Led Zeppelin’s highly anticipated reunion at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, at Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium was a chaotic disappointment, with guitarist Jimmy Page later describing the decision to reform as “really not very clever.” The performance, marking the band’s first since disbanding after drummer John Bonham’s death in 1980, featured surviving members Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, joined by Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums, with Paul Martinez on bass. Despite the event’s noble cause—raising funds for Ethiopian famine relief—the 22-minute set, including “Rock and Roll,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” was marred by technical issues, under-rehearsal, and clashing dynamics, leaving a stain on the band’s storied legacy.
The reunion’s troubles began with minimal preparation, with less than two hours of rehearsal time. Page criticized Collins, noting the drummer struggled with the opening of “Rock and Roll,” throwing off the set’s rhythm from the start. Collins, who performed at both London and Philadelphia Live Aid events after a transatlantic Concorde flight, admitted in his memoir *Not Dead Yet* that he was unprepared, having only listened to “Stairway to Heaven” en route, and felt unwelcome, particularly by Page. Technical woes compounded the issues: Page’s guitar was out of tune, monitors malfunctioned, and Plant’s voice was strained from prior solo tour dates, rendering his performance hoarse. The dual-drummer setup with Thompson, a seasoned Chic and Power Station drummer, added confusion, as the two struggled to sync, with Collins at times miming to avoid a “trainwreck.”
Page’s 2021 remarks at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, promoting his book *Jimmy Page: The Anthology*, reflected his frustration, calling the reunion one of “two unfortunate incidents” alongside a 1988 Atlantic Records performance. Plant echoed the sentiment, telling *Rolling Stone* in 1988 that the set was “horrendous,” admitting he was emotionally overwhelmed and vocally unfit. The band’s attempt to recapture their 1970s magic fell flat, with Jones’ keyboards barely audible and the overall sound described as disjointed. Post-performance, an MTV interview captured the tension, with Plant’s barbed comment that “the three of us know what we’re doing” hinting at dissatisfaction with the guest musicians, particularly Collins, who felt scapegoated.
The Live Aid set’s failure prompted Led Zeppelin to approach future reunions with caution, culminating in a triumphant 2007 performance at London’s O2 Arena with Jason Bonham on drums, which Page praised for its thorough preparation. The 1985 debacle, absent from official Live Aid DVD releases at Plant’s insistence, remains a cautionary tale of rushed reunions. Despite the criticism, some fans still cherish the moment for its historical significance, viewing it as a rare, if flawed, glimpse of Zeppelin’s enduring allure. Page’s candid assessment underscores the band’s commitment to their legacy, ensuring subsequent performances honored Bonham’s irreplaceable role and the group’s unmatched chemistry.[](https://ledzepnews.com/2021/10/14/jimmy-page-said-led-zeppelins-1985-live-aid-reunion-was-really-not-very-clever/)[](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jimmy-page-phil-collins-led-zeppelin-live-aid/)[](https://www.phillymag.com/news/2025/07/08/live-aid-led-zeppelin-reunion/)
