It's one of rock's lasting enigmas—where did Led Zeppelin hold their initial rehearsal? This significant moment has generated considerable mythology, as the gathering of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham for the first time altered the trajectory of music history. However, until now, the exact location has remained uncertain.
The passage of time, substance use, and the intricate layout of Soho itself all contribute to the confusion. When Led Zeppelin came together in August 1968, few anticipated the impact it would have, which is likely why no one documented the actual site.
Common belief suggests that this renowned session occurred at 39 Gerrard Street, making use of a basement as a rehearsal space. This street has its own historical significance; for instance, Charles Dickens references it in *Great Expectations*.
However, there are several problems with this location. First, it seems larger than what the band's accounts would suggest. Second, it had a stage—would Led Zeppelin forget such a detail? Third, this was the original site of Ronnie Scott's before it relocated to Frith Street—an aspect the band likely wouldn't overlook in their stories.
Now, the new biopic *Becoming Led Zeppelin* seems to have solved the mystery. As noted by the website LedZepNews, this acclaimed film delves into the band's beginnings, revealing some remarkable new insights.
The newly identified location is actually 19 Gerrard Street, which means that decades' worth of fan photographs taken outside the former address were captured at the wrong site.
The research has been meticulous. According to band interviews, the basement was in Soho and existed beneath a record shop—19 Gerrard Street housed a record shop that closed shortly before that pivotal rehearsal took place.
Floor plans indicate that it is smaller than the previously mentioned location and, crucially, lacks a stage.
Additionally, there is another connection. Peter Grant worked with the Jeff Beck Group before he helped form Led Zeppelin, and an old article from *Beat Instrumental* about that band notes 19 Gerrard Street as the site for Beck & Co's rehearsals, indicating that Grant was familiar with the location.
Putting this information together, it appears highly probable that 19 Gerrard Street was indeed the site of Led Zeppelin's first rehearsal.
This was a moment that transformed music forever—be sure to check out the intriguing research on LedZepNews.
Related: The Welsh Cottage That Changed Led Zeppelin Forever
*Becoming Led Zeppelin* is now available.
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It's one of the lasting enigmas of rock music – where did Led Zeppelin hold their inaugural rehearsal...? This event has given rise to a considerable amount of myth.