Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150746 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Synopsis
The phenomenon that was to be Led Zeppelin started humbly in the session studios and local beat groups of Wolverhampton - in the heart of the British 'midlands' - and in London's 'home counties'. All four future members started their respective careers playing and singing for others, without so much as a label credit. But between them they played on so many pivotal recordings during that revolutionary period in the early, mid and late 1960s, that it has been estimated, individually, they contributed to more than 50 per cent of all British pop records released between 1963 and 1968. They were of course to become, arguably, the most important rock band ever and certainly have maintained the most loyal and dedicated fan base of any major act since the dawn of the rock n roll era [with the possible exception of The Beatles]. The era during which they shone brightest as a collective unit - the golden age of Zeppelin - has been documented numerous times, occasionally with insight and expertise, often with nothing of the sort - but the genesis of this most important of bands has rarely been investigated in depth.

For Led Zeppelin - "The Origins Of The Species - How, Why And Where It All Began", esteemed music historian and author Alan Clayson has traced every session, recording and live appearance made by each future member of Led Zeppelin and woven the results into a rich and insightful text containing a factually accurate 'family tree' of the future band and all their musical and professional colleagues. The book also serves as a staggering insight into the workings of the music industry, its 'big wigs' and its foot soldiers, during the period in question. With further enlightenment concerning the musical influences each member was absorbing during these formative years, which would later come together as a kind of satanic ritual infused with the hippie ideal, this work is insightful, exciting, revelatory and, above all, a bloody good read.

Customer Reviews

Very, Very Insightful.
I think ive read every Zep or related book ever, but i've been quite disappointed with the last few - times are changing though because this one is a gem.
Clayson wrote the official Yardbirds biography a few years back but has started from scratch for this masterwork and really done whats promised - he seems to have have spoken to hundreds of the future band member's colleagues and influences from the 1960s because the quotes are numerous and the narrative exemplary. From John Renbourn and Bert Jansch to Screamin' Lord Sutch[RIP], and Big Jim Sullivan - via every remaining Yardbird, PJ Proby and hundreds of others.
The result is definitely the best book on the band [and their roots]since Hammer Of The Gods. The photos are largely very rare, there's lots of them, the writing is awesome and essntially, if youre a Zep fan , this book will make your day, week , month and possibly year.

Very Good Read
I didn't know this existed until I spotted it on Amazon, but having now read it I find its the best Zeppelin book to come out for quite a few years.
Tracing the early days of the band when they were in other outfits, and going up to their second record as Led Zeppelin, it gives a great all round view of Zep before they achieved the global superstardom that was just lingering over the horizon when the book closes.
Great stuff, written by Alan Clayson, official biographer of the Yardbirds..