Jason Bonmham out, Dave Grohl in?

Don't bet on it, but this report was laugh out loud funny:

Rumours are sparking that Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl may get the job of Led Zeppelin drummer.

The group, who recently performed at a charity gig at the 02 Arena, are rumoured to go on a full reunion tour next year.

Even though Grohl praised Jason Bonham's drumming at the charity gig, he is apparently desperate to get the chance to drum with the legendary group.

An "insider" source told the Daily Star “While he loves playing with Foo Fighters, Dave would drop anything to be part of Zep’s shows.”

Anyone who attended the Dec 10th show can vouch that Jason Bonham was very good and not in need of replacing. Further, he's the one Zeppeliner who could use the pay-day a tour would give.

But what's funny is the suggestion that since Grohl is "desperate to get the chance to drum with the legendary group," and that he would "drop anything [Foo Fighter's] to be part of Zep’s shows," then somehow that means Zeppelin is looking to have Grohl play with them.

Here's a prediction: If Zeppelin tours, Jason Bonham, and only Jason Bonham, will be the drummer.

The Rumour That Won't Go Away

It is being reported, again, that Led Zeppelin is set to play the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee on the June 12 - 15th weekend. The reports say, as was widely suggested, that Robert Plant was the lone holdout previously, but has changed his mind after the success of the 02 show on Dec 10th.

Reports further suggest a world tour is in the works:

All ticket sellers have been told a world tour will take place, there's just some ironing out of contracts to be done. They are already talking about playing venues like Knebworth, Glastonbury and even returning to Madison Square Garden in New York where they played their legendary shows in 1973

With Bonnaroo rumours for mid-June, and Glastonbury rumours for the end of June, things are starting to take shape, at least in a conspiratorial sense.

Jason Bonmham out, Dave Grohl in?

Don't bet on it, but this report was laugh out loud funny:

Rumours are sparking that Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl may get the job of Led Zeppelin drummer.

The group, who recently performed at a charity gig at the 02 Arena, are rumoured to go on a full reunion tour next year.

Even though Grohl praised Jason Bonham's drumming at the charity gig, he is apparently desperate to get the chance to drum with the legendary group.

An "insider" source told the Daily Star “While he loves playing with Foo Fighters, Dave would drop anything to be part of Zep’s shows.”

Anyone who attended the Dec 10th show can vouch that Jason Bonham was very good and not in need of replacing. Further, he's the one Zeppeliner who could use the pay-day a tour would give.

But what's funny is the suggestion that since Grohl is "desperate to get the chance to drum with the legendary group," and that he would "drop anything [Foo Fighter's] to be part of Zep’s shows," then somehow that means Zeppelin is looking to have Grohl play with them.

Here's a prediction: If Zeppelin tours, Jason Bonham, and only Jason Bonham, will be the drummer.

2008 - 09 Tour Will Happen

Reports are starting to emerge, and gel together, that after Robert Plant is done with his Alison Krauss commitments, Zeppelin will tour.

This is one of many news sources I have seen in the last 48 hours saying basically the same thing:

Rumours of a worldwide LED ZEPPELIN tour following their triumphant one-off reunion gig earlier this month (Dec07) are true, according to a source close to the band ... a source close to the rockers has confirmed they are in negotiations to put on an 18-month world tour extravaganza later next year (08). The pal tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "It will kick off at next year's Glastonbury after Robert Plant has finished touring with American country star Alison Krauss..."

The truth is you can't hide a tour the size of Zeppelin for long, and team Zeppelin looks like it's ramping up for this summer (the Glastonbury festival is June 27 - 29). Eighteen months is a full on, going everywhere tour, not a bunch of well chosen shows.


With confirmation earlier in the week that Zeppelin was negotiating to perform at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the rumours are starting to have the smell of validity to them.

Lets hope, at least.

2008 - 09 Tour Will Happen

Reports are starting to emerge, and gel together, that after Robert Plant is done with his Alison Krauss commitments, Zeppelin will tour.

This is one of many news sources I have seen in the last 48 hours saying basically the same thing:

Rumours of a worldwide LED ZEPPELIN tour following their triumphant one-off reunion gig earlier this month (Dec07) are true, according to a source close to the band ... a source close to the rockers has confirmed they are in negotiations to put on an 18-month world tour extravaganza later next year (08). The pal tells British newspaper the Daily Express, "It will kick off at next year's Glastonbury after Robert Plant has finished touring with American country star Alison Krauss..."

The truth is you can't hide a tour the size of Zeppelin for long, and team Zeppelin looks like it's ramping up for this summer (the Glastonbury festival is June 27 - 29). Eighteen months is a full on, going everywhere tour, not a bunch of well chosen shows.


With confirmation earlier in the week that Zeppelin was negotiating to perform at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the rumours are starting to have the smell of validity to them.

Lets hope, at least.

Review: 02 Concert

It’s been a busy few days in London, and I apologize I haven’t gotten around to a review earlier. Better late than never &tc. I suppose.Lets start with getting the negatives out of the way.

1) Organizationally, this was a disaster. Three-hour line-ups to get your tickets, followed by one-hour line-ups for tee shirts. Want a coffee while you’re in line, even that line-up was an hour long. The Starbucks people at the 02 didn’t expect to be busy when 20,000 people would be lining up for tickets?

2) One entrance, one exit from the building, even if that meant walking cattle like for 10 minutes around the building on the inside. And the “after party” line up stretched in front of the one exit in the place.

3) I got on the internet the first night, within hours of the first e-mails going out. Our seats in the nosebleeds where bloody partially obscured by hanging monitors, such that I assume John Paul Jones was in attendance, and Robert Plant looked more like Ichabod Crane then the Viking others are describing him as. Our side stage tickets also didn’t allow us to view, what others have told us, was an incredible backdrop show going on behind the band. It should also be noted that “fans” got to stand on the floor, or sit in the 400 “nosebleed” section. The best seats in the house went to VIPs: so much for that big load of crap coming out of Harvey Goldsmith’s office that this was for the real fans only. Real fans were shunted into lineups or aside while the VIPs got a huge number of great seats.

Now for the good: Led Zeppelin. The band was great. Musically they were very tight, Jones and Bonham connecting very well throughout the show. There was the odd false start to songs, and once during Dazed and Confused when the rhythm section seemed to not be connecting, but such points are nit picking, were short lived and understandable for any band that hasn’t played together for a while. They were otherwise very tight and very good.

Song wise, there was discussion that some songs were being re-arranged to suit Robert Plant’s vocals. If that was true, it was only noticeable on The Song Remains the Same, which sounded rather flat and uninteresting. A song that is usually bright and lively it was the opposite, very probably a victim of re-keying. Otherwise the songs themselves were very good and the set list strong.

Ah, the set list. One worry I had going into this show was that Jimmy Pages joke about Dazed and Confused, No Quarter and Moby Dick would take up over an hour of the show. It’s not 1977, I am not on acid and a 20-minute drum/violin bow on a guitar/organ solo is not cool. But Zeppelin understood this, and the solos were minimized. Yes, Page pulled out the bow, but a 19 minute Dazed and Confused not just makes sense, but was great, and the same applies to a shortened No Quarter was also a highlight. Moby Dick wasn’t offered, and in fact, wasn’t even joked about.

Complaints? One, well two: it really wasn’t long enough. By the time it was over it just felt like they were hitting a groove. I know the old show biz adage about leave them wanting more, but it felt like half a show somehow. It was a touch over two hours long, so it’s not really a complaint, but it really seemed as if it was a short show. Most bands after that long I think, “Finally.” Zeppelin, it’s “what? That’s it?” The second complaint? After bitching in the last chapter about solos, I shall now be entirely inconsistent. Page never played White Summer (nor did he pull out his blue and white Danelanctro guitar). I have always liked that piece, and it’s short enough and such a solid lead in to Kashmir that I wished he had. That is, however, mere quibbles.

A special note about Jason Bonham, who was incredible. Word is he had to be practically dragged on stage, ½ before show time telling the boys, between pukes, he couldn’t do it. He did it in spades however. He was brilliant, I think the best drummer I have ever seen. If not that, I have never seen a drummer dominate a show musically like he did. Some people after the show even saying he was better than his father, and he was good enough that I can believe it. This is a guy who is clearly wasting his talents playing with Foreigner. I noticed about five songs in, between songs Jimmy Page walked over to the drum riser and smiled at Bonham, who gave the thumbs up back. And at shows end during the final bow, Bonham got down in front of the other three and did a “I’m not worthy” bow: he was worthy.

In final, I haven’t seen a review that gave this show any less than a five out of five, one giving it a six. I will not disagree with either, going unqualified with a 5 out of 5. Here in England there are even some calling it the greatest concert ever. I have been trying to decide if I have seen better, and can’t think of any. Even if there was a better one in my past, the fact I can’t immediately decide so means this was plenty good.

No, I won’t equivocate: this was a great concert by a great band that was in great form. I simply can’t imagine how good these guys would be after a few shows to get the groove going. If they do tour, and it would be a crime if they don’t, I want to see them again mid tour. They would be an unimaginable force of music.

Review: 02 Concert

It’s been a busy few days in London, and I apologize I haven’t gotten around to a review earlier. Better late than never &tc. I suppose.Lets start with getting the negatives out of the way.

1) Organizationally, this was a disaster. Three-hour line-ups to get your tickets, followed by one-hour line-ups for tee shirts. Want a coffee while you’re in line, even that line-up was an hour long. The Starbucks people at the 02 didn’t expect to be busy when 20,000 people would be lining up for tickets?

2) One entrance, one exit from the building, even if that meant walking cattle like for 10 minutes around the building on the inside. And the “after party” line up stretched in front of the one exit in the place.

3) I got on the internet the first night, within hours of the first e-mails going out. Our seats in the nosebleeds where bloody partially obscured by hanging monitors, such that I assume John Paul Jones was in attendance, and Robert Plant looked more like Ichabod Crane then the Viking others are describing him as. Our side stage tickets also didn’t allow us to view, what others have told us, was an incredible backdrop show going on behind the band. It should also be noted that “fans” got to stand on the floor, or sit in the 400 “nosebleed” section. The best seats in the house went to VIPs: so much for that big load of crap coming out of Harvey Goldsmith’s office that this was for the real fans only. Real fans were shunted into lineups or aside while the VIPs got a huge number of great seats.

Now for the good: Led Zeppelin. The band was great. Musically they were very tight, Jones and Bonham connecting very well throughout the show. There was the odd false start to songs, and once during Dazed and Confused when the rhythm section seemed to not be connecting, but such points are nit picking, were short lived and understandable for any band that hasn’t played together for a while. They were otherwise very tight and very good.

Song wise, there was discussion that some songs were being re-arranged to suit Robert Plant’s vocals. If that was true, it was only noticeable on The Song Remains the Same, which sounded rather flat and uninteresting. A song that is usually bright and lively it was the opposite, very probably a victim of re-keying. Otherwise the songs themselves were very good and the set list strong.

Ah, the set list. One worry I had going into this show was that Jimmy Pages joke about Dazed and Confused, No Quarter and Moby Dick would take up over an hour of the show. It’s not 1977, I am not on acid and a 20-minute drum/violin bow on a guitar/organ solo is not cool. But Zeppelin understood this, and the solos were minimized. Yes, Page pulled out the bow, but a 19 minute Dazed and Confused not just makes sense, but was great, and the same applies to a shortened No Quarter was also a highlight. Moby Dick wasn’t offered, and in fact, wasn’t even joked about.

Complaints? One, well two: it really wasn’t long enough. By the time it was over it just felt like they were hitting a groove. I know the old show biz adage about leave them wanting more, but it felt like half a show somehow. It was a touch over two hours long, so it’s not really a complaint, but it really seemed as if it was a short show. Most bands after that long I think, “Finally.” Zeppelin, it’s “what? That’s it?” The second complaint? After bitching in the last chapter about solos, I shall now be entirely inconsistent. Page never played White Summer (nor did he pull out his blue and white Danelanctro guitar). I have always liked that piece, and it’s short enough and such a solid lead in to Kashmir that I wished he had. That is, however, mere quibbles.

A special note about Jason Bonham, who was incredible. Word is he had to be practically dragged on stage, ½ before show time telling the boys, between pukes, he couldn’t do it. He did it in spades however. He was brilliant, I think the best drummer I have ever seen. If not that, I have never seen a drummer dominate a show musically like he did. Some people after the show even saying he was better than his father, and he was good enough that I can believe it. This is a guy who is clearly wasting his talents playing with Foreigner. I noticed about five songs in, between songs Jimmy Page walked over to the drum riser and smiled at Bonham, who gave the thumbs up back. And at shows end during the final bow, Bonham got down in front of the other three and did a “I’m not worthy” bow: he was worthy.

In final, I haven’t seen a review that gave this show any less than a five out of five, one giving it a six. I will not disagree with either, going unqualified with a 5 out of 5. Here in England there are even some calling it the greatest concert ever. I have been trying to decide if I have seen better, and can’t think of any. Even if there was a better one in my past, the fact I can’t immediately decide so means this was plenty good.

No, I won’t equivocate: this was a great concert by a great band that was in great form. I simply can’t imagine how good these guys would be after a few shows to get the groove going. If they do tour, and it would be a crime if they don’t, I want to see them again mid tour. They would be an unimaginable force of music.

Concert Memorabilia Available on-line

Tee shirts, pro grammes and mugs from the Ahmet Ertegun concert, the same ones made available to those in attendance, the same ones we all stood in line for an hour for yesterday, can be had on-line here.

Concert Memorabilia Available on-line

Tee shirts, pro grammes and mugs from the Ahmet Ertegun concert, the same ones made available to those in attendance, the same ones we all stood in line for an hour for yesterday, can be had on-line here.

The House of the Holy

The House of the Holy

Zeppelin to play Bonnaroo?

This report first surfaced on the weekend, but I didn't buy it, so I didn't post it. I have changed my mind - I will post it: still not buying it.

Led Zeppelin will play its first U.S. show since July 24, 1977, this June at the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn., according to an email published in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter.

The best part of the story?

The report also says Metallica will headline the event.

Led Zeppelin and Metallica will play the same event, and Metallica will headline? Think even the guys in Metallica would believe that line?

Bonnaroo takes place in June in Tennessee, and is one of those all weekend events: bring your tent and sleeping bag middle aged Zeppelin fans! It runs from Thursday evening until Late Sunday and has six stages. John Paul Jones was all over last years Bonaroo, playing with Ben Harper, Government Mule, Uncle Earle and Gillian Welch (video of which are all available at youtube).

Zeppelin to play Bonnaroo?

This report first surfaced on the weekend, but I didn't buy it, so I didn't post it. I have changed my mind - I will post it: still not buying it.

Led Zeppelin will play its first U.S. show since July 24, 1977, this June at the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tenn., according to an email published in industry commentator Bob Lefsetz's newsletter.

The best part of the story?

The report also says Metallica will headline the event.

Led Zeppelin and Metallica will play the same event, and Metallica will headline? Think even the guys in Metallica would believe that line?

Bonnaroo takes place in June in Tennessee, and is one of those all weekend events: bring your tent and sleeping bag middle aged Zeppelin fans! It runs from Thursday evening until Late Sunday and has six stages. John Paul Jones was all over last years Bonaroo, playing with Ben Harper, Government Mule, Uncle Earle and Gillian Welch (video of which are all available at youtube).

News from the last week

It's been slow posting the past few days, but their were a couple of items that deserved attention:

First comes word that rehearsals go poorly. Robert Plant is struggling with the high notes and Jimmy Page is having trouble with the re-arrangements they have had to do to for Plant's singing difficulties.

That itself may not really be a story, but when this emerged a day earlier, suddenly something is up:

LED ZEPPELIN frontman Robert Plant has told Rolling Stone magazine that he plans to hit the road in early 2008 with bluegrass star Alison Krauss to promote the pair's collaborative CD, "Raising Sand". In addition to the "Raising Sand" material, they'll perform songs from their catalogs — including LED ZEPPELIN's "When the Levee Breaks" and "Black Dog"

As rumour always suggested a tour would be decided based on how things went for the 02 show, and the 02 rehearsals appear to be going poorly, you have to wonder if Plant has bailed from any possible tour.

The Robert Plant Alison Krauss report lists a tour starting in April and through he summer, which pretty much rules out a Zeppelin tour.

Meanwhile Plant is adamant that there will be no Zeppelin tour:

There’ll be one show and that’ll be it. We need one last great show because we’ve done some [reunion] shows and they’ve been crap.

I hate to say it, but a Zeppelin tour looks less likely as this week begins than last.

And in the "oooh, it really makes me wonder" department, will the boys be sending five copies to their mothers?

News from the last week

It's been slow posting the past few days, but their were a couple of items that deserved attention:

First comes word that rehearsals go poorly. Robert Plant is struggling with the high notes and Jimmy Page is having trouble with the re-arrangements they have had to do to for Plant's singing difficulties.

That itself may not really be a story, but when this emerged a day earlier, suddenly something is up:

LED ZEPPELIN frontman Robert Plant has told Rolling Stone magazine that he plans to hit the road in early 2008 with bluegrass star Alison Krauss to promote the pair's collaborative CD, "Raising Sand". In addition to the "Raising Sand" material, they'll perform songs from their catalogs — including LED ZEPPELIN's "When the Levee Breaks" and "Black Dog"

As rumour always suggested a tour would be decided based on how things went for the 02 show, and the 02 rehearsals appear to be going poorly, you have to wonder if Plant has bailed from any possible tour.

The Robert Plant Alison Krauss report lists a tour starting in April and through he summer, which pretty much rules out a Zeppelin tour.

Meanwhile Plant is adamant that there will be no Zeppelin tour:

There’ll be one show and that’ll be it. We need one last great show because we’ve done some [reunion] shows and they’ve been crap.

I hate to say it, but a Zeppelin tour looks less likely as this week begins than last.

And in the "oooh, it really makes me wonder" department, will the boys be sending five copies to their mothers?

Jason Bonham interview

A million thanks must go to Zeplady over at Royal Orleans, who posted a Jason Bonham interview from the December 2007 edition of Rhythm Magazine:

http://www.royal-orleans.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=29125

Highlights:

Robert (Plant) and I went out for dinner in February, socially, because we hadn't been that close for years. There was no talk of a Zep reunion and we had a really deep, heavy conversation going back to the moments before dad died. It was a beautiful but sad experience, to watch somebody that loved dad dearly, his best friend, choke up and tell me something he probably thought he would never have to. We needed to speak frankly, gloves off. I spoke my piece and he answered back with his version, which was not pretty for me. But at the end we walked out stronger and definitely mates.

[the first rehearsal] ... was a magical and emotional day. June 10th. We'd been emailing back and forth, 'What shall we start with?' When we got there we did songs not on my list. Typical! 'Houses of the Holy' and 'Custard Pie'. Then we did 'Kashmir', which was phenomenal, and at the end Jimmy shouts, 'Well done, Jason, come here, give me a hug'. And Robert goes, 'Yeah! Sons of Thunder!' It was really touching, something I'll never forget. Jimmy said, 'That sounded as good as any time we played it...

The atmosphere is going to be like England winning The World Cup, emotions are going to be high. I keep having these visions of being there and coming to the point where we do a certain song, which will remain nameless, and trying to figure how to get through the start of it without breaking into tears...

Read it all, it's worth it.

Jason Bonham interview

A million thanks must go to Zeplady over at Royal Orleans, who posted a Jason Bonham interview from the December 2007 edition of Rhythm Magazine:

http://www.royal-orleans.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=29125

Highlights:

Robert (Plant) and I went out for dinner in February, socially, because we hadn't been that close for years. There was no talk of a Zep reunion and we had a really deep, heavy conversation going back to the moments before dad died. It was a beautiful but sad experience, to watch somebody that loved dad dearly, his best friend, choke up and tell me something he probably thought he would never have to. We needed to speak frankly, gloves off. I spoke my piece and he answered back with his version, which was not pretty for me. But at the end we walked out stronger and definitely mates.

[the first rehearsal] ... was a magical and emotional day. June 10th. We'd been emailing back and forth, 'What shall we start with?' When we got there we did songs not on my list. Typical! 'Houses of the Holy' and 'Custard Pie'. Then we did 'Kashmir', which was phenomenal, and at the end Jimmy shouts, 'Well done, Jason, come here, give me a hug'. And Robert goes, 'Yeah! Sons of Thunder!' It was really touching, something I'll never forget. Jimmy said, 'That sounded as good as any time we played it...

The atmosphere is going to be like England winning The World Cup, emotions are going to be high. I keep having these visions of being there and coming to the point where we do a certain song, which will remain nameless, and trying to figure how to get through the start of it without breaking into tears...

Read it all, it's worth it.

No Tour...

...says biographer Stephen Davis. Author one of the definitive Led Zeppelin tomes, Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, Davis says. "My sources say it's not going to happen":

Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham's son Jason are all on board, Davis said, but Robert Plant isn't interested. "Robert's a wonderful guy and a great singer, but he's an old hippie and just doesn't want to do it."

What's interesting is this is the second significant Zeppelin writers who say no tour, with Ritchie York saying a few weeks ago that a tour was a no go.

Davis also mentions that Hammer of the Gods will be released in a fourth edition in a couple of weeks (just in time for a) the concert b) Christmas).

Should Zeppelin Tour

While many in the media and on the internet, myself included, have been opining on whether Zeppelin will tour, few have asked the interesting question Should Zepplein tour?


The Deadbolt's Reg Seeton dared ask the question, with some interesting observations (emphasis mine):

The obvious question...Why now?

For years (even decades), Led Zeppelin fans have been begging for a reunion tour with the late John Bonham's son, Jason, on the skins... The... question is: Why now? Why, after so many years of fan demand, is this even a consideration? Wouldn't the band and the fans have been better served by a Led Zeppelin reunion years ago? Even with Jason Bonham on drums, will the band be able to deliver an intensity that they could have given fans ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago?

Given the fact that it would be a lot easier for Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham to simply hang out in the studio instead of racing around the world, a new album might be the better option for the aging rockers. Still, after you kick out a new album with new tunes, how do you avoid the demand to tour in support of the new effort?

Despite our hopes and concerns, the fact is that no one knows whether Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham even want to go out on tour with each other...

The whole thing is worth reading, a thought few of us have had in the ensuing rush to save funds for the upcoming (fingers crossed) tour.

No Tour...

...says biographer Stephen Davis. Author one of the definitive Led Zeppelin tomes, Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, Davis says. "My sources say it's not going to happen":

Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham's son Jason are all on board, Davis said, but Robert Plant isn't interested. "Robert's a wonderful guy and a great singer, but he's an old hippie and just doesn't want to do it."

What's interesting is this is the second significant Zeppelin writers who say no tour, with Ritchie York saying a few weeks ago that a tour was a no go.

Davis also mentions that Hammer of the Gods will be released in a fourth edition in a couple of weeks (just in time for a) the concert b) Christmas).

Should Zeppelin Tour

While many in the media and on the internet, myself included, have been opining on whether Zeppelin will tour, few have asked the interesting question Should Zepplein tour?


The Deadbolt's Reg Seeton dared ask the question, with some interesting observations (emphasis mine):

The obvious question...Why now?

For years (even decades), Led Zeppelin fans have been begging for a reunion tour with the late John Bonham's son, Jason, on the skins... The... question is: Why now? Why, after so many years of fan demand, is this even a consideration? Wouldn't the band and the fans have been better served by a Led Zeppelin reunion years ago? Even with Jason Bonham on drums, will the band be able to deliver an intensity that they could have given fans ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago?

Given the fact that it would be a lot easier for Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham to simply hang out in the studio instead of racing around the world, a new album might be the better option for the aging rockers. Still, after you kick out a new album with new tunes, how do you avoid the demand to tour in support of the new effort?

Despite our hopes and concerns, the fact is that no one knows whether Page, Plant, Jones, and Bonham even want to go out on tour with each other...

The whole thing is worth reading, a thought few of us have had in the ensuing rush to save funds for the upcoming (fingers crossed) tour.

Jimmy Page Interview

Jimmy Page sat down on Monday with BBC's Breakfast TV interviewer Fiona Bruce. Here is the interview in two parts:

Jimmy Page Interview

Jimmy Page sat down on Monday with BBC's Breakfast TV interviewer Fiona Bruce. Here is the interview in two parts:

New Song Not a Mystery

Warning - possible setlist spoiler

Yesterday all the media sites were rather breathlessly reporting that Jimmy Page had stated that Led Zeppelin would play a song never played before song. Turns out this isn't really news, nor mysterious, as Page had already revealed the song in the January 2008 issue of Guitar World the magazine where last week it was being reported Jimmy was hinting about a possible tour.

Here's another quote from the same interview, regarding the mysterious, never before played song:

One surprise is that we're going to play "For Your Life," which we've never played in concert. I don't think we've played it any other time than when we recorded it. It's quite a tricky piece of music, so I'm pleased we're doing it.

And the first song they rehearsed?

... I think it was "Houses of the Holy."

New Song Not a Mystery

Warning - possible setlist spoiler

Yesterday all the media sites were rather breathlessly reporting that Jimmy Page had stated that Led Zeppelin would play a song never played before song. Turns out this isn't really news, nor mysterious, as Page had already revealed the song in the January 2008 issue of Guitar World the magazine where last week it was being reported Jimmy was hinting about a possible tour.

Here's another quote from the same interview, regarding the mysterious, never before played song:

One surprise is that we're going to play "For Your Life," which we've never played in concert. I don't think we've played it any other time than when we recorded it. It's quite a tricky piece of music, so I'm pleased we're doing it.

And the first song they rehearsed?

... I think it was "Houses of the Holy."

Yes But, How's The Finger?

Tour and setlist speculation aside, and those issues are fun, the real issue is how is Jimmy Page's finger. The show has been put off once, further delay would be a nightmare for many ticket holders. So Jimmy, the finger, is it OK? Things are good?

Apparently, yes:

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has explained that his injured finger - which had been the cause of his band's O2 Arena show postponement - is now better and the band will resume rehearsals this week.

The guitarist, speaking to Reuters, assured fans that his finger would be fine for ther concert, scheduled to take place on December 10.

"I suppose something like a Zeppelin reunion wouldn't be right without a bit of drama," he joked.

"This is two to two-and-a-half weeks from the injury and there we are, it's doing that," Page continued, wiggling his finger. "It's going to be fine for the concert. It's just a bit bruised and a bit painful, but it's going to be fine."

OK, if you have a ticket, you can now breathe.

2008 tour with The Cult?

It's hard to imagine not wanting to see Zeppelin, but having The Cult on the bill is close to enough reason. Close, but not quite!

According to Cult lead singer Ian Astbury, "we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it."

Maybe more interesting is the response from camp Zeppelin:

Zeppelin's spokesperson added that no decision has been made on any Led Zeppelin tour.

No decision on a tour? I thought, no was firmly led to believe, December 10th was a one off, no questions asked. That's been the official word all along. Suddenly, "no decision has been made"? That's a big change in position, and it can mean only one thing - a tour is closer to happening today than it was yesterday.

Led Zeppelin To Tour In 2008 -- With The Cult?
Cult singer announces that band is opening tour for Zeppelin -- during club show in Cincinnati! -- reps for both bands offer no comment.

CINCINNATI — It was one of those moments where all you can do is look at the guy next to you and wonder, "Did he really just say that?"

Is it possible that Ian Astbury, lead singer of '80s rock powerhouse the Cult, spilled the beans on the biggest secret in rock — during a club show in Cincinnati?

"We'll be back next year," a breathless Astbury said midway through the band's gig at Bogart's nightclub Saturday night. "Because we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it." Stunned looks bounced around the room until one sweat-drenched superfan shouted out the obvious: "Led Zeppelin!" Astbury, his eyes hidden behind dark shades, nodded affirmatively and stuck his hand in the air triumphantly before plowing into one of the band's signature Zeppelinesque rockers.

When asked about Astbury's seeming confirmation of the world tour, spokespeople for the Cult and Zeppelin both declined to comment. Zeppelin's spokesperson added that no decision has been made on any Led Zeppelin tour and the band is focusing on its appearance at the Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert in London on December 10; a Cult spokesperson declined to answer questions about Astbury's comment...

Zeppelin to Play New Song

or just one they have never played live before?

Jimmy Page has stated the band rehearsed a song they never performed before:

There's one number that we rehearsed, I assume that it will make it to the Dome, that we never played at any point in time. It dates from when the band was together between 1968 and 1980. It's a really intense number.

He is already on record as stating they rehearsed Houses of the Holy, did they ever perform that song live? If so, Fool in the Rain strikes me as a good choice: it still gets radio play and Robert Plant performed it with Pearl Jam in 2005 at the House of Blues in Chicago.

Perhaps, however (and a lot of websites seem to be interpreting the comments thus) he means a new song, never performed, never recorded.

Three weeks until we have the answer.

Yes But, How's The Finger?

Tour and setlist speculation aside, and those issues are fun, the real issue is how is Jimmy Page's finger. The show has been put off once, further delay would be a nightmare for many ticket holders. So Jimmy, the finger, is it OK? Things are good?

Apparently, yes:

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has explained that his injured finger - which had been the cause of his band's O2 Arena show postponement - is now better and the band will resume rehearsals this week.

The guitarist, speaking to Reuters, assured fans that his finger would be fine for ther concert, scheduled to take place on December 10.

"I suppose something like a Zeppelin reunion wouldn't be right without a bit of drama," he joked.

"This is two to two-and-a-half weeks from the injury and there we are, it's doing that," Page continued, wiggling his finger. "It's going to be fine for the concert. It's just a bit bruised and a bit painful, but it's going to be fine."

OK, if you have a ticket, you can now breathe.

2008 tour with The Cult?

It's hard to imagine not wanting to see Zeppelin, but having The Cult on the bill is close to enough reason. Close, but not quite!

According to Cult lead singer Ian Astbury, "we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it."

Maybe more interesting is the response from camp Zeppelin:

Zeppelin's spokesperson added that no decision has been made on any Led Zeppelin tour.

No decision on a tour? I thought, no was firmly led to believe, December 10th was a one off, no questions asked. That's been the official word all along. Suddenly, "no decision has been made"? That's a big change in position, and it can mean only one thing - a tour is closer to happening today than it was yesterday.

Led Zeppelin To Tour In 2008 -- With The Cult?
Cult singer announces that band is opening tour for Zeppelin -- during club show in Cincinnati! -- reps for both bands offer no comment.

CINCINNATI — It was one of those moments where all you can do is look at the guy next to you and wonder, "Did he really just say that?"

Is it possible that Ian Astbury, lead singer of '80s rock powerhouse the Cult, spilled the beans on the biggest secret in rock — during a club show in Cincinnati?

"We'll be back next year," a breathless Astbury said midway through the band's gig at Bogart's nightclub Saturday night. "Because we're opening for a band you may have heard of ... the name starts with an 'L' and has a 'Z' in it." Stunned looks bounced around the room until one sweat-drenched superfan shouted out the obvious: "Led Zeppelin!" Astbury, his eyes hidden behind dark shades, nodded affirmatively and stuck his hand in the air triumphantly before plowing into one of the band's signature Zeppelinesque rockers.

When asked about Astbury's seeming confirmation of the world tour, spokespeople for the Cult and Zeppelin both declined to comment. Zeppelin's spokesperson added that no decision has been made on any Led Zeppelin tour and the band is focusing on its appearance at the Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert in London on December 10; a Cult spokesperson declined to answer questions about Astbury's comment...

Zeppelin to Play New Song

or just one they have never played live before?

Jimmy Page has stated the band rehearsed a song they never performed before:

There's one number that we rehearsed, I assume that it will make it to the Dome, that we never played at any point in time. It dates from when the band was together between 1968 and 1980. It's a really intense number.

He is already on record as stating they rehearsed Houses of the Holy, did they ever perform that song live? If so, Fool in the Rain strikes me as a good choice: it still gets radio play and Robert Plant performed it with Pearl Jam in 2005 at the House of Blues in Chicago.

Perhaps, however (and a lot of websites seem to be interpreting the comments thus) he means a new song, never performed, never recorded.

Three weeks until we have the answer.

Review: Led Zeppelin Mothership DVD

There are two different Mothership packages available, the regular 2 CD edition, and the deluxe 2CD + DVD edition. The deluxe edition comes with a two hour DVD that features concert footage from previous DVD releases. The question the Zeppelin fan will be asking himself as he writes out his Christmas list this year is: standard or deluxe?

The answer is actually simple, if you have the last Zeppelin DVD release, Led Zeppelin, released in 2003 save your money: you already have everything on this DVD. Everything!

This DVD is just a rehash of material, without noticeable improvement in quality. It covers everything from the Albert Hall shows to Knebworth. What it doesn't have is anything new. Further frustration is that some of the material, specifically, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop and the Ocean are from the MSG shows that will be released again next week on the updated Song Remains The Same set.

However, if you don't already own the previous DVD and aren't really interested in five-hours + of video, you might find this disc suffices nicely. It does provide a good set of songs, covering most of the major songs from Zeppelin's different eras. For an extra $5.00, many may find this is a better deal than paying full price for the previous collection.

One word of warning. Moby Dick and Dazed and Confused are only partial songs, having been edited down to make them fit on the CD. If you want the 20 minute drum solo, wait until next week.

Track Listing

1. We’re Gonna Groove
(Royal Albert Hall)
2. I Can’t Quit You Babe
(Royal Albert Hall)
3. Dazed & Confused (Royal Albert Hall)
4. White Summer (Royal Albert Hall)
5. What Is & What Should Never Be
(Royal Albert Hall)
6. Moby Dick (Royal Albert Hall)
7. Whole Lotta Love (Royal Albert Hall)
8. Communication Breakdown
(Royal Albert Hall)
9. Bring It On Home (Royal Albert Hall)
10. Immigrant Song (Audio: 1972 /
Pics, Australia 1972 Super 8)
11. Black Dog (Madison Square Garden)
12. Misty Mountain Hop (Madison Square Garden)
13. The Ocean (Madison Square Garden)
14. Going To California (Earls Court)
15. In My Time Of Dying (Earls Court)
16. Stairway To Heaven (Earls Court)
17. Rock And Roll (Knebworth)
18. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
(Knebworth)
19. Kashmir (Knebworth)
20. Whole Lotta Love (Knebworth)

Review: Led Zeppelin Mothership DVD

There are two different Mothership packages available, the regular 2 CD edition, and the deluxe 2CD + DVD edition. The deluxe edition comes with a two hour DVD that features concert footage from previous DVD releases. The question the Zeppelin fan will be asking himself as he writes out his Christmas list this year is: standard or deluxe?

The answer is actually simple, if you have the last Zeppelin DVD release, Led Zeppelin, released in 2003 save your money: you already have everything on this DVD. Everything!

This DVD is just a rehash of material, without noticeable improvement in quality. It covers everything from the Albert Hall shows to Knebworth. What it doesn't have is anything new. Further frustration is that some of the material, specifically, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop and the Ocean are from the MSG shows that will be released again next week on the updated Song Remains The Same set.

However, if you don't already own the previous DVD and aren't really interested in five-hours + of video, you might find this disc suffices nicely. It does provide a good set of songs, covering most of the major songs from Zeppelin's different eras. For an extra $5.00, many may find this is a better deal than paying full price for the previous collection.

One word of warning. Moby Dick and Dazed and Confused are only partial songs, having been edited down to make them fit on the CD. If you want the 20 minute drum solo, wait until next week.

Track Listing

1. We’re Gonna Groove
(Royal Albert Hall)
2. I Can’t Quit You Babe
(Royal Albert Hall)
3. Dazed & Confused (Royal Albert Hall)
4. White Summer (Royal Albert Hall)
5. What Is & What Should Never Be
(Royal Albert Hall)
6. Moby Dick (Royal Albert Hall)
7. Whole Lotta Love (Royal Albert Hall)
8. Communication Breakdown
(Royal Albert Hall)
9. Bring It On Home (Royal Albert Hall)
10. Immigrant Song (Audio: 1972 /
Pics, Australia 1972 Super 8)
11. Black Dog (Madison Square Garden)
12. Misty Mountain Hop (Madison Square Garden)
13. The Ocean (Madison Square Garden)
14. Going To California (Earls Court)
15. In My Time Of Dying (Earls Court)
16. Stairway To Heaven (Earls Court)
17. Rock And Roll (Knebworth)
18. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
(Knebworth)
19. Kashmir (Knebworth)
20. Whole Lotta Love (Knebworth)

Zeppelin at Glastonbury 2008?

This story seems to be a nothing story, but part of the point of this blog is to sort through the rumours and analyze what may be going on with Led Zeppelin.

It is being reported that Led Zeppelin is in negotiations to play the 2008 Glastonbury Festival at the end of June.

Led Zeppelin have been in negotiations to headline next year’s Glastonbury Festival...

The rock legends have apparently been in talks with Glastonbury head Michael Eavis about the mouth-watering prospect. They have even give the Worthy Farm owner a price for performing at the June event.

Despite the early talks, the NME claims that the negotiations have broken down after the rock outfit’s representatives named too high a price...

The problem with the story is that it originated at NME, but has already been pulled at NME.com. This strongly suggests the story may have been erroneous. None the less, I will be watching this story closely to see if it has any legs.

Zeppelin at Glastonbury 2008?

This story seems to be a nothing story, but part of the point of this blog is to sort through the rumours and analyze what may be going on with Led Zeppelin.

It is being reported that Led Zeppelin is in negotiations to play the 2008 Glastonbury Festival at the end of June.

Led Zeppelin have been in negotiations to headline next year’s Glastonbury Festival...

The rock legends have apparently been in talks with Glastonbury head Michael Eavis about the mouth-watering prospect. They have even give the Worthy Farm owner a price for performing at the June event.

Despite the early talks, the NME claims that the negotiations have broken down after the rock outfit’s representatives named too high a price...

The problem with the story is that it originated at NME, but has already been pulled at NME.com. This strongly suggests the story may have been erroneous. None the less, I will be watching this story closely to see if it has any legs.

Led Zep Go Back to the Future

The current thinking in the music biz is that Vinyl records are back, and the next big thing. Reasoning is that they are gaining traction amongst younger fans, the CD's convenience has been replaced by the MP3's super convenience, better packaging in albums, and that long rumoured warmer sound.

I mention this because Led Zeppelin will be releasing Mothership and the new Song Remains the Same on vinyl record.

Mothership will be a 4 LP audiophile quality vinyl with collectible memorabilia listed at $75US. It is set for a March 31st release date, and can be pre-ordered now from Acoustic Sounds for $60.

Track Listings

Side one
Good Times Bad Times
Communication Breakdown
Dazed And Confused
Babe I’m Gonna Leave You

Side two
Whole Lotta Love
Ramble On
Heartbreaker
Immigrant Song

Side three
Since I’ve Been Loving You
Rock And Roll
Black Dog

Side four
When The Levee Breaks
Stairway To Heaven
The Song Remains The Same

Side five
Over The Hills And Far Away
D’Yer Maker
No Quarter

Side Six
Trampled Under Foot
Houses Of The Holy
Kashmir

Side seven
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Achilles Last Stand

Side eight
In The Evening
All My Love

The Song Remains The Same will also be a four LP set (I am assuming audiophile quality as well) available on March 31st - pre-order for $60.

Track Listings

Side one
Rock And Roll
Celebration Day
Black Dog (including Bring It On Home)
Over The Hills And Far Away

Side two
Misty Mountain Hop
Since I’ve Been Loving You
The Ocean

Side three
The Song Remains The Same
The Rain Song

Side four
No Quarter

Side five
Dazed And Confused (Part 1)

Side six
Dazed And Confused (Part 2)
Moby Dick

Side seven
Stairway To Heaven

Side eight
Heartbreaker
Whole Lotta Love

Note that Dazed and Confused will be broken into two parts, reaching across side 5 and side 6. That is certainly not an improvement over the original release, but also serves to remind us of vinyls limitations.

Led Zep Go Back to the Future

The current thinking in the music biz is that Vinyl records are back, and the next big thing. Reasoning is that they are gaining traction amongst younger fans, the CD's convenience has been replaced by the MP3's super convenience, better packaging in albums, and that long rumoured warmer sound.

I mention this because Led Zeppelin will be releasing Mothership and the new Song Remains the Same on vinyl record.

Mothership will be a 4 LP audiophile quality vinyl with collectible memorabilia listed at $75US. It is set for a March 31st release date, and can be pre-ordered now from Acoustic Sounds for $60.

Track Listings

Side one
Good Times Bad Times
Communication Breakdown
Dazed And Confused
Babe I’m Gonna Leave You

Side two
Whole Lotta Love
Ramble On
Heartbreaker
Immigrant Song

Side three
Since I’ve Been Loving You
Rock And Roll
Black Dog

Side four
When The Levee Breaks
Stairway To Heaven
The Song Remains The Same

Side five
Over The Hills And Far Away
D’Yer Maker
No Quarter

Side Six
Trampled Under Foot
Houses Of The Holy
Kashmir

Side seven
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
Achilles Last Stand

Side eight
In The Evening
All My Love

The Song Remains The Same will also be a four LP set (I am assuming audiophile quality as well) available on March 31st - pre-order for $60.

Track Listings

Side one
Rock And Roll
Celebration Day
Black Dog (including Bring It On Home)
Over The Hills And Far Away

Side two
Misty Mountain Hop
Since I’ve Been Loving You
The Ocean

Side three
The Song Remains The Same
The Rain Song

Side four
No Quarter

Side five
Dazed And Confused (Part 1)

Side six
Dazed And Confused (Part 2)
Moby Dick

Side seven
Stairway To Heaven

Side eight
Heartbreaker
Whole Lotta Love

Note that Dazed and Confused will be broken into two parts, reaching across side 5 and side 6. That is certainly not an improvement over the original release, but also serves to remind us of vinyls limitations.

Review: Led Zeppelin Mothership

Putting together a Led Zeppelin greatest hits package is a daunting task. They were never a hit single band, so the obvious, "these 20 songs sold the most singles/reached highest on Billboard" simply doesn't apply. And while such songs do exist, Zeppelin released 10 singles, it is too few, and not at all representative of the Zeppelin output. Ironically, one of the songs that did chart, In Through The Out Door's Fool in the Rain didn't even make the cut.

A second method would be to use their songs that have become Zeppelin standards, either then or now. Certainly at present some songs get more radio play than others: D'yer Maker; Kashmir; Rock and Roll; Black Dog; Stairway to Heaven; All My Love; Immigrant Song and Whole Lotta Love are all here. Again the missing element from this requirement is Fool In The Rain. Further, you could add in the songs that would have been considered musts on a Zeppelin compilation in their heyday: Ramble On; Dazed and Confused; Heartbreaker; Over The Hills and Far Away; Achilles Last Stand and No Quarter are also all here. But such a list doesn't explain Houses of the Holy, Night Flight or When the Levee breaks making the list. Surely by any of the above two standards, Dancing Days would be here before Night Flight, even if I personally would chose the latter.

What the members of Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, did do was chose the songs themselves, for their own reasons. Thus what we end up with is an a eclectic mix that showcases a band that was, at it's best, eclectic. Many of the song choices can be argued on their own merit, what can not be argued is the final product, which takes you chronologically through each of Zeppelin's 8 studio albums (there is no material from Coda, Zeppelin's post Bonham collection of outtakes). The history of Zeppelin, while incomplete, is covered throughout this set. The only complaints really amount to songs that could be added in, but not really at the expense of anything on the list. Really, what I am asking for here is a three CD set, which is probably more than necessary.

Finally a word on the re-mixing of the set, which has garnered much attention. While the sound is crisp and clean, what it really sounds to me is over-compressed. I kept reaching for the treble slider on my CD player, trying to get more high end, even though it was already on high. And Plant's voice sounds uninterested, as though he is going through the motions. There is something dead sounding about the songs. Yes it's sonically better sounding, but some life has come out of the songs. Not a lot, not enough to ruin the set, but it's noticeable.

One final moan: the packaging. I bought the special edition set, with the DVD included (review coming later), and found the CD's, DVD and booklet difficult to get out of the sleeves. The package is a cardboard, with slots on top for removal. It won't be long before the package is damaged as it is all far too tightly packaged, and getting it back in was even harder.

Overall though, these are mere issues. It is a well put together set that has two+ hours of great Zeppelin music on it. It works very well, and will be an integral part of my future collection - 4/5.

Standard Edition:


Disc One

1. Good Times Bad Times
2. Communication Breakdown
3. Dazed And Confused
4. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
5. Whole Lotta Love
6. Ramble On
7. Heartbreaker
8. Immigrant Song
9. Since I’ve Been Loving You
10. Rock And Roll
11. Black Dog
12. When The Levee Breaks
13. Stairway To Heaven

Disc Two

1. Song Remains The Same
2. Over The Hills And Far Away
3. D’Yer Maker
4. No Quarter
5. Trampled Under Foot
6. Houses Of The Holy
7. Kashmir
8. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
9. Achilles Last Stand
10. In The Evening
11. All My Love

Deluxe Edition Same as standard plus

Disc Three: DVD (Deluxe Edition)

1. We’re Gonna Groove
(Royal Albert Hall)
2. I Can’t Quit You Babe
(Royal Albert Hall)
3. Dazed & Confused (Royal Albert Hall)
4. White Summer (Royal Albert Hall)
5. What Is & What Should Never Be
(Royal Albert Hall)
6. Moby Dick (Royal Albert Hall)
7. Whole Lotta Love (Royal Albert Hall)
8. Communication Breakdown
(Royal Albert Hall)
9. Bring It On Home (Royal Albert Hall)
10. Immigrant Song (Audio: 1972 /
Pics, Australia 1972 Super 8)
11. Black Dog (Madison Square Garden)
12. Misty Mountain Hop (Madison Square Garden)
13. The Ocean (Madison Square Garden)
14. Going To California (Earls Court)
15. In My Time Of Dying (Earls Court)
16. Stairway To Heaven (Earls Court)
17. Rock And Roll (Knebworth)
18. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
(Knebworth)
19. Kashmir (Knebworth)
20. Whole Lotta Love (Knebworth)

Tour News from Guitar World

If Led Zeppelin is a democracy - then count Jimmy Page as a ya vote:

It's a bit silly (for only one date) because there is such a massive demand. It is a bit selfish to do just one show. If that is it we probably shouldn't have takebn[sic] the genie out of the bottle... (Guitar World)

Of course, Zeppelin is not a democracy, and Robert Plant has been the guy who refuses for years. None the less, it sounds like there is lobbying going on, and when the boys saw the reaction the news of the 02 show got, they have to be considering it.

Or put another way, that's one vote we got, now the lobbying of the others can begin.

Review: Led Zeppelin Mothership

Putting together a Led Zeppelin greatest hits package is a daunting task. They were never a hit single band, so the obvious, "these 20 songs sold the most singles/reached highest on Billboard" simply doesn't apply. And while such songs do exist, Zeppelin released 10 singles, it is too few, and not at all representative of the Zeppelin output. Ironically, one of the songs that did chart, In Through The Out Door's Fool in the Rain didn't even make the cut.

A second method would be to use their songs that have become Zeppelin standards, either then or now. Certainly at present some songs get more radio play than others: D'yer Maker; Kashmir; Rock and Roll; Black Dog; Stairway to Heaven; All My Love; Immigrant Song and Whole Lotta Love are all here. Again the missing element from this requirement is Fool In The Rain. Further, you could add in the songs that would have been considered musts on a Zeppelin compilation in their heyday: Ramble On; Dazed and Confused; Heartbreaker; Over The Hills and Far Away; Achilles Last Stand and No Quarter are also all here. But such a list doesn't explain Houses of the Holy, Night Flight or When the Levee breaks making the list. Surely by any of the above two standards, Dancing Days would be here before Night Flight, even if I personally would chose the latter.

What the members of Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, did do was chose the songs themselves, for their own reasons. Thus what we end up with is an a eclectic mix that showcases a band that was, at it's best, eclectic. Many of the song choices can be argued on their own merit, what can not be argued is the final product, which takes you chronologically through each of Zeppelin's 8 studio albums (there is no material from Coda, Zeppelin's post Bonham collection of outtakes). The history of Zeppelin, while incomplete, is covered throughout this set. The only complaints really amount to songs that could be added in, but not really at the expense of anything on the list. Really, what I am asking for here is a three CD set, which is probably more than necessary.

Finally a word on the re-mixing of the set, which has garnered much attention. While the sound is crisp and clean, what it really sounds to me is over-compressed. I kept reaching for the treble slider on my CD player, trying to get more high end, even though it was already on high. And Plant's voice sounds uninterested, as though he is going through the motions. There is something dead sounding about the songs. Yes it's sonically better sounding, but some life has come out of the songs. Not a lot, not enough to ruin the set, but it's noticeable.

One final moan: the packaging. I bought the special edition set, with the DVD included (review coming later), and found the CD's, DVD and booklet difficult to get out of the sleeves. The package is a cardboard, with slots on top for removal. It won't be long before the package is damaged as it is all far too tightly packaged, and getting it back in was even harder.

Overall though, these are mere issues. It is a well put together set that has two+ hours of great Zeppelin music on it. It works very well, and will be an integral part of my future collection - 4/5.

Standard Edition:


Disc One

1. Good Times Bad Times
2. Communication Breakdown
3. Dazed And Confused
4. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
5. Whole Lotta Love
6. Ramble On
7. Heartbreaker
8. Immigrant Song
9. Since I’ve Been Loving You
10. Rock And Roll
11. Black Dog
12. When The Levee Breaks
13. Stairway To Heaven

Disc Two

1. Song Remains The Same
2. Over The Hills And Far Away
3. D’Yer Maker
4. No Quarter
5. Trampled Under Foot
6. Houses Of The Holy
7. Kashmir
8. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
9. Achilles Last Stand
10. In The Evening
11. All My Love

Deluxe Edition Same as standard plus

Disc Three: DVD (Deluxe Edition)

1. We’re Gonna Groove
(Royal Albert Hall)
2. I Can’t Quit You Babe
(Royal Albert Hall)
3. Dazed & Confused (Royal Albert Hall)
4. White Summer (Royal Albert Hall)
5. What Is & What Should Never Be
(Royal Albert Hall)
6. Moby Dick (Royal Albert Hall)
7. Whole Lotta Love (Royal Albert Hall)
8. Communication Breakdown
(Royal Albert Hall)
9. Bring It On Home (Royal Albert Hall)
10. Immigrant Song (Audio: 1972 /
Pics, Australia 1972 Super 8)
11. Black Dog (Madison Square Garden)
12. Misty Mountain Hop (Madison Square Garden)
13. The Ocean (Madison Square Garden)
14. Going To California (Earls Court)
15. In My Time Of Dying (Earls Court)
16. Stairway To Heaven (Earls Court)
17. Rock And Roll (Knebworth)
18. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
(Knebworth)
19. Kashmir (Knebworth)
20. Whole Lotta Love (Knebworth)

Tour News from Guitar World

If Led Zeppelin is a democracy - then count Jimmy Page as a ya vote:

It's a bit silly (for only one date) because there is such a massive demand. It is a bit selfish to do just one show. If that is it we probably shouldn't have takebn[sic] the genie out of the bottle... (Guitar World)

Of course, Zeppelin is not a democracy, and Robert Plant has been the guy who refuses for years. None the less, it sounds like there is lobbying going on, and when the boys saw the reaction the news of the 02 show got, they have to be considering it.

Or put another way, that's one vote we got, now the lobbying of the others can begin.

Why Zeppelin Will Tour

I have said all along I think a tour is going to happen. You don't rehearse for weeks for a one off show. It just doesn't make sense. Now there's more reason to believe, as an interview with local Zep-a-phile (here in Toronto anyway) Michael White raises some interesting stuff:

He knows that Jones has commissioned a special bass, with a longer neck and two extra frets, to compensate for age-related limitations in Plant's vocal range. And he's pretty sure that the band needs the six weeks it has scheduled for rehearsals to re-arrange its songs to suit the playing style of Jason Bonham.

Do you order a new bass for a one off show? While the latter part is speculation on White's part, it makes some sense.

With Plant you never know, and any kind of tour could go off the rails at any moment, but I agree with Michael White, there's a tour comin'.

Why Zeppelin Will Tour

I have said all along I think a tour is going to happen. You don't rehearse for weeks for a one off show. It just doesn't make sense. Now there's more reason to believe, as an interview with local Zep-a-phile (here in Toronto anyway) Michael White raises some interesting stuff:

He knows that Jones has commissioned a special bass, with a longer neck and two extra frets, to compensate for age-related limitations in Plant's vocal range. And he's pretty sure that the band needs the six weeks it has scheduled for rehearsals to re-arrange its songs to suit the playing style of Jason Bonham.

Do you order a new bass for a one off show? While the latter part is speculation on White's part, it makes some sense.

With Plant you never know, and any kind of tour could go off the rails at any moment, but I agree with Michael White, there's a tour comin'.

Whole Lotta Bluegrass

John Paul Jones jamming on mandolin to Whole Lotta Love with The Duhks at Merlefest 2007 in April.

Whole Lotta Bluegrass

John Paul Jones jamming on mandolin to Whole Lotta Love with The Duhks at Merlefest 2007 in April.