Photo by Victor Blackman/Getty Images
From 1968-1980, Richard Cole handled Led Zeppelin’s wild life on the road. He is known for completely reshaping how English bands toured throughout America which still remains the norm for today. Prior to his work with Zeppelin, bands were accustomed to renting gear and hiring a local crew when performing overseas. Cole urged the band to travel with their own familiar gear and bring their own crew which then became the rock ‘n’ roll standard.
Cole has reportedly passed away from a long illness at the age of 75.
Robert Plant posted a photo of the two on his Twitter account honoring his old manager that read, “Farewell Ricardo … sadly no more tall tales…brave to the end.’