The White
Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Other than Beatlemania, The White were the FIRST tribute band...EVER!
Formed in L.A. in 1978, Robert Plant liked the band so much that he asked
Atlantic records to sign them up (which they did!). When Jimmy Page was
asked in 1985 about The White he said, They are the best!. Also, a little
known fact is that Michael (leader singer of The White) was the original
singer in Motley Crue!
Although the group began as an original band, constant comparisons to
the sound Led Zeppelin led the band to start billing themselves as "The
White/A live musical tribute to Led Zeppelin". By 1979 the band were
buying their own media to promote sold-out shows in the LA area. When
"The White" began touring the US, clubs and promoters had to
be educated about the concept of a 'tribute band'. It was not uncommon
for a club to ask if The White were going to show movies or bootleg videos
of Led Zeppelin or if vendors would be selling collectibles in their club.
This is now common practice at Zepfest events all over the world but back
in the late 1970's, it was not. There was no easy road back then and Michael
and his band had to pave the way.
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