Background Information
Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic British rock bands of all time. Having formed in 1968, the band had an impressive eight-year career that saw them become one of the top-selling music artists ever. During their influential run, the group went on several tours performing all over the world, first headlining a performance in the USA at the Fillmore West in San Francisco in 1968.
The Date and Venue
Led Zeppelin’s first concert in America took place on the 7th of December, 1968, at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. That night, the band performed for nearly three hours, playing classic and newly released accompanying music. Also billed to perform on the night was Country Joe and the Fish, a folk-rock nugget from Berkeley.
The Music Performed
Led Zeppelin’s setlist was jam-packed with classic songs that would appear on their debut album.The band performed a medley of covers from artists like Elvis Presley, James Brown, Eddie Cochran, and Dean Martin. They also played one of their most acclaimed works, “Dazed and Confused,” which would later become a staple of their live shows.
Reception From Fans
Audience members who attended that first show have since described it as nothing short of remarkable. Visiting journalist Judy Wieder wrote in her review, “From the first few notes of baroque chords through every wailing electric riff, the audience was mesmerized.” She continued to say that theperformance was “marked by surprising developments…and blazing solos.”
Response From Critics
Critical response in the press was mixed. While some publications enjoyed Led Zeppelin’s performance, others were more reserved. A review from San Francisco’s music paper “Rag” reported that everyone in the audience was on their feet throughout the entire set, and that “the expected wall of sound was achieved and sustained, and there was wild enthusiasm at the end.”
Impact Of Debut Show
Led Zeppelin’s first show in the USA could be considered a true success. It managed to bridge the gap between traditional and classic British rock with modern rock. Their sound resonated with fans, as evidenced by the overwhelming response at the end of the concert. The show also solidified their standing as a stadium-oriented band, setting the stage for subsequent live performances throughout America in the years to come.
Statistics and Records
Led Zeppelin’s debut American show at the Fillmore West would become one of the band’s most legendary performances, breaking attendance records in the venue, with tickets selling out within the hour. Moreover, it was reported that the band grossed over $400,000 from this show alone.
The Follow Up Albums
Following their debut performance, Led Zeppelin went on to record several albums, including their classic “Led Zeppelin IV” and seminal classic “Physical Graffiti.” Both albums became worldwide successes, propelling the band to global fame and selling millions of records across the world.
Long Lasting Legacy
Led Zeppelin’s first performance in the USA may have been decades ago, but the band’s legacy lives on to this day. The band is credited with pioneering the hard rock and heavy metal genres, as well as having one of the greatest influences on the development of rock music.
Cover Versions
Due to their iconic status, several modern artists have covered classic Led Zeppelin songs. Whether it’s a tribute show or a full cover album, Led Zeppelin’s music still resonates with current audiences. Today, the band’s classic songs are still regularly covered by modern artists, often to great appreciation from both critics and fans alike.
Biggest Influences
Over the years, Led Zeppelin has been cited as an influence on a wide variety of bands and musicians. From heavy metal icons like Black Sabbath and Metallica, to classic rock acts like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin has had a huge impact on many of the musical greats. Even current rock bands such as Wolfmother and The Black Keys cite Led Zeppelin as a big influence on their sound.
Controversy and Lawsuits
Despite their legendary status, Led Zeppelin’s music has also been the center of several controversies and lawsuits. The most notable of these involve the band facing accusations of plagiarization. Led Zeppelin has since been found guilty of copyright infringement in several cases, forcing them to pay out large sums in fines.
Development in Technology
Led Zeppelin’s popularity has even spanned into the modern age of technology. In 2014, the band released their first-ever Immersive Audio experience with a collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. This release came in the form of an interactive app that allowed users to fully explore Led Zeppelin’s entire back catalog in a high-fidelity BluRay setting.
Led Zeppelin Reunion
In 2007, Led Zeppelin performed a reunion show at the O2 Arena in London, celebrating what would have been Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun’s 75th birthday. This show was met with overwhelming fanfare, with the band’s lead singer, Robert Plant, commenting that the night was “a gift to Ahmet that we could finally finish.”
Modern Days of Led Zeppelin
Although the band remains inactive today, Led Zeppelin fans still look back at their debut American performance with great fondness. Even decades later, fans are still captivated by the classic rock and awe-inspiring sound the band produced. Led Zeppelin’s legacy lives on to this day.
