Formed in 1968, Led Zeppelin is one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Known for their blend of blues, folk, and hard rock, the band revolutionised music, inspiring generations of musicians. Despite their success, the band was known for avoiding traditional American performance venues, such as large arenas or big music festivals. This begs the question: did Led Zeppelin ever play Hampton Coliseum in Virginia?
The short answer is, no, Led Zeppelin never played Hampton Coliseum in Virginia. Established in 1968, the arena has been home to many world-famous acts such as The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and The Who, who have all played the venue over the years. Despite having a close proximity to major cities such as Richmond, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland, Led Zeppelin has never played Hampton Coliseum.
One possible explanation is that the band was not comfortable with the larger venues in the United States. According to music historian Richard Valeriani, Led Zeppelin had a penchant for smaller, more intimate venues. He noted that the band preferred to perform on their own terms rather than deal with what he describes as “arbitrary management and booking policies of the larger venues.”
In addition to size preference, the band reportedly had a dislike for American venues and larger audiences. According to Keith Moon, drummer for The Who, Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant often expressed his dislike of the large arenas they had to play in the United States. Moon noted that Plant would often muse over the idea of playing smaller, more intimate gigs. Plant also stated that he found the American audiences to be “obnoxious” and the venues “soulless.”
It is also possible that the band was simply wary of the financial burden of playing such a large venue. Led Zeppelin had already experienced a financial setback in 1969 when they were forced to cancel a tour due to a prior illegal contract with a manager. While it is unlikely that this had an effect on the band’s decision to avoid Hampton Coliseum, it could have played a role in their reluctance to play large venues.
Venues Preference In Europe
Led Zeppelin’s touring habits not only demonstrate their preference for smaller venues, but also for European ones as well. Throughout their career, the band would often tour around the continent, often playing at venues much smaller than their American counterparts. The band also had much more success in Europe when it came to sales, leading to more frequent tours.
The band’s fondness for European venues was displayed in various ways. One of the most prominent examples of this is their 1970 Tour of Europe, which saw the band perform at 26 venues across 11 countries in Europe. Additionally, the band also chose to record much of their fourth album in a remote Welsh cottage known as Headley Grange. Many of the songs that were recorded at the cottage were recorded in a live environment, allowing for a more natural sound.
This preference for European venues may have been due to the band’s appreciation for the culture of the continent. According to music journalist Brad Tolinski, Led Zeppelin had a “special appreciation for the European music scene” which likely influenced their touring and recording habits.
Rare American Appearances
Despite their dislike for American venues, Led Zeppelin did occasionally perform in the United States. The band even managed to sell out some of the largest venues in the country, such as Madison Square Garden and the LA Forum. They also broke barriers in the music industry, becoming one of the first bands to play the three-day Texas Pop Festival in 1969.
Although Led Zeppelin never played Hampton Coliseum, they did make an appearance at the nearby Richmond Coliseum. In 1973, the band played six dates at the venue, which was considered by them to be one of the better American venues they had visited. Plant remarked on the band’s experience at the Richmond Coliseum, noting that “we played there in marvelous conditions with great audience output.”
The band also played two dates at the Hampton Roads Coliseum in 1975, which is located 70 miles away from the Hampton Coliseum. This was the band’s last tour before their breakup in 1980, and it was praised by some fans as one of their best ever tours. Despite their eagerness to perform in the United States, it appears that Led Zeppelin was never interested in playing the Hampton Coliseum.
Abandoned Plans
In 1974, Led Zeppelin was scheduled to perform a gig at Hampton Coliseum. The gig was part of the band’s North American tour in support of their fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy. Unfortunately, the show was abruptly cancelled and no official reason was ever given by the band.
Rumours circulated that the reason for the cancellation was due to insufficient ticket sales, however, this was never confirmed by the band. Led Zeppelin’s manager, Peter Grant, was known for meticulously planning the band’s tours. He also had a reputation for being a no-nonsense businessman and it is likely that he was unwilling to take a financial risk by playing Hampton Coliseum.
Alternate Plans
Had the band decided to play Hampton Coliseum, it is likely that the show would have been similar to their other American performances. Led Zeppelin was known for their epic, three-hour performances and it is likely that the crowd would have had a similar experience. Furthermore, the band’s setlists varied on each night, making each show unique and unpredictable.
It is possible that the band would have also played some of their more popular songs, such as “Stairway to Heaven”, “Whole Lotta Love” and “Kashmir”. These classic songs likely would have been met with much enthusiasm from the crowd, especially given the band’s growing popularity in the early 1970s.
Legacy
Led Zeppelin may never have played Hampton Coliseum, but their legacy lives on. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, the band remains one of the most influential and successful rock bands of all time. The band’s influence can still be felt in today’s music, with many modern rock bands citing them as an inspiration.
In addition to their influence, Led Zeppelin had a profound effect on the music industry. The band’s live performances revolutionised the way in which concerts were experienced, while their recordings set a new standard for rock music production. More than four decades since their break-up, Led Zeppelin’s music continues to impact people around the world.
Opportunity Cost
Despite its potential benefits, the decision to forgo playing Hampton Coliseum had its drawbacks. The decision most likely limited the band’s ability to reach a wider audience in the United States, effectively forfeiting their potential for larger crowds and higher profits. Additionally, the cancelled show would have been the band’s first and only in Virginia, making it a unique live experience in the state.
In addition to the financial cost, the lack of a Led Zeppelin performance in Hampton Coliseum means that the venue lost out on the promotional benefits. The show would have likely gained the venue some much-needed publicity and could have attracted more attendees in the future. Furthermore, the event would have been remembered fondly by the locals, making it an important piece of local history.
Public Perception
Whilst Led Zeppelin did not perform at the Hampton Coliseum, the venue still has an esteemed reputation amongst music fans. The venue has hosted numerous legendary acts throughout its lifetime, from the likes of The Rolling Stones, to more modern acts such as Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
The venue has also gained notoriety for its unique setup. The space is divided into two sections, with the main floor seating closest to the stage and the outer rings separated by metal balconies. This provides an excellent view of the stage from all angles, allowing for a more immersive experience.
In addition, the venue is also infamous for its food and beverage options. Vendors are stationed throughout the venue, selling a wide range of refreshments. The venue also offers a variety of snacks, such as sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and ice cream.
Legacy Lives
Regardless of whether or not the band ever played Hampton Coliseum, Led
