Led Zeppelin, 1968 – 2008

1
 

This promotional inflatable airship was given to record stores by Atlantic to promote Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 1969. These and other images are taken from a new book, ‘Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin: The Illustrated History Of The Heavist Band Of All Time’, published by Voyageur Press.

2
 

The eight-track cartridge of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut album, which was recorded and mixed in a mere 30 hours. "We were learning what got us off most and what got people off most," recalls Robert Plant of recording the album. "And what we knew got more people back to the hotel after the gig."

3
 

Led Zeppelin played five dates in Japan in 1972 as part of their colossal world tour. A planned warm-up show in Singapore was scrapped because the Singapore government had introduced strict grooming laws that barred long-haired men from entering the country.

Advertisement

4
 

A poster advertising Led Zeppelin’s reunion show at London’s O2 Arena, December 10, 2007, organised as a tribute to Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun. Before the show Robert Plant predicted: "Jimmy will take a bow. [John Paul Jones] will shrug. And I’ll be going, ‘Baby, baby, baby!’"

5
 

Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden, February 1975 – taken from a new heavyweight tome, ‘Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin: The Illustrated History Of The Heaviest Band Of All Time’. The book features interviews with figures close to the band, including groupie Bebe Buell, who offers the revelation: "Jimmy Page had one weird penchant. When he kissed me, he loved to spew his saliva into my mouth."

6
 

Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page onstage at Madison Square Garden, New York City, February 1975, as shot from the front row by a fan, "Commander Chi". The band’s three nights at the venue were captured in tour film ‘The Song Remains The Same’, released the following year.

7
 

To mark the release of ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ in November 1971 the band played a series of mammoth shows at Wembley’s Empire Pool venue (now Wembley Arena). Dubbed ‘Electric Magic’, the gigs also featured circus acts and pigs in costumes. Tickets cost 75p.

Advertisement
Advertisement