Led Zeppelin's Rare Performance of 'Four Sticks' in Copenhagen: A Legendary Moment in Rock History
Led Zeppelin, a legendary rock band known for their hard rock and heavy metal music, created unforgettable moments with hits like "Stairway to Heaven," "Whole Lotta Love," and "Kashmir." One of their most remarkable feats occurred 55 years ago during the opening night of their European tour on May 3, 1971. Led Zeppelin IV was in the works, and the original members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham delivered spectacular performances in Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland. However, it was in Copenhagen where they surprised fans with a unique and rare performance. During a two-hour show in front of 4,000 fans, the band played a mix of fan favorites and new material, including the rarely performed "Four Sticks," a complex percussion-driven rock song from their 1971 album.
"Four Sticks" was a challenging track for Led Zeppelin to play live due to its intricate percussion, with John Bonham using two drumsticks in each hand. The song was inspired by Bonham's admiration for Ginger Baker's drumming style, and Led Zeppelin recorded a different orchestral version of "Four Sticks" with the Bombay Symphony Orchestra in 1972. Decades later, Jimmy Page remastered the entire Led Zeppelin catalog, including "Four Sticks," as part of a two-year project that involved reviewing hundreds of hours of tape. Led Zeppelin's innovative approach to music and their willingness to experiment with different sounds continue to captivate audiences worldwide.