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’ve probably heard the saying “Often imitated but never duplicated.” Many have tried, though. Here are 10 bands that mimic Led Zeppelin’s sound.
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1. The Black Keys
The Black Keys, a rock duo from Akron, Ohio, formed in 2001 by Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, draw inspiration from Led Zeppelin and other classic rock bands.
The Black Keys have released ten studio albums from 2002 to 2021 and several EPs.
Some of their songs that sound similar to Led Zeppelin are “Little Black Submarines,” released in 2011, which sounds like “Stairway to Heaven,” and their 2016 song “Heavy Soul,” which echoes “Good Times Bad Times.”
2. Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet, a rock band from Frankenmuth, Michigan, started in 2012. Their music shows a strong Led Zeppelin influence, which was a major focus of their early publicity.
The band released two studio albums: Anthem of the Peaceful Army (2018) and From the Fires (2017). Greta Van Fleet’s music features Led Zeppelin-like riffs, bluesy solos, and a strong rhythm section. They often incorporate Hammond organs, electric guitars, and harmonicas, echoing Led Zeppelin’s sound.
One of their biggest hits, “Highway One,” from the EP *From the Fires* (2017), sounds a lot like Led Zeppelin’s “The Rover” (1975); they both use similar pentatonic figures. Their album *Anthem of the Peaceful Army* (2018) also draws comparisons to Led Zeppelin. As a bonus, Greta Van Fleet’s lead singer, Josh Kiszka, sounds like Robert Plant.
3. Wolfmother
Wolfmother, an Australian hard rock band, formed in 2000 by vocalist and guitarist Andrew Stockdale. They’ve released four albums from 2005 to 2016.
Led Zeppelin and Wolfmother share similar bluesy guitar solos. Wolfmother’s song “Woman” from their 2005 self-titled album features Andrew Stockdale, whose vocals remind me of Robert Plant. Their 2021 single, “Midnight Train,” also draws inspiration from Led Zeppelin.
4. Them Crooked Vultures
Them Crooked Vultures is an American rock supergroup formed in 2009 by John Paul Jones, Josh Homme, and Dave Grohl. Influenced by Led Zeppelin and classic rock, the band has released one studio album: Them Crooked Vultures (2009).
The band’s sound blends hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock. Led Zeppelin’s influence is clear in their song “Scumbag Blues” from the 2009 album Them Crooked Vultures.
5. The White Stripes
The White Stripes, an American rock duo formed in 1997 by Jack and Meg White, released six studio albums between 1999 and 2007.
Led Zeppelin heavily influenced the White Stripes. Jack White, the lead singer and guitarist, drew inspiration from Jimmy Page. Meg White, the drummer, was influenced by John Bonham. Their 2001 album White Blood Cells resonated with similar sounds to Led Zeppelin.
6. Royal Blood
Royal Blood, an English rock duo, formed in 2013 by bassist/vocalist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher. They’ve released three studio albums between 2014 and 2019.
Led Zeppelin strongly influences their music. This is clear in songs like “Hook, Line & Sinker” and “Come on Over.” John Paul Jones’s style shapes Mike Kerr’s vocals and bass lines.
7. Earthless
Earthless is a hard rock band from San Diego, California, formed in 2001. Their music, mostly instrumental, showcases an edgy blues rock sound with heavy influences from Led Zeppelin.
Earthless is famous for long, improvised jam sessions. Their 2018 song “Black Heaven” shows a clear Led Zeppelin influence, echoing “Good Times Bad Times.”
8. Muse
Muse is an English rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. They’ve released seven studio albums between 1999 and 2015.
Led Zeppelin heavily influences Muse, especially in the drum and guitar combo of their song “Supremacy,” which imitates Led Zeppelin’s song “Kashmir.” The band has also played many Led Zeppelin riffs.
9. Rival Sons
Rival Sons is an American blues rock band from Long Beach, California, formed in 2009. They admit Led Zeppelin is a significant influence but still keep their sound unique. This influence is clear in their song “Pressure and Time,” which resembles Led Zeppelin’s “Out on The Tiles.”
10. The Vintage Caravan
The Vintage Caravan, an Icelandic hard rock band, formed in 2006. Their music blends hard rock with bluesy undertones, drawing heavy influence from Led Zeppelin. They released their debut album, “The Vintage Caravan,” in 2009, followed by “Voyage” in 2012.
