Split with Trident

In August, after an acrimonious split with Trident, the band negotiated themselves out of their contract and searched for new management. One of the options they considered was an offer from Led Zeppelin ‘s manager, Peter Grant , who wanted them to sign with Led Zeppelin’s own production company, Swan Song Records . The band were concerned about being a lower priority than Zeppelin and Bad Company (also signed to Swan Song) and instead contacted Elton John ‘s manager, John Reid , who accepted the position. Reid’s first instruction to the band was “I’ll take care of the business; you make the best record you can”.