Who were Led Zeppelin?
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968, often credited as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal. Their most famous song, Stairway to Heaven, is one of the best-known rock songs ever.
The band's members were singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham.
Their music combined blues, folk and rock with powerful guitar riffs and drumming.
Albums and success
Led Zeppelin released albums such as Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti. Songs include Whole Lotta Love, Black Dog and Kashmir.
The band became one of the best-selling acts in history and were famous for their huge concert tours.
Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980 after the death of John Bonham.
The remaining members reunited for a concert in London in 2007. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Jimmy Page had previously played with the Yardbirds, and the new band was briefly known as the New Yardbirds. The name Led Zeppelin is said to have come from a joke that the band would go down like a lead balloon. Their influence can be heard in many later rock bands.