LED ZEPPELIN - Presence 12" Vinyl LP Album

- German and BIEM Countries

Album cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' featuring a vintage-style family scene with a mysterious black object at the center of a table, surrounded by four people smiling. A marina with boats and reflections in the water serves as the background. The album title and tracklist appear in a label at the top left corner

"Presence" is Led Zeppelin's influential 1976 album, etching a sonic legacy in rock history. Released on Swan Song, the 12" vinyl LP features a distinctive Fold Open Cover by Hipgnosis. Led by Jimmy Page and producer Peter Grant, the album showcases meticulous sound engineering by Jeremy Gee and Keith Harwood. The original inner sleeve unfolds with album details and captivating artwork. "Presence" stands as a timeless emblem of Led Zeppelin's creative zenith.

"Presence" Album Description:

in the world of rock history, Led Zeppelin's "Presence" stands as a monumental testament to the band's enduring influence on the musical landscape. Released in 1976, this 12" vinyl LP album, adorned with a Fold Open Cover (FOC) – also known as a Gatefold cover – encapsulates the essence of an era marked by artistic innovation and sonic experimentation.

The album cover, designed by the iconic Hipgnosis, adds a visual dimension to the auditory journey that "Presence" promises. The inner pages of the gatefold cover unfold to reveal a visual tapestry of photos and artwork, providing fans with a deeper connection to the music within.

Led Zeppelin, spearheaded by the legendary Jimmy Page, took on the roles of both musicians and producers for "Presence." This dual role allowed them to exert meticulous control over the creative process, shaping the album's sound and direction. Peter Grant, albeit misspelled as Peter Grand, contributed significantly as a producer, adding another layer to the collaborative synergy that defined the band's ethos.

The sound engineering prowess behind "Presence" is credited to Jeremy Gee and Keith Harwood. Their expertise played a pivotal role in capturing the raw energy and intricate nuances of Led Zeppelin's performance. The meticulous attention to sound engineering is evident in every track, making the album a sonic masterpiece.

One of the distinctive features of this album is the original custom inner sleeve, a canvas that unfolds to reveal not only the album details but also the captivating artwork and photos of "The Object." This added visual element further immerses the listener into the band's creative universe, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The catalog number "Swan Song SSK 59 402" serves as a historical marker, placing "Presence" within the discography of Led Zeppelin. Released in 1976, the album arrived at a time when the music industry was undergoing dynamic shifts, and the band's sonic explorations resonated with the evolving tastes of the audience.

Product Information and Collector Notes

How can the album cover be distinguished from other versions of this album

Production & Recording Information
Album Packaging

This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains photos, artwork.

Album Cover Design: Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis, the legendary British art design group, revolutionized album cover art for rock music. Explore their iconic visual creations on our website, featuring a vast collection of their innovative designs for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more. Here is the web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

 

Producers:

Jimmy Page

Peter Grant (mispelled at Peter Grand)

Peter Grant was record executive of "Swan Song Records" and has produced bands like: Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds.

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Jeremy Gee - Sound Engineer

Keith Harwood - Sound Engineer

Trivia:

The black object on Led Zeppelin's "Presence" cover is simply called "The Object." It's an obelisk symbolizing the band's powerful and mysterious presence. The band is absent, leaving the object to represent their force and influence. Its meaning is open to interpretation, but it's intended to be a powerful visual metaphor for Led Zeppelin's impact.

Music Genre:

Blues-Rock, Hard Rock 

Label & Catalognr:

Swan Song SSK 59 402

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

1976 Made in Germany and European Countries

Musicians:
  • 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. Uncover the secrets of Robert Plant's legacy.
  • 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. Explore his innovative techniques, iconic riffs, and musical genius.
  • John Bonham - Drums
    John Bonham, born May 31, 1948, 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. Explore his powerful style, innovative techniques, and lasting impact on rock music.
  • John Paul Jones - Bass, Keyboards
    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. Witness his evolution beyond rock and roll through innovative collaborations and groundbreaking solo ventures.
Tracklisting Side One:
  • "Achilles Last Stand" - 10:30
  • "For Your Life" - 6:22
  • "Royal Orleans" (John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Page, and Plant) - 2:58
Tracklisting Side Two:
  • "Nobody's Fault but Mine" - 6:16
  • "Candy Store Rock" - 4:10
  • "Hots On for Nowhere" - 4:44
  • "Tea for One"

High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of LED ZEPPELIN - Presence
Album cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' featuring a vintage-style family scene with a mysterious black object at the center of a table, surrounded by four people smiling. A marina with boats and reflections in the water serves as the background. The album title and tracklist appear in a label at the top left corner.

The album cover of Led Zeppelin's *Presence* is a surreal visual that exudes both nostalgia and mystery. At first glance, it resembles a typical mid-century family scene, seemingly from the 1950s. A well-dressed father in a gray suit and tie sits at the left, his left hand resting on the table, and his right hand gesturing as he smiles warmly. Across from him, the mother, wearing a magenta dress and a pearl necklace, leans slightly forward with an equally joyful expression. Their two children— a girl in a pastel yellow dress with a bow in her hair, and a boy in a brown suit— sit attentively, focusing on the unusual centerpiece of their gathering.

This centerpiece is the most striking element: a small, solid black, obelisk-like object placed at the middle of the white tablecloth-covered table. The object has a sharp, geometric shape, contrasting starkly with the naturalistic tones of the rest of the image.

In the background, a marina filled with yachts and sailboats reflects in the calm water, adding depth to the image. The entire scene is enclosed in a white border that blends into the off-white album sleeve. In the top left corner, a sticker label displays the album title *Presence* in bold, uppercase letters beneath "Led Zeppelin" in a matching font. Below the title, the tracklist is neatly arranged, featuring songs such as *Achilles Last Stand* and *Nobody’s Fault But Mine*.

The cover, designed by Hipgnosis, is both eerie and intriguing—playing with the idea of an unidentified presence that disrupts an otherwise normal scene, much like the band's raw, powerful sound on this album.

Photo Of The Back Cover LED ZEPPELIN - Presence
Back cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' album, depicting a vintage classroom scene where a teacher gestures toward a mysterious black object on a desk, with two children looking on. A chalkboard with math problems and a sketch of the same black object are in the background.

The back cover of Led Zeppelin's *Presence* continues the eerie and surreal visual theme set by the front. The scene takes place in a vintage classroom, possibly from the 1950s, featuring an elderly female teacher with short gray hair, wearing a white blouse. She is leaning slightly forward, raising both hands in a dramatic gesture towards the mysterious black object sitting on a wooden school desk.

The two students—a boy with dark hair wearing a striped shirt and suspenders, and a girl with long blonde hair tied in green ribbons, wearing a red plaid dress—observe the object intently. The boy, sitting on a worn wooden chair, faces the object directly with his hands raised slightly, as if engaging with it. The girl, standing to his right, leans in with a curious yet cautious expression.

In the background, a chalkboard displays a series of math equations, possibly multiplication or addition problems. To the left of the chalkboard, a piece of paper pinned to the wall features a sketch of the same black obelisk-like object. Below it, a partial view of a map can be seen, suggesting an educational setting. The room’s decor, including the wooden furniture and old-fashioned classroom elements, reinforces the nostalgic yet unsettling atmosphere.

As with the front cover, the black object—an abstract, unexplained presence—stands out against the otherwise realistic setting, adding to the album's sense of mystery and conceptual intrigue. This unsettling yet fascinating imagery, designed by Hipgnosis, reflects the album’s themes of isolation, resilience, and power.

Photo of the inside cover Ledz Zeppelin Presence
Interior artwork of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' album, featuring four vintage-style photographs depicting various scenarios—an engineer and businessman in a drafting room, a couple by a pool, a woman in a field of flowers, and a bank vault scene—all incorporating a mysterious black object.

This interior artwork from Led Zeppelin's *Presence* album features a collage of four distinct, vintage-style photographs, each altered with the presence of the same mysterious black obelisk-like object, reinforcing the surreal theme of the album’s cover art.

In the top-left image, a mid-century industrial setting is depicted, possibly a drafting or engineering office. A man in a white shirt discusses something with another man in a suit and sunglasses. In the foreground, a large mechanical drafting tool is placed on a table filled with technical drawings, reinforcing themes of industry and progress.

The top-right image presents a glamorous poolside scene. A smiling, muscular man with slicked-back hair and a blonde woman in a red bathing suit and black-and-white striped towel are leaning on the pool's edge. The mysterious black object is prominently placed between them on the ledge, creating an unsettling contrast within an otherwise cheerful scene.

The bottom-left image takes a different approach, portraying a serene outdoor moment. A blonde woman in a white dress stands amidst a field of blooming yellow flowers, gazing at the black object in her hands. The picturesque setting, with a reflective body of water and budding trees in the background, contrasts sharply with the presence of the mysterious object.

Finally, the bottom-right image features a formal and authoritative setting: a bank vault. A security officer stands by a massive safe door while a businessman in a suit looks on. Two other men, one in a lab coat, are near a wheeled dolly, on which the black object sits ominously, as if it holds something of immense value or secrecy.

Designed by Hipgnosis, these images reinforce the surreal and enigmatic theme of *Presence*, blending everyday mid-century nostalgia with an unexplained, almost alien force, much like the album’s raw, commanding sound.

Photo of the inside cover Ledz Zeppelin Presence
Interior artwork of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' album, featuring four vintage-style photographs of a family assembling a dollhouse, a father and baby, a golfing scene, and an alpine observation deck, all incorporating the mysterious black object.

This interior artwork from Led Zeppelin's *Presence* album continues the surreal visual storytelling, featuring four distinct vintage-style photographs, each incorporating the enigmatic black obelisk-like object into otherwise ordinary scenes.

In the top-left image, a classic mid-century family setting unfolds. A father in a white shirt and tie sits cross-legged on a red-carpeted floor, surrounded by a mother, a teenage son, and a daughter. They appear to be assembling a dollhouse, yet the black object is positioned at the center of their activity, making its purpose unclear. The cozy domesticity, with patterned curtains and warm colors, contrasts with the unsettling presence of the object.

The top-right image is a tender moment between a father and his baby. The father, dressed in a white button-up shirt, holds the black object in his hand as the baby, seated on a white cloth, reaches out to touch it. The object’s stark contrast against the soft, warm hues of the image suggests an intrusion into an otherwise intimate scene.

The bottom-left image takes place on a golf course. A man in khaki pants and a white shirt bends down, seemingly about to place a golf ball, but instead, he is interacting with the black object that sits firmly on the green. A woman in a red sweater and plaid skirt stands behind him, holding a golf club, watching the moment with curiosity.

Finally, the bottom-right image is the most isolated and dramatic of the four. Set atop an alpine observation deck, a man in a brown coat stands near the railing while another individual peers through a telescope. The black object sits prominently on the railing against the backdrop of a massive snow-covered mountain, as if surveying the landscape with an unknowable purpose.

As with the rest of *Presence*’s artwork, designed by Hipgnosis, these images juxtapose normalcy with an unexplained force, mirroring the album’s themes of power, mystery, and resilience. The presence of the black object in each scenario disrupts the expected reality, reinforcing the conceptual weight of the album’s title.

Photo of the custom inner sleeve Ledz Zeppelin Presence
Back cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' album, featuring a black-and-white photograph of a mysterious black obelisk-like object casting a sharp shadow. Below, track listings, production credits, and the Swan Song Records logo are displayed.

The back cover of Led Zeppelin's *Presence* strips away the surreal family-oriented imagery found on the front and interior, leaving only a stark, black-and-white photograph of the mysterious black obelisk-like object that appears throughout the album's artwork.

Centered in the image, the object stands upright on a small, raised platform, casting a sharp, elongated shadow across a gradient-lit background. The lighting creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the object's geometric simplicity while also hinting at its enigmatic presence. The clean, minimalist composition gives the impression that the object holds deep, almost supernatural significance.

Below the image, the tracklist is neatly divided into two sides. *Side One* features the epic *Achilles Last Stand*, *For Your Life*, and *Royal Orleans*, while *Side Two* includes *Nobody’s Fault But Mine*, *Candy Store Rock*, *Hots On for Nowhere*, and *Tea for One*. The production credits, including *Produced by Jimmy Page*, *Executive Producer Peter Grant*, and *Engineered and Mixed by Keith Harwood*, are listed in a structured layout, reinforcing the album's disciplined, stripped-down aesthetic.

The Swan Song Records logo, featuring an illustration of Icarus with outstretched wings, appears beneath the credits, symbolizing the label’s association with Led Zeppelin’s legacy. The text also notes that the album was recorded and mixed at *Musicland Studios* in *Munich, West Germany*, further grounding *Presence* in the band's storied history.

Designed by Hipgnosis, this cover, with its stark minimalism and surreal object, encapsulates the album’s themes of endurance, isolation, and power, making it one of the most visually intriguing pieces of Led Zeppelin’s discography.

Photo of the custom inner sleeve Led Zeppelin Presence
Alternate back cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' album, featuring a black-and-white photograph of the mysterious black obelisk-like object casting a sharp shadow. Below, the track listing, production credits, and the Swan Song Records logo are displayed.

This alternate back cover of Led Zeppelin's *Presence* is nearly identical to the standard version, featuring a stark black-and-white photograph of the mysterious obelisk-like object at its center. However, subtle differences, such as handwritten catalog numbers in the top left corner, hint at a possible pressing variation or pre-production proof.

The central image showcases the angular black object standing on a raised platform, casting a long, dramatic shadow under precise lighting. The minimalist composition emphasizes the object's presence, reinforcing its enigmatic role throughout the album’s artwork.

Beneath the photograph, the album’s tracklist is neatly structured, dividing *Side One*—featuring *Achilles Last Stand*, *For Your Life*, and *Royal Orleans*—from *Side Two*, which includes *Nobody’s Fault But Mine*, *Candy Store Rock*, *Hots On for Nowhere*, and *Tea for One*. The production credits note that *Jimmy Page* produced the album, with *Peter Grant* as the executive producer, and *Keith Harwood* handling engineering and mixing duties.

The Swan Song Records logo, depicting a winged Icarus, is prominently placed beneath the credits, marking the album’s association with Led Zeppelin’s legendary label. Additional text confirms that the album was recorded and mixed at *Musicland Studios* in *Munich, West Germany*, further contextualizing *Presence* within the band's history.

Designed by Hipgnosis, this cover’s stark, high-contrast aesthetic aligns perfectly with the album’s themes of endurance, isolation, and raw intensity, mirroring the stripped-down, guitar-driven sound Led Zeppelin delivered on *Presence*.

Different Perspectives: The Shifting Presence of Led Zeppelin’s The Object

The two inneer sleeve designs of Presence showcase the mysterious black object from different angles, altering its appearance and impact. One version presents a broader, more symmetrical front face, while the other reveals a sharper, more angular profile. The lighting and shadows vary slightly, emphasizing different geometric features. Though the background remains consistent, the object’s shifting perspective enhances its enigmatic presence. This subtle variation reinforces the album’s themes of mystery and resilience, making the object feel dynamic and otherworldly.

Close up of the record's label
Label of Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' vinyl record under Swan Song Records, featuring the iconic Icarus logo, track listing for Side 1, catalog number SSK 59 402, and various copyright and publishing details.

This is the label of Led Zeppelin's Presence vinyl record, released under Swan Song Records. The circular label is centered around the spindle hole, with text and artwork radiating outward.

At the top, the Swan Song Records logo is prominently displayed, featuring the classic Icarus figure—a muscular, winged man reaching toward the sky, set against a dramatic sunset-colored background. The logo text, “Swan Song,” appears in an ornate, medieval-inspired font with golden hues and a black outline.

Below the logo, the catalog number "SSK 59 402" is printed in bold black letters within a white rectangular box, with a smaller number underneath: "(ST-SS 763 559)." This identifies the specific pressing of the album.

The left side of the label includes a “GEMA/BIEM” stamp inside a rectangular box, indicating European copyright and licensing organizations responsible for music rights management.

The album title, "Led Zeppelin - Presence", is centered in bold black letters. Below it, the tracklist for Side 1 is printed, detailing three songs along with their songwriters and durations:
1. Achilles Last Stand (Page/Plant) - 10:26
2. For Your Life (Page/Plant) - 6:21
3. Royal Orleans (Bonham/Jones/Page/Plant) - 2:58

Production credits follow, stating that the album was Produced by Jimmy Page and Executive Producer: Peter Grant. Publisher credits are listed as "1-3 Flames Of Albion Music Inc.," referring to the entity managing Zeppelin’s publishing rights.

At the bottom, ©1976 Swan Song Records is printed, confirming the release year and record label. A small “LC 3445” box appears, which is a label code used for copyright identification.

The outer rim of the label contains small text in German, warning against unauthorized copying and public performance, reinforcing copyright restrictions.

The entire label is printed over an elaborate, warm-toned illustration of Icarus, wings spread wide, soaring against a golden-orange sky with soft clouds. The visual style complements the grandeur and mystique of Led Zeppelin’s music, making this label not just an identifier but a piece of rock history.

LED ZEPPELIN Vinyl Records and Albums Discography

LED ZEPPELIN Related Rock Bands and Similar Music

Cream

Another influential British rock band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. Cream explored a wider range of styles than Led Zeppelin, but their blues-rock foundation and improvisational jams share some similarities. Cream

Deep Purple

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals. Deep Purple

Jimi Hendrix

A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. Jimi Hendrix

The Who

Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals. The Who