One of the world's most famous rock bands, Led Zeppelin have joined the world of on-demand music streaming by signing an exclusive deal with Spotify.
Announced by the service's CEO and founder Daniel Ek in New York, the band are rolling out their Swan Song/Atlantic catalogue over the next few days, with 1969 records Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin II the first off the rank today. It means the albums will be available for fans to stream online, legally, for free on Spotify's ad-supported model and their ad-free paid subscription.
Tomorrow Led Zeppelin III ('70) and their untitled fourth album ('71) will hit the service with the catalogue finishing over the weekend with the likes of '76's The Song Remains The Same, '97's BBC Sessions and 2012's Celebration Day. By then the full catalogue of the band's studio and live albums will be available.
The outfit have become the latest in the collection of rock icons who have resisted digital music services, such as iTunes and streaming services, to embrace the next wave of technology. Artists like AC/DC and The Beatles have also held back on streaming services, but have appeared on iTunes in the recent years.
The news comes as Spotify also confirm that they're extending their free ad-supported model of the streaming service to mobile and tablet devices. Previously the mobile and tablet versions were only available to premium paid-subscribers and the free service launches today.
Today's steaming service news has also seen both Spotify and rival on-demand service Rdio confirm their activity in 20 new markets around the world, with Spotify now active in 55 countries and Rdio in 51.
