All My Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning "All My Love" by Led Zeppelin from their 1979 album In Through the Out Door, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this heartfelt track. This rock ballad, credited to Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, stands out as one of only two Led Zeppelin songs where guitarist Jimmy Page had no writing credit, the other being "South Bound Saurez" from the same album. The song was written as a tribute to Robert Plant’s son, Karac, who tragically passed away during the band’s 1977 North American tour. Plant poured his grief into the lyrics, creating what biographer Nigel Williamson describes as a mid-tempo ballad with a "semi-classical arrangement," drawing parallels to the styles of Genesis and ELO popular at the time. In an interview with rock journalist Cameron Crowe, Plant called the song one of Led Zeppelin’s "finest moments," though Page and drummer John Bonham were less enthusiastic about its softer, synth-driven sound, reflecting the band’s shift toward new influences.

Delving into the song’s creation, "All My Love" was recorded at Polar Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, between November and December 1978. Originally titled "The Hook," the track features a prominent synthesizer solo by John Paul Jones, showcasing his growing influence on the album. A longer studio outtake, running about 7:55, exists on bootleg recordings, complete with extended ad-libbing by Plant and a twangy B-Bender guitar solo by Page, offering fans a raw glimpse into the band’s creative process. Reviewer Andrew Doscas from PopMatters described it as “the saddest and most heartfelt Zeppelin song,” noting its haunting quality as a foreshadowing of the band’s impending dissolution after John Bonham’s death in 1980. Led Zeppelin performed "All My Love" during their 1980 European tour, marking one of the last times the song was played live by the original lineup.

Led Zeppelin’s journey began in 1968 in London, evolving from the ashes of The Yardbirds, where Jimmy Page was a member. Initially called the New Yardbirds, the band—comprising Page on guitar, Robert Plant on vocals, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums—quickly redefined themselves as Led Zeppelin. Their heavy, guitar-driven sound, infused with blues, folk, and psychedelic influences, laid the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal. Signing with Atlantic Records, they secured significant artistic freedom, allowing them to craft albums as complete, indivisible works. Their 1969 debut album, Led Zeppelin, became a top-ten hit in multiple countries, featuring tracks like "Good Times Bad Times" that showcased their raw energy. The band’s aversion to releasing singles in the UK, coupled with their focus on live performances filled with improvisation, cemented their reputation as pioneers of album-oriented rock and stadium rock.

Fans can connect with Led Zeppelin’s legacy through their official website, which offers news, merchandise, and an online store. Their Facebook page keeps the community engaged with updates and nostalgic posts, while their Instagram account shares iconic photos and album artwork. On X, the band posts about reissues and tributes, keeping the Zoo Freaks in the loop. For deeper fan interaction, the Led Zeppelin Official Forum provides a space to discuss the band’s music and history. Unofficial fan sites like Led Zeppelin News offer detailed updates, while Royal Orleans, an invite-only forum, and Tight But Loose, a fan magazine website, cater to dedicated enthusiasts. The Russian fan site LedZeppelin.Ru also provides a unique perspective for international fans, ensuring the band’s legacy thrives across the globe.