Led Zeppelin had not performed live for two years since the death of Robert Plant 's son during the band 's 1977 North American tour , and they had not performed in the United Kingdom for four years . Their manager , Peter Grant , decided that the band should perform at Knebworth instead of embarking on a lengthy tour , as explained by Dave Lewis : The band 's fee for performing was reportedly the largest ever paid to one single act at that time
1977 North American tour
Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1977
Knebworth Festival 1979