Ranking the Holy Trinity of Rock: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple – Which Do You Play the Most?
Here is a topic that’s bound to stir up some passionate debate among rock fans: the so-called “Holy Trinity” of rock music—Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. These three legendary bands helped shape the foundation of hard rock and heavy metal, and for decades, they’ve been held up as the pinnacle of the genre. But here’s the real question—which one do you play the most?
When I first thought about ranking these bands, I considered going with my own personal preferences. After all, I’ve been listening to them since the early ’70s, when I first became musically aware around 1972. But instead of just relying on my own experiences, I decided to ask you, the Now Spinning Magazine audience, to weigh in on how you rank these iconic bands.
The Personal Journey of Listening
For me, Deep Purple was my introduction to this trio. The first album I owned was Machine Head, which was followed closely by In Rock. At the time, I was also listening to bands like Sweet, T-Rex, and Status Quo, but Deep Purple quickly became my favorite of the three. Meanwhile, I had only heard bits and pieces of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. So, if I had to rank them based on my teenage years, it would have been Deep Purple first, Black Sabbath second, and Led Zeppelin third.
However, there was a period in the mid-70s when Led Zeppelin briefly took the top spot for me—mainly due to my obsession with Physical Graffiti. But that didn’t last long, and I soon returned to my Purple-Sabbath-Zeppelin order, which is still how I rank them today.
What Did You Say?
I conducted three separate surveys—one on YouTube, one on Twitter (now X), and one with my Patreon supporters—and gathered over 1,400 responses. Here are the results:
YouTube (1,200 votes):
Black Sabbath – 41%
Deep Purple – 30%
Led Zeppelin – 29%
Twitter/X:
Deep Purple – 35.1%
Black Sabbath – 32.4%
Led Zeppelin – 32.4%
Patreon:
Deep Purple – 48%
Led Zeppelin – 30%
Black Sabbath – 22%
What Do These Results Mean?
The YouTube survey surprised me slightly, but it also reflected a broader trend. Black Sabbath came out on top, likely due to their continued relevance and influence in heavy metal circles. While Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were also celebrated, Zeppelin’s legacy seems more entrenched in the past, especially as their activity ended in the late ’70s. Jimmy Page has been relatively quiet in recent years, while Robert Plant has continued to carve out a successful solo career, revisiting Zeppelin’s legacy in his own way.
Sabbath, on the other hand, still commands attention across generations, particularly with Ozzy Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona and their association with the origins of heavy metal. In contrast, Deep Purple has continued to release new music and tour, maintaining a connection with their fanbase that’s different from the iconic but static legacy of Led Zeppelin.
Led Zeppelin: A Band of Their Time?
Led Zeppelin’s meticulous control over their image and catalog has perhaps limited their exposure to younger audiences who thrive on social media and streaming platforms. Despite their untouchable status, they haven’t been as active in cultivating a younger fanbase compared to Sabbath, whose dark, heavy sound continues to resonate with new generations of metal fans.
Deep Purple: The Musician’s Band
Deep Purple has often been seen as the band for musicians—an act known for its intricate instrumentation and virtuosity. With frequent lineup changes and a focus on musical experimentation, Purple’s legacy has remained dynamic. Albums like Whoosh! and their latest =1 prove that they’re still capable of delivering fresh, exciting music, and their live shows remain a draw for fans of all ages.
Black Sabbath: The Heavy Metal Icons
Black Sabbath, more than any of the other two, have become synonymous with heavy metal. Their dark, ominous sound laid the foundation for the genre, and their music remains just as relevant today. Whether it’s Ozzy-era Sabbath or the Dio years, their music continues to be celebrated in the worlds of both mainstream and extreme metal.
So, which of the “Holy Trinity” of rock do you play the most? For me, it’s still Deep Purple, followed by Black Sabbath, and then Led Zeppelin. However, based on the results of the survey, it seems that for many of you, Black Sabbath is the go-to band, with Deep Purple close behind and Zeppelin bringing up the rear.
That said, there’s no right or wrong answer here. All three bands have left an indelible mark on rock music and continue to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike. It’s not about picking favorites—it’s about celebrating the immense contributions of these legendary bands.
So, now it’s your turn: Which band do you play the most, and why? Let me know in the comments below!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
