The holy grail of 1960s Led Zeppelin records, from a seller who had no idea she owned of the band’s rarest vinyl LPs, could sell for £1,000 at auction.
The LP, known as Led Zeppelin I, was the band’s debut album released in January 1969. However, this first pressing, discovered by Hansons Auctioneers, is extra special. It’s rare as it was withdrawn from due to a colour used on the sleeve.
Claire Howell, music consultant at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “The management didn’t like turquoise on the lettering so it was withdrawn and changed to orange. That decision made the turquoise sleeve rare. It’s regarded as the holy grail of Led Zeppelin albums. The one we have discovered has the ultra-sought-after turquoise cover and plum and orange Atlantic record label.
“I plucked it out of a box of records brought in for valuation by a client from Rotherham in South Yorkshire. She’s parting with an enormous collection of vinyl that belonged to her late husband – thousands of records. But she had no idea if any of them were worth anything.
“The Led Zeppelin record was the first one I plucked out of the first box and it was gold dust. I couldn’t wait to ring her up and tell her the good news. There are probably more gems to be found. Her husband clearly had a good eye.
“Aside from the rarity aspect sparked by the cover, this LP is special because it was actually recorded by The New Yardbirds. However, it was released under the name of Led Zeppelin after Chris Dreja, formerly a member of The Yardbirds, informed the band they didn’t have the rights to The New Yardbirds name. Another band name was needed and in October 1968 it was revealed as Led Zeppelin.
“This first pressing takes us back to the very start of Led Zeppelin’s impact on the world of music. And to make this find even better, the record is in excellent condition with very little play.”
English rock band Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham.
Their 1969 debut, Led Zeppelin, was a top-ten album in several countries and featured such tracks as Good Times Bad Times, Dazed and Confused and Communication Breakdown.
They are one of the best-selling groups of all time with total record sales estimated to be between 200 and 300 million worldwide. They achieved eight consecutive UK number-one albums and six number-one albums on the US Billboard 200. Rolling Stone magazine described them as ‘unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history’.
The Led Zeppelin album enters Hansons Auctioneers’ June 15 Music Auction with an estimate of £800-£1,000. To arrange a free music memorabilia valuation, email: [email protected].
