Despite being one of the biggest bands of the 1970’s, Led Zeppelin were notorious for their distrust of members of the media, due to their tendency to write pieces steeped in gossip, controversy and criticism, rather than focusing on the incredible musical content being produced by the band. 

Led Zeppelin formed in 1968 and immediately began releasing some of the strongest and most influential albums of the era. Ritchie Yorke first heard the band in 1969 when label exec Jerry Wexler sent over a preview disc and immediately wrote a story on what he (rightly) believed to be the future of rock and roll, becoming the bands first advocate in the media. 

This and Ritchie’s friendship with Normie Rowe led to Ritchie getting into contact with the bands manager, Peter Grant, who introduced him to the group at a studio session in 1968. From here, a strong relationship was formed, with Zeppelin viewing Ritchie as a friend rather than a reporter. In an era where music reporters were largely viewed by musicians as untrustworthy, Ritchie’s articles prioritised the music and never on the gossip, reinforcing the bands trust and friendship.

Ritchie’s friendship with Led Zeppelin led to many special experiences and privileges, such as introducing the band at an early show at The Rock Pile in 1969. Later, he was allowed to be the first (and only) author to write an authorised biography. Led Zeppelin: The Definitive Biography was released in 1976 and led to a number of opportunities for Ritchie, including a stint touring with the band in 1977 while he promoted the biography, before that tour was cut short by the tragic death of Robert Plant’s son.

Ritchie met renowned designer and artist John Kosh through the Apple Corps while assisting with Lennon’s peace campaign, where Kosh designed the famous posters and handbills. Later he enlisted Kosh to help with designing the original covers for both the Led Zeppelin (above) and Van Morrison biographies.