011|archive-date=8 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408060856/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/this-week-in-rock-history-bob-dylan-wins-his-first-grammy-and-led-zeppelin-become-the-nobs-20110228|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=20 December 2012 |title=Chart watch extra: Led Zep's road to the Kennedy Center Honors |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-led-zep-road-kennedy-center-205104385.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231214135/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-led-zep-road-kennedy-center-205104385.html |archive-date=31 December 2012 |access-date=27 December 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! Chart Watch}}
* {{Cite web |last=Kielty |first=Martin |date=28 November 2012 |title=Led Zep talks will delay remasters |url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/led-zeppelin-talks-will-delay-remasters/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201080946/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/led-zeppelin-talks-will-delay-remasters/ |archive-date=1 December 2012 |access-date=30 November 2012 |website=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]}}
* {{Cite web |last=Prato |first=Greg |date=19 October 2023 |title=How Did John Bonham Get His Signature Drum Style and Sound? His Tech Reveals |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/how_did_john_bonham_get_his_signature_drum_style_and_sound_his_tech_reveals-158401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231214135/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/how_did_john_bonham_get_his_signature_drum_style_and_sound_his_tech_reveals-158401 |archive-date=31 December 2012 |access-date=8 February 2025 |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]}}
* {{Cite web |last=Prato |first=Greg |date=4 November 2024 |title=Led Zeppelin's Influence on '70s Canadian Rockers |url=https://www.allmusic.com/blog/post/led-zeppelins-influence-on-70s-canadian-rockers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231214135/https://www.allmusic.com/blog/post/led-zeppelins-influence-on-70s-canadian-rockers |archive-date=31 December 2012 |access-date=8 February 2025 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}
* {{Cite news|last=Rogers|first=Georgie|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20080616_mojo.shtml|access-date=8 December 2008|title=MOJO award winners|publisher=[[BBC]] |date=16 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-date=19 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219034157/http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20080616_mojo.shtml}}
* {{Cite web |title=Led Zeppelin&nbsp;– Charting History |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/led%20zeppelin/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029092333/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/led%20zeppelin/ |archive-date=29 October 2012 |access-date=12 January 2013 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]}}
* {{Cite magazine |url=http://archive.rollingstone.com/Desktop#/20060810/C1 |title=Led Zeppelin: the heaviest band of all time |date=10 August 2006 |volume=1006 |magazine=Rolling Stone |location=New York |access-date=29 July 2011 |archive-date=5 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605215941/http://archive.rollingstone.com/Desktop#/20060810/C1 }}<!-- Yes, dead, despite the archive link. -->
* {{Cite magazine |title=The RS 500 Greatest Albums of All Time |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=18 November 2003 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710133428/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time |archive-date=10 July 2008 |access-date=4 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|b=no|s=no|v=no|species=no|n=no|wikt=no|d=Q2331|commons=Category:Led Zeppelin}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.atlanticrecords.com/artists/led-zeppelin Led Zeppelin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508165156/https://www.atlanticrecords.com/artists/led-zeppelin |date=8 May 2024 }} at [[Atlantic Records]]
* [https://archive.org/search?query=Led+Zeppelin+ Led Zeppelin] on the [[Internet Archive]]
* {{YouTube|u=ledzeppelin|{{PAGENAMEBASE}}}}

{{Led Zeppelin}}
{{Led Zeppelin songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Led Zeppelin|Awards for Led Zeppelin]]
|list =
{{Grammy Award for Best Rock Album}}
{{Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Kennedy Center Honorees 2010s}}
{{Polar Music Prize}}
{{1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
}}
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{{John Paul Jones}}
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{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Led Zeppelin| ]]
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