Led Zeppelin was the definitive heavy metal band. It wasn't just their crushingly loud interpretation of the blues -- it was how they
incorporated mythology, mysticism, and a variety of other genres (most notably world music and British folk) -- into their sound. Led
Zeppelin had mystique. They rarely gave interviews, since the music press detested the band. Consequently, the only connection the
audience had with the band was through the records and the concerts. More than any other band, Led Zeppelin established the
concept of album-oriented rock, refusing to release popular songs from their albums as singles. In doing so, they established the
dominant format for heavy metal, as well as the genre's actual sound. In 1994 the members of Led Zeppelin, including Bonham,
were inducted into the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. The next year they each received a lifetime achievement award.
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