Blimp Time Hop: The One Robert Plant Concert Ever In Maine

Remember that time when the singer from Led Zeppelin came to Portland, Maine? It was the first and only appearance ever by Robert Plant at the Civic Center. The historic night happened 29 years ago today, on July 13, 1990 on the Manic Nirvana tour.

Watch Tie Dye on the Highway live in Knebworth just a couple weeks before our one and only Maine show here in Portland!

Canadian singer, Alannah Myles opened the show. Her song, Black Velvet (a loving thank-you note to Elvis Presley) was a number one hit by the time she got here. It was also rumored that she and Bobby P were dating at the time.

This wasn’t the first time a member of Zep brought a mystical spectacle to Blimpville. Jimmy Page made a stop here on his Outrider tour in 1988 (that lasers and bow moment during Dazed & Confused forever etched in our minds).

Surprisingly, despite a spirited reminder by yours truly on the BLM airwaves that “Robert Plant, the friggin’ Golden God was coming to OUR town” the show was not a sellout. How does that happen? It’s still a perplexing question that vexes me to this day.

Anyway even though it wasn’t sold out, the Civic Center looked packed to us by showtime. When he hit the stage, Robert Plant showed us why he is the greatest with this incredible set list. Along with strong solo material, we were treated to 6 Led Zeppelin classics!

Ever seen Robert Plant play guitar? Here's some cool behind-the-scenes footage of Robert with his band and Alannah's band jammin' during soundcheck in the summer of 1990.