Is Led Zeppelin the Greatest Band Ever?

Minnesota Public Radio proposed this question along with the following piece:

"With all the media coverage of the Led Zeppelin reunion there has been several mentions of them being the greatest band ever. Mojo magazine referred to them that way, Rolling Stone put them on the cover and called it "the most sort after reunion in rock'n'roll history." The BBC reported that people from over 70 countries were at the show earlier today and had interviews with many of them saying in many different accents..."they are the greatest band ever!"
While they were 'away' a few have made a grab for the title, most commonly perhaps the Stones, who have a claim simply through longevity, but who wins?Let's answer this once and for all, which side are you on and explain why;
The A-Side of the argument is ..."Led Zep are the best band ever"
B-Side...if not them then who?"

My Answer:

Do I think Led Zeppelin is the greatest band in the World or ever? Honestly, no. I don't think it is possible for any band to be the named greatest band in the world factually. It's all a matter of opinion and perhaps maybe statistics*. I think people should be honest and realistic with these "crownings" and first admit and/or realize that not every band will appeal to everyone in the universe in the same way. Some one will want to say the Bealtes are better, or Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, U2, Queen, Sabbath .. and rightfully so as these are all great bands. All of them are important, influential and talented in their own unique way and will continue to be so most likely until the end of time.

Do I think that Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest bands in the world or ever? Sure! They're on the list above along with many other acts. They've sold over 200 million albums worldwide. They've released many classic songs that the world will never escape such as "Kashmir", "Black Dog" or "Stairway to Heaven". They've also influenced many great musicians of today and the past.
I am very excited that Led Zeppelin has decided to reunite and perform live. I wish I could see them in concert and would love it. Unfortunately, I could never afford them!

In closing, yes Led Zep is good, but I kind of dislike these "Greatest Band Ever!" or "Bestest Song/Album of All Time!" lists or crownings. I usually find them annoying, unfair, and sometimes cliche.

... And with that said, Massive Attack is totally the bestest band ever!



*Statistics judge quantity, not quality. I can't bring myself to fully rely on stats.