Led Zeppelin named as the best band ever

The general public have spoken (well, viewers of BBC2 and listeners from Radio 2) and they have decided that the prestigious title of Best Band Ever should be given to English rockers Led Zeppelin.
According to a live poll, which was conducted at the finale of the BBC2 series ‘I’m In A Rock And Roll Band!’, the four-piece have earned their place in rock and roll history.
Led Zep managed to fight off competition in the final from both Queen and The Beatles, as well as defeating a long list of established names including The Clash, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Joy Division, Nirvana, Radiohead, The Rolling Stones and The Smiths along the way.
It is difficult to find fault with the decision, with Led Zep representing the coming together of four hugely talented musicians who managed to steer rock music in new directions and serve to inspire a number of artists.
In fact, Rolling Stone magazine has described the group as “the heaviest band of all time”, “the biggest band of the ’70s” and “unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history”.

Over the course of their musical career, Led Zeppelin experimented with a range of musical styles. Their sound began with a blues and heavy metal influence before softening to mystical folk and finally into the realm of funk, psychedelic rock and the fusion and integration of all these styles.
Speaking on the ‘Led Zeppelin and the Giants of Rock’ DVD, guitarist Jimmy Page spoke about the band’s legacy and influence on other musicians.
“It’s been a great legacy. The fact that it’s turned so many people on to want to play. That’s what pulled me into playing – hearing musicians who really, really sent shivers down my spine,” he explained.
While a number of people will agree with the result of the BBC poll, it is important to note that any ‘best band’ list is likely to split opinion and can generally be considered as a subjective measure, generally producing any number of different results depending on who is asking – which is why we would like to know your opinions.
Who do you think should be given the crown of the Best Band Ever?