On This Day in 1972: Led Zeppelin Postpones the Loudest Rock Concert in Australian History
Led Zeppelin, already at the peak of their powers in 1972, had conquered Europe and America with their explosive blend of blues, hard rock, and mystique. By the time they landed in Australia, fans were primed for something historic—and Zeppelin delivered, even when nature had other plans.
The tour kicked off on February 16 in Perth, where chaos erupted at Subiaco Oval as hundreds of fans, desperate to get close to the band, stormed the venue using bolt cutters and ladders. Despite the mayhem, it was clear: Australia had never seen anything like Led Zeppelin before.
Two days later, on February 18, the band was set to play at Memorial Drive in Adelaide. The excitement was palpable. Zeppelin had brought with them the largest PA system Australia had ever witnessed, intending to deliver the *loudest* rock concert in the nation’s history. It was to be a sonic experience unmatched on Australian soil.
But as fate would have it, the skies opened up. Torrential rain forced the band to postpone the show, much to the dismay of thousands of fans who had traveled and waited for hours. While disappointing, the delay only added to the band’s mythic status.
When the rescheduled concert finally happened, Zeppelin didn’t just make up for lost time—they delivered a performance that shook the ground and left fans breathless. The postponed show became a legendary moment in Australian rock history, proving that sometimes, greatness is worth the wait.
