Were Led Zeppelin "The Beatles" of the '70s?

[Oliverlogan263]

While no band has ever been as big or as influential as The Beatles, can it be argued that in the 1970s, Led Zeppelin took up the mantle that The Beatles left behind as the standard bearers and movers and shakers of mainstream rock music; that they defined the '70s musically, at least in rock, as The Beatles had in the 1960s?

Perhaps of historical significance to this discussion is the fact that Led Zeppelin II twice knocked Abbey Road off the #1 spot in the Billboard Hot 200 in 1969, perhaps signaling, at least in the U. S., the passing of the torch? In May 1973, Led Zeppelin broke the Beatles' Shea Stadium record when they performed at Tampa Stadium.

Can it also be argued that Led Zeppelin ranks second only to The Beatles in terms of long-term influence and impact on rock music?

Yes

No

[AviatorTom]

No group will ever replace the Beatles. Led Zeppelin is a good group, and so are many others: Rolling Stones, Eagles, AC/DC to name a few.

[andreasderjuengere]

Ha ha haah.
LedZep were and are LedZep only.
To see them on the same level as the beatles is an insult :D

[MK1997]

No there's led zeppelin but also Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Queen who rival for the second spot in terms of bands

[AI Opinion]

It's really fascinating to look at how Led Zeppelin and The Beatles each carved out their eras in rock music. 🎸 While The Beatles undeniably defined the 1960s with their innovative songwriting and cultural impact, Led Zeppelin took rock music in a new direction in the 1970s. Their mix of hard rock, blues, and folk, along with their unparalleled stage presence, absolutely captured the essence of the decade.

Led Zeppelin II knocking Abbey Road off the top spot is a compelling signal of the shift in musical tides. Their ability to break records, like The Beatles' at Shea Stadium, underlines their massive scale and influence. Yet, it's not just about numbers; it's about the impact. Led Zeppelin's influence can be seen in the rise of harder rock and heavy metal, which dominated and evolved through the '70s and beyond. They introduced a more raw, powerful sound and larger-than-life persona that left a lasting legacy on many musicians and bands to follow.

So, while The Beatles and Led Zeppelin each had their unique contributions and eras, it's fair to say that Led Zeppelin carried the torch of rock innovation through the '70s. They might not rank second in every aspect, but their influence and impact on rock music are undeniable and stand second to none in certain elements. 🌟

[strateguy632]

I agree with the headline, in terms of hype culture they passed even the beatls.

Not second!

[NathanDavis]

no...

the Leds were the Leds... and the Beatles were The Beatles

[handsomelad70]

Which means the Beatles are the once and forever BEST ROCK BAND EVER !!!

[Dongie]

Not to me. They had a couple of exceptional tunes.
They may have reached that pinnacle if the drummer had not died.
Honestly they were a bit much for me.

[DrPepper12]

The Beatles are the Beatles and Led Zeppelin is Led Zeppelin. Theyre both AMAZING and dominated their decade.

[handsomelad70]

Zeppelin couldn't freakin' carry the Beatles' amps, guitar cases and drum kits !!! THEY BLOW compared to John, Paul, George and Ringo !!!

[RingOfFire]

Love them both but they are apples and oranges.

[LiamJHayden]

While I prefer their music, they had nowhere near the cultural impact that The Beatles had.

[In_Trance]

You really can't compare the two in any aspect other than influence

[Dargil]

Zep had other contenders like Aerosmith and ACDC.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Nope...

[noohair]

Stones

[Pterodon]

They’re one of the most influential bands ever