LED ZEPPELIN - IV aka ZOSO 12" Vinyl LP Album

- 1971 French Release with Gatefold Album Cover

Led Zeppelin - IV, also known as "Zoso", is a legendary album that has etched its place in the world of rock and roll history. Released in 1971, this 12" vinyl LP masterpiece encapsulates the raw talent and creative genius of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Produced by Jimmy Page and managed by Peter Grant, the album was recorded at various iconic locations, including Headley Grange in Hampshire, Island Studios in London, and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, California. With its iconic gatefold cover, captivating design by Grapheaks, and photography by Keith Morris, Led Zeppelin - IV remains a quintessential classic.

The Journey Unfolds:
Side One of Led Zeppelin - IV commences with the thunderous opening track, "Black Dog". The song's heavy riffs, intricate guitar work, and Robert Plant's powerful vocals set the stage for the musical odyssey that awaits listeners. It seamlessly transitions into "Rock and Roll", a high-energy anthem that exemplifies the band's prowess in creating infectious melodies.

Next on the journey is "The Battle of Evermore", a mystical folk-infused masterpiece that features the mesmerizing vocals of Robert Plant and the haunting harmonies of Sandy Denny. The pinnacle of Side One arrives with "Stairway to Heaven", a magnum opus that has become synonymous with Led Zeppelin's legacy. This epic composition weaves together ethereal acoustic passages, soaring guitar solos, and introspective lyrics, captivating listeners and elevating the album to unprecedented heights.

Side Two of Led Zeppelin - IV continues the sonic adventure with "Misty Mountain Hop", a dynamic track infused with energetic rhythms and an infectious chorus. "Four Sticks" showcases the band's dexterity, as John Bonham's thunderous drumming takes center stage alongside Page's blistering guitar work. The journey mellows with the enchanting "Going to California", a reflective acoustic ballad that transports listeners to distant landscapes.

Closing out the album is "When The Levee Breaks", a blues-infused powerhouse that showcases Led Zeppelin's ability to create a hauntingly immersive atmosphere. With its mesmerizing drum intro and bluesy guitar licks, the track leaves an indelible mark on the listener, bringing the album to a resounding conclusion.

Impact and Legacy:
Led Zeppelin - IV's impact on rock and roll cannot be overstated. The album demonstrated Led Zeppelin's versatility, fusing a myriad of musical influences, including blues, folk, and hard rock, into a cohesive and groundbreaking sound. The album's iconic tracks, such as "Stairway to Heaven" and "Black Dog", continue to resonate with audiences across generations, solidifying Led Zeppelin's status as pioneers of the genre.

The gatefold cover design by Grapheaks, with its intricate symbols and enigmatic artwork, perfectly captures the album's mystique. Keith Morris's photography adds an authentic touch, visually encapsulating the essence of Led Zeppelin's enigmatic aura.

Led Zeppelin - IV remains a cherished treasure in the world of vinyl records, with collectors and music enthusiasts seeking out the original UK pressing. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the album's timeless appeal and the band's enduring legacy.

Packaging: 

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages. This album "Led Zeppelin IV" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and artwork

Music Genre:

Album Production Information:

This album was recorded at: Headley Grange Hampshire, Island Studios London, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles California

Album cover design: Grapheaks

Album cover photography: Keith Morris

Record Label & Catalognr:

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
LP (Record Weight) 165 gram
Total Album weight: 330 gram  

Year & Country:

Band Members and Musicians on: Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV

Band-members, Musicians and Performers
• John Bonham – drums
• John Bonham – Drums John Bonham, (1948-1980) was Led Zeppelin’s powerhouse drummer, renowned for his thunderous sound, speed, and groove. His playing defined rock drumming in the 1970s, with tracks like Moby Dick and When the Levee Breaks showcasing his unmatched technique. His explosive energy and innovative style made him irreplaceable. Tragically, his death in 1980 led to Zeppelin’s breakup, but his legacy as one of rock’s greatest drummers endures.
  John Bonham Wiki
• John Paul Jones – bass guitar, electric piano, mandolin, recorders, EMS VCS 3, acoustic guitar on "The Battle of Evermore"
• John Paul Jones – Bass Guitar John Paul Jones, born January 3, 1946, was the versatile bassist and keyboardist of Led Zeppelin, whose musicianship shaped the band’s dynamic sound. Throughout the 1970s, his innovative basslines, orchestral arrangements, and multi-instrumental skills added depth to classics like Ramble On and No Quarter. After Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, he pursued production, film scores, and collaborations, cementing his legacy as a rock and musical innovator.
  John Paul Jones Wiki
• Jimmy Page – acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, production, mastering, digital remastering
• Jimmy Page – Guitars Jimmy Page born January 9, 1944, is a legendary guitarist and the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking sound. Throughout the 1970s, his innovative riffs, masterful production, and electrifying live performances helped shape rock history. After Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Page explored new projects, including The Firm and collaborations with artists like Paul Rodgers. His work in the ’80s kept his influence alive, cementing his status as a rock icon.
  Jimmy Page Wiki
• Robert Plant – lead vocals, harmonica, tambourine
• Robert Plant – Lead Vocals Robert Plant, born August 20, 1948, is an English rock singer best known as Led Zeppelin’s iconic frontman. His soaring vocals and electrifying stage presence helped define hard rock and heavy metal. After Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Plant pursued a diverse solo career, blending blues, folk, world music, and Americana. His relentless musical evolution cements his legacy as a rock pioneer who continues to push creative boundaries.
  Robert Plant Wiki
• Additional musicians
• Sandy Denny – vocals on "The Battle of Evermore"
• Ian Stewart – piano on "Rock and Roll"
• Ian Stewart – Piano

  Kicked out for not being "marketable" in 1963, kept around forever for actually playing. Read more...

  Ian Stewart, Ian Stewart is the Rolling Stones' no-nonsense piano anchor, and I will die on the hill that he kept the boogie honest while everyone else chased the spotlight. From 1961-1962 he worked London's R&B circuit with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated; in 1962 he co-founded the Rolling Stones and, after being pushed out of the "official" lineup in 1963 for image reasons, stayed on as road manager and session pianist right up to 1985. I hear him in the Stones' live roar and studio grooves, and he even guested on early-1970s sessions with Led Zeppelin. In the early 1980s he fronted Rocket 88, built for sweat, not fashion. When a Stones track suddenly swings like a pub jukebox at closing time, I blame Stu.

  Ian Stewart Wiki

Complete Track Listing of: "Led Zeppelin IV"

Side One:
1. Black Dog
2. Rock and Roll
3. The Battle of Evermore
4. Stairway to Heaven

Side Two:
1. Misty Mountain Hop
2. Four Sticks
3. Going to California
4. When The Levee Breaks

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV

High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover  

High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo of the Inside Page of the Gatefold Cover Side One  

Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label