The Basics: Who was Led Zeppelin?

{Photo Attribution: Chris Walter/WireImage} Led Zeppelin made their first appearance as a rock group in London, England in 1968. Originally referred to as "The Yardbirds", the group was compiled of [listed in order of photo above] keyboardist/bassit John Paul Jones, guitraist Jimmy Page, lead vocalist Robert Plant, and drummer John Bonham. One account of the band's official name change was when John Entwistle (bassist of The Who) claimed the band would go down "like a lead balloon." The group dropped the letter "a" in lead at the suggestion from their manager Peter Grant, in hopes to prevent misspronunciation. Balloon was changed to Zeppelin. According the music journalist Kieth Shadwick, "Led Zeppelin" was the "perfect combination of heavy and light."

{Photo Attribution: Jim Cummins/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images} Kieth Shadwick is not kidding around when he says Led Zeppelin is the perfect combination of heavy and light. Their music is infused with psychadellic guitar riffs, groovy melodies, with hints of folk influence. The elegance of their lyrics can sometimes be overlook if one focus's on the hard rock aspects of some of their songs. Some music critics say that Led Zeppelin was a a major "turning point" for the direction rock and heavy metal were heading in. Led Zeppelin releaed their first album Led Zeppelin on their first American tour in 1969. Led Zeppelin peaked at the 10th spot on the Billboard chart in the US, and 6th in the UK. In their first year alone, Led Zeppelin completed 4 American and UK tours, and released their second album. Led Zeppelin II quickly rose to the #1 spot in both American and UK music charts. Below is a song that brought their music to the top.

In the 1970's the influential group was referred to as the bigget band in the world. The height of their commericial success came about when the members truly settled into their sound, gained confidence in their appearance, and began using professional lazer light shows at their concerts. As the band grew, their style became influenced by feminine accents, such as suits with moons and stars, EXTREMELY tight jeans, and cropped shirts or vests. All in all, Led Zeppelin runs deep through the veins of the rock culture we know today. Without their experimental spirits in the world of music, it may have never been the same.