Led Zeppelin Performed in Iowa Once and Never Returned

In the winter of 1969, Iowa City found itself unexpectedly at the center of rock 'n' roll history. Count Basie had canceled his show or the show was canceled, whatever the case the University of Iowa’s Central Party Committee needed to find a replacement.  Who would show up in the bitter cold and perform? A suitable replacement was found, and they were from across the pond.    

Who replaced the Count Basie Orchestra?

Four lads would make their way to Iowa and sadly not return ever again. The lads were not John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they were John, Jimmy, John, and Robert. These four when together called themselves Led Zeppelin.  This was not the Led Zeppelin you know of today with a Stairway to Heaven and sending All of their love to you, and you and you and YOU!.  They were not all that well known. Heck, back then the levee was strong and not ready to break.  They were fresh and clean, just arriving in the States ready to perform for some youths, and look what Iowa did to them.  Most likely nothing but it’s just not a hotbed of activity for Led Zeppelin.  If Iowa was selling an oddly high number of records, you’d bet they’d have been back in a heartbeat.   

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Why did Led Zeppelin never return to Iowa?

The night they performed it was cold, actually freezing, maybe even freezing cold.  According to Led Zeppelin.com that was just one of the hiccups of the evening.  It was also a school night.  The school, back then, had a dress code and didn't allow long hair on boys, uh oh, Led Zeppelin.  The opening band was Mother Blues and according to attendees they were well received.

What was the price of a ticket?

Prices have gone up quite a bit since then.  The grand total not including ticket fees, then was $2. From what concertgoers saw that night and seeing the reviews, they seemed to be ecstatic with the show and to be part of history but not yet know it.