 Led Zeppelin have influenced hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Deep Purple , Black Sabbath , Rush , Queen , Aerosmith , the Black Crowes , and Megadeth as well as progressive metal bands like Tool and Dream Theater . They influenced some early punk and post @-@ punk bands , among them the Ramones and the Cult . They were also an important influence on the development of alternative rock , as bands adapted elements from the " Zeppelin sound " of the mid @-@ 1970s , including the Smashing Pumpkins , Nirvana , Pearl Jam , Soundgarden , Bands and artists from diverse genres have acknowledged the influence of Led Zeppelin , such as Madonna , Shakira , Lady Gaga , and Katie Melua . 
