45 years ago, 1995 Inductee Led Zeppelin released what would become their final studio album, In Through the Out Door.
The record is remembered as much for its innovative packaging as for its music. Conceived by Storm Thorgerson of the renowned art design group Hipgnosis, the album arrived sealed in a plain brown paper bag — a nod to bootleg records and a clever way to surprise fans. Inside was one of six alternate covers, each telling the same barroom story from a different character’s point of view.
The surprises didn’t end there: the inner sleeve revealed hidden color when touched with water, making even the packaging interactive. The concept earned Led Zeppelin a Grammy nomination for Best Album Package and cemented the release as one of the most collectible in rock history.
More than four decades later, In Through the Out Door stands as both a closing chapter for Led Zeppelin and one of the boldest examples of album art as storytelling.
👉 Swipe through to see all six covers — which one would you want in your collection? Tell us in the comments below.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Six covers. One Led Zeppelin classic.
45 years ago, 1995 Inductee Led Zeppelin released what would become their final studio album, In Through the Out Door.
The record is remembered as much for its innovative packaging as for its music. Conceived by Storm Thorgerson of the renowned art design group Hipgnosis, the album arrived sealed in a plain brown paper bag — a nod to bootleg records and a clever way to surprise fans. Inside was one of six alternate covers, each telling the same barroom story from a different character’s point of view.
The surprises didn’t end there: the inner sleeve revealed hidden color when touched with water, making even the packaging interactive. The concept earned Led Zeppelin a Grammy nomination for Best Album Package and cemented the release as one of the most collectible in rock history.
More than four decades later, In Through the Out Door stands as both a closing chapter for Led Zeppelin and one of the boldest examples of album art as storytelling.
👉 Swipe through to see all six covers — which one would you want in your collection? Tell us in the comments below.
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