“Led Zeppelin IV” is one of the most emblematic albums in the history of rock and roll., and not only for his music, since the cover was also subject to arduous and continuous analysis since its release, ago 52 years.

Until now, It was only known that the photo of the hunched man that could be seen hanging on a corroded wall had been found by the Led Zeppelin singer himself., Robert Plant. That discovery occurred in the middle of recording the album that contains true anthems of the band., como “Stairway to heaven”, “Rock and roll” o “Black dog”.

But nevertheless, The identity of the person on the cover was recently revealed thanks to historian Brian Edwards, who acquired an image in principle similar, in 2021.

However, How did you find the person in question?? Everything occurred within the framework of an investigation into the county of Wiltshire, one of the most important and historic rural towns in England.

The image obtained by Edwards was subjected to studies, being compared with another photo taken in 1892 by photography professor Ernest Howard Farmer. That shot had the legend “a roofer from Wiltshire” (A Wiltshire thatcher).

The investigations continued and the story was taking shape, since it was later learned that the name of the person on the cover of the fourth album by one of the most significant bands in history was Lot Long, a man who resided in Mere.

In statements to the British media The Guardian”, Edwards maintained that “Led Zeppelin created the soundtrack that has accompanied me since my adolescence” and added: “I truly hope that the discovery of this Victorian photograph pleases and entertains Robert, Jimmy (Page) y John Paul (Jones), the three living members of the band.

Now, This photo will be part of the exhibition “The Wiltshire Thatcher: a Photographic Journey Through Victorian Wessex”, an exhibition that will serve to learn about the history and quality of life of the people who were part of Wiltshire and Dorset. About this, the director of Wiltshire Museum, David Dawson, He explained that they will exhibit “the spirit of the town” and was fascinated to see “how this theme of rural and urban contrast was delivered by Zeppelin and became the focus of this iconic album so many years later.”.