Recently at Waterfront Hall, we had the pleasure of welcoming William Mulhall and Ross, who shared an incredible piece of Belfast’s rich musical heritage with CEO Rob McConnell, a story that perfectly captures the spirit of our Legacy Sessions.
William Mulhall, a renowned artist in the rock world, was working with Aiken Promotions in the early 1970s when he designed and hand screen-printed posters for live gigs across Belfast. Among them was an iconic piece created for Led Zeppelin’s legendary Ulster Hall show in 1971.
As the story goes, Led Zeppelin spotted the posters across the city and were so impressed that they asked to meet the artist behind them. William was invited backstage, where he met the band and watched the gig from the side of the stage, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The band loved the design so much, they later asked him to create additional posters for an upcoming London show. The now-famous red blimp artwork featured a blank space where venue and date details would be added for each performance.
William has since gone on to become a highly respected artist, with a portfolio that includes work inspired by icons such as Bob Dylan, Bono and Bruce Springsteen.
The visit comes shortly after another special moment in Ulster Hall’s history, as The Answer performed a powerful anniversary show celebrating that very 1971 Led Zeppelin gig. Ross, a family friend of the band, was there to capture the night on film, describing the atmosphere as unforgettable, with an energy that truly honoured the legacy of that original performance.
Although William couldn’t attend the anniversary show in person, the connection between past and present was clear. Sharing the original poster now adds another layer to the story, a tangible link between Belfast’s musical past and its vibrant present.
We were delighted to receive this incredible piece of history and to continue building the stories that make our Legacy Sessions so special. In return, we were proud to gift William and Ross some of our new Ulster Hall merchandise, a small token of appreciation for sharing such a meaningful part of our heritage.
At Ulster Hall, these stories are what make the venue truly unique. Moments like these remind us that behind every gig, there are memories, connections and creative voices that continue to shape Belfast’s cultural story.
