Led Zeppelin Fans Didn’t Know Led Zeppelin’s Name Had 2 Back Stories

The 1960s gave us unforgettable music—and some pretty foggy memories. With all the craziness of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, it’s no wonder that stories from that time are a little all over the place. One of the most talked-about tales? How Led Zeppelin got their name. It’s a mix of jokes, jabs, and maybe a little embellishment—classic rock history at its finest.

Before Zeppelin Took Flight: The New Yardbirds

Before Led Zeppelin became, well, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page was already a legend in the making. As a member of The Yardbirds, he had established himself as a top-tier guitarist. When the band broke up in 1968, Page wasn’t ready to let the music stop. He formed a new group initially called The New Yardbirds to fulfill some remaining tour obligations.

But the seeds of something bigger were planted back in 1966. During a recording session for “Beck’s Bolero” with Jeff Beck, John Paul Jones, and Keith Moon, Page floated the idea of forming a supergroup. That’s when the name discussion began—sort of.

Keith Moon reportedly quipped that the whole thing would “go down like a lead balloon,” poking fun at the idea of such a group. Page, being Page, tucked the joke away in the back of his mind. Fast forward to 1968, and when the band was ready to rebrand, Led Zeppelin was born—“lead” swapped for “led” to avoid any pronunciation confusion.

Who Made the Joke First?

Here’s where things get a little blurry. While most credit Keith Moon with the original “lead balloon” jab, some say it was actually John Entwistle, The Who’s bassist, who came up with the crack. Both Moon and Entwistle were known for their sharp wit, so it’s anyone’s guess who really deserves the credit.

Or maybe neither of them said it. There’s even a chance the whole story was exaggerated or misremembered—rock lore has a way of taking on a life of its own.

Whatever the truth, the name Led Zeppelin couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s bold, iconic, and unforgettable—just like the music they gave us. Whether it started as a joke or not, it’s proof that sometimes great things come from the most unexpected places.