In The Light

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO with your favorite hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew, spinning the cosmic vibes of "In The Light" by Led Zeppelin from their 1975 masterpiece Physical Graffiti. This track is a journey, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. Did you know "In The Light" was never performed live by Led Zeppelin? That’s right, this progressive gem stayed a studio creation, which makes it feel like a hidden treasure for us vinyl spinners. The song’s unique intro, crafted by Jimmy Page using a bow on an acoustic guitar alongside John Paul Jones’s haunting synthesizer, sets an otherworldly tone. It actually evolved from an earlier composition called “In the Morning,” showing how the band reworked their ideas into something magical.

Diving deeper, Robert Plant himself called "In The Light" one of Led Zeppelin’s finest moments in an interview with rock journalist Cameron Crowe. But not everyone was on board back in the day—Rolling Stone’s Jim Miller gave it a mixed review in 1975, calling it ambitious but saying it “fizzles down the home stretch” because of its “fragmentary composition.” Ouch, Jim! Fast forward to a 2015 retrospective by Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound, who praised its erratic build from solo organs and doom riffs to a cheerful chorus, saying it “shouldn’t work, but it does.” Hadusek even named it one of his favorite Zeppelin tracks. There’s also an alternate version, “Everybody Makes It Through,” released in 2015, which offers a psychedelic glimpse into the song’s early stages—perfect for us Zoo Freaks who love the raw, unpolished vibes.

Now, let’s rewind to how Led Zeppelin got their start. Formed in London in 1968, the band came together when guitarist Jimmy Page, a seasoned session musician and former member of The Yardbirds, was looking to create a new group. He recruited Robert Plant, a young vocalist with a bluesy wail, from the Birmingham music scene. Plant brought in drummer John Bonham, his mate from local bands, and Page tapped John Paul Jones, a multi-instrumentalist and arranger, to round out the lineup. Originally called The New Yardbirds, they quickly became Led Zeppelin, blending blues, rock, and folk into a sound that shook the world. Their self-titled debut in 1969 was recorded in just 36 hours, and by the time Physical Graffiti dropped, they were running their own label, Swan Song Records, cementing their legend status.

For you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with the Led Zeppelin universe, check out their official website for news, merch, and reissue details. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Want to join the fan frenzy? Dive into the official Led Zeppelin Forum or the invite-only Royal Orleans for deep discussions. Fan sites like Led Zeppelin News keep you posted on everything from anniversary interviews to vinyl reissues, while Tight But Loose offers a magazine and site for diehards. For collectors, Luke The Duke has discographies galore, and Led Zeppelin Reference details their live shows. So, crank up "In The Light", vibe with the Zoo Crew, and keep it freaky, Zoo Freaks!