The early 1970’s was a transitional period from the first wave rockers (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks). one band that set out to destroy the earlier generation was Led Zeppelin. They succeeded by selling more records than the Stones, inaugurating the arena rock era, and becoming the archetype of the decadent rock band so mercilessly parodied in Spinal Tap.

Bob Spitz’s carefully researched biography covers it all: Led Zep’s music, how band members repeatedly committed statutory rape but have never had their MeToo moment; how it seems every British rock musician of the early ’70s knew one another; the incredibly violent, drug and Alistair Crowley influenced decadence that eventually led to the band’s demise.

Led Zeppelin is without a doubt one of the biggest rock bands of all time. This is a comprehensive, in-depth look at all of the members of the group from start to finish. It is well-written and very detailed, accounting for both the positives and negatives of each of the band members without glossing over any of the copious debauchery. Some of the descriptions, including underaged rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and wanton destruction of property are very disturbing. It is hard to believe that certain members were able to produce such successful songs under these conditions. I found the depictions of the interrelationships of each of the band members to be particularly interested. Anyone who is a Led Zeppelin will enjoy this thoroughly.

Led Zeppelin is timeless. A favorite band of my husband and I in the late 60’s as well as today, and our children’s as well, so it was wonderful to finally read what happened behind the scenes.

Entertaining but sad book about one of my favorite bands. I would have liked to have seen more about what happened to the surviving members after 1980.