Episode 874 - Neal Preston

Zeppelin Tales

Neal Preston shares his thrilling experiences with Led Zeppelin, recounting a memorable incident where he inadvertently kidnapped Robert Plant. During a tour stop in Cleveland, Neal, along with others, decided to take Plant to a party in Detroit without informing the band's management, leading to a tense situation with tour manager Peter Grant 1. Neal also describes an exhilarating aerial photography session at a Zeppelin concert, where he captured crowd shots from a helicopter, a task that later played a crucial role in a legal dispute over ticket sales 2. Reflecting on his time with the band, Neal acknowledges the trust and opportunities he received from Grant, which significantly boosted his career 3.

You don't. This is the top of the mountain, baby. You don't fuck around with them.

--- Neal Preston

His work with Led Zeppelin not only solidified his reputation but also provided him with unforgettable experiences.

   

Tour Challenges

Touring with rock bands presented Neal Preston with unique challenges, from navigating personal relationships to maintaining professionalism. He explains the concept of "road wives," temporary relationships formed during tours, and emphasizes the importance of not overstepping boundaries with band members 4. Neal humorously recounts a night when he was convinced he saw a UFO, a testament to the surreal experiences and intense lifestyle on tour 5. Despite the shift from film to digital photography, Neal remains nostalgic for the tactile process of working with contact sheets, which he finds more efficient than digital editing 6.

The more I'm around on a rock tour, the more I'm in the room, the more invisible I become with the camera.

--- Neal Preston

His ability to blend into the tour environment allowed him to capture candid moments without disrupting the band's dynamic.