In Through The Out Door, Led Zeppelin's eighth and final studio album, was released 40 years ago this week, on August 15th, 1979. Led Zep disbanded soon after, the death of John Bonham in 1980 was the end of the band.
The title was based on many struggles the band had gone through in previous years including their tax exile - they were barred from touring in the UK for two years - and the tragic death of Robert Plant's son. These hurdles, both business and emotional, combined with Bonham and Page's substance abuse resulted in a group of guys who were trying to get "in through the out door", leaving John Paul Jones as the driving force behind the music and primary songwriter on this album.
As always, there was genius in the artwork. Six different sleeves were produced, hidden inside a brown paper bag - much like bootleg recordings of the time - each sleeve showing the same bar scene shot from a different angle. A highlight for collectors, and for record stores!
In Through The Out Door peaked at number 3 on the Australian Kent Music Report in the chart year ending 1979, and only produced one single, "Fool In The Rain".
In November on 1979, John Bonham, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant attend the Melody Maker reader's poll awards at London's Waldorf Hotel, where they received awards for Best Live Act, Best Group, Best Album, Best Guitarist, Best Producer, Best Composer, and Best Male Vocalist.
Get all of Led Zeppelin's classic albums on CD or vinyl, including remastered box sets, here.
Listen to In Through The Out Door on Spotify
Listen to In Through The Out Door on Apple Music
