Led Zeppelin (1975–1979)

Showco provided sound reinforcement for Led Zeppelin during some of the most iconic tours in rock history. From the massive 1975 North American tour through 1979, Showco engineers and crew were behind the board, delivering the thunderous sound that matched the band's unparalleled stage presence.

This collection features photos, passes, crew shirts, and memorabilia from the Showco team members who worked these tours. Every item here comes directly from the engineers and road crew who were there night after night.

If you were part of the Showco crew on a Zeppelin tour—or have photos, documents, or stories to share—I'd love to add your piece of history to the archive.

FROM THE SHOWCO ROAD

The Bonzo Corvette Run

Dallas, 1975 — as remembered by Showco alumnus Bill “Doc” Gans

In 1975, Showco alumnus Bill “Doc” Gans found himself involved in one of those stories that could only have happened on the road. John Bonham had purchased a Corvette while in Dallas, and arrangements had to be made to get the car to Los Angeles. Decades later, Doc sat down to share his recollection of the assignment—and the characters and circumstances that turned a seemingly simple transport job into a memorable piece of Showco road history.

Remarkably, the paper trail survived. Preserved in Doc's personal collection are original Showco expense reports connected to the trip and a 1975 transport letter bearing John Bonham's signature. Together with Doc's firsthand account, the documents give context to a story that might otherwise have existed only as one of the many tales passed between crew members over the years.

The reel above preserves Doc telling the story in his own words. Where historical photographs do not exist, illustrated scenes are used only to help visualize his recollection and are identified as such. The original documents and photographs shown are part of the archival record now being preserved by Showco Archives.

THE DOCUMENTS

FROM THE COLLECTOR VAULT

The original documents featured in this story come from the personal collection of Bill “Doc” Gans and will be offered in an upcoming Showco Archives Collector Vault auction.

View the Collection / Join the Collector List →