Led Zeppelin is a legendary rock band formed in 1968 and is one of the most influential bands. Over the years, they have inspired many other bands with their unique sound, which many bands have copied, and they are still being copied today.
You might know the saying “Often imitated but never duplicated”, although, not for lack of trying – Here are 10 bands that imitate Led Zeppelin’s sound.
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1. The Black Keys
The Black Keys are an American rock duo formed in 2001 in Akron, Ohio, by musician Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney. They have been influenced by Led Zeppelin and other classic rock bands.
The Black Keys have released ten studio albums from 2002 to 2021. They have also released several EPs as well.
Some of their songs that sound similar to Led Zeppelin are “Little Black Submarines,” released in 2011, which sound like “Stairway to Heaven” and their 2016 song “Heavy Soul,” similar to Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.”
2. Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet is a rock band from Frankenmuth, Michigan, formed in 2012. Led Zeppelin has heavily influenced the band, which is clear in their music. These comparisons formed a huge part of the band’s early publicity.
The band has released two studio albums: Anthem of the Peaceful Army (2018) and From the Fires (2017). Greta Van Fleet’s music has Led Zeppelin-like riffs, bluesy solos, and a strong rhythm section. The band often uses Hammond organs, electric guitars, and harmonicas in their songs, which are common in Led Zeppelin’s music.
One of their biggest hits, “Highway One,” from their EP From the Fires released in 2017, sounds very similar to Led Zeppelin’s “The Rover,” released in 1975; they have similar pentatonic figures. Also, their album “Anthem of the Peaceful Army,” released in 2018, has drawn comparisons to Led Zeppelin’s sound. As a bonus, Josh Kiszka , the lead singer of Greta Van Fleet, sounds like Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, Robert Plant.
3. Wolfmother
Wolfmother is an Australian hard rock band formed in 2000 by vocalist and guitarist Andrew Stockdale. They have released four studio albums from 2005 to 2016.
Led Zeppelin and Wolfmother have similar bluesy guitar solos. Their song “Woman” from their self-titled album Wolfmother released in 2005, and Andrew Stockdale, the lead vocalist’s vocals, was reminiscent of Robert Plant. Also, their 2021 single “Midnight Train” is Led Zeppelin-inspired.
4. Them Crooked Vultures
Them Crooked Vultures is an American rock supergroup formed in 2009 by John Paul Jones, Josh Homme, and Dave Grohl. The band has been influenced by Led Zeppelin and other classic rock bands. Them Crooked Vultures have released one studio album: Them Crooked Vultures (2009).
The band’s sound is a mix of hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock. Led Zeppelin’s influence is most notable in their song “Scumbag Blues” from their album Them Crooked Vultures, released in 2009.
5. The White Stripes
The White Stripes were an American rock duo formed in 1997 by Jack White and Meg White. They have released six studio albums from 1999 to 2007.
Led Zeppelin heavily influenced the White Stripes. Jack White, the lead singer, and guitarist of the band was inspired by Jimmy Page, the Led Zeppelin guitarist. Meg White, the band’s drummer, was influenced by John Bonham, the Led Zeppelin drummer. Their 2001 album White Blood Cells was clearly similar to Led Zeppelin’s sounds.
6. Royal Blood
Royal Blood is an English rock duo formed in 2013 by bassist and vocalist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher. They have released three studio albums from 2014 to 2019.
Led Zeppelin is a clear influence on their music, evident in their song “Hook, Line & Sinker” and “Come on Over.” Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones inspires Mike Kerr’s vocals and the bass lines.
7. Earthless
Earthless is an American hard rock band from San Diego, California, formed in 2001. They are mostly an instrumental power trio, but Led Zeppelin heavily influences their riffs and edgy blues rocks sound.
Earthless is known for its lengthy and improvised jam sessions. Led Zeppelin is a clear influence on their music, evident in their 2018 song “Black Heaven,” similar to Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.”
8. Muse
Muse is an English rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. They have released seven studio albums, from the year 1999 to 2015.
Led Zeppelin heavily influences Muse, and this is most notable in the drum and guitar combo of their song “Supremacy,” which imitates Led Zeppelin’s song “Kashmir.” The band has also played numerous Led Zeppelin riffs.
9. Rival Sons
Rival Sons is an American blues rock band from Long Beach, California, formed in 2009. They have admitted that Led Zeppelin is one of their main influences but still make their sound unique. Led Zeppelin is a clear influence on their music, evident in their song “Pressure and Time,” which sounds like Led Zeppelin’s ” Out on The Tiles”.
10. The Vintage Caravan
The Vintage Caravan is an Icelandic hard rock band formed in 2006. The Vintage Caravan’s sound can be described as hard rock with bluesy undertones. Led Zeppelin is one of their major influences, and they sound similar to them. Their debut album “The Vintage Caravan” was released in 2009, and the 2012 “Voyage”.
Conclusion
Many bands have been influenced by Led Zeppelin over the years. Some of these bands include Them Crooked Vultures, Royal Blood, Earthless, Muse, and Rival Sons. These bands have all been heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin’s bluesy guitar solos, unique sound, and lengthy improvisations.
Many bands have put their spin on Led Zeppelin’s music, creating a unique and diverse sound. While many bands have been influenced by Led Zeppelin, these are some of the most notable.
The Black Keys Image by: Justin Higuchi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Greta Van Fleet Image by: Troy Larson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wolfmother Image by: Chris W. Braunschweiger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Them Crooked Vultures Image by: Timster at nl.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The White Stripes Image by: Fabio Venni from London, UK; modified by anetode, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Royal Blood Image by: Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Earthless Image by: Greg Neate, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Muse Image by: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rival Sons Image by: Talitatwoshoes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Vintage Caravan Image by: P. Schwichtenberg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
