“Many Have Tried, Few Survived”: 20 Artists Who Dared to Cover Led Zeppelin — And Actually Pulled It Off

20 Artists Who Nailed Their Led Zeppelin Covers: A Tribute Worthy of Rock Royalty

Covering Led Zeppelin is no small feat. With Robert Plant’s soaring vocals and Jimmy Page’s legendary guitar work, few bands have dared to reinterpret their music—fewer still have done it justice. But across decades and genres, some artists have risen to the challenge, leaving their own powerful stamp on Zeppelin’s iconic sound. Here are 20 of the most impressive efforts.

The Lovemongers, the 1990s side project of Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson, delivered a sublime version of “The Battle of Evermore” on the Singles film soundtrack. The sisters also played it live as Heart, proving their enduring reverence for Zeppelin.

Iron Maiden ramped up the raw energy of “Communication Breakdown” in a bonus reissue of their 1990 album No Prayer for the Dying. Bruce Dickinson, with his near-Plant range, added a ferocious edge to the classic.

Stone Temple Pilots offered a faithful yet stripped-back version of “Dancing Days” for the 1995 compilation Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. It was a swing-infused take that still paid homage to the original.

Sheryl Crow brought her signature sultry tone to “D’yer Mak’er,” also for Encomium. While the original was an experimental piece, Crow’s beachy vibe turned it into a breezy standout.

“Four Sticks,” also from Encomium, received a grittier treatment by Rollins Band. Henry Rollins delivered a more polished, yet characteristically raw performance that honoured the source material.

Elliott Smith brought a melancholic brilliance to “Friends,” with a bluesier touch that showcased both his haunting vocals and understated guitar work.

Fuel’s take on “Going to California” proved surprisingly compelling. Frontman Brett Scallions didn’t quite match Plant’s range, but his gravelly delivery lent the piece a heartfelt sincerity.

Phish, known for extended live jams, nailed “Good Times, Bad Times” in 2013. Though their version ran longer, it never dragged—highlighting their musicianship and respect for the track.

Nirvana delivered a distorted, punk-tinged take on “Heartbreaker.” Dave Grohl’s drumming was relentless, and Kurt Cobain kept the chaos tight, making it a standout moment for fans of both bands.

Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard gave “How Many More Times” a soulful reimagining, matching Plant’s passion note for note.

Karen O, alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, unleashed a hauntingly industrial “Immigrant Song” for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack. The result was ferocious. “In its own industrial-sounding way… it rivals the original in terms of pure, raw aggression.”

Other highlights include Jeff Buckley’s moving “Night Flight,” Train’s surprisingly strong “Ramble On,” and Chris Cornell’s heartfelt acoustic version of “Thank You,” which “growled it out to perfection.”

Perhaps the boldest reinterpretation came from Frank Zappa. His 1988 live performance of “Stairway to Heaven” was playful yet technically masterful—“likely the most original cover version of the song ever,” complete with horns.

These covers don’t just mimic Led Zeppelin—they expand on the legacy. Whether by grit, grace, or pure audacity, each artist found a new way to honour the gods of rock.