Led Zeppelin's Fate: The Story Behind 'In Through The Out Door
Fate can sometimes dictate the course of events, as seen with Led Zeppelin's final studio album, "In Through The Out Door," released in 1979. The album marked a departure from the band's traditional sound, dividing fans between those who appreciated the new direction and those who longed for the old thunder.
Prior to "In Through The Out Door," Led Zeppelin faced challenges that almost led to the band's dissolution. The tragic death of Robert Plant's son during a US tour in 1977 prompted a hiatus, and subsequent attempts to regroup in 1978 were unsuccessful due to lack of enthusiasm from Plant and bassist John Paul Jones.
An unexpected opportunity arose when ABBA offered Led Zeppelin free access to their state-of-the-art studio in Sweden. Despite initial reservations, Jones and Plant took the lead in the recording process, with Jimmy Page contributing his production expertise to refine the material created during the sessions.
The album's release was delayed due to intricate packaging, but when "In Through The Out Door" finally hit the shelves in August 1979, it topped the charts in both England and America. The album showcased a more accessible sound, with tracks like "Fool In The Rain" and "All My Love" resonating with listeners.
While some fans missed the band's earlier rock sound, "In Through The Out Door" served as a poignant tribute to Plant's late son and demonstrated Led Zeppelin's versatility. Unfortunately, the album unintentionally became the band's final studio release following the death of John Bonham in 1980.