On this special night, Live Jam is dedicating an entire show to the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Get The Led Out will perform nothing but the timeless hits that have made Zeppelin one of the most influential bands in music history. As part of the celebration, we’re also marking a key moment in Led Zeppelin’s history, one that occurred on March 5, 1971—the night they debuted “Stairway to Heaven” during the first night of their Back to the Clubs tour.
March 5, 1971: A Historic Night for Led Zeppelin
March 5, 1971, holds a special place in Led Zeppelin lore. On that date, the band began their Back to the Clubs tour, which spanned 13 shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The tour was unique because it saw the band perform in much smaller venues than usual, after already becoming a global sensation. This was a gesture of appreciation to their fans who had supported them in their early years. At the time, Led Zeppelin had already released their first three albums, and their massive success had them headlining in arenas and stadiums across the world. But this tour wasn’t about playing for massive crowds—it was about reconnecting with the roots of their success.
The Back to the Clubs tour was both a thank-you to loyal fans and an opportunity for the band to prove that they weren’t just driven by commercial success. Instead of performing in the large venues they had grown accustomed to, Led Zeppelin chose smaller clubs to give fans a more intimate experience. However, this decision had its drawbacks—fewer tickets were available, which meant some fans who wanted to attend were left disappointed.
The Debut of “Stairway to Heaven”
The Back to the Clubs tour also marked the first time Led Zeppelin performed songs from their soon-to-be-released fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. Among the tracks they debuted that night was one that would go on to become one of the most iconic songs in rock history: “Stairway to Heaven.” The song was played live for the first time during the band’s performance at Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was one of only three songs from the forthcoming album performed that night, alongside “Going to California” and a rendition of “Rock and Roll” during the encore.
“Stairway to Heaven” was more than just a song—it became a symbol of Led Zeppelin’s artistic genius and a milestone in rock music. The debut of this track, in such an intimate setting, allowed fans to experience the magic of Zeppelin’s creativity in a way that wasn’t possible in the massive arenas they were about to conquer. Little did they know that the song they were hearing live for the first time would become one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Get The Led Out: A Live Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Tonight, as we tune into Get The Led Out Live on Live Jam, we’re treated to a full set of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits, all performed with the energy and passion that the band brought to the stage during their heyday. Every track will be a celebration of the unforgettable songs that defined a generation. From “Stairway to Heaven” to “Whole Lotta Love,” “Kashmir,” and “Immigrant Song,” Get The Led Out will bring the magic of Zeppelin’s music back to life, capturing the essence of their live performances and the iconic energy they brought to every show.
As we reflect on the historic debut of “Stairway to Heaven” and the intimate nature of Led Zeppelin’s Back to the Clubs tour, it’s clear that this was a pivotal moment for the band. Their decision to play smaller venues may have been driven by gratitude, but it also helped cement the connection between Led Zeppelin and their devoted fans—one that would last long after the band had become legends.
Tonight’s tribute on Live Jam is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Led Zeppelin and the timeless music they gifted to the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, Get The Led Out will make sure you experience the magic of Led Zeppelin in the way it was meant to be heard—live and loud.