Led Zeppelin :: Charts & Sales History

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  • Kashmir75
    • 25 Jul 2005
    • 118

    Led Zeppelin :: Charts & Sales History

    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
  • Basil
    Manager
    • 12 Sep 2004
    • 2786

    #2
    Led Zeppelin USA shipments

    Key
    release date
    date of latest riaa certification
    title
    riaa shipment
    soundscan figure


    Studio Albums
    1969 1999 Led Zeppelin - 8,000,000 - 1,685,000 jan 2013
    1969 1999 Led Zeppelin II - 12,000,000 - 2,482,000 jan 2013
    1970 1999 Led Zeppelin III - 6,000,000 - 1,310,000 dec 2006
    1971 2006 Led Zeppelin IV - 23,000,000 - 3,825,000 apr 2013
    1973 1999 Houses of the Holy - 11,000,000 - 1,792,000 dec 2006
    1975 2006 Physical Graffiti - 8,000,000 - 1,418,000 jan 2013
    1976 1997 Presence - 3,000,000 - 497,000 mar 2013
    1979 1997 In Through the Out Door - 6,000,000 - 782,000 dec 2006
    1982 1983 Coda - 1,000,000 - 190,000 dec 2006

    Box Sets
    1993 1999 Complete (10CD) - 200,000 - 267,000 dec 2006
    1990 2001 Led Zeppelin (4CD) - 2,500,000 - 1,350,000 dec 2006
    1993 2004 Box Set Two (2CD) - 250,000 - 222,000 dec 2006

    Compilations
    1992 1997 Remasters - 667,000 - 745,000 dec 2006
    1999 2001 Early Days - 1,000,000 - 1,128,000 dec 2006
    2000 none Latter Days - 366,000 dec 2006
    2002 2004 Very Best Of - 500,000 - 1,609,000 sep 2007
    2007 2008 Mothership - 1,000,000 - 1,829,000 apr 2013

    Live Albums
    1997 2001 Live at the BBC 1969/71 - 1,000,000 - 1,273,000 dec 2006
    2003 2003 How the West Was Won 1972 - 334,000 - 819,000 nov 2008
    1976 1997 Song Remains the Same 1973 - 4,000,000 - 369,000 + 150,000 re-issue dec 2006+jan 2013
    2012 none Celebration Day - 410,000 may 2013

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

    Audited Total Shipments 89,460,000

    Estimated Total Shipments - 103,000,000


    Videos

    Led Zeppelin (DVD) - 1,300,000 - 1,239,000 apr 2013
    Song Remains the Same (VHS/DVD) - 176,000 dec 2006
    See Page One of my threads for all updates

    Comment

    • Dane
      Superstar
      • 19 Sep 2005
      • 5795

      #3
      Originally posted by Basil
      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!
      Top Catalog Albums of the Soundscan era

      Let there be rock!

      Comment

      • Dane
        Superstar
        • 19 Sep 2005
        • 5795

        #4
        Originally posted by Basil
        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...
        Top Catalog Albums of the Soundscan era

        Let there be rock!

        Comment

        • Kashmir75
          • 25 Jul 2005
          • 118

          #5
          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.

          Comment

          • Kashmir75
            • 25 Jul 2005
            • 118

            #6
            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)

            Comment

            • nelson
              Legend
              • 06 May 2004
              • 18580

              #7
              Originally posted by Kashmir75
              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

              Comment

              • MIGUEL
                • 17 Jan 2005
                • 186

                #8
                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

                Comment

                • Dane
                  Superstar
                  • 19 Sep 2005
                  • 5795

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Kashmir75
                  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?
                  Top Catalog Albums of the Soundscan era

                  Let there be rock!

                  Comment

                  • Kashmir75
                    • 25 Jul 2005
                    • 118

                    #10
                    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.

                    Comment

                    • Kashmir75
                      • 25 Jul 2005
                      • 118

                      #11
                      Originally posted by MIGUEL
                      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.

                      Comment

                      • Dane
                        Superstar
                        • 19 Sep 2005
                        • 5795

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Kashmir75
                        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!
                        Top Catalog Albums of the Soundscan era

                        Let there be rock!

                        Comment

                        • Kashmir75
                          • 25 Jul 2005
                          • 118

                          #13
                          More info has been added to my post, along with another entry to the original.

                          Comment

                          • Basil
                            Manager
                            • 12 Sep 2004
                            • 2786

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Dane
                            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.

                            Originally posted by Dane
                            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.



                            Originally posted by Dane
                            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.
                            See Page One of my threads for all updates

                            Comment

                            • Basil
                              Manager
                              • 12 Sep 2004
                              • 2786

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Dane
                              Originally posted by Basil
                              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.
                              See Page One of my threads for all updates

                              Comment

                              • Basil
                                Manager
                                • 12 Sep 2004
                                • 2786

                                #16
                                Originally posted by Kashmir75
                                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.
                                See Page One of my threads for all updates

                                Comment

                                • Basil
                                  Manager
                                  • 12 Sep 2004
                                  • 2786

                                  #17
                                  Originally posted by Dane
                                  "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.
                                  See Page One of my threads for all updates

                                  Comment

                                  • Basil
                                    Manager
                                    • 12 Sep 2004
                                    • 2786

                                    #18
                                    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??
                                    See Page One of my threads for all updates

                                    Comment

                                    • Dane
                                      Superstar
                                      • 19 Sep 2005
                                      • 5795

                                      #19
                                      Originally posted by Basil
                                      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!
                                      Top Catalog Albums of the Soundscan era

                                      Let there be rock!

                                      Comment

                                      • Kashmir75
                                        • 25 Jul 2005
                                        • 118

                                        #20
                                        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.

                                        Comment

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