The Complete History of The Starship: Led Zeppelin’s Legendary Touring Plane

/ Get The Led Out Live, Live Jam News / By

Earlier today, we unveiled a definitive history of The Starship, the iconic aircraft that became synonymous with Led Zeppelin’s storied 1973 and 1975 US tours. After months of meticulous research and investigation, we have compiled an exhaustive account of the plane’s fascinating journey, including exclusive documents and insights into its remarkable past.

The Origins of The Starship

The Starship, a customized Boeing 720B, first entered the public eye in the early 1970s when it was acquired and modified for high-profile use. It wasn’t long before it became a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll opulence and excess. Its reputation was cemented when Led Zeppelin’s road manager, Richard Cole, came across a brochure for the plane in June 1973. The brochure, which we’ve uncovered and made available, played a crucial role in persuading Cole to rent the aircraft for the band’s American tour.

A Legendary Touring Experience

The Starship was more than just a mode of transportation; it was a mobile palace for Led Zeppelin. With lavish interiors, including a custom lounge, bar, and bedroom suites, the plane offered the band a level of comfort and luxury unprecedented at the time. During their 1973 and 1975 tours, The Starship became a traveling sanctuary for the band, their entourage, and their guests.

The plane’s first major tour with Led Zeppelin was in 1973, where it was used extensively throughout the United States. The second tour in 1975 saw even more extravagant use, with the plane becoming a centerpiece of the band’s larger-than-life public image.

Beyond Led Zeppelin

While The Starship is most famously associated with Led Zeppelin, its illustrious history includes stints with other major artists. The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Deep Purple, and Bob Dylan all used the plane for their tours. Each of these artists contributed to the plane’s legend, adding their own stories to its storied past.

Research and Revelations

Our research into The Starship has uncovered nearly 200 pages of US government files, providing new insights into the plane’s operations and history. These documents, now available for public view, offer a detailed look at the plane’s registrations, modifications, and security measures during its high-profile use.

One of the most intriguing discoveries was the original brochure that Richard Cole read in June 1973. This brochure, which we have made accessible, highlights the plane’s luxurious features and bespoke services, illustrating why it was such an appealing choice for rock legends of the era.

In addition to the available documents, we pursued an investigation into the plane’s rental history beyond Led Zeppelin’s use. This included a thorough inquiry into who rented the plane in February 1979, involving persistent efforts with the CIA and other agencies. While this part of the investigation remains ongoing, it has added an additional layer of mystery and intrigue to The Starship’s legacy.

A Labor of Love

The journey to compile the complete history of The Starship has been a labor of love for LedZepNews. Our commitment to uncovering the full story behind this legendary plane has resulted in a comprehensive account that sheds light on its importance to rock history. The Starship was more than just a plane; it was a symbol of an era, embodying the excess and glamour of rock ‘n’ roll’s golden age.

As we look back on The Starship’s storied past, it stands as a testament to the unique and extravagant world of 1970s rock music. With our detailed history, fans and historians alike can now appreciate the plane’s role in shaping the legend of Led Zeppelin and other iconic artists who flew in its opulent confines.

For those interested in delving deeper into The Starship’s history, we invite you to explore the complete set of documents and resources available through our channels. The legacy of The Starship lives on, not just as a piece of aviation history, but as a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll’s most flamboyant and exhilarating moments.

Here is the excerpt from the Led zep News:

The complete history of The Starship

Earlier today, we published a definitive history of The Starship, the plane that Led Zeppelin used to tour the US in 1973 and 1975.

We’ve spent months digging into the plane’s history, uncovering almost 200 pages of US government files on it (you can read them here), finding the original brochure Richard Cole read in June 1973 that convinced him to rent the plane (you can read that here) and even pestering the CIA as part of a separate investigation into who rented the plane in February 1979 (you can read that here).

This has been a labour of love for LedZepNews, finally shedding some concrete history on this famous plane that also played host to The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Deep Purple, Bob Dylan and even more.

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