Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page after the breakup of his previous band, The Yardbirds. The original band members were Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time and pioneered the genre of heavy metal. Some of their most famous albums include Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy. Tragically, drummer John Bonham died in 1980 at the age of 32, leading to the band's breakup.

1. Led Zeppelin

2. Led Zeppelin Formation of the band Jimmy Page Robert Plant John Bonham John Paul Jones Discography Legacy and influence Awards and honours

3. Formation of the band Beginnings can be traced to the break-up the blues influenced band The Yardbirds. Jimmy Page formed a new band called The New Yardbirds which became Led Zeppelin. Page’s first choice vocalist was Terry Reid who declined but suggested Robert Plant. Robert Plant in turn recommended John Bonham as the drummer. John Paul Jones then applied to be the bass player with his wife’s encouragement. August 1968 was when the band had their first jam session. The chemistry was felt instantly as they blasted their way through Train Kept a Rollin.

4. Jimmy Page Jimmy Patrick Page OBE (DOB 9/2/1944). From Heston, Britain. Lead guitar (although can play other instruments.) Rated as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Also a songwriter and record producer. Had a few guitar lessons but was largely self taught. Has been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame twice.

5. Robert Plant Robert Anthony Plant OBE DOB (20/8/1948) From West Bromwich, Britain. Was lead singer with the group Band of Joy, before joining Led Zeppelin. Plant is often cited as The archetypal rock and roll front man. Recently teamed up with blue grass singer Alison Krauss, together they won a Grammy of the album, Raising Sands.

6. John Bonham John Henry Bonham DOB (31/5/1948). From Redditch, Britain. Rated by many as The best rock drummer of all time. Recently Voted number one rock drummer by viewers in a BBC poll. Reportedly took some persuading to join Led Zeppelin. Nickname - Bonzo Tragically died on the 25/8/1980, aged 32 (Years old).

7. John Paul Jones John Paul Jones DOB (3/1/1948) From Sidcup, Kent, Britain. Can also play a wide range of instruments. Is also a composer and record producer. It said that Jones’ wife encouraged him to join Led Zeppelin. Jones is currently part of the super group, Them Crooked Crows.

8. Led Zeppelin Discography 1982 In Through the Out Door 1979 Presence 1975 Physical Graffiti 1973 Houses of the Holy 1971 Led Zeppelin IV 1970 Led Zeppelin III 1969 Led Zeppelin II 1969 Led Zeppelin Dates Albums Studio Albums 2008 Definitive Collection 2007 Mothership 2002 Early Days and Latter Days 2000 Latter Days: Best of Led Zeppelin Volume Two 1999 Early Days: Best of Led Zeppelin Volume One 1993 The complete studio recordings 1993 Led Zeppelin Boxed set 2 1990 Led Zeppelin Remasters 1990 Led Zeppelin Boxed set 2003 How the West was won 1997 BBC Sessions 1976 The song remains the same Dates Albums Live and Compilations Albums

9. Legacy and influence Along with the Beatles they are considered one of the most influential band of all time. The progenitors of heavy rock / heavy metal. Considered to be the best live band of all time. Reportedly had 20,000,000 online enquiries for their reunion gig in 2007 at the O2 arena (20,000 capacity). Many bands and artist have cited Led Zeppelin as a major influence on their career. Their concert tours from the seventies have now passed into legend.

10. Awards and Honours Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. MOJO Award in 2008 for Best Live Act. Entered UK Music Hall of Fame 2004. The Q Merit Award 1992. Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1995 (USA). Rated number 1 hard rock band by VH1. The Polar Music Award 1996. A 2010 BBC poll rated them the best band of all time.