Upgraded footage of Led Zeppelin performing in Tokyo, Japan on September 23, 1971 was released online by LedZepFilm.
The two videos released contain the most extensive and best quality versions of the footage which has circulated for years.
Hideo Yamada, who filmed the show using an 8mm camera and previously published part of the film online in 2018, allowed for his original reels to be sent to the US to be rescanned.
“At that time, there were almost no videos of Led Zeppelin, so we were happy just to see Led Zeppelin in action,” Yamada tells LedZepNews.
“And we were blown away by how cool Jimmy’s actions were. When the members appeared, the excitement in the venue was more exciting than in previous bands,” he added. “When the performance began, the hi-hat sound bounced off both walls, and my personal first impression was that this high note was very pleasant.”
Yamada’s friend T. Ohtaki shot the film on Super 8 footage, resulting in the longer video that lasts for almost 40 minutes.
Yamada originally shared part of his film online in 2018 but it received little attention until it was discovered by fans of Led Zeppelin in 2020. He then uploaded an extended video of his footage from the show.
Led Zeppelin wasn’t just another Rock Band, they were a movement…
Live the footage and energy in this performance and sounds tight😎
My Love I could NEVER HIDE ❣️”. Zepping ever since they been around & me as a young kid a Rock n Roller 😎🤩
Saw them in 1977 at M.S.G, it was an Amazing experience.
I just stumbled across this and wow! Plant’s voice is amazing, and all the musicianship was tight as could be. I don’t know if they mixed in the audio from later, but sound quality is perfect. Although it’s a little blurry, you know it’s a film so that’s to be expected but still a delight to watch.
Imagine if they were transported to the future and what people would think, shock no doubt but it would be delightful. I’ve listened to the Heartbreaker solo a thousand times but to see it like this you can really tell where VH got the idea. The audience was so polite, they just clap in unison along with the rhythm unlike other places which were near riots. I could go on and on but just watch it for yourself and you’ll be glad you did.