12/4/1980: Led Zeppelin Officially Announced its Break Up

40 years ago today, Led Zeppelin formally announced its breakup – 10 weeks after the death of drummer John Bonham:

“We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend, and the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.”

The band had been preparing a fall tour when Bonham passed away on September 25th after a day of heavy drinking. He had gone to bed and died via asphyxiation from his own vomit. He was only 32-years-old.