This Day In...a gig: Led Zeppelin, 25th October 1968
Our new ‘This Day In…’ column uses the date of publication to look back at music, artistic, and literary events that have shaped our history and culture. In the first instalment, Rosie Hough explores the gig that changed the face of rock and roll.
Led Zeppelin played their first gig at Surrey University 51 years ago today. Arguably the most influential rock group in the world, their legacy and impact on music is immense. Led Zeppelin IV is (and will always be) my most treasured record, as their sound continues to stand the test of time. As musical pioneers, Led Zeppelin pushed listeners to discover new sounds and experiences, beyond the boundaries of rock and roll.
The formation of Led Zeppelin marked a shift in rock and roll. From the politically charged values of the 1960s, to the real-life pleasures and recklessness of the 1970s, their sound embodied change. Each album contains a different mood — through which we can track the band’s every changing mentality and the style of each era. Taking influences not only from all aspects of rock but other genres (notably blues and folk), their sound constantly remained fresh and exciting. Subtly echoing greats of the blues such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf as well as giants of rockabilly such as Elvis Presley.
In 1995, Led Zeppelin became part of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, and deservedly so. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham formed what I would argue is the best rock group of all time. Each member brought something different to the band, their success has never waned, and they will always be referred to as legends. Often a band is described as greater than the sum of its parts, however what makes Led Zeppelin truly unique and phenomenal, are the merits of each individual member.
Robert Plant with his long blonde hair, unbuttoned shirt and charisma held the attention of every single audience member. His screeching tones oozed passion and lust, and his inherent femininity came to define a new form of masculinity. A voice that defined an era.
Jimmy Page the riff master, constitutes the core of Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin’s most successful tracks transform into never ending guitar solos. The sound of his twangy guitar strings are what immediately come to mind when you think of Led Zeppelin. What would ‘Stairway to Heaven’ be without the epic guitar solo? What would ‘Black Dog’ be without one of the most famous riffs of all time?
John Paul Jones is arguably the most diverse band member. He played guitar, koto, lap steel guitars, mandolin, autoharp, violin, ukulele, sitar, cello, and recorder, as well as the bass that he is well-known for. Jones echoed the riffs created by Page and helped Bonham pump blood into the heart of the songs.
John Bonham is not only an incredible drummer, he holds the entire band together - in the rhythm of the tracks, and through all the personal fallings out that Led Zeppelin are known for. Without the rhythm and strength of Bonham, Led Zeppelin would never have had the success they so deserved.
Led Zeppelin’s legacy is endless. Guns ‘n Roses, Metallica, Madonna, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and even Queen are just a few of the bands that reference Led Zeppelin as inspiration. Though the band’s last performance was in 2007, their sound lives on through the fingers of every guitarist and bassist, the voice of every singer, and the beat of every drum.
51 years on from their first gig at Sussex University, Led Zeppelin remain just as relevant. Their music still has a huge fanbase, with tribute acts popping up across the globe. They defined rock in the 70s, and they continue to do so today.
Led Zeppelin are Rock ‘n Roll.