On December 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin reunited for a monumental performance at London’s O2 Arena, marking their first full-length concert in nearly three decades. This one-off event, known as the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert, was organized to honor the late Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder of Atlantic Records and a pivotal figure in the band’s early career.
The Reunion Concert
The surviving members of Led Zeppelin—Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals), and John Paul Jones (bass and keyboards)—were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of the late drummer John Bonham, who filled in on drums. The setlist featured classic tracks such as “Good Times Bad Times,” “Kashmir,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” showcasing the band’s enduring musical prowess.
Ticket Demand and Availability
The announcement of the reunion concert sparked unprecedented demand for tickets. Over 20 million requests were made for the approximately 20,000 available tickets, setting a Guinness World Record for the highest demand for a single music concert.
Critical Reception
Critics and fans alike lauded the performance. The New Yorker described the concert as a “triumph,” highlighting the band’s spirited execution. Jimmy Page reflected on the event, stating, “It was a wonderful celebration of the music, a celebration of the fact that the essence of it, the energy, was still there.”
Legacy and Documentation
The concert was recorded and released as “Celebration Day” in 2012, both as a live album and a concert film. The release received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2014.
The 2007 reunion concert stands as a testament to Led Zeppelin’s enduring legacy and their profound impact on rock music.
For a visual experience of this historic performance, you can watch the full concert below:
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