This collection of 10 images, skillfully captured by photographer Charles Todd, marks the debut of color photos from that memorable concert.
Earlier this month, LedZepNews debuted the first-ever images from the show when we acquired prints of black and white photos taken by journalist David Proctor.
Todd’s recently unearthed photographs provide a fresh perspective on the performance, validating our earlier findings based on Proctor’s images. They offer detailed views of the band’s distinctive stage attire, showcasing nuances such as Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones sporting T-shirts.
Using an Asahi Pentax 35mm camera paired with a Lentar 70-210 zoom lens and Kodak Ektachrome 64 ASA film, Todd captured these shots from his seventh-row seat. Reflecting on the technical challenges, Todd shared with LedZepNews via email that he shot the photos handheld, braving a 1/4-second exposure to freeze the band’s dynamic movements.
Interestingly, Todd’s documentation of Led Zeppelin’s Salt Lake City performance occurred just a week before he embarked on a career in the US Navy, where he became a distinguished Navy photographer. His naval service took him to various assignments, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in Indian Head, Maryland, Nas Andrews AFB, Combat Camera Group in San Diego, and a squadron focused on F14 aircraft.
Recalling his naval photography career, Todd fondly remembers capturing moments with dignitaries like the Pope and Chairman Ping, the first Chinese dignitary, along with pivotal events such as the Iran Embassy hostage return.
Todd expressed his hope that Led Zeppelin fans will enjoy these newly released photographs, which evoke cherished memories of an era defined by iconic music and unforgettable performances. You can Listen to Get The Led Out Live every Wdnesday night here on Live Jam
Exclusive: Here are previously unseen colour photos of Led Zeppelin performing in Salt Lake City in 1973
The first colour photographs to emerge of Led Zeppelin performing in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 26, 1973 are today published online by LedZepNews.
The 10 images were taken by photographer Charles Todd and are the first colour photographs to emerge from the performance.
Earlier this month, LedZepNews published the first ever photographs from the show after we and LedZepFilm purchased prints of black and white images taken by journalist David Proctor.
Todd’s photographs give us another glimpse of the show, confirming our assessment that Proctor’s images were of the Salt Lake City performance. Todd’s shots show the band’s unusual stage outfits in greater detail, including Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones wearing T-shirts.
Todd shot the photograph using an Asahi Pentax 35mm camera and a Lentar 70-210 zoom lens on Kodak Ektachrome 64 ASA film from his seventh row seat, he told LedZepNews in an email.
“I was standing on my chair, hand holding (no tripod) at 1/4 second! Tried to wait untill they stopped moving,” Todd wrote.
Photographing the Led Zeppelin show in 1973 happened a week before Todd attended a US Navy bootcamp which led to his career as a Navy photographer.
“I was staff photographer at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in Indian Head, Maryland, Nas Andrews AFB, Combat Camera Group, San Diego Ca, and a F14 squadron,” Todd said.
“It was fun to be able to photograph many dignitaries [at] Andrews AFB, the Pope, Chairman Ping [the] first digitary from China, the hostages coming back from the Iran Embassy takeover and more,” he explained. “I hope all the fans of Led Zeppelin will like the photos. They bring back a lot of great memories.”
Do you have any photos or videos of Led Zeppelin you’d like to share? You can contact LedZepNews on ledzepnews@gmail.com
Here is the uncropped version of the photograph featured at the top of this article:
You can Listen to Get The Led Out Live every Wdnesday night here on Live Jam