Which band is better?
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The Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead is known as the first “jam” band, noted for long instrumental and improvisational music at live shows. They formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, CA with members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Phil Lesh and Bill Kreurzmann, joined by Mickey Hart in 1967. They are also known for their devoted fan base known as “Deadheads” and as pioneers of the “psychedelic” movement of the 1960’s. Their core years were 1967-1995 starting with their 1965 release The Grateful Dead. Their “Europe ‘72” tour was well received along with its future album release of the same name.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
In 1973, they formed their own record label, Grateful Dead Records. Their first commercial success came in 1970 with the releases of Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, which features the chart topping song “Truckin’”. While they continued to release studio albums, their real popularity came from live shows. Unlike most bands, their performances were largely improvised, with no pre-made setlist. Their live performances featured long periods of jamming – improvised instrumental passages. They’ve played over 2,400 concerts during the course of their career, followed devotely by Deadheads, many of which followed them on tour. They are also well known for their merchandising, particularly their famous logos and tie-dyed t-shirts.
Their concerts feature a central hub of activity for buying and selling called “Shakedown Street”. Jerry Garcia died in 1995, a major blow to the band and what many thought would be the end. Over the years, there have been several spin-off bands featuring various members of The Dead, such as The Other Ones, The Dead and Dead & Company.
Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin formed in 1968 in London with members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. They were one of the most influential rock groups of the 1970’s, laying the foundation for hard rock, heavy metal and Album Oriented Rock (AOR). Every one of their albums achieved commercial success and they were one of the biggest touring groups of the time.
Their first album was released in 1969 named Led Zeppelin and was a top 10 album in several countries. It featured such classics as “Dazed and Confused”, “Communication Breakdown” and “Good Times Bad Times”. Their initial sound drew heavily on blues and folk music influences. Their follow-up album, Led Zeppelin II, was their first #1 album and featured “Ramble On” and “Whole Lotta Love”. Led Zeppelin III was followed by Led Zeppelin IV, released in 1971, which would become one of the best selling albums ever, reaching over 37 million units sold. It features “Stairway to Heaven”, which many consider the greatest rock song ever.
They continued to release major albums such as House of the Holy and Physical Graffiti, a double album masterpiece. Into the late 1970’s, their output slowed and they released what would be their final two albums, In Through the Out Door and Presence. John Bonham died in 1980 and the band disbanded after that. The band and individual members are often considered the best in rock history. Their success is unparalleled, with total album sales estimated between 200-300 million worldwide, They had 6 US Billboard #1 albums, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Grammy award.
Their first album was released in 1969 named Led Zeppelin and was a top 10 album in several countries. It featured such classics as “Dazed and Confused”, “Communication Breakdown” and “Good Times Bad Times”. Their initial sound drew heavily on blues and folk music influences. Their follow-up album, Led Zeppelin II, was their first #1 album and featured “Ramble On” and “Whole Lotta Love”. Led Zeppelin III was followed by Led Zeppelin IV, released in 1971, which would become one of the best selling albums ever, reaching over 37 million units sold. It features “Stairway to Heaven”, which many consider the greatest rock song ever.
They continued to release major albums such as House of the Holy and Physical Graffiti, a double album masterpiece. Into the late 1970’s, their output slowed and they released what would be their final two albums, In Through the Out Door and Presence. John Bonham died in 1980 and the band disbanded after that. The band and individual members are often considered the best in rock history. Their success is unparalleled, with total album sales estimated between 200-300 million worldwide, They had 6 US Billboard #1 albums, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Grammy award.
