In 1976, Led Zeppelin recorded one of its most ambitious rock songs “Achilles Last Stand,” a sprawling track that runs for more than 10 minutes, was recorded while a member was in a wheelchair following a serious injury.
Despite its enduring popularity, “Achilles Last Stand” was never released as a single, as its long runtime made it unusually lengthy for mainstream radio.
However, it is often considered an underrated Led Zeppelin song.
The hard rock and heavy metal track has remained a fan favorite and was ranked No. 4 on BBC Music’s list of the 27 Greatest Songs of Led Zeppelin.
Interestingly, “Achilles Last Stand” has a fascinating story behind how the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees created the timeless track.
Led Zeppelin live at Nippon Budokan, October 2nd, 1972.Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images
Released on the band’s seventh studio album, Presence, in 1976, the epic song showcased Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend powerful musical styles into a sprawling rock arrangement.
Lead singer Robert Plant showcased his soaring vocals, accompanied by John Bonham’s galloping drum style and John Paul Jones’ thunderous eight-string bass.
According to Plant, one of the inspirations behind the song was a near-death experience he personally endured.
During a vacation in Greece, a country steeped in mythology, the Led Zeppelin frontman was involved in a devastating car crash that left him with severe injuries, including a serious ankle injury.
“I spent some time in Greece, probably about six or seven months, after a car wreck in 1975,” he told Vulture, via Cheatsheet. “I was unable to walk. That particular song’s lyric relates to the absolutely desperate need to get out of the jail, out of the wheelchair, or out of the whole syndrome of being stuck in wherever I was. I longed to head back to the Atlas Mountains, to the place where it was solace and joy, but at the same time, intrigue and adventure.”
With Plant’s recovery underway, he and Jimmy Page wrote material for their album and recorded it in Germany.
According to accounts, the lead singer reportedly got so excited during the recording session that he fell and re-injured his ankle.
This also explains the band’s connection to Achilles, the legendary demigod and one of the greatest warriors in ancient Greek mythology, who was believed to be invulnerable except for his famous weak spot, the heel.
Related: 1977 Soft Rock Song, With Singer Nicknamed ‘The Delta Lady,’ Is Still an Iconic Hit 49 Years Later
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