A classic rock masterpiece that was FOUR DECADES in the making! Incredible provenance and quality--a Rock Grail of the highest order!Since its initial release in October of 1969, “Led Zeppelin II” has been acknowledged by many critics and musicians as one of the most influential rock albums of all-time. It has earned several accolades from music publications, which frequently place it at or near the top of “best album” lists. Music historians have cited “Led Zeppelin II” as a blueprint for hard rock, influencing now-legendary bands such as Aerosmith, Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses, among others.
As a result of it's everlasting influence on the landscape of rock, "Zep II" has long been sought after by collectors. Like the significance of this album’s influence on music, the rarity of a complete group signed Zeppelin album cannot be overstated. Led Zeppelin stood as perhaps one of the most difficult rock bands to access from an autograph perspective. And, unlike those who came before them such as the Beatles or the Stones, the group was shielded by security and managers at virtually all times. Capping it off with Bonham's early death and the band's breakup, to say band signed pieces by this group are a rarity would be an understatement. To put it in perspective, it could be argued that for every 100 Beatles group signed pieces in existence, there may only be 1 Led Zeppelin group signed item!
Specifically relating to this monumental album, this particular example stands as one of only a couple of authentic complete group signed “Led Zeppelin II” albums known to exist. It showcases a quartet of beautiful ballpoint pen signatures, with John Bonham, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant signing in black ballpoint, and John Paul Jones finishing off this masterpiece in blue ballpoint pen.
Of the scarce few examples of this album that have ever surfaced, this one provides perhaps the most extensive history and best story as to how it was assembled. A labor of dedication that spanned FOUR DECADES!
The story of this albums origins begins in 1970, when Janet Johnson's father was assigned as the chauffeur for the band during their concert performances in Seattle, Washington. In her accompanying Letter of Provenance, Mrs. Johnson notes that her father asked the band to sign an album for him. At the time of the request, Mr. Johnson was only driving Bonham, Plant and Page, hence those were the only signatures present on the album for the first 38 years.
Fast forward to February of 2008, and the album landed in the possession of well known and highly respected in-person autograph collector Lee Hunter, who made it his mission to add the final piece to the puzzle in the form of John Paul Jones' autograph. In an accompanying Letter of Provenance from Mr. Hunter, he details that he encountered John Paul Jones on February 17, 2008, where he was able to obtain the all important final signature. Observing that all his other bandmates had already signed, Hunter notes that Jones took special care as to sign the album carefully, and in a warm gesture, Jones patted the signature of his late friend John Bonham after completing his own signature.
A few light spots and a promotional label affixed to front, with the album cover standing in overall fine condition with exceptionally strong signatures. The record is included.
Don't miss this offering, as complete Zeppelin albums are usually kept behind lock & key in the most prestigious music collections!
Accompanied by an extensive array of provenance and third party opinions, in addition to the Letters of Provenance from Ms. Johnson and Mr. Hunter, this album is also accompanied by Letters of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA); an auction house Letter of Authenticity from music autograph authority Roger Epperson/Real Authentication; a Letter of Authenticity from classic rock autograph authority Tracks UK; and a Letter of Authenticity from rock memorabilia specialists Rockaway Records.