Customer Reviews
The guy doesn't like the band 
2008-09-03
With all due respect to the late author, you get the sense that he wrote this book to settle some kind of score. He was in his 20s in the 1970s playing sax in a jazz-rock group you've never heard of, probably cursing Led Zeppelin's success. His constant belittling of the band's work comes off as petty, gratuitous, and bizarre. He really doesn't like the band at all. Why write such a thoroughly researched, seemingly definitive book on a band you disdain? Ultimately, the book's tone of dispassionate history belies a very condescending review, bordering on a cool hatchet job of the group's work that just isn't fitting of the band's standing.
Oh my gosh..... 
2008-02-02
I love Led Zeppelin, but not this much.
The effort and studious detail is immense, but it was like reading a book about Gettysburg where every platoon, scout, and man was detailed to the privy level.
To be fair if you are a musician this book might make more sense. Alot of the detail had to do with music at a level I don't understand. My love of Zeppelin is visceral, so alot of this is lost on me.
If you are looking for a book that details the musical side of this band, this is the book for you.
The best book on Led Zeppelin currently available 
2007-12-30
Balanced, informative. Told me a lot I did not know, and after following Led Zep from their first album, I already knew a good deal about the band. If you are interested in the seedier, sensational side of things, get "Hammer of the Gods but if you want a balanced account, this is the book IMHO. It does not shy away from the negative stuff, far from it, it just doesn't dwell there.
Rick
excellent history of the band 2007-12-21
This is an excellent history of the band. Not only is it well written but it also goes into extensive details "behind the music." It is well sourced, stays away from the "shock" stories, and gives excellent information on what the band was feeling as the albums were created. excellent.
A Top Zep Book 
2007-07-03
One of the best Led Zeppelin books, ever. Over 300 large pages with small print and filled with photos l'd never seen. Deals mainly with the music, its creation and presentation and, doesn't get bogged in drama or supposition. Mr. Shadwick is sometimes opinionated, but it only reveals his deep respect and knowledge of the band. The only disappointment is that the story always ends with Bonham's death. Why can't someone just lie and report that he's living a peaceful existence in the Alps or something?
Well detailed, yet very prejudice... 2007-06-27
Led Zeppelin may have disbanded in 1980, but their legacy lives on. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham always insisted that the music they made, onstage or in the studio, was the important thing. This meticulous book turns away from Zeppelin's well-chronicled antics on the road to explore what made them the biggest rock band of their day and an enduring influence on generations of musicians. With many rare and seldom-seen photographs, this is the definitive vindication of Led Zeppelin's place at the pinnacle of 20th century musical achievement.
THE Led Zeppelin book to read 2007-05-31
WOW WOW WOW. This book is THE biography of Led Zeppelin to read.
It covers everything factual you would like to know about the band. All the other reviews are good. You won't be disappointed buying this!!! Awesome!
this is the best historical account yet 2007-04-12
This is the best historical account I have read - and I have read most of the books on Zeppelin that have been published. What makes this book different and in my opinion better, is that it is much less about the partying and much more about the process that they used to create the music. There is great historical info on the Yardbirds and good accounts of concerts.
Most if not all of the photos have been published but that is understandable since there is limited supply of photos. It's unfortunate that Zeppelin didn't seem to have a staff photographer along for the ride. Same is true for the limited video shot of the band.
If there is a downside to this book it is the editing. It is written by a british author and it shows. It was not edited/translated for American readers so you will need to read some of the passages twice to get past what seems like bad structure. British readers may not agree but it does have a few rough spots for American readers. This is no reason not to consider this book.
If you are a Zeppelin fan or are just interested in the history of the music scene at that time, then you should add this book to your collection. It is the best Zeppelin book yet. It's not "Hammer of the Gods" which is a disputed accounting of the band's history. This book is full of foot notes identifying sources - It is much more honest in describing the bands history.
No gossip, no occult, no sharks... 2006-09-18
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.
Extremely well written, excellent biography and more 2006-09-08
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
