Watch Led Zeppelin’s First TV Appearance

By Guitar Player Staff
last updated

Robert Plant introduces the band before they storm into the pantheon of rock gods.

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page performing in Denmark in 1969
(Image credit: Getty)

This classic clip from 1969 shows Led Zeppelin on the brink of international stardom as they perform live for Danish television during their Spring tour of the UK and Scandinavia. 

Very soon the band would need no introduction whatsoever as they began to dominate the 70s hard rock scene and Led Zeppelin fans piled into stadiums in their thousands. But check out Robert Plant here as he casually introduces the band to a polite studio audience: “On bass guitar: John Paul Jones… On drums: John Bonham…  Lead guitar: Jimmy Page.” 

The Telecaster-wielding guitar prodigy responds with a surly, snarling wah wah-drenched “Smokestack Lightnin’” riff before the band crescendos into the four-note foot-stomping riff of “How Many More Times.” 

Undoubtedly, one of Led Zeppelin’s finest moments captured on film.

Overhead shot of Led Zep in Denmark in 1969

(Image credit: Getty)

Jimmy Page in 1969 with Telecaster

Take a bow... Jimmy Page in 1969 with his infamous Dragon Telecaster (Image credit: Getty)

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Guitar Player Staff
Guitar Player Staff

Guitar Player is the world’s most comprehensive, trusted and insightful guitar publication for passionate guitarists and active musicians of all ages. Guitar Player magazine is published 13 times a year in print and digital formats. The magazine was established in 1967 and is the world's oldest guitar magazine.


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