According to the mailer sent out by gossip site Popbitch, Jimmy Page has told a fan that without Robert Plant he will not tour:
Led Zepellin's [Sic] John Paul Jones has been fuelling feverish speculation that Led Zepellin [Sic] are about to reform with a new singer, possibly Steven Tyler. Yet Jimmy Page hasn't quite been singing from the same songsheet.
He got talking to a fan last week and said that he'd never tour without Robert Plant.
Popbitch is a gossip site with no link to their e-mailed tidbits (thus none provided here). I have no reliable gauge on their general accuracy, although it's always fun to read. However, I wouldn't place too much faith in the accuracy of this report without further evidence.
According to the mailer sent out by gossip site Popbitch, Jimmy Page has told a fan that without Robert Plant he will not tour:
Led Zepellin's [Sic] John Paul Jones has been fuelling feverish speculation that Led Zepellin [Sic] are about to reform with a new singer, possibly Steven Tyler. Yet Jimmy Page hasn't quite been singing from the same songsheet.
He got talking to a fan last week and said that he'd never tour without Robert Plant.
Popbitch is a gossip site with no link to their e-mailed tidbits (thus none provided here). I have no reliable gauge on their general accuracy, although it's always fun to read. However, I wouldn't place too much faith in the accuracy of this report without further evidence.
Billboard is today reporting that the new Led Zeppelin singer will, in fact, be Myles Kennedy. The story has been out there for a long time, but note that it has never been denied, like the recent Jack White and Stephen Tyler denials. Billboard is stating, however, that "sources in the know" are telling them it will be Kennedy - assuming Robert Plant still does not want to go:
Who needs Robert Plant? Apparently not the other surviving members of Led Zeppelin, who are ready to pull the trigger on a tour with a new singer if Plant refuses to join in. Sources tell Billboard the frontman first in line for the gig is Myles Kennedy, who has most recently led the rock outfit Alter Bridge.
Kennedy has rehearsed with Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham on several occasions, according to sources in the know. In a recent BBC interview, Jones confirmed the band was planning to tour but didn't refer to Kennedy by name.
Note the suggestion that Page, Jones and Bonham are still waiting for Robert Plant, hoping he will change his mind.
Note also that, while I use the term "new Led Zeppelin singer," Billboard only refers to the "surviving members of Led Zeppelin." No one knows what a new unit with a different singer will be called. Until such time Led Zeppelin is the least confusing name, but it is not to be considered accurate that the band will tour as Led Zeppelin.
Billboard is today reporting that the new Led Zeppelin singer will, in fact, be Myles Kennedy. The story has been out there for a long time, but note that it has never been denied, like the recent Jack White and Stephen Tyler denials. Billboard is stating, however, that "sources in the know" are telling them it will be Kennedy - assuming Robert Plant still does not want to go:
Who needs Robert Plant? Apparently not the other surviving members of Led Zeppelin, who are ready to pull the trigger on a tour with a new singer if Plant refuses to join in. Sources tell Billboard the frontman first in line for the gig is Myles Kennedy, who has most recently led the rock outfit Alter Bridge.
Kennedy has rehearsed with Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham on several occasions, according to sources in the know. In a recent BBC interview, Jones confirmed the band was planning to tour but didn't refer to Kennedy by name.
Note the suggestion that Page, Jones and Bonham are still waiting for Robert Plant, hoping he will change his mind.
Note also that, while I use the term "new Led Zeppelin singer," Billboard only refers to the "surviving members of Led Zeppelin." No one knows what a new unit with a different singer will be called. Until such time Led Zeppelin is the least confusing name, but it is not to be considered accurate that the band will tour as Led Zeppelin.
Vic Morgan of BBC Radio Devon gets an interview with John Paul Jones at the Manson Guitar Show in Exeter last weekend. There's two clips and in the first he mostly discusses playing bluegrass, but he adds:
on the 02 show (5:43)
Vic Morgan: "It was one of the greatest moments of my life, how was it for you?" John Paul Jones: "It was wonderful, it was wonderful. It was a combination of a lot of hard work. We worked really, really hard. It wasn't just a matter of getting through the show and just hoping that people hearing the songs again would carry us through. We were determined to give a really top of the line performance. And you've got to be so familiar with it all again and then move on to the next level. And it was very important to us that we did that, and we did it. I think we pulled it off. We put a tremendous amount of work in it, a lot of focus on that one show"
The second one has, for our purposes here, more meat on it:
VM (1:48) Just a final question then. You did say earlier you were working with Jimmy Page, were working with Jason Bonham. What is happening? 'Cause we've heard that Robert Plant doesn't want to do it. We've heard Myles Kennedy has been mentioned. What is happening? JPJ: We're trying out a couple of singers and basically, when we know what we're going to do, we'll let you know, we'll let everyone else know. VM: You obviously want to do it though. JPJ: We do want to do it. It's sounding great what we're doing. We're very happy and we really want to get on and get out there. Times getting on (laughs) VM: Is there a feeling that if you don't do it shortly you wouldn't want to do it, really? JPJ: Not we wouldn't want to, but it's got to be right, you know. Just trying to re-create, just find another Robert, I mean you could get somebody out of a tribute band. What's the point. We don't want to be our own tribute band. VM: And just a final point, would there be a record coming out? What is it, just touring? JPJ: Well, yea. Yea, there would be a record and tour, yea. But we have to got to have everybody on board. Everybody that we want. That's what we're working for, that's our job.
And there you have it. The members of Led Zeppelin, minus Robert Plant are "trying out a couple of singers," and plan on doing a record and tour. Myles Kennedy was specifically mentioned by interviewer Vic Morgan, and not denied by John Paul Jones, although that only seems to confirm that Kennedy played with them.
As The Lemon points out as well, "Jones never said the project will be called Led Zeppelin." A valid point, and they may well tour as The Knobs, The old Yardbirds or some other name. But make no mistake, it will be seen, and sold as a Led Zeppelin show.
Vic Morgan of BBC Radio Devon gets an interview with John Paul Jones at the Manson Guitar Show in Exeter last weekend. There's two clips and in the first he mostly discusses playing bluegrass, but he adds:
on the 02 show (5:43)
Vic Morgan: "It was one of the greatest moments of my life, how was it for you?" John Paul Jones: "It was wonderful, it was wonderful. It was a combination of a lot of hard work. We worked really, really hard. It wasn't just a matter of getting through the show and just hoping that people hearing the songs again would carry us through. We were determined to give a really top of the line performance. And you've got to be so familiar with it all again and then move on to the next level. And it was very important to us that we did that, and we did it. I think we pulled it off. We put a tremendous amount of work in it, a lot of focus on that one show"
The second one has, for our purposes here, more meat on it:
VM (1:48) Just a final question then. You did say earlier you were working with Jimmy Page, were working with Jason Bonham. What is happening? 'Cause we've heard that Robert Plant doesn't want to do it. We've heard Myles Kennedy has been mentioned. What is happening? JPJ: We're trying out a couple of singers and basically, when we know what we're going to do, we'll let you know, we'll let everyone else know. VM: You obviously want to do it though. JPJ: We do want to do it. It's sounding great what we're doing. We're very happy and we really want to get on and get out there. Times getting on (laughs) VM: Is there a feeling that if you don't do it shortly you wouldn't want to do it, really? JPJ: Not we wouldn't want to, but it's got to be right, you know. Just trying to re-create, just find another Robert, I mean you could get somebody out of a tribute band. What's the point. We don't want to be our own tribute band. VM: And just a final point, would there be a record coming out? What is it, just touring? JPJ: Well, yea. Yea, there would be a record and tour, yea. But we have to got to have everybody on board. Everybody that we want. That's what we're working for, that's our job.
And there you have it. The members of Led Zeppelin, minus Robert Plant are "trying out a couple of singers," and plan on doing a record and tour. Myles Kennedy was specifically mentioned by interviewer Vic Morgan, and not denied by John Paul Jones, although that only seems to confirm that Kennedy played with them.
As The Lemon points out as well, "Jones never said the project will be called Led Zeppelin." A valid point, and they may well tour as The Knobs, The old Yardbirds or some other name. But make no mistake, it will be seen, and sold as a Led Zeppelin show.
John Paul Jones has told a Q& A session at Manson's Guitar Show in Exeter last weekend that Led Zeppelin are looking to tour, and are looking for a new singer:
John Paul Jones said, "As you probably know, Jimmy, Jason and I are actually rehearsing and we've had the odd singer come in and have a bash. As soon as we know — which we don't — we will let you know. But we really hope that something is going to happen soon because we really want to do it and we're having a lot of fun, actually, just rehearsing. Jason is actually tremendous... And what we've done so far sounds absolutely fantastic. When it does come, it will come, and you'll know about it."
He then added, "We really wanna do something and Robert doesn't want to do this, at least for the moment. I don't really know what his plans are. He really doesn't want to make loud music anymore. We do. I mean, I love acoustic music, but it doesn't stop me from turning something up." Jones also indicated during the interview that there could well be a DVD of the O2 show released.
It looks like something is on, and soon. Now if only they could talk Robert into joining them...
John Paul Jones has told a Q& A session at Manson's Guitar Show in Exeter last weekend that Led Zeppelin are looking to tour, and are looking for a new singer:
John Paul Jones said, "As you probably know, Jimmy, Jason and I are actually rehearsing and we've had the odd singer come in and have a bash. As soon as we know — which we don't — we will let you know. But we really hope that something is going to happen soon because we really want to do it and we're having a lot of fun, actually, just rehearsing. Jason is actually tremendous... And what we've done so far sounds absolutely fantastic. When it does come, it will come, and you'll know about it."
He then added, "We really wanna do something and Robert doesn't want to do this, at least for the moment. I don't really know what his plans are. He really doesn't want to make loud music anymore. We do. I mean, I love acoustic music, but it doesn't stop me from turning something up." Jones also indicated during the interview that there could well be a DVD of the O2 show released.
It looks like something is on, and soon. Now if only they could talk Robert into joining them...
The Toronto Sun today speculate on who may replace Robert Plant as front man for Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham if they decide to tour without Plant. Their choice? The White Stripes Jack White. It's hard to imagine too many scenarios where this blog wouldn't part with a few hundred hard earned to see the aforementioned, but Jack White on vocals may just be the one.
They also suggest a variety of other possibles, including: Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Axl Rose, Sammy Hagar, Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson and, dear God! David Coverdale. Also mentioned are previously mentioned here Myles Kennedy and some guy called Robert Plant.
Jack White, David Coverdale and Axl Rose: this is getting out of hand.
The Toronto Sun today speculate on who may replace Robert Plant as front man for Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham if they decide to tour without Plant. Their choice? The White Stripes Jack White. It's hard to imagine too many scenarios where this blog wouldn't part with a few hundred hard earned to see the aforementioned, but Jack White on vocals may just be the one.
They also suggest a variety of other possibles, including: Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Axl Rose, Sammy Hagar, Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson and, dear God! David Coverdale. Also mentioned are previously mentioned here Myles Kennedy and some guy called Robert Plant.
Jack White, David Coverdale and Axl Rose: this is getting out of hand.
...cause my manager represents Robert, and works with him, is that there saying, if you... were all rehearsed, were ready to go, here's a Gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid (laughs) and he can sing the shit out of Zeppelin. And, ah, and there going to hope that Robert at the last minute will go OK and step in, before having the lead singer of Alter Bridge out with John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham.
I've been hearing the Myles Kennedy rumour for a while now, and have checked him out (and just because Dee Snider says it's so, doesn't make it so). He's a real singer, but whether his style is suitably Zeppelin, it's hard to say. My feeling is he could work very well if they produce some new music. But if Page, Bonham and Jones are just taking Mothership on the road, then Anne Wilson is probably just as good.
Here's Myles Kennedy and Alter Bridge doing Kashmir, which leads to a question: Does Page let Kennedy play any guitar? I would say another guitar player just inhibits Page's freedom.
...cause my manager represents Robert, and works with him, is that there saying, if you... were all rehearsed, were ready to go, here's a Gazillion dollars on the table. If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid (laughs) and he can sing the shit out of Zeppelin. And, ah, and there going to hope that Robert at the last minute will go OK and step in, before having the lead singer of Alter Bridge out with John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham.
I've been hearing the Myles Kennedy rumour for a while now, and have checked him out (and just because Dee Snider says it's so, doesn't make it so). He's a real singer, but whether his style is suitably Zeppelin, it's hard to say. My feeling is he could work very well if they produce some new music. But if Page, Bonham and Jones are just taking Mothership on the road, then Anne Wilson is probably just as good.
Here's Myles Kennedy and Alter Bridge doing Kashmir, which leads to a question: Does Page let Kennedy play any guitar? I would say another guitar player just inhibits Page's freedom.
It's a sad day for Led Zeppelin fans: Robert Plant has announced that he will not tour with Led Zeppelin in the coming year, in fact, will not tour at all for the next two years.
From RobertPlant.com:
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are currently touring the USA on the last leg of their 'Raising Sand' tour. They played a benefit concert in Oklahoma City for victims of Hurricane Ike last Friday; Austin,Texas last Saturday and tomorrow they play Portland, Oregon before finishing the tour in Saratoga, California on October 5th.
After those dates, Robert has no intention whatsoever of touring with anyone for at least the next two years. Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin. Anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be buying bogus tickets.
“It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Robert Plant said.
“I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects,” he added.
So that is that, it appears. Either Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham go out with someone else, or the Zeppelin dream is over for now.
It's a sad day for Led Zeppelin fans: Robert Plant has announced that he will not tour with Led Zeppelin in the coming year, in fact, will not tour at all for the next two years.
From RobertPlant.com:
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are currently touring the USA on the last leg of their 'Raising Sand' tour. They played a benefit concert in Oklahoma City for victims of Hurricane Ike last Friday; Austin,Texas last Saturday and tomorrow they play Portland, Oregon before finishing the tour in Saratoga, California on October 5th.
After those dates, Robert has no intention whatsoever of touring with anyone for at least the next two years. Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin. Anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be buying bogus tickets.
“It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Robert Plant said.
“I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects,” he added.
So that is that, it appears. Either Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham go out with someone else, or the Zeppelin dream is over for now.
As always, take such stories with a grain of salt. However, something seems to be happening in camp Zeppelin, and The Sun and Daily Telegraph are reporting that Robert Plant and the boys are making arrangements for a summer 2009 tour:
Guitarist JIMMY PAGE, 64, bassist JOHN PAUL JONES, 62, and drummer JASON BONHAM, 42, had resigned themselves to touring without Plant.
They even rehearsed with stand-in singers - and one American was so impressive they were confident they could hit the road next year without Plant.
That was what finally persuaded him to return.
A source revealed: “The rest of the band had all but given up on Robert joining them, but they were determined to go ahead so had started to seriously explore other avenues.
“When Robert realised the band were serious about doing it without him, it made him think long and hard.
“He realised he couldn’t face the thought of not being involved.
“The band were over the moon when he told them the news.
“They are now forging ahead with the tour plans and they can’t wait to get on the road.”
Again, this is just rumour at this stage but I have an old adage when I write about politics, it's not about the polls, it's about what the politicians do. When Jason Bonham left his day job with Foreigner, that spoke volumes. Something is up, here's hoping this is what.
As always, take such stories with a grain of salt. However, something seems to be happening in camp Zeppelin, and The Sun and Daily Telegraph are reporting that Robert Plant and the boys are making arrangements for a summer 2009 tour:
Guitarist JIMMY PAGE, 64, bassist JOHN PAUL JONES, 62, and drummer JASON BONHAM, 42, had resigned themselves to touring without Plant.
They even rehearsed with stand-in singers - and one American was so impressive they were confident they could hit the road next year without Plant.
That was what finally persuaded him to return.
A source revealed: “The rest of the band had all but given up on Robert joining them, but they were determined to go ahead so had started to seriously explore other avenues.
“When Robert realised the band were serious about doing it without him, it made him think long and hard.
“He realised he couldn’t face the thought of not being involved.
“The band were over the moon when he told them the news.
“They are now forging ahead with the tour plans and they can’t wait to get on the road.”
Again, this is just rumour at this stage but I have an old adage when I write about politics, it's not about the polls, it's about what the politicians do. When Jason Bonham left his day job with Foreigner, that spoke volumes. Something is up, here's hoping this is what.
Could it be true? Could Led Zeppelin be considering the almost unthinkable, a tour with a singer other than Robert Plant?
This story comes from London newspaper The Sun, who apparently have a bit of a dodgy reputation. So take it, for now, with a grain of salt:
LED ZEPPELIN frontman ROBERT PLANT is to be given an ultimatum by his bandmates – join us on tour or we’ll replace you.
Zep guitarist JIMMY PAGE, bassist JOHN PAUL JONES and drummer JASON BONHAM have been busy recently rehearsing in West London’s Ritz Studio and using stand-in vocalists.
And one American singer has been so impressive the other band members are confident they could hit the road next year WITHOUT their iconic frontman...
A source said: “Jimmy, Jason and John are determined a tour will go ahead next year.
As said before, take it for what it's worth. However, when Jason Bonham left Foreigner, that action suggested something was up, so perhaps there's some truth here.
Could it be true? Could Led Zeppelin be considering the almost unthinkable, a tour with a singer other than Robert Plant?
This story comes from London newspaper The Sun, who apparently have a bit of a dodgy reputation. So take it, for now, with a grain of salt:
LED ZEPPELIN frontman ROBERT PLANT is to be given an ultimatum by his bandmates – join us on tour or we’ll replace you.
Zep guitarist JIMMY PAGE, bassist JOHN PAUL JONES and drummer JASON BONHAM have been busy recently rehearsing in West London’s Ritz Studio and using stand-in vocalists.
And one American singer has been so impressive the other band members are confident they could hit the road next year WITHOUT their iconic frontman...
A source said: “Jimmy, Jason and John are determined a tour will go ahead next year.
As said before, take it for what it's worth. However, when Jason Bonham left Foreigner, that action suggested something was up, so perhaps there's some truth here.
Robert Plant has reportedly told GQ magazine that he has no objection to doing another reunion with Led Zeppelin, it's the bureaucracy involved that puts him off:
Rocker ROBERT PLANT has not ruled out another reunion with his band LED ZEPPELIN - insisting it's the bureaucracy involved that puts him off the idea. The Kashmir hitmakers have been dogged by rumours of a world tour since they reformed for a one-off gig in London last year (Dec07) - their first concert in 19 years. But singer Plant, who is currently touring with bluegrass star Alison Krauss, has so far refused to agree to hit the road with the legendary group again. And he insists it's not the idea of a reunion which he is opposed to - it's the paperwork that accompanies every live show. He tells Britain's GQ magazine, "The endless paperwork was like nothing I've experienced before. I've kept every one of the emails that were exchanged before the concert and I'm thinking of compiling them for a book, which I feel sure would be hailed as a sort of literary version of Spinal Tap (semi-fictional heavy metal band featured in spoof documentary This Is Spinal Tap). "Led Zeppelin's never been about the fans. We've always been about four guys coming together to make thrilling, disturbing rock 'n' roll. On our own terms."
Robert Plant has reportedly told GQ magazine that he has no objection to doing another reunion with Led Zeppelin, it's the bureaucracy involved that puts him off:
Rocker ROBERT PLANT has not ruled out another reunion with his band LED ZEPPELIN - insisting it's the bureaucracy involved that puts him off the idea. The Kashmir hitmakers have been dogged by rumours of a world tour since they reformed for a one-off gig in London last year (Dec07) - their first concert in 19 years. But singer Plant, who is currently touring with bluegrass star Alison Krauss, has so far refused to agree to hit the road with the legendary group again. And he insists it's not the idea of a reunion which he is opposed to - it's the paperwork that accompanies every live show. He tells Britain's GQ magazine, "The endless paperwork was like nothing I've experienced before. I've kept every one of the emails that were exchanged before the concert and I'm thinking of compiling them for a book, which I feel sure would be hailed as a sort of literary version of Spinal Tap (semi-fictional heavy metal band featured in spoof documentary This Is Spinal Tap). "Led Zeppelin's never been about the fans. We've always been about four guys coming together to make thrilling, disturbing rock 'n' roll. On our own terms."
