When it comes to shaking up the guitar world, in many ways Led Zeppelin were to the ‘70s what the Beatles were to the ‘60s.
Around a fortnight after Led Zeppelin released their eponymous debut album in January 1969, the Beatles performed together for the final time on the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters in London.
And as the decade that gave us Flower Power crossfaded into the era of hard rock, the airwaves grew heavier with the sound of electric guitar riffs.
Leading the way for myriad bands the world over, Zeppelin’s far-reaching appeal has inspired generations.
From the British folk acoustic guitar brilliance of Bert Jansch to the Chicago blues genius of Willie Dixon, Led Zeppelin directly referenced guitar culture on both sides of the Atlantic, weaving the roots of rock together tighter than ever.
With the historic Beatles split coinciding with Led Zeppelin's meteoric rise, the music world was in a state of flux and some journalists were keen to dig deeper.
How much influence did the Beatles exert on ‘70s rock music?
What’s the difference between Led Zeppelin and the Beatles?
How does Jimmy Page feel about the Beatles?
All of these questions and more are answered by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page in this intriguing compilation of early interview recordings.
Interestingly, when asked about whether they hope to be awarded MBEs (as per the Beatles) Page replies, “I think they’ve given up on people like us for that.”
However, in 2005, the guitarist one-upped the Beatles while receiving an OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace for his humanitarian work in Brazil.
Similarly, Page’s award was trumped by Plant in 2009 when the singer received a CBE for his services to music.
Browse the Led Zeppelin catalog here.
“Eddie told us that he copied that style from listening to us. He was a big fan of the band and came to see us play regularly.” Rick Derringer recalls a young Eddie Van Halen and performing with Johnny Winter
“They said, 'You've got to do it,' but I'm so glad they did. It became my biggest song.” The guitarist behind a power-pop gem almost let his hit single pass him by
