How Led Zeppelin Was Robbed of $200k In 1973

Led Zeppelin, the legendary rock band of the 70s, faced an unexpected financial setback during their 1973 tour. On July 29, $200,000 in cash mysteriously vanished from a safety deposit box at their New York City hotel. Although the loss wasn’t a major financial blow for the band, it marked a significant turning point in their career.

Record-Breaking Tour: Dominating the U.S.

Led Zeppelin’s 1973 tour was a massive success, catapulting them to even greater fame and wealth. The band stormed through more than 30 cities across the U.S., breaking attendance records and setting new box-office milestones. The tour showcased the electrifying talents of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, leaving audiences mesmerized by their powerful performances.

Vanished Cash: The Unsolved Heist

Amidst their triumph, disaster struck when $200,000 in cash disappeared from the band’s safety deposit box at the Drake Hotel in New York City. Tour manager Richard Cole discovered the loss when he checked the box around 1 AM on July 29, only to find it empty when he returned at 7:30 PM. The lack of any signs of forced entry left authorities baffled, and the case remains unsolved to this day.

Zeppelin’s management was reluctant to pursue the matter further, given the mysterious origins of the large sum. Cole informed detectives that the money was from tour proceeds and meant for expenses, but the band chose to return to England despite the loss. The identity of the thief remains a mystery.

The Aftermath: A Turning Point for Zeppelin

While the $200,000 loss didn’t hurt Led Zeppelin financially, it marked a turning point in their career. The heist highlighted the risks that came with their growing fame and fortune. As they continued to dominate the music world, the band would face more challenges in the years ahead.