Led Zeppelin Perform at Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music

ON THIS DAY IN 1970, LED ZEPPELIN PERFORMED AMONGST OTHERS AT THE BATH FESTIVAL OF BLUES AND PROGRESSIVE MUSIC

Organised by Freddy Bannister and wife Wendy, this festival was an escalation of a smaller blues festival held the year before.

Joining Led Zeppelin was an immense lineup, featuring greats like Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, Frank Zappa, Santana and The Moody Blues. Meanwhile, an alternative festival was held in an adjacent field where bands like the Pink Fairies, Genesis and Hawkwind played on the back of a flatbed truck. Unfortunately, wet wether caused Jefferson Airplanes set to be aborted partway and The Moody Blues set to be cancelled.

Nonetheless, a significant crowd of approximately 150,000 fans showed up for the festival, causing numerous logistical difficulties for organisers and security staff. A problem with stolen receipts also led to a largely decreased profit. This may be why the festival was not repeated, although it reportedly inspired Michael Eavis to plan and hold the first event of what would later transform into the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts.

LED ZEPPELIN
LED to GOLD

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Oliver Cook
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