Led Zep’s Stolen $200k Explored In New Film

Two filmmakers are seeking funding to complete work on a short film titled Fleecing Led Zeppelin, exploring the aftermath of the theft of $200,000 from the band in 1973.

The cash disappeared from a hotel bank vault while Robert Plant and co. were playing at Madison Square Garden. No trace of the swag – worth $1.1m today – has ever been found.

“The Drake Hotel is long gone,” say screenwriter Jackie May Tolliver and director Gabe Tolliver. “There’s no sign of the money. But somebody took it. Was it manager Peter Grant? Road manager Richard Cole? Housekeeping?

“It’s a fan movie, for lovers of history, or for folks who just want to know what happened to that money.

“We need your help to finish the film – we need $35,000 for editing, sound design, music rights, DVD, advertising and film festivals, which ain’t cheap.”

The pair aim to use the short to pursue industry funding and turn Fleecing Led Zeppelin into a full-length film. A range of perks are on offer via their Indiegogo campaign, which closes on November 3. Pledge points start at $5 and go up to $10,000.