LZ-'75 : the lost chronicles of Led Zeppelin's 1975 American tour

Stephen Davis's personal account of touring America with Led Zeppelin during their 1975 tour provides a vivid snapshot of the band at its peak. As a young rock writer, Davis embarked on a journey with the legendary group aboard the Starship, their iconic Boeing jet adorned with deep shag carpet, electric pianos, and an entourage of girlfriends and admirers. This narrative captures the essence of one of the hardest-living bands, showcasing the chaos and allure surrounding Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. Amidst the adoration of fans and the frenzy outside their concerts, the band epitomized the free-spirited rock dream, even as their trajectory hinted at impending doom. The tour marked a pivotal moment in rock history, shortly before John Bonham's tragic death and the rise of punk, which would challenge their monumental sound. With intimate insights into the lives of band members, managers, groupies, and drug-dealers, the book resonates with the spirit of "Almost Famous," as it inspired Cameron Crowe's film. Now recognized as a leading rock writer, Davis revisited his notebooks from that unforgettable tour to craft this unique account, offering a beautifully succinct glimpse into a fleeting moment in rock history when excess knew no bounds and every experience was extraordinary.