Hubbry Logo
Led Zeppelin RemastersLed Zeppelin RemastersMain
Open search
Led Zeppelin Remasters
Community hub
Led Zeppelin Remasters
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Led Zeppelin Remasters
Led Zeppelin Remasters
from Wikipedia

Led Zeppelin Remasters
A zeppelin flying over a crop circle
Compilation album by
Released15 October 1990 (1990-10-15)
RecordedOctober 1968 – December 1978
Genre
Length145:01
LabelAtlantic
ProducerJimmy Page
CompilerJimmy Page
Led Zeppelin chronology
Led Zeppelin Boxed Set
(1990)
Led Zeppelin Remasters
(1990)
Led Zeppelin Boxed Set 2
(1993)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicStarStarStarStarStar[2]

Led Zeppelin Remasters is a three-LP (or two-cassette or two-CD) compilation album of digitally remastered material by the English rock band Led Zeppelin. Containing songs from the band's eight studio albums, it was initially released in the UK and Japan by Atlantic Records on 15 October 1990. The album is essentially a smaller version of the four-CD Led Zeppelin Boxed Set, although, unlike the larger collection, it includes "Good Times Bad Times."

Track listing

[edit]
1990 vinyl edition
Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Communication Breakdown" (from Led Zeppelin, 1969)John Bonham, John Paul Jones, and Jimmy Page2:29
2."Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" (from Led Zeppelin)Bredon, Page, and Robert Plant6:42
3."Good Times Bad Times" (from Led Zeppelin)Bonham, Jones, and Page2:45
4."Dazed and Confused" (from Led Zeppelin)Page (inspired by Jake Holmes)6:26
5."Heartbreaker" (from Led Zeppelin II, 1969)Bonham, Jones, Page, and Plant4:14
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
6."Whole Lotta Love" (from Led Zeppelin II)Bonham, Dixon, Jones, Page and Plant5:34
7."Ramble On" (from Led Zeppelin II)Page and Plant4:23
8."Since I've Been Loving You" (from Led Zeppelin III, 1970)Jones, Page and Plant7:24
9."Celebration Day" (from Led Zeppelin III)Jones, Page and Plant3:28
10."Immigrant Song" (from Led Zeppelin III)Page and Plant2:23
Side three
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."Black Dog" (from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971)Jones, Page and Plant4:54
12."Rock and Roll" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Bonham, Jones, Page and Plant3:40
13."The Battle of Evermore" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Page and Plant5:57
14."Stairway to Heaven" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Page and Plant8:02
Side four
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."The Song Remains the Same" (from Houses of the Holy, 1973)Page and Plant5:28
16."D'yer Mak'er" (from Houses of the Holy)Bonham, Jones, Page and Plant4:21
17."No Quarter" (from Houses of the Holy)Jones, Page and Plant7:01
18."Houses of the Holy" (from Physical Graffiti, 1975)Page and Plant4:03
Side five
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
19."Trampled Under Foot" (from Physical Graffiti)Jones, Page and Plant5:35
20."Kashmir" (from Physical Graffiti)Bonham, Page and Plant8:33
21."Nobody's Fault but Mine" (from Presence, 1976)Page and Plant6:27
Side six
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
22."Achilles Last Stand" (from Presence)Page and Plant10:23
23."All My Love" (from In Through the Out Door, 1979)Jones and Plant5:51
24."In the Evening" (from In Through the Out Door)Jones, Page and Plant6:49
"Misty Mountain Hop" and "The Rain Song" were not included on the LP edition of the album.

Personnel

[edit]

Led Zeppelin

Additional musicians

Production

  • Yves Beauvais – producer
  • Perry Cooper – executive producer
  • Bob Defrin – art direction
  • Larry Fremantle – design
  • Peter Grant – executive producer
  • Bob Gruen – photography
  • Richard "Hutch" Hutchison – design co-ordinator
  • John Kubick – digital editing and transfers
  • George Marino – digital remastering
  • Jennifer Moore – photography and imaging
  • Aubrey Powell – photography
  • Jodi Rovin – design
  • Rhonda Schoen – digital editing and transfers
  • Chris Wroe – photography and imaging

Chart performance

[edit]
Chart performance for Led Zeppelin Remasters
Chart (1990) Peak
position
Australian ARIA Albums Chart[3] 1
Austrian Albums Chart[4] 19
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)[5] 46
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[6] 32
Dutch Albums Chart[7] 33
Finnish Albums Chart[8] 1
German Albums Chart[9] 13
Japanese Albums Chart[10] 32
New Zealand RIANZ Albums Chart[11] 3
Norwegian Albums Chart[12] 8
Spanish Albums Chart[13] 12
Swedish Albums Chart[14] 21
Swiss Albums Chart[15] 24
UK Albums Chart[16] 10

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications for Led Zeppelin Remasters
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[17] Platinum 60,000^
Australia (ARIA)[19] 10× Platinum 730,000[18]
Austria (IFPI Austria)[20] Gold 25,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[21] Gold 100,000*
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[22] Gold 35,440[22]
France (SNEP)[23] Platinum 300,000*
Germany (BVMI)[24] Platinum 500,000^
Italy (FIMI)[25] Gold 25,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[26] 11× Platinum 165,000^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[27] Gold 25,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[28] Platinum 100,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[29] Gold 25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[30] 2× Platinum 600,000^
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[31] 3× Platinum 3,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release formats for Led Zeppelin Remasters
Region Date Label Format Catalog #
United Kingdom 15 October 1990 Atlantic 3LP (33 rpm) ZEP 1
2CD 80415-2

Led Zeppelin Remasters (Bonus Disc edition)

[edit]
Led Zeppelin Remasters (Bonus Disc edition)
Box set by
Released21 February 1992
RecordedOctober 1968 – December 1978
GenreHard rock, heavy metal, blues rock, folk rock
Length205:01
LabelAtlantic
ProducerJimmy Page
CompilerJimmy Page

Led Zeppelin Remasters (Bonus Disc edition) is a three-CD and three-cassette compilation album long-case digipak of remastered material by English rock group Led Zeppelin. The discs came in a multicolour dayglo label reflected on the box set cover. Released in the US by Atlantic Records on 21 February 1992, it includes a bonus CD with promotional interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones in a sleeve pouch with liner notes from the original Remasters release.

Revised track listing

[edit]
Disc one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Communication Breakdown" (from Led Zeppelin, 1969)John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page2:29
2."Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" (from Led Zeppelin)Anne Bredon, Page, and Robert Plant6:42
3."Good Times Bad Times" (from Led Zeppelin)Bonham, Jones, and Page2:45
4."Dazed and Confused" (from Led Zeppelin)Page (inspired by Jake Holmes)6:26
5."Whole Lotta Love" (from Led Zeppelin II, 1969)Bonham, Willie Dixon, Jones, Page, and Plant5:34
6."Heartbreaker" (from Led Zeppelin II)Bonham, Jones, Page, and Plant4:14
7."Ramble On" (from Led Zeppelin II)Page and Plant4:23
8."Immigrant Song" (from Led Zeppelin III, 1970)Page and Plant2:23
9."Celebration Day" (from Led Zeppelin III)Jones, Page, and Plant3:28
10."Since I've Been Loving You" (from Led Zeppelin III)Jones, Page, and Plant7:24
11."Black Dog" (from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971)Jones, Page, and Plant4:54
12."Rock and Roll" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Bonham, Jones, Page, and Plant3:40
13."The Battle of Evermore" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Page and Plant5:57
14."Misty Mountain Hop" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Jones, Page, and Plant4:37
15."Stairway to Heaven" (from Led Zeppelin IV)Page and Plant8:02
Disc two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Song Remains the Same" (from Houses of the Holy, 1973)Page and Plant5:28
2."The Rain Song" (from Houses of the Holy)Page and Plant7:39
3."D'yer Mak'er" (from Houses of the Holy)Bonham, Jones, Page and Plant4:21
4."No Quarter" (from Houses of the Holy)Jones, Page, and Plant7:01
5."Houses of the Holy" (from Physical Graffiti, 1975)Page and Plant4:03
6."Kashmir" (from Physical Graffiti)Bonham, Page, and Plant8:33
7."Trampled Under Foot" (from Physical Graffiti)Jones, Page, and Plant5:35
8."Nobody's Fault but Mine" (from Presence, 1976)Page and Plant6:27
9."Achilles Last Stand" (from Presence)Page and Plant10:23
10."All My Love" (from In Through the Out Door, 1979)Jones and Plant5:51
11."In the Evening" (from In Through the Out Door)Jones, Page, and Plant6:49
Disc three
Profiled

Disc three was originally issued under the title Profiled, as a promotional accompaniment to the Led Zeppelin Boxed Set.

Personnel

[edit]

Led Zeppelin

Additional musicians

Chart performance

[edit]
Chart performance for Led Zeppelin Remasters (bonus disc)
Chart (1999) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[32] 47

Certification

[edit]
Certifications for Led Zeppelin Remasters (bonus disc)
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[33] 2× Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release formats for Led Zeppelin Remasters (bonus disc)
Region Date Label Format Catalog #
United States 21 February 1992 Atlantic 3CD 82371-2

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Led Zeppelin Remasters is a by the English Led Zeppelin, featuring 26 digitally remastered tracks selected from their first eight , released on 15 October 1990 by in the UK and . Supervised by guitarist , the project involved remastering at Sterling Sound in New York during May 1990, aiming to enhance the audio quality of the band's classic recordings for CD, vinyl, and cassette formats. Issued as a two-CD set (or three-LP edition), it draws material from Led Zeppelin (1969) through (1979), highlighting key songs like "," "," and "" without including tracks from the 1982 compilation Coda. The album's release coincided with Led Zeppelin's broader archival efforts in the early 1990s, following the band's 1985 reunion at and preceding Page's production of the 1990 four-CD , which offered a more expansive 54-track retrospective. Remasters emphasized the band's , , and folk influences through improved clarity and dynamics, reflecting Page's hands-on approach to preserving their legacy after the group's disbandment in 1980 following drummer John Bonham's death. It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the and number 47 on the US , while introducing younger audiences to the band's catalog via accessible packaging that included and artwork. Critically, the remastering was praised for revitalizing the sound of Led Zeppelin's era-defining recordings. The compilation remains a notable entry in the band's discography, underscoring their enduring impact on with over 300 million records sold worldwide by the band overall.

Background and production

Conception and development

Following the death of drummer from asphyxiation due to of vomit after consuming excessive alcohol on September 25, 1980, Led Zeppelin officially disbanded in December 1980, marking the end of the band's active recording and touring era. Guitarist , who had been the band's primary producer and creative force, shifted focus to solo projects throughout the 1980s, including his 1988 album Outrider and The Firm with , while assuming the role of unofficial archivist and manager for the Led Zeppelin catalog. In the late 1980s, amid a resurgence of interest in classic rock and the band's enduring popularity, Atlantic Records reissued Led Zeppelin's studio albums to commemorate the label's 40th anniversary, setting the stage for further catalog revival efforts. Page spearheaded the decision to compile and digitally remaster select tracks from the band's eight studio albums, originally recorded between 1968 and 1978, to present a refreshed overview of their work from 1969 to 1979. This initiative capitalized on the growing demand for high-quality reissues, building on the success of the 1988 commemorative releases and the band's brief reunion performance at Atlantic's anniversary concert. Planning for the project began in 1989, with Page personally selecting 26 tracks that emphasized hit singles, fan favorites, and key album cuts to create a streamlined 2-CD or 3-LP collection known as Remasters. Designed as a more accessible "smaller version" of the forthcoming 4-CD Led Zeppelin Boxed Set, the compilation included "Good Times Bad Times"—the band's debut single from 1969, which was notably absent from the larger box set—while prioritizing conceptual breadth over exhaustive representation. The remastering process itself occurred in May 1990 at Sterling Sound in New York, ensuring enhanced audio fidelity for the October 1990 release.

Remastering process

The remastering of tracks for the 1990 Led Zeppelin Remasters compilation was overseen by guitarist and producer , who sought to elevate the band's recorded legacy through the first official digital upgrades of their catalog. Collaborating with mastering engineer at Sterling Sound in New York, Page directed the process in May 1990, personally involved in selecting and preparing the original analog master tapes for transfer to a high-resolution digital domain. This hands-on supervision ensured fidelity to the source material, drawing from Page's extensive experience producing the band's albums to guide technical decisions. The core technique centered on high-quality analog-to-digital transfers, which captured the nuances of the multitrack recordings while mitigating degradation from repeated analog handling over the years. Page and Marino then applied targeted equalization adjustments with contemporary digital EQ tools to refine tonal balance, aiming to restore vibrancy and detail lost in the original 1970s vinyl pressings due to mastering limitations and playback wear. processes were employed to suppress tape hiss and other analog artifacts without compromising the organic texture of the performances, while enhancements preserved the explosive peaks and subtle decays inherent to Led Zeppelin's dynamic style. These steps emphasized clarity and punch, modernizing the sound for and LP formats. Throughout, Page prioritized the preservation of the band's raw, energetic essence, avoiding alterations to core arrangements or mixes that could dilute their improvisational spirit. The result was refined that improved instrument separation—such as distinguishing layered guitars and rhythmic elements—while enhancing overall spatial depth compared to prior editions. This meticulous approach, rooted in Page's archival commitment, balanced technical restoration with artistic integrity, setting a benchmark for subsequent reissues.

Release and editions

Original 1990 edition

The original 1990 edition of Led Zeppelin Remasters was released on 15 October 1990 in the United Kingdom, Japan, and for the vinyl edition in the United States by Atlantic Records, with the US CD release occurring in 1992. This compilation gathered 26 digitally remastered tracks drawn from the band's first eight studio albums, serving as a curated overview of their catalog. The edition was issued in multiple formats to accommodate varying listener preferences during the burgeoning compact disc era. The primary CD version consisted of a two-disc set housed in a double jewel case, often referred to as a "fatbox" for its thicker construction to fit both discs and accompanying materials. The vinyl counterpart was a three-LP box set, pressed for enhanced audio fidelity. Both formats included an eight-page booklet with track listings, credits, black-and-white band photographs, and liner notes. Packaging emphasized the band's legacy through a minimalist yet striking , featuring an embossed Led Zeppelin logo on the cover and interior photos capturing the group's iconic imagery, with cover images by Mission Control in , , and by Bill Smith Studio. The booklet provided contextual depth for listeners. Initial marketing efforts highlighted the set as an accessible introduction for new fans and a refreshed experience for longtime enthusiasts, leveraging the early surge in adoption and the timeless appeal of Led Zeppelin's music. Promotional commercials aired in the emphasized the improved sound quality from the remastering at Sterling Sound in New York, positioning it as a definitive collection amid the format's rising dominance.

1992 Bonus Disc edition

The 1992 Bonus Disc edition of Led Zeppelin Remasters was released on 21 February 1992 exclusively for the United States market by Atlantic Records. This version transformed the original two-disc compilation—previously available only in Europe and Japan since 1990—into a three-CD set by incorporating an additional bonus disc. The bonus disc, known as "Led Zeppelin Profile," consists entirely of audio interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, structured as a 28-minute introductory profile followed by segmented question-and-answer responses from each member addressing the band's history, creative processes, and key recordings. These interviews deliver rare, firsthand perspectives on the evolution of Led Zeppelin's music, including discussions of songwriting, production techniques, and the influences behind their catalog, thereby enriching the remastered tracks with contextual depth. The inclusion of this promotional material, originally derived from a "Profiled" radio special, catered specifically to American audiences by offering exclusive content that complemented the compilation's selections, which were drawn directly from the Led Zeppelin . The edition's packaging adopted a distinctive long-box-style hardback digipak format, featuring picture CDs, updated artwork reflecting the band's iconic imagery, and two eight-page booklets with expanded that emphasize the bonus disc's value and detail the remastering overseen by and at Sterling Sound in 1990.

Content

Track listings

The original 1990 edition of Led Zeppelin Remasters features 26 remastered tracks across two CDs, drawn from the band's eight studio albums Led Zeppelin through .

Disc one

No.TitleOriginal albumDuration
1""Led Zeppelin2:28
2""Led Zeppelin6:41
3""Led Zeppelin2:43
4"Dazed and Confused"Led Zeppelin6:26
5""5:34
6"Heartbreaker"4:14
7""4:24
8""2:23
9"Celebration Day"3:28
10"Since I've Been Loving You"7:24
11"Black Dog"4:54
12"Rock and Roll"3:40
13""5:51
14""4:39
15""8:01

Disc two

No.TitleOriginal albumDuration
1"The Song Remains the Same"5:29
2"The Rain Song"7:39
3"D'yer Mak'er"4:23
4"No Quarter"7:00
5"Houses of the Holy"4:03
6"Kashmir"8:32
7"Trampled Under Foot"5:35
8"Nobody's Fault But Mine"Presence6:28
9"Achilles Last Stand"Presence10:23
10"All My Love"5:53
11"In the Evening"6:51
The 1992 bonus disc edition retains the same 26 tracks on discs one and two but adds a third disc with exclusive promotional interview content featuring , , and , segmented into a band profile and individual responses drawn from promotional interview sessions recorded on September 21, 1990. This bonus disc comprises over 40 short segments, including station liners and answer clips, for a total of approximately 30 key items when grouping the three main interviews.

Personnel

The core lineup of Led Zeppelin for the recordings featured in the Remasters compilation consisted of on guitar and production duties, on vocals, on and keyboards, and on . Bonham, who passed away on September 25, 1980, is included posthumously in all tracks, as the band disbanded shortly thereafter. For the 1990 Remasters project, served as the compiler of the track selection, digital remasterer, and author of the , working in collaboration with engineer on the remastering at Sterling Sound in New York during May 1990. Guest appearances are confined to those from the original 1968–1979 album recordings, with no new contributions added for this release, maintaining fidelity to the band's classic lineup across eras.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

The 1990 edition of Led Zeppelin Remasters achieved significant chart success internationally, driven by the appeal of its digitally remastered tracks in the emerging era. In the , the album peaked at number 15 on the Official Albums Chart upon its entry on October 27, 1990, and spent 20 weeks on the listing. In , it topped the Albums Chart at number 1. The release also performed well in other markets, reaching number 3 on the Recorded Music NZ albums chart, where it maintained a presence for 59 weeks overall, and number 13 on the German Albums Chart. European charts highlighted the album's momentum from remastering enthusiasm, with peaks including number 1 in and number 3 in the , contributing to its extended runs elsewhere like 28 weeks in the US at a peak of number 54. The compilation's chart longevity was bolstered by the growing popularity of compact discs, which facilitated broader accessibility to the enhanced audio quality. The 1992 bonus disc edition, featuring additional live recordings, had more limited chart impact due to its targeted appeal for dedicated fans. In the United States, it briefly entered the at number 47 in April 1992, lasting three weeks on the ranking.

Certifications and sales

Led Zeppelin Remasters achieved substantial global sales, with estimates exceeding 4.8 million units worldwide. In the United States, the original 1990 edition contributed to the album's enduring commercial footprint, with total sales estimated at 667,000 units. Certifications reflect this success across multiple markets. The release earned Platinum status from the RIAA in the United States on November 25, 1997, for 1 million shipped units. In the United Kingdom, the BPI certified it Platinum for sales of 300,000 units. Additional accolades include Platinum certification in Canada from Music Canada (100,000 units), at least 10× Platinum in Australia from ARIA based on over 730,000 units sold (official certification 3× Platinum for 210,000 units as of early records), and Platinum in Germany from BVMI (200,000 units). The 1992 Bonus Disc edition bolstered these figures, with its sales integrated into overall tallies but generating limited additional units independently and no separate major awards. Overall sales benefited from nostalgia for the band's catalog, with no significant re-certifications occurring through 2025.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

The Led Zeppelin Remasters compilation received positive reception for its improved audio quality and selection of key tracks from the band's catalog. Critics and fans praised the remastering overseen by at Sterling Sound, which enhanced clarity and dynamics for the CD format, making it a strong introduction for new listeners. On Prog Archives, user reviews averaged around 4 out of 5 stars, with commentators highlighting it as one of the best Led Zeppelin compilations due to its focus on essential songs without filler. users rated it 4.3 out of 5, noting the remastered sound's vitality compared to earlier digital versions. Some critiques pointed to its redundancy for collectors owning the original albums, though the sonic upgrades were generally seen as justifying the release. The 1992 bonus disc edition, adding an interview with the band members, was viewed by some as providing valuable historical context but criticized by others for its non-musical content. Overall, the release was acclaimed in the early for updating Led Zeppelin's sound for , serving as a benchmark until the 2014 album remasters. Retrospectively, it is regarded as a pivotal effort in preserving the band's audio legacy.

Cultural impact

The Led Zeppelin Remasters of served as a key archival project, introducing digitally remastered audio to a new generation and sustaining interest in the band's music following their 1980 disbandment. Released amid broader efforts like the 1990 Boxed Set, it helped bridge to reunions such as the 1994 collaboration No Quarter: Unledded. Supervised by , the remastering enhanced the fidelity of recordings from 1969 to 1979, establishing standards for future releases. This compilation influenced subsequent collections, including the 2007 Mothership, which utilized the 1990 remasters as its audio source before a 2015 update with later masters. The Remasters also informed the deluxe individual album editions from 2014 to 2015, where Page refined his techniques. By prioritizing , it shaped how Led Zeppelin's catalog was curated in digital and streaming eras. As of November 2025, no new editions of Remasters have been released, but its remastered tracks form the basis for much of the band's streaming presence on platforms like , where many songs are labeled "1990 Remaster" and continue to garner billions of plays. Fan discussions in 2025, including analyses tied to projects like the documentary , express desire for expanded reissues with unreleased material amid ongoing popularity. In broader terms, the Remasters contributed to Led Zeppelin's status as one of the best-selling artists, with over 300 million records sold worldwide as of . Its approach extended to multimedia, such as the 2003 Led Zeppelin DVD, applying similar remastering principles to live footage and audio.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.