• Published by Omnibus Press 270 Pages

• The Man Who Led Zeppelin by Chris Welch

• Author: Peter Grant

This was, without exaggeration, an incredible book to read. Even for those who have read numerous Zeppelin biographies, such as myself, Welch has managed to dig up new information. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends.

12 of 13 found the following review helpful:


Another great book...  Jun 16, 2003 By Kurtz "Brandt Art"
...by Chris Welch, and this time on the heavy-hitting mananger behind Led Zeppelin: Peter Grant. Despite a few glaring factual errors, such as the story behind Swan Song's (Zeppelin's vanity 70's record label)logo, and a few typos this is another good Welch-penned Zeppelin effort. Being a big fan of the band I was very surprised on the chapters devoted to the group's film Song Remains The Same, and their devastating 1977 US tour. These chapters alone are worth your time and money. This book, S. Davis'Hammer Of The Gods, and Richard Cole's Stairway To Heaven, read back to back will tell you all you'll need to know about the best hard rock band the world has ever known: Led Zeppelin!

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


He Got the Led Out.  Jun 17, 2002 By Don Obnoxio "gh"
He was big. He was intimidating. He was a godsend to an industry dominated by the promoters and not the artists who were grossly expoited by them. Peter Grant was to Led Zep what a great driver is to a race car: the difference between winning or hitting the wall in turn four. Good management is essential for any artistic endeavor; otherwise it spins out of control under the weight of the artists' emotional involvement. Peter Grant allowed the musicians to make musical decisions without his interference while he tended to the important matters of the bottom line. He bullied and cajoled, but the objects of his abuse were overdue...But his hubris came with a price: his own comeuppence at the hands of Bill Graham's organization.

Not a particularly well-written piece, but well worth the look behind the tawdry curtain of a fledgling music industry. One does not have to be a diehard Zep fan to enjoy this, as I am not but did enjoy it immensely.

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:


90% band/10% promoter!  Dec 26, 2004 By Micky B
This book is a must for any Zeppelin fan,Peter Grant defined what the roll of a manager should be,Led Zep are a great band and left a huge larger than life legacy that wont be repeated again.They may have been overlooked or perhaps just done their thing.I believe without the guidance of Peter Grant and his headkickin ways I dont think Zeppelin would of been the rock gods they were.He made the band rich beyond their wildest dreams,he wheeled and dealed and got them gigs at sellout arenas.Peter Grant was the man,Led Zep were his boys.Do yourself a favour and buy this book if you want to know what rock n roll was about.

6 of 7 found the following review helpful:


Answers a Whooooole Lotta Nagging Questions  Feb 19, 2003 By cjf
Much insight on the band on and off stage. And Peter Grant, this brilliant and threataning manager is brought out from behind the shadows and emerges as a pivotal individual in rock history.

Simply a fascinating man, who was just as human as you or I. If he made any errors, the worst in his life were hiring John Bindon onto his security staff, and marrying a woman who was not a "single man woman.". I also now understand why he was referred to as the "fifth member of the Band".

The Book is very informative and thorough. The only problem I had with the book is that Welch even considered using Richard Cole as a source of information. That cost him one star. I also don't like the photographs of Peter giving us the finger. That almost cost him another star.

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