Led Zeppelin To Reunite At Desert Trip?

With a lineup boasting some of the biggest names in rock ’n’ roll, 2016’s Desert Trip was billed as “once-in-a-lifetime” event. What could ever top it? Rumor of the week is that Led Zeppelin has agreed to reunite for a performance at the 2017 festival.  

Obviously, this rumor should be treated with plenty of skepticism. After all, there have been countless Zeppelin rumors over the years, followed by the band dashing everyone’s dreams with denials. Secondly, presenter Goldenvoice hasn’t confirmed that a second edition of Desert Trip is even happening.

A post from music site feelnumb.com claims that the news about the reunion comes from “some well-placed sources in the industry.”  Site founder Paul Rossell II says that after the Zeppelin passed up $14 million per day to play 2016’s Desert Trip, the band is on board for 2017 because of its upcoming 50 year anniversary.

Why should you trust feelnumb’s report? Raul boasts that he broke the news about Guns N’ Roses’ reunion “weeks before anyone else did.”

Then again, we should note that the website includes the following disclaimer: “feelnumb.com strives to state facts…if it is fiction, it was not our intention…we try to keep it real…if it’s wrong, oops…we didn’t mean it…if you are offended, all apologies…if it should be taken down for legal reasons, email us…if you feel you need some credit for content, photos, etc…please email us…if you like it, thanks…if you hate it, don’t look back in anger.”

As for more proof about the reunion, the home page on Robert Plant’s website has been replaced with a cryptic message that simply says “Any time now …” Of course, that could mean anything. 

Amy Sancetta/AP, file – Led ZeppelinRobert Plant and Jimmy Page reunite to perform for 1985’s Live Aid concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

San Diego Tribune writer George Varga has a theory about the rumored reunion: “A more likely scenario for a Zeppelin reunion – assuming Plant ever comes back on board – would be to wait until 2018, the band’s 50th anniversary. That would also make sense if Desert Trip, as a number of music industry insiders believe, is skipping 2017 altogether.”

Wednesday’s post from the Tribune points out, “By coincidence – or not – the 2016 debut of Desert Trip was announced exactly one year ago today.” (That being said, feelnumb’s report was posted last week, but the timing is right if Goldenvoice is planning to host Desert Trip at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., in October once again.)

Since splitting in December 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham, Led Zeppelin has reunited for just a handful of one-off appearances. The group last took the stage in 2007 at The O2 London. Tribune’s Varga notes, “The 02 Arena, incidentally, is owned and operated by AEG Entertainment, the parent company of Desert Trip producers Goldenvoice.”

Desert Trip’s website and social media accounts haven’t been updated since last year. The extravaganza featured performances from The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Rogers Waters, Bob Dylan, and The Who.

Pollstar has reached out to Goldenvoice for comment.  

Let’s not forget about the time news organizations erroneously reported that Led Zeppelin was performing at 2008’s Bonnaroo. Rather, the lineup featured all-female tribute act Lez Zeppelin.