The very last time Led Zep played in the UK was 11th August 1979, with the New Barbarians as the main support act.

This is Nick Kent's account of their performance from the following week's NME:





(continued in extreme left column under picture...)

Fanks heaps LOGIE....



ROCKMAN

"...there's a spirit to it - a gut-level kick that won't quit."

Well put! And thanks, Logie!

I've read a lot of criticism on Nick Kent and his Stones stories, but this was very well written and interesting. Spot on when it comes to describing the Barbarians' and Led Zep's styles of music. Funny how Led Zep by that time were considered bombastic "museum pieces" with "nothing to say" while the Barbarians were doing "good ol' rock 'n' roll dance music". Even funnier how all the celebrity punks backstage wanted to hang with Keith -- ever the punk -- and sneered over Led Zep.

Today the punks are museum pieces too, and everybody admires yet sneers toward both the Stones and a reuniting Led Zep. If the latter have anything to say is everyone's decision, but I'm guessing that it still holds true that they smoke the Stones in pure musical terms, when in the end all that matters is the good ol' dance music. Only rock 'n' roll but we like it all.

thank you Logie!
Nick Kent's accuracy is wobbly as usual, but at least he gets the gut-level kick

Great! Thank you very much for posting this. Reading it felt like almost being there.

Thanks! Great article.
"Trouble is, real inspired rock roll is never only anything..."

Thanks Logie that was a nice read

Many thanks...back to the days when a gig review in the music press actually did what it says on the tin.

Two hour delay before the Barbarians went on? What is it about Keith and that venue!

Kent did err in listing Keef as vocalist for "Rock Me, Baby" however.
It was Woody without a doubt.

well, look on the bright side,..at least he didnt claim Keith punched Woody in the face....

Is there a recording of their performance?

>>Is there a recording of their performance?
Yes