Supported by Roland Kirk / Isaac Hayes

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Press Review Excerpt (1): Led Zeppelin Has a Rare Magic

Led Zeppelin is back in town. Hovering, more like a blimp, over Winterland, dropping its inimitable musical bombshells.

This is the British blues-rock group's third visit to San Francisco and their long, late set early this morning (as part of a four act Bill Graham-produced concert) wa almost as impressive as their local debut at Fillmore West in 1968.

The Zeppelin seems to get louder but still retains a definitive sound. I don't have much interest in singer Robert Plant's bodily gyrations, but they don't seem to interfere either with his singing or with the group's instrumental activity.

And guitarist Jimmy Page, even further shrouded in hair curls than ever before, plays like a dream. He understands the role of accompanist  (to vocalist or instrumentalist) and yet can turn on a tough, biting solo in old style blues or electronic head music with no apparent change of pace.

Led Zeppelin has the kind of musical magic on stage that only the great ones possess. Their crowd waits for them, knows them, responds to every chord and nuance. This is fine contemporary music. Mostly blues derived and done with flair and a knowing technique. [P.Elwood/Examiner/Nov. 1969]

Press excerpt (2) For $3 a head, the massive turnout had jammed Winterland to see Roland Kirk, Wolfgang, Isaac Hayes and Led Zeppelin. England’s sensational Bonzo Dog Band was scheduled, but a sign said they were cancelled because of “immigration” problems.

Finally, after midnight, Led Zeppelin came to the stage. Everybody stood up - tired of sitting on the floor for so long, not just to see better. Singer Robert Plant strutted around the stage in a series of Jim Morrison type postures, while Jimmy Page demonstrated his virtuosity on guitar. During one song he did some weird stunts with a violin bow.

Their style seemed to be a bunch of effects, superimposed on a loud pulsing beat, and little else. The Fillmore scene has degenerated to a point where it is scarcely tolerable for performer and audience alike. The cult around it is made up of the masses of militant mediocrity. The freaky clothes have been worn thin and grown ragged at the edges. The group narcissism has gone stale. Rock music has become the prey of corporate leeches.  [Berkeley Barb / Nov. 1969]