SILVER

A special 50th-anniversary commemoration of the mindblowing Merriweather Post Pavilion show of May 25, 1969, where Led Zeppelin opened for The Who — the only time these two legendary bands shared a stage. Filmmaker Jeff Krulik leads a post-screening discussion about the promoters, poster designer and The Who's near-riot return one year later that turned Route 29 into a "mini-Woodstock."

1969. Man lands on the moon. Half a million strong at Woodstock. SESAME STREET debuts…. and Led Zeppelin perform in the gym of the Wheaton Youth Center on Georgia Avenue in front of 50 confused teenagers. Or did they? Filmmaker Jeff Krulik (HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT) investigates the mystery around this legendary concert, alleged to have taken place on January 20, 1969, the same day of the first Presidential Inauguration of Richard Nixon, which took place just a few miles away. LED ZEPPELIN PLAYED HERE explores the start of the modern rock-concert industry, focusing on Led Zeppelin's first month crisscrossing the U.S. on tour. Many swear that this concert took place, but just as many cast doubt. Did it really happen? Or, 50 years later, is it some sort of "rock-and-roll RASHOMON" reimagining history? The film features interviews with rock writers, musicians and fans, plus some who claim they were there, witnessing history that night. DIR/SCR/PROD Jeff Krulik. U.S., 2014, color/b&w, 90 min. NOT RATED

AFI Member passes accepted.