52 Years Passed, The Identity Of The Man At Sampul Led Zeppelin IV Was Revealed

Cover the album Led Zeppelin IV (Photo: Wikipedia)

JAKARTA - The mystery behind the identity of the man on the cover of the iconic album Led Zeppelin IV has been revealed.

The image of a gray beard bowing, a piece of strawwood on his back and a walking apparatus supporting him, has been a puzzle since the album was released in 1971.

However, now, an academic in Wiltshire has revealed the origin of the photo.

The man in question is a Wiltshire strawman named Lot Long, who was born in Mere, Wiltshire in 1823, and died in 1893. The photo was taken at the end of the Victorian era.

According to The Guardian, Brian Edwards, a guest researcher at the University of West of England, found his original photo when he curated an exhibition at the Wiltshire Museum.

The show features artifacts related to the history of society and the local culture, and when looking for Stonehenge's early photos, he finds familiar photos.

"Led Zeppelin created the soundtrack that has accompanied me since my youth, so I really hope that the discovery of this Victorian-style photo will be fun and entertain Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul," Edwards said.

Led Zeppelin IV itself was released 52 years ago, November 8, selling more than 37 million copies worldwide, and ranking 106th of NME's greatest album of all time in 2013.

The man's identity in the painting has been a mystery since the album was released. Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant is believed to have purchased a photocopy of the antique shop near guitarist Jimmy Page's home in Pangbourne, Berkshire.