Led Zeppelin: 1968-1980 (Book) (Paperback)

~ Shadwick (Author) "It is a simple fact about Led Zeppelin that is easily overlooked: they were not part of the first or even the second wave of..." (more)
Key Phrases: fifth album, guitar pattern, acoustic set, New York, Peter Grant, Richard Cole (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Led Zeppelin was the biggest band of the 1970s and a key contributor to the history of rock. Though the group disbanded after the 1980 death of drummer John Bonham, its stature among fans and its influence on musicians has continued to grow. Despite the band's prominence, no book has fully explored this beloved band’s incredible musical legacy — until now. Led Zeppelin is a detailed and insightful look at the how, where, and why of Led Zeppelin’s greatness. The band is examined within the historical context of the 1960s and '70s. Also examined are the musical and cultural events during all stages of each member's career, providing fascinating details about how the band created its revolutionary music.

About the Author

Keith Shadwick is the author of numerous books, including The Illustrated Story of Jazz, The Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide, Bill Evans - Everything Happens to Me, and Jimi Hendrix: Musician. He has written on jazz and classical music for London newpapers including the Daily Mail and Financial Times, and magazines such as The Wire and Jazzwise. He has contributed to the British radio stations Classic FM and JAZZFM. He trained as a saxophonist and is currently based in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books; illustrated edition edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879308710
• ISBN-13: 978-0879308711
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,829 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #18 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Musical Genres > Heavy Metal
  #78 in	Books > Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Popular

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No gossip, no occult, no sharks..., September 17, 2006

By	Car Guy "desertgrj" (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

What sets this new group biography apart from all the rest (including the wonderful Stephen Davis "Hammer of the Gods") is that the author seeks to inform only about the music. No gossip, no rumors, just music. Shadwick sheds light on both studio and live performances and encourages the listener to appreciate Led Zeppelin with new ears.

There are many volumes available about LZ, but I think with this new book by Keith Shadwick we now have the definitive biography.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely well written, excellent biography and more, September 8, 2006

By	Barbara Rose (BornToInspire.com) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Keith Shadwick brings an informative, extremely well written thorough biography of Led Zeppelin in a manner that the band members truly deserve. His focus on what drives the band's passion - their music, their unquenchable drive for unique and meaningful musical and lyrical expression will serve any reader interested in Led Zeppelin well.

The photos are excellent. The writing is vivid, honest, and diverse in scope.
More than anything, "Led Zeppelin: 1968-1980" brings a historical, dignified, and well rounded representation of one of the greatest bands in the history of rock and roll to life.

It's well worth the price & deserves 10 stars.

Barbara Rose, author of If God Was Like Man and Stop Being the String Along

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Zeppelin Book, June 18, 2006

By	N. Kandah "rolandkandalbar" (Chapel Hill, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book I discovered at the Local Library and it brought me back to my high-school days when I listened incessantly to Zeppelin and other stadium-filling rock bands of the day. Nostalgia filled me and the book deepened my regard for this incredible rock and roll band. Sure they had flaws, but they lived a musical dream, a rock fantasy, and they cared mostly about their music, and this book highlights their history, their vision, their immense talent, their personal demons, and everything that life threw them. This is a well-written, highly engaging, almost scholarly tome of a band that deserved the hoopla heaped on their doorstep. Essential reading for any rock and roll fan.