Like many legendary bands, Led Zeppelin was shaped by a wide array of musical influences. However, while inspiration is a natural part of creativity, the line between paying tribute and outright copying has long been a subject of debate—one that Zeppelin itself wasn’t immune to. Over the years, the band faced scrutiny over musical similarities to earlier blues and folk artists, leading to both legal disputes and artistic criticisms.
The Borrowing That Led to Controversy
One of the most well-known cases involved “Bring It On Home,” a song that bore such a resemblance to Willie Dixon’s original track that Zeppelin eventually settled financially with Dixon and added him as a co-writer. Similarly, guitarist Bert Jansch accused Jimmy Page of lifting the melody of his song “Blackwaterside” for Zeppelin’s instrumental “Black Mountain Side.” Though Jansch never took legal action, he remained vocal about what he saw as an uncredited appropriation of his work.
Even Robert Plant’s lyrics weren’t free from controversy. The words to “Whole Lotta Love” were heavily influenced by Muddy Waters’ “You Need Love” (written by Dixon as well), which resulted in Zeppelin once again having to acknowledge and compensate the original songwriter.
Yet, just as Zeppelin had drawn from past artists, the tables eventually turned—soon, they became the band that others sought to emulate.
Robert Plant’s Frustration with Copycats
Throughout the late ‘70s and ‘80s, countless bands attempted to replicate Zeppelin’s sound, but Robert Plant wasn’t impressed—especially when it came from his own musical era. One of his biggest criticisms was directed at David Coverdale and Whitesnake, whom he saw as less-than-original imitators.
“There was a time, years ago, that I tried to mimic Elvis Presley—that’s quite acceptable,” Plant said, acknowledging his own youthful influences. “But David Coverdale’s nearly my age! He is of my genre, even if he was in a lot of substandard groups.”
His frustration was clear: borrowing from a distant past was one thing, but imitating one’s peers felt like a betrayal.
A Different Take on Greta Van Fleet
Years later, a new wave of artists emerged, drawing comparisons to Led Zeppelin. One of the most talked-about was Greta Van Fleet, whose sound—particularly Josh Kiszka’s vocals—immediately reminded fans of Plant. Unlike his criticism of Whitesnake, however, Plant’s response to Greta Van Fleet was far more playful and approving.
“They are Led Zeppelin I,” he quipped, before jokingly calling Kiszka “a beautiful little singer…I hate him.” Despite the jest, he recognized the influence and didn’t seem to mind it. “Yeah, and he borrowed it from somebody I know very well! But what are you going to do? That’s OK.”
For Greta Van Fleet, the comparisons were both a blessing and a challenge. Guitarist Jake Kiszka saw it as an honor, admitting, “To have them talk about us is really inspiring. That re-jolts us and kind of gives us credibility.” Meanwhile, bassist Sam Kiszka took a more cautious approach, saying, “We don’t want to let others’ opinions define us, but honestly, I would take that as a compliment.”
Influence vs. Originality
Plant’s differing reactions to Whitesnake and Greta Van Fleet highlight an important distinction: while he was frustrated with bands he saw as blatant imitators, he was more open to newer generations rediscovering and adapting Zeppelin’s essence. Greta Van Fleet’s approach may echo Zeppelin, but their enthusiasm and fresh energy have made them more than just a copy.
One thing remains clear: whether through homage, inspiration, or outright imitation, Led Zeppelin’s impact on rock music is undeniable, and their legacy continues to shape new artists across generations.
