Mythical Tale of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Led Zeppelin (1968-1980)

Mythical Tale of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Led Zeppelin (1968-1980)

Led Zeppelin, a legendary rock band formed in England in 1968, holds an unassailable place in music history as the originators of hard rock and heavy metal. The band consists of four members: Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. They have boldly incorporated elements of blues, folk, and classical music to create a unique musical world that is both mysterious and profound.

The band's formation began when Jimmy Page conceived the idea of a new band after the Yardbirds disbanded and gathered together a group of outstanding musicians. Initially, the band began as "The New Yardbirds," but eventually a jokey name "Lead Zeppelin" was suggested, which was re-spelled and stuck as "Led Zeppelin. They recorded their debut album in London in only about 30 hours, after several rehearsals. Their phenomenal speed and perfection shocked the music world, and their name became instantly known throughout the world upon their debut in 1969.

One of their best-known songs, "Stairway to Heaven," begins with a serene acoustic guitar introduction and gradually evolves into an epic hard-rocker that has been called a rock milestone for its mystical lyrics and Jimmy Page's masterful performance. Whole Lotta Love," with its bass-heavy guitar riffs, sexualized vocals, and psychedelic middle section, was a major factor in its commercial success in the United States. Kashmir" features Middle Eastern-inspired melodies and an overwhelming groove, and is an epic work about travel and fantasy that the band itself admits is their best work.

Immigrant Song" is a fast-moving song inspired by Norse mythology, and Robert Plant's shout at the beginning is known as the band's signature sound. The song "Black Dog" also stands out for its irregular rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and unique vocal and performance interplay, and is a song that highlights the band's high level of performance skill.

Achilles Last Stand," released in 1976, is an epic work of over 10 minutes that represents Led Zeppelin's later period. Inspired by the Greek mythological hero Achilles, the song deals with themes of fate, battle, and rebirth. The song was recorded with Robert Plant in a wheelchair after he was seriously injured in a car accident, and the song's sound reflects the fierce energy created by this ordeal. John Bonham's overwhelming drumming, Jimmy Page's multi-recorded guitar ensemble, and the tension-filled composition are a masterpiece of the band's creative abilities.

In 1980, however, John Bonham died suddenly. The band members officially announced their breakup, stating that "without these four, there would be no Led Zeppelin. Although several reunion gigs took place after that, the legendary four members never fully came back together.

Led Zeppelin has gone beyond being a mere rock band to becoming a myth in music itself. Their innovation, artistry, and sheer musicianship continue to influence many musicians to this day.