led zeppelin 1980 update
The astounding commercial success of In Through The Out Door should have been sufficient, many people thought, to guarantee an American Led Zeppelin tour during 1980—yet unfortunately, -this was not to be. Instead came “Zeppelin Over Europe ’80,” a small European tour that, significantly, was the band’s first in three years.
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led zeppelin 1980 update
The astounding commercial success of In Through The Out Door should have been sufficient, many people thought, to guarantee an American Led Zeppelin tour during 1980—yet unfortunately, -this was not to be. Instead came “Zeppelin Over Europe ’80,” a small European tour that, significantly, was the band’s first in three years.
Writer Steve Gett, covering Zep’s performance during their stop at Munich, had this to say about the band in Melody Maker:
“Robert Plant looked totally at ease in t-shirt and jeans, and he was surrounded by Page, who was wearing a ridiculously baggy suit, John Paul Jones who was sporting his short haircut, and Bonzo at the back, who was indulging in some wildfire skinbeating. From the first few bars, Pagey leapt around the stage like a madman, never standing still for more than a second throughout the whole show, cutting an image somewhere between Chuck Berry and AC/DC’s Angus Young! Led Zeppelin, more than anything, were enjoying themselves, and the true spirit of the band... had returned. ”
Lucky Europeans saw a remarkable set, one that included, among other tunes, “The Train Kept A Rollin’,” “Black Dog,” “All My Love,” “Kashmir” and—of course —“Stairway To Heaven.” From all reports, the enthusiasm that Led Zeppelin began with years ago was in full force; indeed, a Page solo spot in the vein of “Black Mountain Side” and “White Summer” signified a return to the basics, to Zep’s well-known and well-loved roots.
And what does the future hold for Led Zeppelin? Possibly very much.
As we go to press, word’s reached us that a new American Led Zeppelin tour may be in the works—and that the earlier European tour may have been just a warm-up for better things to come our way. If things go as planned, word has it, the tour will be a lengthy one that will take Zeppelin to several major U.S. cities.
Though at presstime this tour has only reached the “rumor” stages, remember this: the group’s long track record has never shown Led Zeppelin to be a predictable band—and what’s “unofficial” today could well be happening tomorrow.
After almost 12 years, Led Zeppelin— the most popular band in the world—is still keeping ’em guessing. And isn’t that what rock ’n’ roll’s all about?
CREEM
