Although intended for release in January 1973 , delays in producing the album cover meant that it was not released until March , when the band was on its 1973 European tour . The album was promoted heavily before the commencement of Led Zeppelin 's subsequent North American Tour , ensuring that it had ascended the top of the American chart by the beginning of the tour . Because much of the album had been recorded almost a year previously , many of the songs which are featured on the album had already been played live by Led Zeppelin on their concert tours of North America , Japan , Europe and the UK in 1972 – 73
North American Tour
Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1973
Houses of the Holy