Led Zeppelin

British rock band

The British rock band Led Zeppelin was extremely popular in the 1970s. In 1966 Jimmy Page (guitar) joined the Yardbirds, but in 1968 the other group members left the group and Page felt obligated to fulfill an upcoming tour. He contacted John Paul Jones (bass) who had requested him to be part of any future project Page would develop. Robert Plant (vocals) and John Bonham (drums) completed the New Yardbirds.
The group changed her name in Led Zeppelin and went to the studio to record their first album. This record ("Led Zeppelin") was recorded in only thirty hours.

First album

Led Zeppelin set out on their first American tour early in 1969 and their music became an instant success. After a few months of touring their first album hit the charts.
Their second album was released in October 1969 and was even a greater success. It was on number one for seven weeks.

Stairway to Heaven

Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970, featured pieces with British folk influence. Their fourth album included the masterpiece "Stairway to Heaven". After a gentle acoustic beginning this song builds to an exhilarating climax featuring a lengthy guitar solo. The sense of mystery and ritual became an important part in the band's image. Led Zeppelin IV sold well over 16 million copies.
In 1972 the group began concentrating on playing in larger venues. Their next album "Houses of the Holy" continued the band's musical experimentation. This record even included touches of funk and reggae ("D'yer Mak'er").

Song Remains the Same

Throughout their 1973 tour across America the concert at Madison Square Garden was filmed for use in the motion picture "Song Remains the Same" (1976).
In 1975 Led Zeppelin released a magnificent double album on their own "Swan" label: "Physical Graffiti". Like their previous album "Houses of the Holy" this album was very successful: it topped the charts in both America and England. Zeppelin's 1975 tour had to be cancelled due to Plant's serious car crash. The next year the group began to tour again. "Presence" was released, but the critics did not like this record very much.

In Through the Out Door

During the American tour of 1977 Plant's son Karac died of an infection and the last concerts of the tour were cancelled. At the end of 1978 Zeppelin recorded "In Through the Out Door". This album was released in 1979. A year later the group embarked on their final European tour. In September 1980 drummer John Bonham was found dead in his bed.
A few months later Led Zeppelin announced they were disbanding, since they could not continue without Bonham.