For fans of classic rock, Led Zeppelin remains an iconic and influential force in the world of music. With their groundbreaking fusion of blues, hard rock, psychedelia, and heavy metal sounds, they carved out a unique identity that has attracted legions of devotees.
If you’ve ever wished there were more bands like them to add to your playlist, this post is for you! We’ve curated a list of 13 bands like Led Zeppelin, with similar musical styles and influences, that will surely resonate with your inner rock enthusiast. Read on to know which ones they are!
1. Cream
Formed in 1966, Cream was an influential rock band that pioneered the blues-rock and psychedelic rock genres. Comprising of guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker, this talented trio became known for their powerful live performances and complex musical arrangements.
Their famous songs like “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads” showcased their impressive musicianship—with Eric Clapton’s soulful guitar solos perfectly complementing Jack Bruce’s powerful vocals.
Not only did they make a lasting impact on the music scene during their short tenure together, but they also inspired future generations, including bands like Soundgarden and Jane’s Addiction.
2. Deep Purple
As one of the pioneering bands in heavy metal and hard rock music, Deep Purple has often been compared to the legendary Led Zeppelin. Formed in 1968, just like their counterparts, this British rock band boasts an impressive lineup of talented musicians, including guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Ian Gillan.
Deep Purple’s signature sound is characterized by its guitar-driven melodies and powerful vocals, which have inspired countless other artists in the music industry.
Songs such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star” showcase their ability to create memorable riffs that stand out among heavy metal anthems.
Moreover, just like Led Zeppelin’s iconic drummer John Bonham influenced generations of percussionists, Deep Purple’s skilled drummer Ian Paice left his own mark on the history of rock music with his impeccable technique and extraordinary skill behind the kit.
3. Black Sabbath
A British rock band founded in 1968, Black Sabbath is often hailed as the pioneer of heavy metal music. Alongside Led Zeppelin, they played an instrumental role in shaping the future of hard rock and heavy metal genres.
Emerging from Birmingham, England, with iconic members like Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass guitar, and Bill Ward on drums, the band became influential figures among rock music enthusiasts.
Their unique style combined elements of blues rock with sinister-sounding riffs that would come to define the classic heavy metal sound.
Albums like Paranoid in 1970 and 13 in 2013 demonstrate how Black Sabbath was able to push musical boundaries by bridging gaps between traditional hard rock bands like The Who or Cream and contemporary progressive groups such as Pink Floyd or Blue Öyster Cult.
4. The Who
One of the most famous British rock bands of all time and a great choice for fans looking for bands like Led Zeppelin is The Who. The band was formed in 1964 and featured guitarist Pete Townshend, vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon.
The Who’s music encompassed various genres such as hard rock, mod rock, art rock, and even space rock. Their influence can be heard in many other artists’ work, including Led Zeppelin.
One of their most well-known songs, “Baba O’Riley,” features a similar energy to some of Led Zeppelin’s classic hits. Additionally, both bands were able to incorporate heavy guitar riffs into their music while still maintaining a catchy melody that made them popular among mainstream audiences.
5. AC/DC
Formed in 1973, we have next the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. Their sound combines heavy metal, blues rock, and punk rock influences into a powerful and energetic style, making them one of the most beloved bands in rock music history.
Like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC’s music is known for its dynamic guitar riffs and thunderous rhythm section, like their 1990 hit “Thunderstruck.” Other iconic hits of the group that have cemented their legacy as one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time are “Highway to Hell” and “Back in Black.”
6. The Doors
Formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, the rock band The Doors is often considered one of the most influential music groups of the 1960s, and their music has left a lasting impact on rock and roll history.
Like Led Zeppelin, The Doors had a unique sound that blended various genres together. This included blues, psychedelic rock, and hard rock.
Some of The Doors’ most popular songs include “Light My Fire,” “Break on Through (to the Other Side),” and “Riders on the Storm.” These songs showcase their ability to create catchy hooks while still maintaining a darker edge that sets them apart from other classic rock bands.
7. Jefferson Airplane
During the 1960s and ’70s, Jefferson Airplane was one of the most influential psychedelic rock bands. The band was formed in San Francisco, California, in 1965 and quickly gained a following due to their unique mix of folk, blues, and rock music.
Jefferson Airplane’s style has been compared to Led Zeppelin’s due to their heavy use of distorted guitar riffs and intricate melodies. Both bands were also known for pushing boundaries with experimental soundscapes that blended different genres together.
Check out their hits “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” from Jefferson Airplane’s studio album Surrealistic Pillow for a taste of their music.
8. Blue Oyster Cult
American rock band Blue Oyster Cult emerged in the early 1970s. They are known for their unique blend of hard rock, occult imagery, and science fiction themes.
Similar to Led Zeppelin, the musical style of Blue Oyster Cult uses heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, like in their 1976 hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and the 1981 “Burnin’ for You.” Their lyrics often incorporate literary references and mysterious elements, adding to their overall appeal.
In addition, the band was one of the first to use lasers during live performances, contributing to a futuristic stage presence that further sets them apart from other classic rock bands.
9. Pink Floyd
The British band Pink Floyd gained immense popularity during the same era as Led Zeppelin. Their music can be best described as psychedelic rock, and they were known for their experimental soundscapes and avant-garde approach to music.
Their blend of progressive rock with mysticism, philosophy, and astronomy created a unique musical experience that distinguished them from other bands of their time. One of their most famous albums, The Wall, has been hailed by many as one of the greatest concept albums in rock history.
Pink Floyd’s live concerts were also an iconic part of their legacy, featuring elaborate light shows and visual effects that transformed the concert-going experience into something truly immersive.
10. Aerosmith
One of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Aerosmith is often compared to Led Zeppelin due to their hard-hitting sound and bluesy style. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Aerosmith has been a household name in classic rock music for decades.
Their songs like “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Walk This Way” have become anthems for generations of fans. Like how Led Zeppelin features an incredible lineup, so does Aerosmith with singer and frontman Steven Tyler, along with legendary guitarist Joe Perry.
The band’s ability to combine heavy metal riffs with catchy melodies has made them a force to be reckoned with in the music industry as they continue to create music that inspires new generations of rockers.
11. Guns N’ Roses
Heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, Los Angeles hard rock band Guns N’ Roses comes in next on our list. Formed in 1985, their epic guitar solos and powerful vocals are reminiscent of the iconic British group.
Guns N’ Roses rose to fame with their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, in 1987, which featured the hits “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”
One notable similarity between Guns N’ Roses and Led Zeppelin is their use of bluesy riffs and heavy metal elements in their music. Lead guitarist Slash has often cited Jimmy Page as one of his biggest influences, while vocalist Axl Rose’s dynamic vocal range has drawn comparisons to Robert Plant.
12. Queen
Probably one of the most influential and iconic rock bands in all of music history is Queen. Led by the flamboyant Freddie Mercury, Queen blended hard rock with pop sensibilities to create a sound that was both unique and instantly recognizable, even to this day.
Like Led Zeppelin, Queen was known for their theatrical live performances. What made Queen stand out from other bands at the time was their use of complex vocal harmonies, elaborate guitar solos, and theatrical stage shows.
Queen had a string of hit songs that have stood the test of time. Their songs, like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” are beloved by fans of all ages.
13. The Rolling Stones
The iconic British rock band Rolling Stones came to be in London in 1962. Known for their bluesy sound, the Stones have been active for nearly six decades, making them one of the longest-running bands in history.
In terms of musical style, they share many similarities with Led Zeppelin, such as their use of heavy guitar riffs, fast-paced drumming, and energetic live performances.
Some of The Rolling Stones’ most popular songs include “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Honky Tonk Women.” They’ve sold over 250 million records worldwide and continue to tour to this day.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Led Zeppelin
That concludes our list of bands similar to the iconic Led Zeppelin. If you’re a fan of theirs and looking for other music groups with similar musical styles and influences, this article has you covered.
From hard rock legends like The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith to heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re interested in blues rock, psychedelic rock, or classic rock genres, check all of them out. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite!
