Rare Footage of Led Zeppelin’s 1979 Copenhagen Performance Released Online

Rare Footage of Led Zeppelin’s 1979 Copenhagen Performance Released Online

Previously unseen 8mm footage of Led Zeppelin’s performance in Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 24, 1979, has been released online by LedZepFilm. The footage, filmed by Lennart Ström, captures 13 minutes of the band’s live performance during the second of two warm-up shows in Denmark that year.

The newly surfaced film provides a rare glimpse into Led Zeppelin’s pre-Knebworth rehearsals, showcasing their electrifying stage presence as they prepared for their monumental August concerts at Knebworth House in England.

A Long-Lost Treasure

Ström’s footage came to light after he commented on the Heart of Markness podcast’s website in June, mentioning that he had filmed the show. This prompted interest from Led Zeppelin fans and collectors, ultimately leading to the digital release of the long-preserved film.

In an interview with LedZepNews, Ström revealed details about how he managed to record the footage. “We brought the Super 8 camera to test a new film that would work indoors,” he explained. “It was no problem getting the camera in—it was quite small, and I think I had it tucked in my trousers at the back. Filming wasn’t as common in those days; security was more focused on finding audio recording equipment.”

Challenges of the Performance

Ström also recalled the technical difficulties that plagued the band’s first Copenhagen show on July 23, 1979. “The gig the night before was, according to the papers, a disaster due to electrical failures caused by the laser effects,” he said. “When we arrived at the venue the next day, we noticed generators standing in the alley. We weren’t sure why they were there at first, but I recognized them from my time in the army. It made us a bit concerned about how the show would go.”

A Film Hidden for Decades

Having kept the film stored away for years, Ström eventually digitized it but misplaced his own copy. “I had made a digital version, though not as good as the one you’ve now seen,” he admitted. “I showed it to some friends—guitarists who went absolutely nuts over it. But that was just the silent version.”

Now, thanks to its release online, Led Zeppelin fans worldwide can witness this remarkable piece of rock history, offering a rare and intimate look at the band during their final years of touring.