Led Zeppelin fans braved high winds and heavy rain as they camped out for tonight's comeback concert - even though they already had tickets.

Some even started queuing three days before the gig at the O2. But as they said, it was a small price to pay when you have been waiting a quarter of a century.

David Beesmer, 42, a businessman from New York who spent more than £3,500 on his ticket and trip, said: "We turned up on Saturday, but we were told to come back the next day as we would still be at the front of the queue. I didn't want to take any risks.

"This is the performance of a lifetime. Who knows if they will ever perform together again? They are my favourite all-time band and I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Most early queuers were from America and Canada with just one British couple, Paul and Pip Wadsworth from Devon. Mr Wadsworth, 55, a training manager, said: "Led Zeppelin last played a gig on the same day as our wedding in 1979. At the time I thought never mind I'll see them next time. I've been waiting 27 years."

Mrs Wadsworth, 50, a teacher, said: "We played Whole Lotta Love at our wedding reception. We've always shared a passion for them. I'm hoping I get close enough so Robert Plant can see my Wolves scarf. He's a fan and I'm wearing it especially for him."

There were signs of the passing decades all round. While the middle aged fans turned up with thermal underwear, warm coats and vacuum flasks, the band - whose consumption of drugs, alcohol and groupies was the stuff of rock legend - showed that the days of excess were well and truly behind them.

Their backstage rider asked for tea, coffee - and an ironing board. The strongest drug Robert Plant, 59, Jimmy Page, 63, and John Paul Jones, 61, consume tonight will be caffeine.

Concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith told the Evening Standard: "They are much older now obviously and are very low maintenance.

"They've asked for cups of tea and coffee. We'll have some beer and a bottle of wine for them backstage but they have said they require very little. They are extremely focused and have been rehearsing. They know that a lot of people have been waiting a long time for this gig - it's going to be a great concert."

More than one million people applied in a lottery for one of the 20,000 seats. Tickets have been snapped up for over £1,000 on sites such as eBay - but buyers are warned they could be turned away.

All registered ticket holders have to pick up their tickets in person with photo ID and they are then given a sealed wristband that cannot be taken off until after the concert.

Although rumours are abuzz that Led Zeppelin may embark on a full reunion tour, the band have officially declared tonight is a one-off concert and have promised to sing their best known songs including Stairway To Heaven and Whole Lotta Love.

The arena's corporate hospitality boxes will include Paul and Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Dave Grohl and Jeremy Clarkson.