March 23, 1969: Led Zeppelin play Peterlee

No, this is no Communication Breakdown - legendary rockers Led Zeppelin really did play Peterlee.
From left, Led Zep's Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Bonham.From left, Led Zep's Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Bonham.
From left, Led Zep's Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Bonham.

March 23 marks 48 years since lead singer Jimmy Page and co performed at the Argus Butterfly, in the town's York Road, to honour a gig arranged just before they cracked the big time.

As Brian Stoker, who booked them along with pal David Richards, reminisced to us in 2008: "We booked Led Zeppelin for £100 and they went down a storm.

Dave Richards, left, and Brian Stoker, with Peterlee Jazz Club cards promoting the Led Zeppelin concerts.Dave Richards, left, and Brian Stoker, with Peterlee Jazz Club cards promoting the Led Zeppelin concerts.
Dave Richards, left, and Brian Stoker, with Peterlee Jazz Club cards promoting the Led Zeppelin concerts.
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"Everyone loved it and I remember me and Dave had a drink with the lads from the group.

"I was talking to guitarist Jimmy Page and asked if he enjoyed it and he said 'yes' and he would come back. I said what are you doing next month and he said they were playing the Hollywood Bowl, so that was the last we saw of them."It was not the last the North-East saw of Led Zep, however, as they returned to play three concerts in Newcastle during 1971-72 and one at the Locarno Ballroom, in Newcastle Road, Sunderland, on November 12, 1971.

We'd love you to post any photos, tickets or memories you have from the Sunderland gig in particular to our Facebook page.

In the meantime, here's Led Zep's reputed set list from their Peterlee performance. As they say, if you can remember the 1960s............

Train Kept A-Rollin'

I Can't Quit You Baby

Dazed and Confused

You Shook Me

How Many More Times

Communication Breakdown