Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in 1968 by Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals), John Paul Jones (bass guitar, keyboards) and John Bonham (drums). With their heavy, guitar-driven sound, Led Zeppelin are regarded as one of the first heavy metal bands. Heavy metal timelineBBC.com However, the band's individualistic style draws from many sources and transcends any one genre.Brackett, John (2008). "Examining rhythmic and metric practices in Led Zeppelin's musical style." Popular Music, Volume 27/1, pp. 53?76. Cambridge University Press. Their rock-infused interpretation of the blues and folk genres also incorporated rockabilly,In live shows, Led Zeppelin would perform rockabilly songs originally made famous by Elvis Presley and Eddie Cochran reggae,Houses of the Holy includes a reggae-influenced song, "D'Yer Mak'er" soul, Live Led Zeppelin concerts would also include James Brown, Stax and Motown-influenced soul music and funk, as these were favourites of bassist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham. funk,See previous reference to soul and funk classical, Celtic, Indian, Arabic, pop, Latin and country. The band did not release the popular songs from their albums as singles in the UK, as they preferred to develop the concept of album-oriented rock.Led Zeppelin, followers, Musicmatch.com. Accessed September 10, 2006.

Close to 30 years after disbanding following Bonham's death in 1980, the band continues to be held in high regard for their artistic achievements, commercial success and broad influence. The band have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide,The LocalThe TelegraphThe Mail & Guardian including 111.5 million sales in the United States and they have had all of their original studio albums reach the U.S. Billboard Top 10,Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Triple J Music Specials - Led Zeppelin (first broadcast 2000-07-12) with six reaching the number one spot. Led Zeppelin are ranked No. 1 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.100 greatest artists of hard rock at vh1.com Rolling Stone magazine has described Led Zeppelin as "the heaviest band of all time" and "the biggest band of the 70s".

"Led Zeppelin: The Legend, the Classic Reviews, a Selection of Hot Photos and More", Rolling Stone [http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/11016639/led_zeppelin_the_legend_the_classic_reviews_a_selection_of_hot_photos_and_more]

On 10 December, 2007 the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunited (along with deceased drummer John Bonham's son Jason) for the Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert at The O2 in London.