Coolest Shit Ever: “New” Led Zeppelin Footage From Greensboro, 1977
29 May, 2010 in Coolest Shit Ever, fnord, Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, music
Something neat happened recently, Youdopia. Someone came across some fantastic 8mm footage of Led Zeppelin, playing Greensboro, NC on 5/31/77 (Bonzo’s 29th birthday). I am not usually a fan of 8mm silent footage, because unless your last name starts with a Z, and you’re from Dallas, your film is going to suck. What makes this footage noteworthy, is that it appears to be shot from the photographer’s pit, and thus is very close up. It’s also excellent quality. Someone wonderful synced up the audio from Landover, MD (5/28/77) and matched it perfectly to the video (edits and cuts included). It is now in the archives of LedZeppelin.com. This upgrades the film from historical curiosity to Worth Watching. Plus, it’s good music. If you want to hear a whole concert from this tour, go to this earlier post.
It’s a truncated version of The Song Remains the Same, and it’s really cool. It was their opening number, and Jimmy Page comes out with shades on, smoking a cigarette while playing the doubleneck. Super rock star cool. See that picture (above)? Those boys are up to no good, especially the one in the back with the goofy smile and shades (at night). Back to the film. Jonesy’s bass lines are awesome, and it’s totally worth the 3 and a half minutes of your time. It’s the Coolest Shit Ever.
Cool Meter says: Very cool.
I was impressed too. Usually I don’t care about 8mm footage, because at best it’s choppy and grainy. This was a nice surprise, and whoever synced the sound (from an earlier date) took the time to match the herky jerkiness. I think that 1977 has moved up a notch, to my second least favorite tour. 1975 being the first.
Super cool! I am usually not a Jimmy girl – really more of a Robert girl – and though Robert (young, yummy Robert) looks great, Jimmy does look rock star cool and super bad boy yummy.
I was there for the concert. Security made a mistake and open outer gates for parking to arena and everyone rushed in. People got caught between the corridor inside the building leading into the entrance to the arena. people were being crushed and they opened all the doors to relieve the pressure. We never had to use our tickets. We were 10 yards from the stage. Zeppelin was way late. Jimmy Paige was messed up but performed great. Incredible entrance to concert when Robert Plant came walking down a huge staircase on the stage and Jimmy Page come running across the stage sliding on his knees wailing on the guitar. Incredible!
Awesome story, Wes! Thank you! Yeah, in 1977, Zeppelin was more about the spectacle and show than the music, but still… bad zeppelin is better than most band’s best night. Thanks for reading my blog.