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3:12 PM GMT 06/11/2008
Led Zeppelin are set to tour without Robert Plant. How is THAT meant to work, wonders MOJO’s David Sheppard?
ROLL OVER TERRY REID and tell Roy Harper the news; Led Zeppelin are set to tour, gobsmackingly minus iconic frontman Robert Plant (pictured) who, after protracted touring with Alison Krauss, has announced himself hors de combat. The feelings of their figurehead apparently trampled underfoot (perhaps there’s been a communication breakdown?), a suddenly galvanised Page, Jones and Bonham Jr, are said to be making a whole lotta Zep plans: world tours, new recordings et al. With Plant rooted, the trio have been auditioning replacement vocalists and one Myles Kennedy (born 1969 - the year after Zep launched - and lately of US rockers Alter Bridge, it says here) is widely forecast as the next incumbent.
Of course, Zep have had cause to reconfigure once already - Jason Bonham occupying his late father’s drum stool for last year’s much-fêted Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert. Less a substitution and more a seamless ascent to the ancestral throne, it proved that drummers, however vigorous or distinctive, don’t define bands (ask The Who and R.E.M.). Drafting in a ringer to front up the enterprise is quite another matter. Can any band sans “Percy” Plant really justify the name Led Zeppelin?
Allegedly the possessor of a mighty, four-octave vocal range - not to mention the requisite bountiful tresses - Kennedy is charged with filling Plant’s blouson and leather strides while somehow avoiding Stars In Their Eyes pastiche. It’s an unenviable role, mainly because everything about it smells wrong, especially in light of the precedents set by Paul Rodgers in the awkward, 0.2 version of Queen, or Ian Astbury’s injudicious liaison with the Doors. Questionable as those reformations seem, both combos at least had an excuse for deploying a substitute vocalist, their erstwhile frontmen having gone to the great gig in the sky. Robert Plant, on the other hand, appears to be in rather rude health.
Granted, heavy rockers from Deep Purple to Iron Maiden have traditionally taken the jettisoning of vocalists in their spandex stride (which perhaps says more about the homogeneity of post-Percy metal screeching than anything), while rock history is peppered with combos who evince the ‘earthworm effect’ – the head may be cut off, but still they wriggle on. Indeed, the loss of an idiosyncratic front personage worked wonders for the likes Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Ultravox, while promoting rank and file personnel to the central microphone didn’t do Buzzcocks, Genesis or Joy Division any harm.
The latter, of course, had the decency to acknowledge that things had irrevocably changed after Ian Curtis’s untimely passing, making it manifest that a New Order was in place. More commonly, however, fans are expected to swallow an often absurdly diminished version of a favourite act as if nothing had changed - hello Beach Boys, Dr Feelgood etc... Let’s face it, no one but the hardiest of hardcore aficionados was really interested in a Paul Roberts-lead Stranglers or the Undertones helmed by Paul McLoone. Did anyone think Marillion only hit the heights when Steve Hogarth took the mic? Are memories of Michael Hutchence instantly banished the moment J.D. Fortune strides to the front of INXS’s stage? Does Maxi Priest’s UB40 sound like a triumphal renaissance waiting to happen? Not really.
If Jimmy Page and compadres insist on regrouping without Plant, perhaps they should consider a hirsute icon already renowned for investing their material with rejuvenating brio. I gather one Rolf Harris CBE may be at loose end.
By David Sheppard
Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 3:12 PM GMT 06/11/2008
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Page and Plant did some fine work together in the 90s, but they knew better than to actually call themselves Led Zeppelin. Why should Page and Jones?
Or, if they must persist in this, how about recruiting former John Paul Jones collaborator Diamanda Galas as lead singer? Now THAT I'd pay to see.
Posted by J Neo Marvin at 6:00 AM GMT 13/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Zeppelin the blueprint for hollow, mechanical rock with or without Robert "top of his class at the School for Generic White Blues Singers" Plant. Nothing to lose sleep over either way.
Posted by Doug at 3:59 PM GMT 13/11/2008 Report Abuse
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There's totally Zeppelin without Plant. It's called Donovan.
I kid. I kid. :P
Posted by Bennett Billard at 8:33 PM GMT 13/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Nothing about this reunion makes any sense.
For decades, both Page and Plant have repeatedly said how it would have been "in bad taste" to continue without Bonzo and at the time, it sounded right. Bonzo's personality was as much a part of Zep as was his stutter-foot and heavy beats. But as was proven last December, it could be done without any noticible loss. Grant it, it was Jason Bonham playing, but still...
Fast forward to '08 and now, inexplicably, Page suddenly seems to think it's in perfect taste to tour under the moniker of 'Led Zeppelin' WITHOUT the voice of the band?
When The Who had their first of many "reunion" tours, it was done to help John Entwhistle pay off some rather large debts. Could it possibly be that either Mr. Page or Mr. Jones is facing bankruptcy, hence the "damn the torpedos" attitude at putting this tour on? I only ask because this would be the only sane reason I can think of for going out on the road without Plant.
And speaking of the upcoming tour, remember how after the December show, promoters the world over were feverish to have a world tour? They spoke of how they could sell out huge stadiums at a minimum of $100 a ticket. How do you think those same promoters are feeling now? I'm sure that many of them are now furiously crunching those numbers and are coming to stark realization that instead of selling out Giants Stadium at $100 a head, they're now looking at MSG at $75 a head. Grant it, MSG isn't that bad a gig, but you get the point I'm trying to make. I mean, ask yourself how much you would be willing to pay to see Page and Jones and two other guys doing Zep? Myself, I'm going as high as $35 tops.
So all that being said, the question remains - just how is it now a good idea to do a tour without Plant when it wasn't without Bonzo? I'm hoping that cooler heads prevail and either Plant joins up or the plug on this tour is pulled altogether.
Posted by Thirteenburn at 5:51 PM GMT 14/11/2008 Report Abuse
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i reckon the stones could pull off a stadium tour without jagger & with keith &
the other 2 doing a nice slower gig ?
as richards is equal in stature to jagger as richards has already toured very successfully w/out the stones &
with the new barbarians
poor percy the guy looks 130
Posted by paolo di livio. at 9:43 PM GMT 14/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: paolo di livio.
you ain't wrong there mate .
keith richards can rock a crowd on his own no worries
Posted by paul l. mcr at 9:48 PM GMT 14/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: Bennett Billard
M7y suggestion for a name is LZ2!
Posted by Anonymous at 2:41 PM GMT 17/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: Bennett Billard
M7y suggestion for a name is LZ2!
Posted by Anonymous at 2:42 PM GMT 17/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: paul l. mcr
Yeah, but his vocals start to get the dogs howling by the third song. And no one tops Jagger as a frontman. Long may they reign.
Posted by Lafferty at 1:55 AM GMT 18/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: paul l. mcr
Yeah, but his vocals start to get the dogs howling by the third song. And no one tops Jagger as a frontman. Long may they reign.
Posted by Lafferty at 1:55 AM GMT 18/11/2008 Report Abuse
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I wonder if the urgency to tour with or without Plant is really some sort of way to sway him in..?? (Are they bluffing?)
Since Plant enjoyed working with Allison kraus So much.. maybe Plant Bonham and Jones would like her company as well...
Yeah.. They should invite HER to sing for their upcomming tour... (Touche! Mr. Plant!)
:-)
Posted by itsstillfriday@gmail.com at 3:45 PM GMT 19/11/2008 Report Abuse
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If Zep toured again with or without Percy, they may again concentrate on the mid western states of the U.S. as they did previously. Those of us in the U.K. not living near London
would again have very little chance to see them unless willing
to travel hundreds of miles. Try and win the midwestern dollars again Jimmy eh ?.
Posted by John G. Paisley, Scotland at 8:28 PM GMT 20/11/2008 Report Abuse
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let em do whatever they want as long as they don't call it led zeppelin.
Posted by ubique at 12:29 AM GMT 21/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Jimmy Page has GOT to be kidding.
Posted by Fashion Fred at 5:23 PM GMT 21/11/2008 Report Abuse
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YES will be kicking off their 40th anniversary US tour without John Anderson or Rick Wakeman. I'm hoping it'll give Howe, Squire and White a chance to bust out some of the wierd stuff like Machine Messiah from 1980's album without Anderson and Wakeman. Maybe we'll even get to hear some XYZ stuff when Yes & Zep toyed with forming a touring unit to feature Plant, Squire, Page and White!
Posted by HodadHank at 1:50 AM GMT 22/11/2008 Report Abuse
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How abou calling it "LZ3" as in the worlds heaviest power trio?? Why not tour and play only instrumental versions of songs? The band is capable and then there would always be room for Plant to change his mind. Frankly, I'd rather see that than any substitute for Plant.
Posted by steve at 4:00 AM GMT 24/11/2008 Report Abuse
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what 's next? macca and ringo with the beatles?? dylan, petty and lynne with the travelling wilburys? billy cox with jimi hendrix experience?? hehe
Posted by mr. geezer at 6:39 PM GMT 24/11/2008 Report Abuse
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"Drummers, however vigorous or distinctive, don’t define band"? Having recently watched the Genesis 'When In Rome' DVD and the newly-released Gabriel-era albums, Genesis would have been a mere shadow without Collins. This from a guy who hates 'Invisible Touch' and 'I Can't Dance' like the rest of us.
Led Zep? Just get on a do it without Plant. I've always thought he lacks soul, despite his songwriting. Good luck to the rest or 'em.
Posted by Dave Atkinson at 8:53 PM GMT 24/11/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: mr. geezer
Ten Years After without Alvin Lee - a very practical joke!
Posted by Alex at 9:38 AM GMT 25/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Don't these guys have enough money already? If they are bit short on cash. I suggest getting the re-mastered albums out as soon as possible, they'll do well I'm sure.
Posted by Robert F DuPont at 9:02 PM GMT 26/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Jeez, Don't these guys have enough money already? If they are a bit short on cash. I suggest getting the re-mastered albums out (and on-line) as soon as possible, they'll do well I'm sure.
Posted by Robert F DuPont at 9:08 PM GMT 26/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Jeez, Don't these guys have enough money already? If they are a bit short on cash. I suggest getting the re-mastered albums out (and on-line) as soon as possible, they'll do well I'm sure.
Posted by Robert F DuPont at 9:09 PM GMT 26/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Sorry about the repeat entries. Remember to hit the "submit" once , no matter how long it takes!!
Posted by Robert F DuPont at 9:12 PM GMT 26/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Page has already been quoted in 'Rolling Stone' that if they went forward it would not be called Led Zeppelin. Plant is a bit burned out after touring with Krause and "doesn't want to play loud music" right now.
Posted by ric at 3:59 PM GMT 29/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Page has already been quoted in 'Rolling Stone' that if they went forward it would not be called Led Zeppelin. Plant is a bit burned out after touring with Krause and "doesn't want to play loud music" right now.
Posted by ric at 3:59 PM GMT 29/11/2008 Report Abuse
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Agree with everything here. Except, astonishing at may sound to anyone that hasn't listened to an album of theirs in years, there are many who think Marillion hit their creative peak with Steve Hogarth, as reflected in how few Fish-era songs the band have featured in their set over the last few years. To outsiders, Fish is the man, to insiders it's Steve H all the way. One change of line-up that really worked.
Posted by Tedward at 3:30 PM GMT 03/12/2008 Report Abuse
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The real question is, if they fully reunite, will they be playing Hot Snakes covers?
Posted by Greg Sage at 4:21 AM GMT 15/12/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: Doug
So you've never listened to Kashmir, obviously, much less the Unledded version. Suggest 2 Q-tips as the cure.
Ken
Posted by Ken at 9:36 PM GMT 19/12/2008 Report Abuse
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RE: Thirteenburn
You talk a lot of sense, but I don't get the references to Metal Gear Solid ......:-)
My view is quite simple - Zep is P&P, witout one or t'other, they're a tribute band, no more - no less
Posted by Ken at 9:44 PM GMT 19/12/2008 Report Abuse
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First, this article was horribly written. Second, Fuck Plant. I'd pay $100 to see Page and Jones.
Posted by Anonymous at 10:24 PM GMT 26/12/2008 Report Abuse
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If they must go on without Plant, why couldn't they try to have Ann Wilson of Heart take his place?She sounded amazing on The Battle of Evermore.
Posted by John Tremel at 2:00 PM GMT 03/01/2009 Report Abuse
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Plant has got this right. For men of his age to be strutting their stuff around the stage shows a certain lack of dignity. After such a successful collaberation with Alison Krause (as well as some excellent solo work over the last few years) why should he go ahead with this tour?
It could be called a Led Zeppelin tour but it will never be considered as such. It smacks of desperation and lack of imagination.
Posted by VictorLaslo at 11:23 PM GMT 04/01/2009 Report Abuse
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Led Zep with Percy??? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!
Posted by radiocitizen at 9:49 PM GMT 27/01/2009 Report Abuse
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Led Zep without Percy? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!
Posted by radiocitizen at 9:50 PM GMT 27/01/2009 Report Abuse
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Thing is Led Zeppelin was a Jimmy Page creation. It was Jimmy's band. He was the leader for years. He produced the records. The sound was his. His dream team. Guys he chose for his sound. He had the name, the guitars, the contacts, the ideas. Obvioulsy it developed into a fantastic collaborative effort.
Page is frustrated that he's never found other musicians to work with with the same magic as the Plant, Bonham and Jones. He wants to play his music again, his greatest and fabulously successful creation. The problem is, can one do it again, night after night on a massive world tour? I think not. Plant is right. It's over. They signed off in style. The circle finally completed with an exceptional last stand, something to remember, the stuff of legend, Zeppelin's last gig and it was great, but leave it alone, unique and perfect. How can one repeat perfection and uniqueness at this stage in their lives?
Page and Plant sort of worked, but that was the songs re-invented, not a Zep tribute band. Page shouldn't try to revive Led Zeppelin, but he should play live again. Jones' solo records, the noisy ones, have been rather good, but they would have been even better with Page's guitar on them. The two of them together would make an interesting team, but it should be new music. I always thought it should be instrumental, industrial strength, rock/blues/jazz - like a mixture of late King Crimson and Mahavishnu Orchestra, blisteringly uncompromising music, not nostalgia for another age.
Plant's right, Led Zeppelin is a legend, the circle is now unbroken, leave the legend in the ether with the Gods, where it belongs, don't try to bring it down to earh again.
Posted by Michael von Kruger at 8:01 PM GMT 29/01/2009 Report Abuse
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On the other hand, if, if, one is going to do it, revive Led Zeppelin's music, do it right and with style. Take the music and mash it up, surprise people! Jimmy's like a curator in a museum. That's understandable. It was his band.
If it was me, I've got Jimmy's musical imagination, but alas, not his fingers. Forty years ago I tried to get a band together like Zeppelin based on taking the Yarbirds sound further out, right to it's logical conclusion. Louder, dynamic as hell, with masses of light and shade. It was an unmitigated disaster for me. I couldn't find the right people to play that kind of stuff. Everyone wanted to play like the Band! I wanted to pull the moon and stars down with guitars!
I'd get a second guitar player in to really blow people away. A keyboard player to fill the sound out. And why not two singers? Those women from Heart would be interesting. Plant sounded like a girl anyway. The girl who sings with Lez Zeppelin might be worth trying too.
It's not impossible to play Zeppelin's music, but Christ take some risks with it, mash it up, bash it up, drag it out of the bloody museum into the real world, don't re-create it, create it all over again, leave the past and head for the future!
Posted by Michael von Kruger at 8:20 PM GMT 29/01/2009 Report Abuse
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This RP fan is of the opinion that his best move would be to continue on with the Strange Sensation, "Dreamland" and "Mighty Rearranger" being among his best albums to date (IMO.)
I would be far more interested to see what these guys will come up with next than to see Plant tied up touring. Don't misunderstand, I love what he and Jimmy did in '94 but these creative giants are on this earth for only so long. I'd rather see him spend that time working on another record.
Actually, let me say this. This occurred to me a year or so ago when Genesis toured. There were two reasons I didn't go see them. 1, no Pete and 2, No new material. I'd love to hear some "new" Zeppelin material, but it seems that is out of the question.
I'm probably the only RP fan who'd prefer to hear a new album with the SS than to see him tour with LZ, but then again...I am special.
I love each and every one of you!
spaceboy5367@hotmail.com
Posted by spaceboy at 1:12 AM GMT 31/01/2009 Report Abuse
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ONE BIG QUESTION HOW LONG DID TAKES LED ZEPPELIN US TOURS
AT THE PAST THEY ALMOST DID IT EVERY YEAR WITHOUT A BIG REST MAYBE MOST OF THE GROUPIES BUT THIS WAS REALLY BAD TO THEIR WIFES AND CHILDREN MAN HOW COULD THEY STAY SO LÓNG WITHOUT THEM AND JOHN BONHAM GOT ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL BECAUSE HE WAS HOMESICK HE WANTED BACK TO ENGLAND THEIR BEHAVIOR WERE TERRIBLE IN AMERICA LOTS OF GROUPIES: I WOULD GET REALLY BAD AS A WIFE OF THEM BUT AT THIS TIME IT WAS NORMAL
OMG WITH THEY SLEPT WITH ALOT OF WOMENS
THE LEGENDARY STORY "THE MUDSHARK GROUPIE" OR A RED SNAPPER THAT WAS NASTY AND NOTORIOS BUT THEY HAD A LOT FUN OF COURSE
Posted by Mercedes at 10:00 PM GMT 15/03/2009 Report Abuse
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nice, really nice!
Posted by unsemnsom at 2:46 AM GMT 17/04/2009 Report Abuse
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