10 Fun Facts About Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, has a rich history with many fascinating and lesser-known facts. Here are some intriguing details about the band:
Origin of the Name: The band’s name, “Led Zeppelin,” was suggested by Keith Moon, the drummer of The Who. He reportedly said that the band would go down like a “lead balloon,” which Jimmy Page modified to “Led Zeppelin.”
The Secret “Squirrel”: Led Zeppelin had a special symbol that represented the band and its members. Often referred to as “Zoso,” it is actually guitarist Jimmy Page’s personal symbol. Each member had their own unique symbol for the untitled fourth album.
The Hermit: The iconic image of a hermit on the cover of Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album (commonly known as “Led Zeppelin IV”) was inspired by a Tarot card, “The Hermit,” chosen by Jimmy Page.
Bassist’s Keyboard Skills: John Paul Jones, known primarily as Led Zeppelin’s bassist, was also a talented keyboardist and contributed greatly to the band’s diverse sound.
Robert Plant’s Car Accident: In 1975, Robert Plant suffered a serious car accident while vacationing in Greece. As a result, Led Zeppelin had to cancel tour dates, and Plant’s injuries influenced the band’s subsequent musical direction.
Presence Album Recording: Led Zeppelin’s seventh studio album, “Presence,” was recorded in just 18 days at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. This was partly due to Robert Plant’s car accident, which made him unable to walk for a period, and they wanted to finish the album quickly before going on tour.
Manager and Swan Song Records: Led Zeppelin’s manager, Peter Grant, was known for his no-nonsense approach to negotiations and protecting the band’s interests. He also co-founded the band’s record label, Swan Song Records, which released all of Led Zeppelin’s albums from “Physical Graffiti” onwards.
Live Aid Performance: Led Zeppelin reunited for a one-off performance at Live Aid in 1985, with Phil Collins on drums, filling in for the late John Bonham. The band received a mixed response, and Robert Plant was not entirely happy with the performance.
O2 Arena Reunion: In 2007, Led Zeppelin reunited for a tribute concert to Atlantic Records’ co-founder, Ahmet Ertegun, at London’s O2 Arena. Jason Bonham, son of late drummer John Bonham, played drums for the band during the show.
The Highest Paid Act: During their heyday in the mid-1970s, Led Zeppelin was one of the highest-paid acts in the music industry. They set attendance records at concerts and were global superstars, cementing their place in rock history.
These are just a few lesser-known facts about Led Zeppelin, a band that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.