Shark episode

The Shark episode or Mudshark incident was an alleged event which took place at the Edgewater Inn in Seattle, WA, on 28 July 1969, involving Richard Cole, a road manager for English rock band Led Zeppelin, and members of the American psychedelic rock band Vanilla Fudge. The bands were in Seattle for their appearance at the Seattle Pop Festival at Gold Creek Park on 27 July 1969, [ [http://ledzeppelin.com/show/july-27-1969 Led Zeppelin official website: concert summary] ] and were staying at the Edgewater Inn. This hotel, now known as the Edgewater Hotel, is located directly on Puget Sound, and at the time allowed guests to fish directly from their room windows.cite journal |last=Davis |first=Stephen |title = Power, Mystery And The Hammer Of The Gods: The Rise and Fall of Led Zeppelin |journal = Rolling Stone |issue=451 |date=July 4, 1985 |url =http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ledzeppelin/articles/story/17537975/power_mystery_and_the_hammer_of_the_gods |accessdate=2008-01-15 ]

The Shark episode is alleged to have involved some type of sexual act with a fish. However, there are many variations on the story, all involving one or some of the band members, as well as variations of the type of fish (often claimed to be a shark), and the nature of the acts performed.

Rock journalist Stephen Davis, in his Led Zeppelin biography "Hammer of the Gods", provided the following account of the event:

Davis notes that Led Zeppelin's road manager Richard Cole, disputed this version, and quotes him as saying:

Cole elaborates on this version in his own book, "Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin Uncensored". He explains that:

Apart from the comment from Cole, there has never been any definitive proof this incident actually happened. There has been no photographs or films produced nor corroborative witness statements. Many of the purported details of the event are contradictory. There is a suspicion that it may have been a publicity stunt for the Vanilla Fudge with Led Zeppelin tour via outrageous press in the media.Fact|date=August 2008

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