In August 1979, Led Zeppelin returned to the British stage after a four-year hiatus, headlining two monumental concerts at the Knebworth Festival in Hertfordshire. Held on August 4 and 11, these performances marked their final UK appearances with the original lineup, including drummer John Bonham, who would tragically pass away the following year.
Led Zeppelin had not performed live in the UK since 1975, and anticipation was immense, with fans camping out days in advance. Despite logistical challenges and sound issues early on, the concerts drew massive crowds, with estimates ranging from 60,000 to over 100,000 attendees per show.
For 50 years, Knebworth House has been the backdrop for some of the most historic live performances. From the first show in 1974 with the Allman Brothers, Van Morrison and Doobie Brothers to the Sonisphere rock festivals, the stories and memories of these famous events have been shared worldwide.
This summer, Knebworth House custodian Henry Lytton Cobbold will release Knebworth – 50 Years Of The Greatest Rock Venue In The World!, an illustrated journey through the concerts that shaped three generations.
“I am proud that Hertfordshire is home to the largest single-stage music venue in the country,” Henry told us, “and that, over 50 years, Knebworth Park has become legendary worldwide for its classic shows. I’m so grateful my father had the vision back in 1974, with original promoter Freddy Bannister, to create this extraordinary legacy.
“Before his death in 2022, he and I had both only ever missed one of all the Knebworth concerts. He said the one I missed – Pink Floyd in 1974 – was the best. But I was quick to tell him that, no, the only one he missed was the best – the last night of Robbie Williams in 2003.
“As Robbie said on the night, ‘This is the best show in the world right now.’ Robbie was right. Twenty years on, I’ve not seen a better one.”
50 Years Of Legendary Live Music
Henry Lytton Cobbold will reflect on 50 years of legendary live music at Knebworth Park when he hosts 50 Years Of Knebworth Rock Concert Memories on 26 May 2025 as part of the book launch.
Henry has promised to share behind-the-scenes stories, personal insights, and archival highlights from 50 years of unforgettable concerts that shaped British music culture.
One of the most significant events was Queen’s final concert with Freddie Mercury on 9 August 1986. Part of their Magic Tour, the show attracted over 120,000 fans and marked the end of an era for the band. It was the last time the classic lineup performed together live before Mercury’s death in 1991.
Other notable performances at Knebworth include The Rolling Stones in 1976 and Pink Floyd in 1975. Each of these concerts contributed to the rich tapestry of Knebworth’s musical legacy, making it a hallowed ground for rock enthusiasts.
In 2003, Robbie Williams performed three consecutive nights at Knebworth, drawing a total of 375,000 fans, while another landmark event was Oasis’s two-night stand on August 10 and 11, 1996. At the height of Britpop, the band played to a combined audience of 250,000 people, with over 2.5 million ticket requests.
The 50 years of Knebworth Rock Concert Memories talks are at 11 am and 2 pm and can be pre-booked from here.
