Led Zeppelin Over Europe

31 Years ago today, Led Zeppelin began what would be there last tour, Over Europe 1980.  Some people through the years have referred to it as a warm up tour , before embarking on America later in the year.

[caption id="attachment_1267" align="alignright" width="214" caption="Led Zeppelin Feather in the Wind - Over Europe 1980"][/caption]

That's not true, it was more a case of Led Zeppelin testing the waters, seeing what they still had. America in the fall would be decided at the end of the tour, not going in.

Tight But Loose editor/writer/publisher/head cook Dave Lewis has a new book on the 1980 tour, Feather in the Wind - Over Europe 1980. It is a comprehensive examination of the most under reported tour of Led Zeppelin's career. I'm currently enjoying the book, albeit too slowly during a busy patch. I expect to have a full review by next weekend. Meanwhile, click the link above to buy a copy of Feather in the Wind.

Here's what Dave had to say about Dortmund, Germany on June 17, 1980:

A vibrant opening night. The band sounded well rehearsed, delivering a fiery compact performance - the shortest of the tour.... The surprises include  the recall for Train Kept a Rollin'  as set opener (performed live by Zep for the first time since September 2nd, 1970) and Jimmy introducing Black Dog...

Hot Dog features a Page solo very similar to the album version and the premiere live performance of All My Love impresses....

Here's All My Love from Dortmund, Germany June 17, 1980: