We music fans love hard. There’s no denying it, and there’s no need to justify our feelings behind it. It’s all very simple really — we have a hunger for happiness, and we seek it out through the things we love.

Led Zeppelin is one of the most loved bands in the world. Their legendary status in rock and roll history has allowed them to connect with their fans eternally, even after their disbandment on this day in 1980. It always sucks when one of our favorite bands calls it quits, but I sympathize with this moment on a much deeper level because of its grim, forced circumstance.

“We wish it to be known, that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with 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.” – Led Zeppelin December 4th, 1980

Two months after the death of drummer John Bonham, Led Zeppelin rest itself in peace. It was a farewell stricken by a loss of a band-mate; a friend, an originator of all that Zeppelin was and would ever be. For fans it was devastating, but the gesture and stern decision to close the legacy of band in that exact moment, was a very honorable thing.

Believe me, I understand the desire of a Zeppelin reunion, but there is something very beautiful about their refusal to do so. So often in life are we expectant of more; we live in a world that demands it. As much as my love for their music runs deep, I am trying to appreciate what it was, instead of what society thinks it should continue to be.

Do you remember how you reacted to Led Zeppelin’s goodbye?