A CHARITY concert celebrating one of the city’s most memorable rock concerts will take place next month. 

On January 22, 1973, superstar rockers Led Zeppelin took to the stage at Southampton University – one of two shows the band performed in the city in 48 hours.

Hordes of fans had queued outside the union and the Gaumont Theatre – where the band played on January 21 – hoping to get tickets for the more “intimate” shows by a group that would soon be selling out stadiums.

In the Old Refectory building at the university, they dedicated their song A Whole Lotta Love student Alan Whitehead – now Labour MP for Southampton Test.

Mr Whitehead said: “The story goes that I set up a housing co-operative in Southampton the year after I was university president, creating short-life housing for students. 

"This was ideologically opposed by some in the Students Union at the time who wrote nasty things about me on the toilet walls.

“Robert Plant went to the toilet before the gig and he saw my name all over the toilet walls and for reasons I do not know decided to take sympathy with my position and dedicated A Whole Lotta Love to me.

“The Southampton ‘bootleg’ was released recently and about an hour and three-quarters in, this dedication appears. When he said ‘Alan Whitehead’ I was surprised to hear the audience cheer!”

Although Mr Whitehead says he was definitely at the gig, he doesn't remember hearing his name - but says he'd love to meet the band if they ever feel like going for "a walk in the park". 

Now student talent will take to the stage to relive that momentous night on February 9.

Nine bands will perform song from the 1973 set list and additional tracks from the Led Zep catalogue. 

All ticket proceeds will go to Ovation, a charity which supports young musicians, whose patron, rock and blue vocalist Deborah Bonham, is the sister of Led Zep’s late drummer John Bonham. 

President of the Students’ Union LiveSoc Ben Rowlinson said: “We’re really excited to be performing such influential songs in the same venue as that legendary original 
gig. 

"This will be the first time we have worked with Ovation; we hope it can be the start of a long and fruitful relationship between our two groups.” 

Tickets for the concert at 8pm at Garden Court, in the Southampton University Students’ Union are £3 in advance or £5 on the door.

For more pictures click here.