![]() Almost on par with the appeal of the music was the historical disaster scene turned into pop art for the cover of the record. The album boasted some of the band’s most memorable tracks such as ‘Good Times Bad Times’, ‘Communication Breakdown’ and ‘Dazed and Confused’. The album took the traditions of blues-inspired rock that was synonymous with the British invasion bands of the 1960s and added a heavier, more fast-paced intensity to the music that ultimately proved to be a global hit. On this day (12th January) in 1969, Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album was first released in the USA, with the UK release to follow on the 31st of March. With the addition of John Paul Jones as bassist, born was the age of Led Zeppelin. Following the successful conclusion to the band’s obligations in Europe, by order of Dreja, who had left the band to become a photographer, the group were forced to change their name ahead of recording new material. With this, Page looked to bring in esteemed rock vocalist from the Band of Joy who agreed to join and suggested his ex-bandmate, John Bonham, as the new drummer for the so-called ‘New Yardbirds’. ![]() Lead vocalist Keith Relf and drummer Jim McCarty unwilling to continue gave consent for Jimmy Page and bassist Chris Dreja to continue using the band’s name. ![]() In 1968, with The Yardbirds all but fizzled out, they had a final run of shows they had committed to play in Europe. Unfortunately, this project didn’t fully materialise and all we have to show for it is a mere taste of what could have been with the single ‘Beck’s Bolero’ recorded by Page, Beck and Moon. Page had made some efforts to found a supergroup with Beck with plans to bring in Keith Moon from The Who on drums, John Entwistle on bass and Steve Marriott of the Small Faces earmarked for lead vocals. The remnants of The Yardbirds spent the next two years playing gigs periodically as the band began to wind down and its members appeared more focussed on external projects. This line-up didn’t last long with Beck deciding to depart the band after just a year playing as a lead guitar duo with Page. Originally standing in as a bassist, Page was soon to switch to lead guitar alongside budding guitar maestro Jeff Beck. Jimmy Page, the lead guitarist and original creative director of Led Zeppelin, began his musical career as a session musician who was quickly recognised for his ability and snapped up by blues-rock band the Yardbirds in 1965. Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968 from the ashes of The Yardbirds and the Band of Joy.
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