Vanilla Fudge lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein spoke to Fox News and unveiled whether Led Zeppelin performed as the supporting act for them during a gig. Stein shared what he and his bandmates thought about the famous rock band in their early years.
The band’s original lineup consisted of vocalist and organist Mark Stein, bassist and vocalist Tim Bogert, and lead guitarist/vocalist Vince Martell. They were known for their one-of-a-kind covers of classic songs, bringing them fame and popularity. In their debut record, released in August 1967, they performed The Beatles’ ‘Ticket to Ride,’ The Impressions’ ‘People Get Ready,’ The Zombies’ ‘She’s Not There,’ and Cher’s ‘Bang Bang.’
Vanilla Fudge continued their fascinating re-recordings in their follow-up works. However, it turned out to be a short-lived band after the band members announced the breakup with a farewell concert at Phil Basile’s Action House on March 14, 1970. They continued to reunite for several special occasions over the years. They had a significant influence on next-generation psychedelic rock bands in the USA and all around the world for years.
In addition, there was a claim that Led Zeppelin once opened a show for Vanilla Fudge, and Stein confirmed that they collaborated with the young musicians for one of their concerts in Denver in 1968, which was the year that the iconic group was founded. The frontman reminded everyone that they were a bunch of kids on the stage. Stein highlighted that they were so good even in their first years that he was sure about their future success.
Stein recalled playing with Led Zeppelin, saying:
“Oh yes, in Denver. I believe it was back in 1968. They were just a bunch of kids starting, like all of us. We became label mates. It was really fun to watch this new band start. They were so good even during those early years. There was just something about them that you couldn’t take your eyes off that stage. I remember telling our girlfriends and wives that Led Zeppelin was going to be the next big concert drawer. I think they surpassed that.”
Consequently, there’s no doubt that Stein was right about his guess, considering Led Zeppelin’s becoming one of the world’s most famous and successful rock bands. The band members’ lives changed from newbie musicians that needed to work hard to earn money to rock stars.
