Exceptionally rare vintage glossy 8 x 10 Atlantic Records publicity photo of Led Zeppelin, signed in blue ballpoint by Robert Plant, John Bonham, John Paul Jones, and Jimmy Page, who adds an inscription to the lower border: “To Jim, All the best, Led Zeppelin.” The photo includes its original Atlantic Records promotional folder, issued to promote the band’s self-titled studio debut album, which was released on January 12, 1969. The folder, 9.5 x 12, with iconic band images to the front and back covers, contains a second glossy vintage photo of the band (this example 10 x 8, with only Plant wearing a different top); a printed copy of an article from the San Francisco Examiner (January 11, 1969), with the headline, “The Led Zeppelin, Impressive New Rock Group”; and three stapled press packets, which are each entitled: “Led Zeppelin - Background,” “Led Zeppelin - The Beginning,” and “Atlantic Records Signs England’s Hot New Group, Led Zeppelin, In One of the Biggest Deals of the Year.” In fine condition, with some minor pen trouble in the inscription. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL. A spectacular vintage-signed photograph from the genesis of Led Zeppelin’s historic rock and roll career.
Led Zeppelin’s eponymous debut was released on Atlantic Records in mid-January of 1969, roughly four months after the band played their first official concert together. By all accounts, the speed in which the group achieved success remains an unprecedented feat, with Page, then the only high-profile member of the group, footing the bill for the debut’s entire recording and mixing costs, a process that took a mere nine days.
At the time of the album’s release, Led Zeppelin were in the midst of their first North American tour, a 36-date endeavor enabled by the tour cancellation of manager Peter Grant’s other big act, The Jeff Beck Group. Zeppelin’s nearly two-month outing across Canada and the United States proved significant in the growth and visibility of the band. Despite initial mixed reviews, Led Zeppelin I received 50,000 advance orders en route to the album reaching number 10 on the Billboard chart and earning a gold certification in July 1969. Led Zeppelin’s debut has since gone platinum eight times and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.
