Led Zeppelin Delivered an Iconic and Unforgettable Performance of “Stairway to Heaven”
Led Zeppelin’s reunion performance at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert on December 10, 2007, at the O2 Arena in London, is heralded as one of the most iconic moments in rock history. This event marked the band’s first full-length concert in 27 years, bringing together surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham, son of their late drummer John Bonham. The concert honored Ahmet Ertegun, the influential co-founder of Atlantic Records, who played a pivotal role in Led Zeppelin’s early success.
The anticipation for this concert was monumental. Over 20 million people from around the world applied for tickets through an online lottery system, but only 18,000 fans were fortunate enough to attend. The enormous demand underscored the band’s enduring popularity and the significance of this reunion. Fans traveled from far and wide, some camping outside the venue days in advance, to witness this historic event.
The setlist for the evening was a carefully curated selection of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved songs. The band opened with “Good Times Bad Times,” a track from their debut album, setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia and high energy. Other highlights included “Ramble On,” “Black Dog,” “Trampled Under Foot,” “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” and the epic “Dazed and Confused.” Each song was met with thunderous applause, as the band delivered performances that echoed their glory days.
A standout moment of the concert was Jason Bonham’s drumming. Filling in for his father, John Bonham, Jason’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His powerful and precise drumming on tracks like “Moby Dick” and “Rock and Roll” earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his place in rock history. His presence added an emotional layer to the concert, as fans and critics alike praised his ability to honor his father’s legacy while bringing his own style to the performance.
“Stairway to Heaven” was another highlight, with Robert Plant’s vocals soaring and Jimmy Page’s iconic guitar solo sending shivers down the spines of the audience. The song, often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, was a reminder of the band’s unparalleled musical prowess and their ability to create timeless music.
The concert was later released as “Celebration Day,” both as a live album and a concert film, allowing fans who couldn’t attend the opportunity to experience the magic. The release received critical acclaim, further cementing the performance’s place in rock history. Critics praised the band’s tight performance, the energy of the crowd, and the flawless production that captured the essence of the evening.
Despite the success of the reunion, hopes for a full-fledged tour were dashed as Robert Plant expressed his reluctance to commit to a long-term project. Both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were open to the idea, but Plant’s other commitments and desire to pursue different musical projects led to the decision not to tour. This made the 2007 reunion even more significant, as it remained a singular, unforgettable event.
The Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert was more than just a reunion; it was a celebration of Led Zeppelin’s legacy and their impact on music. It demonstrated that even after decades, the band could still deliver a performance that was both powerful and emotionally resonant. This concert remains a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to captivate audiences, old and new, solidifying their status as rock legends.
