On October 9, 2012, Led Zeppelin hosted a highly anticipated press conference at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City to promote the U.S. premiere of *Celebration Day*, a concert film documenting the legendary band’s reunion performance at London’s O2 Arena on December 10, 2007. The event, which took place a few days ahead of the film’s screening at the Ziegfeld Theater, marked a momentous occasion, drawing significant attention from the media, fans, and music enthusiasts around the world.
The press conference offered a rare opportunity for the surviving members of the iconic rock band—Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), and John Paul Jones (bass/keyboards)—to come together in front of the public after years of being somewhat elusive in interviews and public appearances. The press conference was not just about promoting *Celebration Day* but also about reflecting on the band’s monumental legacy, the emotional weight of their reunion, and the timeless nature of their music.
### The Premise of *Celebration Day*
The *Celebration Day* film captures the highly anticipated and emotional reunion of Led Zeppelin after a long hiatus. Originally organized to honor Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, the band’s performance at the O2 Arena in London was intended to be a tribute concert. However, it turned into something far more significant as the band, which had not performed together since their 1980 tour following the tragic death of drummer John Bonham, played a full set in front of thousands of adoring fans.
Though the performance was a one-off event, the high-quality production captured by *Celebration Day* gave fans a rare chance to relive the magic of a band that had shaped the course of rock music history. The film, shot in high definition and featuring impeccable sound mixing, provided an intimate view of the band’s performance, making it feel as if fans were in the audience themselves.
### The Press Conference at MoMA
The press conference, held at MoMA, a venue synonymous with artistic and cultural innovation, underscored the monumental nature of the occasion. The event was the perfect setting for a band that had transcended the world of music to become global cultural icons. The venue’s aura, which merges modern art with high culture, was fitting for a band whose music had reshaped the landscape of rock and roll.
Led Zeppelin’s trio of surviving members sat before the gathered journalists, their personalities as different as their musical contributions, but united by their shared history. Robert Plant, the enigmatic frontman with his deep, soulful voice, was seated next to the cerebral and laid-back John Paul Jones, whose mastery of bass and keyboards often took a back seat to the spotlight placed on the band’s more flamboyant members. Jimmy Page, the genius guitarist behind many of the band’s most innovative riffs, rounded out the trio with his quiet but potent presence.
The press conference was a rare opportunity to hear the band members discuss their thoughts and experiences surrounding the O2 reunion, a performance that many had never expected to happen. The moment was personal and emotional for them, as it had been a highly anticipated reunion, with fans across the world wondering whether the legendary band could ever come back together. When they did, they delivered a set that was nothing short of magical, revitalizing their legacy for a new generation.
### Key Moments from the Press Conference
During the press conference, each band member shared their reflections on the O2 concert and the emotional weight of performing together again. Robert Plant, who had often distanced himself from a full-fledged reunion with Led Zeppelin due to his commitment to his solo career and musical direction, spoke about the emotional intensity of that night and the challenges of stepping back into the role of a frontman for the band. He acknowledged the profound significance of Bonham’s death and how his absence affected the band, both personally and musically. Despite this, Plant said the O2 show felt like a natural progression and was deeply moving, not only for the fans but for the band themselves.
Jimmy Page, who had kept the flame of a potential reunion alive for years, discussed the preparation that went into bringing the band back together. He reflected on the band’s chemistry and the excitement they all felt leading up to the O2 performance. Page emphasized that, even though the reunion was driven by a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, it was still an experience of joy and reunion. For Page, the O2 performance was not just about revisiting old hits but about the unique energy and improvisational spirit that had always been a part of Led Zeppelin’s performances.
John Paul Jones, who had worked on many different projects during the years of the band’s hiatus, spoke more quietly about the experience of coming back to the band after so long. He recalled the rehearsals and how everything seemed to come together effortlessly once they were back in the same room. He reflected on how the energy of the performance was driven by the legacy of their music, which had only grown stronger with time.
One particularly touching moment during the press conference came when the trio was asked about their late drummer, John Bonham. The band has always made it clear that no one could replace Bonham, and that sentiment was echoed again during the event. The reunion at the O2 had included Bonham’s son, Jason Bonham, behind the drums, who had been invited to join the band as a tribute to his father. The press conference provided a space for the members to reflect on how Jason’s drumming had captured some of his father’s spirit, allowing the band to feel connected to Bonham even in his absence.
### The Legacy of Led Zeppelin
The press conference also delved into the legacy of Led Zeppelin and the significance of their place in music history. With the passage of time, the band’s influence had only grown, and their albums had become cultural touchstones. When asked about how they viewed their music now, 40 years after its release, the members expressed a sense of awe at the enduring power of their work. They spoke about the timeless nature of their sound, which had crossed boundaries and inspired generations of musicians.
Led Zeppelin was not just a band; they were a cultural force, shaping not only the sound of rock but also the very spirit of the music industry. Their albums, from *Led Zeppelin I* to *Physical Graffiti*, helped define the 1970s and remain as influential today as they were then. With *Celebration Day*, they were offering fans a glimpse into their monumental past while also cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
### Conclusion
The press conference ahead of the *Celebration Day* premiere was a pivotal moment for Led Zeppelin fans, giving them insight into the band’s reunion, their thoughts on their music, and the emotional impact of performing together after so many years. The film would go on to capture one of rock’s most unforgettable performances, providing fans with a lasting memory of a band that had redefined the genre. For the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, the event was a celebration not only of their legacy but of their bond as a band, one that had withstood the test of time, tragedy, and triumph.
