TBL Archive – May 1973: 45 years Gone..

With the 45th anniversary of the famous record breaking Tampa Stadium date rolling around this week – here’s a timely TBL Archive piece focusing on the early May 1973 dates of the American tour. This was compiled by Mike Tremaglio  for TBL 36 – this is the structure that Mike and I have adapted for our forthcoming Evenings With Led Zeppelin book.

Friday, May 4, 1973 Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Setlist (from River City Review)

Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop, Since I’ve Been Loving You, No Quarter, The Song Remains the Same, The Rain Song, Dazed and Confused, Stairway to Heaven, Moby Dick, Heartbreaker, Whole Lotta Love, Communication Breakdown

Notes: Other tracks most likely performed but not listed in the review: Celebration Day, Bring It on Home Intro/ Black Dog, Over the Hills and Far Away, The Ocean.  Four Sticks was noted in the review, but almost certainly not performed.

Led Zeppelin wasted very little time on their U.S. tour to demonstrate their incredible drawing power and meteoric popularity, pulling in 49,236 fans (out of the 50,277 stadium capacity).  The concert grossed $246,180 and broke the Atlanta Stadium concert attendance record set by The Beatles on August 18, 1965 (who drew a comparatively modest 33,000 fans).

A closed-circuit TV system projected the group on two 16×24 foot screens positioned on the sides of the stage.  This was the very first time the band had ever employed such screens, specifically for faraway fans.  Unfortunately, the other stadium gigs on the 1973 U.S. tour did not utilize the technology (Tampa, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh); however, large video screens were eventually used again for their 1975 Earl’s Court shows, 1977 Pontiac, Michigan, 1977 Seattle, and 1979 Knebworth shows.

This concert marked the debut appearance of John Bonham’s Ludwig Amber Vistalite drum set.  Bonzo used this set all the way through the last gig at Earl’s Court in London on May 25, 1975.

Although not documented for this concert, Celebration Day was added to the set list on this tour, the first time it had been performed since Charlotte, North Carolina on June 9, 1972.  Out on the Tiles had been replaced by Bring It on Home as the introduction to Black Dog on this tour.  No Quarter was performed live for the very first time and Moby Dick made a return appearance to the set list for the U.S. tour (the first time it had been played in concert since the October 9, 1972 Osaka, Japan show).

The gig was reviewed in the River City Review, a Memphis, Tennessee underground newspaper. Bill Read’s review featured the following comments:

“The band waited until everyone had time to get into the Stadium and get settled before they started the show and 8:30, and even then people were still arriving.  The audience rose to its feet in a gesture of welcome, even as John (Bonzo) Bonham started the group off into ‘Rock and Roll.’  After completing this number, Robert Plant returned the greeting that had been given, and then continued with ‘The Song Remains the Same’ and ‘The Rain Song’ from their new Atlantic release, Houses of the Holy.  Plant then made a reference to the now defunct Atlanta Pop Festivals, and proceeded into ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ and ‘Four Sticks’ (ed. note: he was probably referring to Black Dog).  For those who could not see very well, there were two large viewing screens on either side of the stage, which showed interesting close-ups of the band as they gave their spectacular performance.”

“As John Paul Jones began the rather un-Zeppelinish ‘No Quarter,’ a fogging devise went into play, creating the eerie effect you might expect for the song.  This selection in particular was reproduced in an excellent manner by all members of the band.  Then, Jimmy Page, Zep’s producer and lead guitarist, and Plant put a sensual and intense effort into ‘Since I’ve Been Loving You,’ and, much to the delight of the audience, ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ ”

“As the crescent moon shone above, and as God looked down on all of His children, they bestowed upon the spectators their new rendition of ‘Dazed and Confused.’  During the song Jimmy Page stepped forward with his Customized Led Paul, took out his violin bow and expertly fed his original brand of musical data into an echo unit.  Page sent the head of every person conscious into a world of ecstasy and wonder; and it occurred to me that we might have been given a preview of music born twenty years from now.”

Hit Parader (December 1973) carried an exclusive on tour with Led Zeppelin cover story written by none other than their press agent – Danny Goldberg.  The article read just like Goldberg’s press releases, describing all their record-breaking exploits.  He even quoted the mayor of Atlanta, Sam Cassell, as saying “This is the biggest thing that has hit Atlanta since the premiere of ‘Gone with the Wind.’ ” In his 2008 memoir, “Bumping Into Geniuses: my life inside the rock and roll business,” Goldberg conceded that the quote had actually been contrived by Peter Grant the morning after the Atlanta show.

Saturday, May 5, 1973 Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida, USA

Setlist (from 136 & 122 minute audience recordings):

Rock and Roll, Celebration Day, Bring It on Home (Intro)/Black Dog, Over the Hills and Far Away, Misty Mountain Hop, Since I’ve Been Loving You, No Quarter, The Song Remains the Same, The Rain Song, Dazed and Confused (incl. San Francisco), Stairway to Heaven, Moby Dick, Heartbreaker, Whole Lotta Love Medley (incl. Boogie Chillun’), The Ocean, Communication Breakdown (incl. It’s Your Thing)

The band certainly did not have to wait a very long time to top their Atlanta attendance figure.  The next night in Tampa they drew a record 56,443 fans ($297,632 gross receipts), passing The Beatles attendance record for a single artist set at Shea Stadium in New York on August 15, 1965 (attendance: 55,600).

Photos of Robert Plant and the record crowd appeared on the front page of the Atlanta Constitution with the headline “Stadium Rocks – Led Zeppelin Plays to 50,000.”  The article was primarily focused on the crowd itself and mentioned that it was the first time the field had been opened to an audience.  Curiously, it also mentioned that “paper and aluminum cans were trampled underfoot or were skittered across bare parts by the wind.”  Coincidence?

Soon after the Tampa show, an Associated Press article written by journalist Mary Campbell was published in newspapers throughout the United States.  Robert Plant discussed the Tampa concert with Campbell:

“I think it was the biggest thrill I’ve had.  I pretend – I kid myself – I’m not very nervous in a situation like that.  I try to bounce around just like normal.  But, if you do a proportionate thing, it would be like half of England’s population.  It was a real surprise.  Tampa is the last place I would expect to see nigh on 60,000 people.  It’s not the country’s biggest city.  It was fantastic.  One would think it would be very hard to communicate; with 60,000 people some have got to be quite a distance off.  There were no movie screens showing us, like in Atlanta.  The only thing they could pick up on was the complete vibe of what music was being done.”

Plant was asked why the band was more willing to talk to the press this time around and he responded:

“Last summer when the Stones were in America we were doing a tour concurrent with theirs.  We had no coverage.  We were beating their attendance, though…We’ve been aware of how we’ve been doing for a long time.  And I really think some people ought to know what we’ve done.  I’m proud of what we’ve done and what we are doing, and so many more people could dig it.  That is the idea.”

 Phil Rogers, staff writer for the Evening Independent (May 7, 1973) newspaper in St. Petersburg, Florida reviewed the gig in an article titled “Led Zeppelin Style: Start Slow to Buiold” (sic).  Here are some key excerpts from Rogers’ article:

“Then the long awaited were on stage.  Zeppelin started slow and built slow, for each song, for the whole show.  Robert Plant’s voice vibrated into the open cavern of people that covered – painted – wallpapered every viewable spot in the stadium.”

“At times attention wandered from the stage.  Someone said she was bored.  At the time the remark was made, I would tend to agree.  No one else in the crowd seemed to be exactly jumping up and down either.  But then, Led Zeppelin was building.”

“Led Zeppelin was starting to warm up.  Jimmy Page took a violin bow to his guitar, drummer John Bonham took a long, very excellent drum solo and the sound started to come alive…The first notes of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ drew immediate applause.  ‘There’s a lady…’  Plant’s voice brought recognition to the rest of the crowd and more cheers for the group.  The best song so far; things were getting better.”

“The finale, ‘Gimme Some Lovin’ (sic).  White doves, released from the stage, flew to the audience in a message of fluttering, wheeling peace.  Thousands, upon thousands of matches spotted the stadium like little eyes looking for the group’s return.  A granted request.”

The Watcher (May 21-27, 1973) underground newspaper (Winter Park, Florida) carried a review of the record-breaking show titled “The Apex of Rock and Roll Attendance – Led Zeppelin Fills Tampa Stadium.”  Written by Michael Crites, the review included the following observations:

“Led Zeppelin performed a predominantly high-energy concert with only a taste of their progressive soul and glamorock experiments of recent days, and their acoustic tunes.  The quality of sound was not good, very little of the patented Zeppelin echo was audible and there was a somewhat fuzzy edge.  Of course, these are natural drawbacks to a stadium show.”

“One of the outstanding numbers from ‘Houses of the Holy’ titled ‘No Quarter’ is indicative of Zeppelin’s schizophrenic nature.  The song included a mysteriously mellow piano, a solid drum beat and disguised heavy guitar.  At the mellotron Jones activated the strings, which are dynamite in your living room and probably would be exciting in a concert hall.  Zeppelin took off in developing an orchestrated piece formed by intricate composition.”

“The fifteen minute drum solo was a useless filler and a condescension to the masses.  I think Bonham is a damned good drummer without continuous beating.  Charlie Watts has never played more than thirty seconds by himself.  ‘Moby Dick’ was the only boring portion of the show.

A three and a half minute news report was broadcast on local TV station, Channel 13.  The feature showed the band getting off their planes and into limos, footage of the crowd, and short clips of the band performing on stage (with Misty Mountain Hop from the fourth LP being played instead of the actual live audio).  Part of this feature was used as the intro to their 2007 reunion concert at the 02 Arena in London.

Sunday, May 6, 1973 St. Petersburg, Florida, USA (Not Performed)

Despite appearing on several tour lists throughout the years, this concert was never even scheduled, let alone performed.  It’s also worth noting that St. Petersburg is less than a half hour drive from the previous gig in Tampa.

Monday, May 7, 1973 Jacksonville Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

After performing to over 100,000 fans on the first two gigs of the U.S. tour, Led Zeppelin returned to some sense of normalcy, appearing before a sold out Jacksonville Coliseum crowd of “just” 13,000.  New York based rock journalist Lisa Robinson submitted a rave review of the gig for Disc and Music Echo (May 19, 1973).  Robinson was one of the very few journalists whom the band trusted, and as a result she was able to cover the 1973, 1975, and 1977 U.S. tours with true ‘insider access’ for various rock publications.

Here are some of Lisa Robinson’s observations of the Jacksonville concert:

“If I, myself, was getting to a point where Rock ‘n’ Roll becoming part of my past, as opposed to part of my blood, this concert turned it all around for me.  I had heard that on a good night Led Zeppelin is magic, is Rock ‘n’ Roll.  Where have they been all my life?”

“Robert Plant strutted across the stage.  He swaggered, he is THE popstar, at all times totally compelling…more so to me than even Jagger, because it just doesn’t seem contrived for one moment.  Plant’s voice was like a gorgeous instrument, he was physically and sensually taking the audience for his own.  They wanted him to do it to them and he did.”

“Jimmy Page would do things on the guitar so spectacular and then just stop…and then start again and leave you breathless, always wanting more.  When he played the guitar with the violin bow he moved as if in some marvelous graceful ballet.  And all along, Bonham and Jones were relentless, driving, pushing – keeping it all solid.”

“This has GOT to be what Rock ‘n’ Roll was all about: what it s meant to be.  Without gimmicks, without any obvious visual theatrics, the interplay – the dance both musically and physically between Plant and Page was magnificent and, of course, became more theatrically-compelling than almost any other band who attempt to do something similar.”

“It was impossible to be a part of that experience and not watch, and listen, with total awe.”

Written and compiled by Mike Tremaglio – first published in TBL issue 36.

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Led Zeppelin News Update:

Led Zeppelin

• Led Zeppelin plans to use the phrase “The Led Zeppelin Experience” — and is even trying to trademark it around the world. We found trademark applications by the band in the US, UK, and Europe, indicating that it has global plans for the brand.

Jimmy Page

• “Jeff Beck: Still On The Run,” the new documentary which features an interview with Jimmy Page, aired on BBC Four this week. It’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer here.

• There’s a problem with peacocks causing damage to cars on the road outside Jimmy Page’s London home. Read the full report in The Sun here.

Robert Plant

• Robert Plant gave an interview to Mojo Magazine for its latest issue. In the interview, Plant explained why he keeps three Quaaludes in a bottle at home, referred to Led Zeppelin’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations as a “hullabaloo,” and reportedly said that he will record with Patty Griffin for her new album.

John Paul Jones

• John Paul Jones is going to be interviewed in Ireland about his upcoming opera. Jones is scheduled to speak on a panel at the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas on June 9 at 12.30pm.

Upcoming events:

May 17 – An updated version of Stephen Davis’ Led Zeppelin biography “Hammer of the Gods” will be released.
May 18 – “Still On The Run: The Jeff Beck Story,” the documentary which features Jimmy Page, will go on sale.
May 26 – Robert Plant will perform at the Bearded Theory Spring Gathering Festival in the UK.
May 27 – Robert Plant will perform at the Bath Festivals in Bath, UK.
June – The gold edition of “Five Glorious Nights” will be released.
June 8 – Robert Plant will perform in Atlanta, Georgia.
June 9 – John Paul Jones will be interviewed at the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas in Ireland about his upcoming opera.
June 10 – Robert Plant will perform in Richmond, Virginia.
June 12 – Robert Plant will perform in Columbia, Maryland.
June 13 – Robert Plant will perform in Forest Hills, New York.
June 15 – Robert Plant will perform in Toronto, Ontario.
June 17 – Robert Plant will perform in Chicago, Illinois.
June 19 – Robert Plant will perform in Vail, Colorado.
June 21 – Robert Plant will perform in Berkeley, California.
June 23 – Robert Plant will perform in Stateline, Nevada.
June 24 – Robert Plant will perform in Pasadena, California.
June 26 – Robert Plant will perform in Troutdale, Oregon.
June 27 – Robert Plant will perform in Redmond, Washington.
June 29 – Robert Plant will perform at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in Canada.
July 17 – Robert Plant will perform at the Istanbul Jazz Festival in Turkey.
July 19 – Robert Plant will perform at the Black Sea Jazz Festival in Georgia.
July 22 – Robert Plant will perform at the Vielles Charrues Festival in Carhaix, France.
July 23 – Robert Plant will perform in Paris, France.
July 25 – “Led Zeppelin Live,” a photo book edited by Dave Lewis, will be released and Robert Plant will perform at the Festival de Carcassonne in France.
July 27 – Robert Plant will perform at the Milano Summer Festival 2018 in Milan, Italy.
July 29 – Robert Plant will perform at the Stimmen Festival in Lörrach, Germany.
July 31 – Robert Plant will perform in Pardubice, Czech Republic.
August 1 – Robert Plant will perform in Dresden, Germany.
August 11 – John Paul Jones will perform as part of Snoweye at the Varangerfestivalen in Norway.
September – Official celebrations of Led Zeppelin’s fiftieth anniversary are expected to start this month.
September 14-16 – Robert Plant will perform at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival in Colorado and the KAABOO festival in California.
September 23 – Robert Plant will perform at the Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, Kentucky.
October – The official Led Zeppelin photo book will be released.
October 16 – “Bring it on Home,” a new biography of Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant, will be released.
October 26 – Robert Plant will perform in London, UK.
October 28 – Robert Plant will perform in Dublin, Ireland.

Many thanks to James Cook.

The complete Led Zeppelin News email goes out every weekend. To receive it each week sign up here:http://tinyletter.com/LedZepNews

Led Zeppelin News Website: Check out the Led Zeppelin news website at

http://ledzepnews.com/

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More 1977  US tour memories:

Led Zeppelin – The Destroyer 41 years Gone:

Here’s a further piece about The Destroyer bootleg release as discussed last week.

This is the thoughts of Eddie Edwards – long time TBL contributor and author of the brilliant Garden Tapes Zep Song Remains The Same dissection website – see http://www.thegardentapes.co.uk/

This was first published in TBL issue 19.

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A whole lotta people in Pontiac – 41 years gone:

It was 41 years ago this week that Led Zeppelin performed before 76,229 at the Silverdome in Pontiac Michigan. At the time it set a new world record attendance for an indoor solo attraction concert. It was Led Zeppelin’s largest non – festival solo concert appearance of their career…a whole lotta people…

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Led Zeppelin Rock And Roll/Friends – Record Store Day UK Chart Positions:

This information via Martin Tait:

27 April 2018 – 03 May 2018

Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 – No.1 (NE) Led Zeppelin – Rock & Roll (1wk)

Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40 – No.1 (NE) Led Zeppelin – Rock & Roll (1wk)

Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40 – No.2 (NE) Led Zeppelin – Rock & Roll (1wk)

Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 – No.16 (NE) Led Zeppelin – Rock & Roll (1wk)

Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 – No. 24 (NE) Led Zeppelin – Rock & Roll (1wk)

See more at:

http://ledzepnews.com/2018/05/01/led-zeppelins-record-store-day-single-entered-the-uk-vinyl-singles-chart-at-number-one/

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Book Update:

Nobody Told Me – My Life with The Yardbirds, Renaissance and other stories by Jim McCarty: 

I’ve just started reading the autobiography of founding member of The Yardbirds Jim McCarty – it’s an enlightening read told with an honesty and candour that engages the reader from the off. This is the story of the 1960s UK music scene and beyond from a musician who was right in the middle of it all. There’s also a very nice Foreword from Jimmy Page – -ordering details at

http://www.lulu.com/shop/http://www.lulu.com/shop/jim-mccarty-and-dave-thompson/nobody-told-me-my-life-with-the-yardbirds-renaissance-and-other-stories/paperback/product-23598049.html

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Famous guitarists reveal the stories behind their first six-string and their lifelong passion for music Every guitarist remembers his or her first instrument, the guitar that was a gateway to a lifetime of passion and commitment. In My First Guitar, Julia Crowe presents original interviews with some of the world’s leading guitarists across a variety of genres, including Les Paul, Dick Dale, Carlos Santana, Peter Frampton, Jimmie Vaughan, Alex Lifeson, Joe Satriani, Melissa Etheridge, Paco Peña, Lee Ranaldo, George Benson, and Jimmy Page. Each interview offers an intimate glimpse into the humble beginnings of real-life guitar heroes as they recall their first instrument and share the inspiration, challenges, and successes of their early days.

See more at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-First-Guitar-Legendary-Musicians/dp/1770410554

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Jim McCarty album:

Jim also has a new album out – a very laid back reflective set it is too.

Full info below:

JIM McCARTY is the renowned drummer from THE YARDBIRDS who is respected worldwide for his innovative drumming style which he introduced into music in the ’60s on hits such as “For Your Love”, “Heart Full Of Soul”, “Evil Heated You”, “Shapes of Things” and “Over Under Sideways Down” – all of which were UK Top 10 hits.

When The Yardbirds broke up in the late ’60s Jim formed a number of successful bands over the next 25 years including RENAISSANCE, SHOOT, BOX OF FROGS, STAIRWAY and ILLUSION before reforming THE YARDBIRDS in the ’90s, whom he still tours with today.

“Walking In The Wild Land” is Jim’s third solo album and features his songs and vocals in wonderful psychedelic/folk rock style.

http://www.angelair.co.uk/?tcp_product=jim-mccarty-walking-in-the-wild-land

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Record Store Day Reviews:

Here’s the first of my Record Store Day reviews of the items I purchased last week:

DL Record Store Day Acquisitions – Review 1:

The Small Faces – Lazy Sunday Afternoon (Stereo Mix) / 
Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake (Alternate mono phased Mix)

It was all worth it of course and there some very good results to be had flicking through the many racks. – amongst my best finds – a Venezuela pressing of Led Zeppelin III in a single sleeve and slightly different colouring on the sleeve.

Another very nice find was  Friends, a 1970 A & M US promo sampler album –it showcases a fair few Island Records acts who were signed to A & M in the US – notably Fairport Convention, Free, Cat Stevens, Fotheringay, Spooky Tooth and Blodwyn Pig. It also has tracks by Lee Michaels (who supported Led Zep in the US in 1969),The Move, Humble Pie and Quincy Jones and Ron Davies. The Ron Davies track It Ain’t Easy was later covered by David Bowie and appeared on the Ziggy Stardust album.

I love sampler albums so this was a very welcomed find. As was another one I came across at the Victoria Record Fair on Saturday – Island Life, a 1973 sampler album produced on the Island label in Holland. It follows in the grand tradition of late 1960s/early 1970s Island Records sampler LP collections such as You Can All Join In ,Nice Enough To Eat ,Bumpers and El Pea. This one profiles the likes of Roxy Music, Spooky Tooth, King Crimson, The Wailers, Vinegar Joe, Uriah Heep, Ken Hensley Traffic, Free etc. A quality sampler indeed.

Another great find at the Victoria Fair on Saturday – the solo album by the late great (Long) John Baldry album It Ain’t Easy – it’s title taken from a version of the aforementioned Ron Davies composition also covered by David Bowie on Ziggy Stardust . This 1971 set has one side produced by Rod Stewart and the other by Elton John (both had worked with Baldry in the 60s) and has session appearances from the likes of Elton, Maggie Bell, Madelene Bell, Lesley Duncan and Doris Troy.

Plus musicians such as Ronnie Wood, Mickey Waller, Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne (he supplied the mandolin part to Maggie May) who were working on Rod’s Every Picture Tells A Story album at the time plus Caleb Quay who worked on a number of Elton’s albums . This is on the Canadian Warner Brothers label with full sleeve notes and track listing personnel. A real early 70s timepiece.

At the Fair it was great to hook up with Steve Livesley and chat with John Gunne and Andy Brennan amongst others.

It’s the VIP Record Fair in Bedford this Saturday – at the Harpur Suite building – here’s the info: