Led Zeppelin :: Charts & Sales History

by **Kashmir75** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 5:08 pm

About a year ago, I purchased one of the Guinness UK Chart books... a 1991 edition. I compared Led Zeppelins chart achievements with those of other bands + performers, and Zeppelin easily held their own with anyone on the planet, including Elvis, the Beatles, Pink Floyd or the Rolling Stones.

In the next few days (when I have a bit more time to post), I will list what I found. It was very, very impressive. The facts will speak for themselves.

Kashmir75

by **Basil** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 6:38 pm

Led Zeppelin USA shipments

Key
title
riaa shipment
soundscan figure
weeks on catalogue chart since 1982

Studio Albums
Led Zeppelin - 8,000,000 - 1,685,000 jan 2013 - 105 weeks
Led Zeppelin II - 12,000,000 - 2,482,000 jan 2013 - 149 weeks
Led Zeppelin III - 6,000,000 - 1,310,000 dec 2006
Led Zeppelin IV - 23,000,000 - 3,825,000 apr 2013 - 344 weeks - 49 weeks at Number One
Houses of the Holy - 11,000,000 - 1,792,000 dec 2006 - 70 weeks
Physical Graffiti - 8,000,000 - 1,418,000 jan 2013
Presence - 3,000,000 - 497,000 mar 2013 - 19 weeks
In Through the Out Door - 6,000,000 - 782,000 dec 2006
Coda - 1,000,000 - 190,000 dec 2006

Box Sets
Complete (10CD) - 200,000 - 267,000 dec 2006
Led Zeppelin (4CD) - 2,750,000 - 1,350,000 dec 2006 - 12 weeks
Box Set Two (2CD) - 250,000 - 222,000 dec 2006

Compilations
Remasters - 667,000 - 745,000 dec 2006
Early Days - 1,000,000 - 1,128,000 dec 2006 - 1 week
Latter Days - none - 366,000 dec 2006
Very Best Of - 500,000 - 1,609,000 sep 2007 - 69 weeks
Mothership - 1,000,000 - 1,829,000 apr 2013

Live Albums
Live at the BBC 1969/71 - 1,000,000 - 1,273,000 dec 2006
How the West Was Won 1972 - 334,000 - 819,000 nov 2008
Song Remains the Same 1973 - 4,000,000 - 369,000 + 150,000 re-issue dec 2006/jan 2013

Their total soundscan figure since 1991 is 25,000,000 2012

Videos

soundscan totals December 2006

Led Zeppelin (DVD) - 1,000,000
Song Remains the Same (VHS) - 176,000

by **Dane** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 5:27 am

Basil wrote:Led Zeppelin USA shipments
Led Zeppelin IV - 22,000,000 - 3,190,000

Nice overview Basil.

I was looking at RIAA certifications for "IV". It went 10 x Platinum in 1990, 17 x Platinum in 1997 and 22 x Platinum in 1999! Making it the best selling Hard Rock/Heavy Metal album in the US ever!!!!

So what happened? Did it really ship more than 12 million in the 90's or did they suddenly find lost records of old shipments? I mean, it couldn't have shipped 5 million between nov '97 and nov '99 could it?????

Anyway, no update since nov '99, maybe sales have stopped since "Early days: The best of Led Zeppelin vol.1" was released in nov '99 (and later "Early/Latter days").
"IV" hasn't appeared on Top Pop Catalog albums since apr '99 and it has just 6 weeks since okt '96!

by **Dane** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 5:32 am

Basil wrote:Led Zeppelin USA shipments
Presence - 3,000,000 - 326,000
In Through the Out Door - 6,000,000 - 730,000

Btw, I never understood why sales of "In through the out door" doubled those of "Presence".
I mean which do you prefer "Achilles last stand" or "In the evening"?
But I see soundscan figures since 1991 confirm it...

by **Kashmir75** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 3:20 pm

Thats just part of the certification mess that is the RIAA... *Atlantic* is the company to certify Led Zeppelin albums, and from 1969-1989 hardly any Zep albums were kept up to date with certs.

In 1990 Atlantic finally got off their asses and decided to update Zep's catalogue, and lo and behold Zep had roughly 30-35 million in updated RIAA certifications. Quite a windfall, I would say.

by **Kashmir75** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 4:10 pm

Led Zeppelin earned their first Gold record much sooner (in 10 months) than Elvis (24 months) or the Beatles (19 months). This figure pertained to the very first gold record earned, regardless of country.

LZ dominated the charts in the 70's. 8 consecutive #1 albums from '69-'79. Abba also had 8 #1's, but these were over only 6 yrs. The Beatles had 7 #1's over a mere 3 yrs. (UK)

In 1973, they were acknowledged as the best selling rock band in the world by a senior official from Atlantic Recording company who made the announcement on 5/31/73.

From 1968-80, Zeppelin had 8 #1 albums, the Beatles had 4 #1's, the Rolling Stones had 6 #1's, and Elvis only had 2 #1's. (UK)

Led Zeppelin's #1's chart over 34 yrs, Elvis' #1's chart over only 15 yrs. (UK)

In 1975 Zep had all 6 albums on the chart at the same time, and they bettered this in '79 by having all 9 on the charts at the same time. (US)

Zeppelin broke the US Beatles attendance record in 1973 with 56,800 and bettered this in 1977 with 76,229 in Detroit. At Knebworth 1979 UK festival Zep drew a crowd of 210,000 then the next week drew 180,000.

It took Zeppelin less time to make it in to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame than Elvis. It took Zep 27 yrs, while it took Elvis about 32 yrs. (US)

On Jan 31st 1970, Abbey Road was toppled from the Charts by Zeppelin II, and the Beatles quit a few months later. Zeppelin also won the Melody Maker poll in 1970, ending the Beatles 8 yr run there. Zep also won the Melody Maker poll in '75, '77, and '79. (UK)

Their 1973 UK tour sold 110,000 tickets in a mere four hours. 1975 Earls Court sold 85,000 for five days... 5 straight capacity crowds for the legendary venue. This was yet another record in the UK for Led Zep.

Another achievement: Zeppelin's first 4 albums are considered timeless classics in the world of rock, and comparing these 4 albums with those of other bands I found another impressive feat. Zeppelin's first 4 albums were on the charts longer the first 4 of Elvis, the Beatles, Pink Floyd or the Rolling Stones. (UK)

by **nelson** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 4:14 pm

Kashmir75 wrote:LZ dominated the charts in the 70's. 8 consecutive #1 albums from '69-'79. Abba also had 8 #1's, but these were over only 6 yrs. The Beatles had 7 #1's over a mere 3 yrs.

Colin is crying, lol :lol:

by **MIGUEL** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:04 am

I read in this forum that Led Zeppelin IV i over 40 million but this is what i´ve found

USA 22m
Canada 2m
UK 1,5m
France 0,6m
Australia 0,560
Japan 0,141M

by **Dane** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:14 pm

Kashmir75 wrote:Led Zeppelin earned their first Gold record much sooner (in 10 months) than Elvis (24 months) or the Beatles (19 months).

LZ dominated the charts in the 70's. 8 consecutive #1 albums from '69-'79. Abba also had 8 #1's, but these were over only 6 yrs. The Beatles had 7 #1's over a mere 3 yrs.

In 1973, they were acknowledged as the best selling rock band in the world.

From 1968-80, Zeppelin had 8 #1 albums, the Beatles had 4 #1's, the Rolling Stones had 6 #1's, and Elvis only had 2 #1's.

Led Zeppelin's #1's chart over 34 yrs, Elvis' #1's chart over only 15 yrs.

In 1975 Zep had all 6 albums on the chart at the same time, and they bettered this in '79 by having all 9 on the charts at the same time.

Zeppelin broke the US Beatles attendance record in 1973 with 56,800 and bettered this in 1977 with 76,229. At Knebworth 1979 Zep drew a crowd of 210,000 then the next week drew 180,000.

It took Zeppelin less time to make it in to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame than Elvis. It took Zep 27 yrs, while it took Elvis about 32 yrs.

On Jan 31st 1970, Abbey Road was toppled from the Charts by Zeppelin II, and the Beatles quit a few months later. Zeppelin also won the Melody Maker poll in 1970, ending the Beatles 8 yr run there. Zep also won the Melody Maker poll in '75, '77, and '79.

Their 1973 UK tour sold 110,000 tickets in a mere four hours. 1975 Earls Court sold 85,000 for five days... 5 straight capacity crowds for the legendary venue. This was yet another record in the UK for Led Zep.

Are you referring to UK or US charts/certifications or both?

by **Kashmir75** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:25 pm

Most of the information in my post is regarding the UK, but not all of it. (I found most of these chart facts from a UK chart book). Should I label the few entries that pertain to the USA? Just let me know.

by **Kashmir75** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:30 pm

MIGUEL wrote:I read in this forum that Led Zeppelin IV i over 40 million but this is what i´ve found

USA 22m
Canada 2m
UK 1,5m
France 0,6m
Australia 0,560
Japan 0,141M

I wish Zep IV was over 40 million, but the highest sales estimate I have seen for Led Zeppelin IV is from the IFPI, which puts it at 32 million. Still quite impressive, not many albums have ever broke the 30 million level.

by **Dane** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:35 pm

Kashmir75 wrote:Most of the information in my post is regarding the UK, but not all of it. (I got most of the chart facts from a UK chart book). Should I label the few entries that pertain to the USA? Just let me know.

Yes, please state which entries are non UK. Maybe by editing your post.
Thanks!

by **Kashmir75** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 4:38 pm

More info has been added to my post, along with another entry to the original.

by **Basil** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:48 pm

Dane wrote:Nice overview Basil.

Thanks Dane. I think to get the sales patterns it is a good idea to separate out studio albums and compilations. For Led Zep this shows how sales of their studio albums varied a lot.

Dane wrote:I was looking at RIAA certifications for "IV". It went 10 x Platinum in 1990, 17 x Platinum in 1997 and 22 x Platinum in 1999! Making it the best selling Hard Rock/Heavy Metal album in the US ever!!!!

So what happened? Did it really ship more than 12 million in the 90's or did they suddenly find lost records of old shipments? I mean, it couldn't have shipped 5 million between nov '97 and nov '99 could it?????

The Led Zep catalogue was fully certified in 1990 at 40 million units. It is now 87.54m albums and 108.5m units.

In the early 90's there were various rule changes that enabled previously disallowed sales to be included. Things like record clubs and military base sales.

In 1997 the catalogue was done again and had leapt to 70.5m units. In 1999 another revision gave 91.5m units.

Some of this must have been a re-audit of earlier sales, because they have only sold 20m soundscan since 1990.

It also appears to have been definitive since there has been no revision in the past 6 years.

Dane wrote:Anyway, no update since nov '99, maybe sales have stopped since "Early days: The best of Led Zeppelin vol.1" was released in nov '99 (and later "Early/Latter days").
"IV" hasn't appeared on Top Pop Catalog albums since apr '99 and it has just 6 weeks since okt '96!

This is an interesting point. There have been 7 Led Zep compilations since 1990 and these seem to have gradually damaged catalogue sales more and more to the point where the old studio albums seem to have almost stopped selling.

Led Zep IV has probably sold less than 100,000 a year since 1999 so it would take until at least 2009 to go to 23m.

In 2001 there was meant to be a 2CD 30th anniversary version that Jimmy Page was preparing. It never happened of course. Still, it is the 3rd biggest selling album in the US - that is until Back in Black catches and passes it. The benefits of not releasing any compilations! People are still buying the AC/DC studio albums.

by **Basil** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:53 pm

Dane wrote:
Basil wrote:Led Zeppelin USA shipments
Presence - 3,000,000 - 326,000
In Through the Out Door - 6,000,000 - 730,000
Btw, I never understood why sales of "In through the out door" doubled those of "Presence".
I mean which do you prefer "Achilles last stand" or "In the evening"?
But I see soundscan figures since 1991 confirm it...

Yes there is a great correlation between soundscan and long term shipments of Led Zep albums. The record buying public have kept a consistent buying pattern on their albums.

I fully agree that Presence beats In Through all the way. The meagre sales of Presence have always been a mystery and it remains the cinderella of their output.

by **Basil** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:15 pm

Kashmir75 wrote:Thats just part of the certification mess that is the RIAA... *Atlantic* is the company to certify Led Zeppelin albums, and from 1969-1989 hardly any Zep albums were kept up to date with certs.

In 1990 Atlantic finally got off their asses and decided to update Zep's catalogue, and lo and behold Zep had roughly 30-35 million in updated RIAA certifications. Quite a windfall, I would say.

The riaa is blameless, it is all up to the record company.

The soundscan figure I have for How the West was Won is only a few months after it's release. It should easily be past 667,000 copies now and because it is 3 units should be 2xPlatinum.

The Very Best Of has scanned well over 1m copies and as 2 units should also be 2xPlatinum.

I think the rest of their certifications are now up to date with the possible exception of Remasters which was a 3CD version in the US.

by **Basil** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:19 pm

Dane wrote:"IV" hasn't appeared on Top Pop Catalog albums since apr '99 and it has just 6 weeks since okt '96!

Dane, could you post the weeks on the catalogue chart for all Led Zep albums? Cheers.

by **Basil** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:32 pm

The cria (Canadian Awards) database only has 6 titles listed??

Led Zeppelin I - 1,000,000
Led Zeppelin II - 900,000
Led Zeppelin IV - 2,000,000
Box Set (4CD) - 50,000 (12,500 albums)
Early Days - 50,000
How the West Was Won - 100,000 (34,000 albums)

So where are the rest??

by **Dane** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:20 pm

Basil wrote:The cria (Canadian Awards) database only has 6 titles listed??

Led Zeppelin I - 1,000,000
Led Zeppelin II - 900,000
Led Zeppelin IV - 2,000,000
Box Set (4CD) - 50,000 (12,500 albums)
Early Days - 50,000
How the West Was Won - 100,000 (34,000 albums)

So where are the rest??

Good point!

Same could be said about British certifications.
I, II, III isn't certified at all, and IV wasn't certified until 2004 when it jumped to 5 x Platinum!

by **Kashmir75** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:22 pm

One thing that has slowed down Zeppelin sales is the damned file sharing out there... it's really taken a toll on Zeppelin revenues the past 5 yrs.

I smile every time the RIAA comes out with a new lawsuit against those people. They are not fans of music, they are just common thieves.

by **Dane** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:39 pm

Basil wrote: Dane, could you post the weeks on the catalogue chart for all Led Zep albums? Cheers.

Sure,

(title, catalog weeks, month/day/year of latest entry)

I, 28, 11/05/1994
II, 63, 01/15/1994
IV, 234, 04/17/1999
Houses of the holy, 8, 04/25/1992
Early days: The best vol.1, 1, 02/09/2002
Early days/Latter days: The best vol. 1&2, 45, this week!!!

The rest have never charted.

Btw, as a Dane I must ask. What's the difference between catalog & catalogue? Is it US spelling & UK spelling?

by **Dane** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:57 pm

Basil wrote: I think to get the sales patterns it is a good idea to separate out studio albums and compilations. For Led Zep this shows how sales of their studio albums varied a lot.

Yes, it shows that the bluesy first half of their career is more popular than their experimental last half.
Compare sales of "Early days" v "Latter days" for further proof.

Personally I agree, "II" is actually my fave.

Basil wrote:
Some of this must have been a re-audit of earlier sales, because they have only sold 20m soundscan since 1990.

It also appears to have been definitive since there has been no revision in the past 6 years.

Agreed.

Basil wrote: Still, it is the 3rd biggest selling album in the US - that is until Back in Black catches and passes it. The benefits of not releasing any compilations! People are still buying the AC/DC studio albums.

My point exactly!

Now compilation albums are slowing down sales of "Come on over" and "Appetite for destruction" too.
"Hysteria" was often in the catalog(ue) chart before "Vault: greatest hits" was released, but never since. Examples are plenty.

I've just read at Billboard that Eminem is releasing a compilation album in December. I bet it will slow down sales of his top catalog album "The Marshall Mathers LP" too.

The odd case in Pink Floyd though, "DSOTM" is still selling after the release of "Echoes".

by **Dane** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 6:45 am

Basil wrote:Led Zep IV has probably sold less than 100,000 a year since 1999 so it would take until at least 2009 to go to 23m.

I believe it takes about 4,000-5,000 weekly scans for a title to chart on Top Pop Catalog albums, so it could have sold around 200,000 a year. But 100k might be the better estimate.

Remember, the weeks on chart I count is the published top 50 chart not the unpublished top 200 that Hanboo gets.

by **SSA316** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 9:12 am

Led Zeppelin are the greatest band ever.

by **asm** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:42 pm

They didn't exactly dominate the UK singles charts though! did they? I'm sorry but I find most of this `Rose Tinted` Zeppelins UK LP sales 1969 to 1980 weren't record breaking either! Sure they have shipped quantities on C.D since-but at the time when they were a working band they NEVER ONCE! had the largest selling UK album in 1969, 70,71 etc! A little perspective PLEASE!