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Pete Paphides at the O2 arena, London
Back in 1976, when Led Zeppelin were part of the musical furniture, Jimmy Page claimed that the minutes before a show were the worst. “I always get very edgy, not knowing what to do with myself.” Lord knows, then, what he must have been feeling as the lights went down to herald a comeback far more hotly anticipated than any show Led Zeppelin played during their 12 years together. If he was nervous though, you couldn’t tell. Silhouetted by lights at the back of the stage, he gazed out behind his shades and casually dropped his hand onto six strings, playing the first chord to bear the Led Zeppelin imprint.
With Good Times, Bad Times came a noise that suggested the rockers were, for a laugh, setting themselves the task of inventing heavy metal all over again. It seemed to catch everyone by surprise, including Robert Plant, who momentarily struggled to assert his vocals.
At a rehearsal a few weeks ago, Plant was heard to complain about the challenges of divining a voice of a 20-year-old from the body of a 60-year-old man. He needn’t have worried. Older equipment may take a while to get going, but once the requisite valves heat up, the quality is unmistakeable. And so it turned out 15 minutes in, when a bracing round of call-and-response oh-yeahs triggered an incendiary Black Dog. Plant’s quick kick to the base of his mike stand sent it flying up into the path of his hand. Page dispensed powerchords like an aged Thor lobbing down thunderbolts for kicks. It had been good before, but something of the devil seemed to get hold of them at this point. Now sans shades, Page launched into a filthy seam of swamp guitar, from which a magnificent In My Time of Dying swelled to epic proportions.
Events that have so much resting on them rarely unfold with such an air of assurance. The three original members of the band and Jason Bonham, the drumming son of John Bonham, seemed relieved to be relinquishing the burden of anticipation. Their heaviosity has always been the cornerstone of their reputation but it was astonishing to see how funky they could be for a rock band. Moving to electric harpsichord, John Paul Jones offered some redress on a pile-drivingly danceable Trampled Underfoot.
Bonham’s volcanic fills on Nobody’s Fault But Mine confirmed that there are some things that can be transmitted only through DNA.
In a set of trusted crowd-pleasers the inclusion of Stairway to Heaven was inevitable, but the song’s ubiquity made it difficult to summon much enthusiasm for it. Perhaps it just comes down to the fact that some tunes have dated better than others — because the moment Page and Bonham locked into Kashmir something transcendent took hold. Over a rhythm that have a way of advancing like Martian tripods, John Paul Jones billowed out chords of portent while Plant’s used his wildcat roar to the best effect of the evening.
An on-stage embrace and sundry bows seemed to hint at the band’s relief. They returned for a cathartic Whole Lotta Love and a sublime Rock’N’Roll. “It’s been a long, lonely time since I last rock’n’rolled” screeched Plant. Well, at least since he has showed this sort of fire-eyed intensity. And so, was it all for a one-off show in memory of their label boss Ahmet Ertegun? Come on. With a synergy like this going on, it would be an act of cosmic perversity to stop now.
Full set list
Good Times Bad Times
Ramble On
Black Dog
In My Time Of Dying
For Your Life
Trampled Under Foot
Nobody's Fault But Mine
No Quarter
Since I've Been Loving You
Dazed and Confused
Stairway To Heaven
The Song Remains The Same
Misty Mountain Hop
Kashmir
Whole Lotta Love
Rock And Roll
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I was at reunion concert...I dont think there is a word to describe the emotion in that arena...people walked out with there mouths hanging open.....priceless......
denise, crystal lake, ill
I was there!
I will remember that night for as long as I live!
Michelle, Lisbon, Portugal
Why they are the greatest.. what they didn't play
Thank you
What is and should never be
Heartbreaker
Immigrant Song
Communication Breakdown
!0 years gone
The Rain Song
Going to California
That's the Way
When The levee Breaks
Bring it on Home
and may more
steve, Fair Oak,
i applied for tickets and did not get any it looks as though half of america got the tickets! ! after seeing people being interviewed after the show, i was well annoyed i do hope they go on a world tour.
jerry craven, basingstoke, hampshire
Now the dust has settled, and I've had a chance to gather my thoughts, I'd just like to add a musing or two .
This was a genuine EVENT, on so many different levels.
For Ahmet Ertegun, who was loved in universal high regard.
For the band too, to heal the rifts and finish the unfinished, especially for Jason and Pat Bonham.
For the Gliteratti, who obviously know a hot ticket when it pops up ( I mean who else could bring along Paris Hilton, Elvis' family, Peter Kay, Martin O'Neill and Dave Grohl among others and leave them ALL roaring for more?)
Mostly for us, though. The Zeppelin Tribes, for whom this was a gathering to end all others. As Robert said in his intro to Kashmir, people had come from 50 different countries to show their devotion and not one, not the guy I met from South Carolina, nor the couple from Santa Monica we qeued with, nor the Dutch guys who asked if we could see past them (tall folk the Dutch) left disppointed.
A privilege.
Much Love.
Gerry T, Prestwick, Scotland
i was there and must say the music was perfect. i so hope they tour for more to enjoy but i would be suprised if they could match what they put out on the stage on monday night. i feel for any true fan that was unable to go.
brian, louisville, ky, usa
The first time I heard Led Zeppelin I was a spotty teenager listening to punk (Clash,Buzzcock etc) and my older brother had a house party. A group of guys were listening to some song on the stereo which to me sounded like a prayer.......Stairway to Heaven. I was hooked and over the years bought everything they ever released. In the 29 years since that night I have seen every band worth seeing.....including seeing Pink Floyd pull down the Wall at Earls Court, AC-DC, Thin Lizzy, Guns n Roses, Rush, Def Lep, you name them....... Nothing however prepared me for this....Nothing!
The word 'gifted' is used too liberally these days, but that's what these guys are....... 'gifted' We will never see their like again...Thanks for a never to be bettered live performance. Mind blowing for us....effortless for them.
Jonny T, Cardiff,
Congratulations on a fantastic, well written review. I have just finised reading Andy Gill's pseudo intelligent, over analytical drivle of a review in the Independent, during which recourse, he took the opportunity to talk a great a laborious lengths about the price of the ticket and the lack of good acoustics at the O2 arena.
Led Zeppelin represents a time when music was music and musicians were musicians and you could not manufacture talent. Judging by this review, they have not lost any of their ability to impart awe and majesty onto any crowd of any sizeat any venue.
it is not about the price of the tickets or the logistics of the location, it is about the music, and having seen Bonham perform previosuly, I can imagine that he was more than an apt replacement for his father.
Here's hoping that this is the first of many more gigs.
Daniel Holden, Leeds, England
what!!?? - no Lemon Song?
rob, alton, usa
Having been there since the beginning, and loving every second of my memories, I'm still in tears about not being there. I will drown my sorrows in live recordings and DVDs but my god! why didn't I get a ticket, Dawkins is right there is no God.
Good luck to the band, and if you tour let me have a ticket.
Lefty, Beccles, England
I was standing about 20 yards from the front of the stage. Jason almost stole the show. Led Zeppelin clearly affirmed themselves as the masters of musical power and trancendence.
No band has ever had the combination of talent, art, soul, drama, romance and intensity. Led Zeppelin took the O2 on an epic journey and none of us will ever forget the experience.
I think I speak for most when I say that hearing the first bars of Good Times, Bad Times my eyes welled with emotion and the hair on the back of my neck raised to attention and still is even now just thinking about it.
Words can't do it justice. Imagine Jimmy, John Paul, Robert and Bonzo in your living room putting every fiber of their existence into each song, sweating and spitting with their driving beat for over two hours.
Personally I feel more fortunate than if I won a million pounds in the lottery because I don't have to imagine it. The vibration is still reverberating in my bones.
Chris Tillotson, Santa Barbara, CA
Come to Brazil, Led.
We waiting for you.
Pedro Jr., Joinville, Sta. Catarina - Brazil
I was there! I waited 28 years for this and I enjoyed every minute, even In My Time of Dying which sorry to say, I just never liked. I closed my eyes during Kashmir and was carried back 30 odd years as Robert Plant lifted the roof off with an almighty wail - forget the cynics, the hypocrites, and the plain jealous, Zep were and still are the greatest rock and roll band of all time - no contest. Much imitated, but never surpassed, nor will they ever be. Just a thought - I would have loved to have seen the Gallaghers standing there slack-jawed and ashen-faced as they witnessed this phenomenal display of power and plain good old fashioned musicianship. That would have been worth the price of the ticket alone :-)
paul, Reading, UK
I'm tired of hearing that opera is elitist. With the kind of ticket prices for a Led Zep concert, opera is a bargain. Let's dispel the myths about classical music not being for the masses -- it's rock that's for the rich!
That having been said, I would go on to add that though I wasn't there last night, I can imagine that Led Zep would have far outshone virtually any band today, since they can actually play their instruments and sing.
Howard Fredrics, Hampton Wick, United Kingdom
Gary,
Em dont know if you realised this but the world isn't fair. I work in the City probably over paid by your standards, was at the concert loved it, have loved LZ all my adult life. Why exactly should you have been there rather than me?
Bob, London, England
Well said Gary Pritchard. I feel exactly the same. That the pointless Naomi Campbell got a ticket when she had probably has never heard of LZ and could only complain she'd been "mugged" of her mobile (when she'd probably thrown it at her maid) makes me sick...
P Williams, London,
I agree with other comments about the number of so called celebs at the Gig. Where did they get their tickets from? Perhaps the mighty Zep will accomodate some of their real fans with a tour.
Jo Jacobs, Chelmsford, UK
Simply the best gig I'v eever been too - perfectly presented to the fans (minus most celebrities of course as I'm sure they were only there to be in the papers rather than being a true fan!). I was close to tears when the band came on stage - I was born when the band played Knebworth, therefore I thought I would never ever get to see them perform live ever in my lifetime, but last night proved me wrong! I've never been to a gig and felt it was fantastic and refused to leave the venue. I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to get a ticket (not through the lottery route, which I thought was pretty harsh to dia hard fans!). I also partly agree with Gary Pritchard that from what I saw last night, there may be some truth in his comments about ticket allocations! I doubt majority of the corporate attendees or most celebs know more than 1 of Led Zepp songs - they were only there to raise their profile! I'm in the video by the way (enjoy!)
Syirin, London,
Congrats to Pete Paphidis on a great review which just made me sick to my stomach that I never managed to acquire a ticket for what would have been the gig to top all gigs. But I have to offer a rebuke to Richard Bainsfair, London, who wrote earlier
"Seeing as how there are no power chords in Black Dog, perhaps the Times should employ a music reviewer that knows something about music? "
Well I'm almost frightened to say Richard that if you listen to the part in which Plant wails "Hey, baby, oh, baby, pretty baby, Tell me won't you you do me now?" I can hear four of the crunchiest, ballsiest power chords in rock being hammered out...hmm, you're welcome to revisit the original if you can, it's the opening track of Led Zeppelin IV (untitled). Apologies to everyone else for that anorak moment..
Marcus Dubois, London , UK
To quote The Beatles "Please, Please Me" and come to Seattle, WA. I have not had the pleasure to say that I have been to a Led Zeppelin concert and I would like to experience one.
I want rappers, hip-hoppers, pop tarts/soft porn performers (i.e., Madonna, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears et. al.) to pay attention to this proclamation: THIS IS HOW MUSIC IS DONE. They paid their dues, learned how to master their instruments, learned how to write music/lyric, and researched the various music styles that has and will influence them. Most importantly, they have CLASS and STYLE. Rappers and hip-hoppers are lazy and rappers are extremely barbaric and are national disgrace to the USA.
Led Zeppelin is timeless and ageless. When Robert Plant sings "let me take you there (from "Kashmir")", I want to go.
I envy my English side of my family, they get to see everything great and fantastic.
Donna A. Reuter, Bremerton, WA, USA
As the band have said, thanks to the late great
AHMET ERTEGUN!
The world of Rock owes you one...
A Fan, London, United Kingdom
I saw Led Zeppelin at Western Springs in Auckland in 1972. That concert and the Little Feat concert in Wellington with Lowell George a couple of years later are imprinted on my mind - in more ways than one!. Now if I could just see Pink Floyd live I'd die a happy woman. Bring on a Led Zep world tour, but pace yourselves boys.
Heather, Wellington, NZ
Though not quite possessing the raw talent of his father, (neither has anybody else), Jason Bonham is an exceptionally gifted drummer that knows Zep's music inside and out ,and clearly did his homework. When your father happens to be the greatest rock drummer that ever lived, who happened to play in the greatest rock band of all time, and you choose drumming as a profession, there are going to be certain expectations. He made his father proud last night and I'm sure Bonzo is smiling in heaven. Rolling Stone has never liked the fact that Led Zeppelin surpass both The Beatles and The Stones in terms of popularity and influence and continue to consistently out poll both as rock's greatest band. Long live the brilliant music of the mighty Led Zeppelin.
bobby, Shreveport, USA Louisiana
Imagine that, the greatest rock band of all time with the greatest guitarist of all time (Jeff Beck) opening for them. Magnificent!
Nigel Davies, Manchester, England
About 4 years ago I recognised Jimmy Page browsing in a TV Shop in Windsor. He was looking just like any other older guy in the store in his barbour checking out the Plasmas.This guy was my hero all those years ago and look at him there he is buying a tele on a saturday just like the rest of us at some time. It was a little sad to see this guy unreconised by everyone else. I said to an assistant "do you know who that guy is in the barbour" he had not a clue even when i told him his name. "Thats Robert Plant ,one of the best guitarists on the Planet who was in a band called Led Zeppelin" Never heard of them "said the assistant.
Well you have now young man. What a joy to read the reviews today. They really are back if they want it.
Adrian Paul, Ascot, England
I would regard myself as a true Zep fan having got their first album at the age of 13 and bought everything they have ever produced since, more than once having replaced my vinyl copies with CD and the DVD. I saw them 5 times over 10 years culminating in the 2nd Knebworth gig. It was really difficult last night not to be part of it having tried and failed to get tickets via the ballot. It has been made harder having seen the playlist and ther reviews today. I agree with other fans who have seen some of the "famous" people were able to attend last night and it is very difficult for real fans to swallow that, seeing people there who have not supported the band over many years and some of whom would know little about them. I only hope that the band will see the reaction last night and read these kind of comments and feel they should tour and give all their fans a chance to see them again. Now aged 51 I would just love to see them one more time. Come on lads give us all a chance.
Dave Jacobs, Chelmsford,
Apparently the success of last night has led to them considering a Glastonbury headline slot on the Saturday night.
Christopher, Cardiff,
Yeah, sure- overhyped has-beens as so many of you unqulaified music critics like to say. Can you give me something that has come out in the last decade and imprinted itself in your life, given it a pulse and made you change direction minutely? No. Thats because in an age of consumer power and adversity, buying an album is no different that buying a can of pop. You have no idea. Please keep your pathetic opinions to yourselves and keep digesting your pop quiety because quite frankly, no body over the age of 15 cares.
jason, london,
I reckon, such was the hype, that the old troopers could have come on and given a concert of farting feedbacks...and people would still have said it was the greatest concert ever.
or is it me?
bobnessuk, London, England
Zeps first two albums changed the World, they influenced every rock band ever since. Despite many good imitations they are the original and the best. I never thought that when i saw them in the early 70's, that they would be playing in 2007!!
What Is and What Should Never Be!! Come on guys, giz a tour for the old and the young, who, like me, are so desperate to see what you do better than anyone else.
GregW, Trentham Gardens!,
Back at the top. Back where they left off. No secret warm up gigs. Straight on to the biggest arena in the world - the whole watching planet. Four brilliant performers delivering Jimmy Page's vision: "this is how it is done." The others came to watch - U2, Oasis, Queen, Def Leppard. All disciples. The best band in the world? No question.
julian moseley, London, UK
To Boof, Australia, I hope your wish comes true as your comments brightened my day.
To Jack Mosely, NY, I hope your day improves but I think thats a job for Santa and all his little helpers!
Top band. Top reunuion.
Terry, Radstock, England
Please, please, please let them do a tour!!!! I was one of the millions who tried to get tickets but failed. I grew up with Led Zep and they are still my favourite band of all time. I would so love to see them live!!!!!
Naomi Smith, Tonbridge, Kent
I didn't make the lottery cut and couldn't go but a friend did and loved it! As for the jibes from the cynics, well, it's easy enough to be critical about performers that are past their prime. In this case, Page, Plant, Paul-Jones and Bonham minor have a long, long way to fall backwards before meeting any band on the way up. I've seen Page and Plant before and even if the voice isn't what it was, the strength of their back catalogue, their performance and energy and their sheer musicality should act as beacons for lacklustre modern acts. By the way, they could have easily played another 2 hours of purely folk songs, so anyone labelling them a 'heavy metal' outfit has missed the point. For those of you not there, Zeppelin defined an era in music and touring and inspired so many others too!All in all, I'm hopeful of a world tour and, if it happens, don't forget Spain guys!!!
Kostakis, Bilbao, Spain
Would've loved to see them... but since they didn't play "When The Levee Breaks" I feel slightly better
Ziad Al-Duaij, Kuwait City, Kuwait
I thought it was going to be good...but I had no idea it would be that good. If they don't tour with something this special then it's a crime against humanity. Utterly, utterly awesome. PS The enormity of the occasion didn't really dawn on me until I saw the legend "Zoso" on Jimmy's Marshall stack while the stage was being prepared.
Tim Evans, London, UK
God I wish I'd been there. Can only hope they do some more dates. At least they didn't play 'bring it on home' or 'when the levee breaks', it would have only upset me more.
Steve Biggins, Metfield,
I was there, and have to say that not giving it the full five stars seems pretty churlish. They were better than I expected. Believe me, there were plenty of proper Zep fans there last night, and they all had a blast
Andrew, UK,
Top ten should definitely have included 'Dazed and Confused', maybe Pete Paphides is a little dazed himself from all the fun!
F. McAndrew, Saignon, france
Hey, if they were half as good last night, as they were in 1969 (?) at the Mayfair Ballroom Newcastle upon Tyne (I think billed as "The New Yardbirds") then you will have had an unforgettable experience. Defying the oft-quoted phrase, I *was* there in the 60's and I *do* remember it!
braychurchmouse, Maidenhead, UK
I sincerely would like to have been there. It is a unique opportunity. Did they not come to Brazil and give us a little chance to enjoy a concert of the greatest band in the world?
Pedro Jr., Joinville, Sta. Catarina - Brazil
Well, i was there and proudly wearing my Led Zepp T-Shirt on the plane while flying back to Munich this morning. I couldnt tell people how the show was , i didnt find the right words. I saw almost every big gig over the last 30 years but never saw Led Zepp live. Thats it , there is nothing better in Rock music. I stayed in a Hostel in Greenwich, packed with fans from all over the world,i didnt stay in a Hostel since 25 years it was like a flash back in time it was great. I was lucky to got a ticket in the draw , most people i spoke to bought theres second hand and payed huge amounts. Considering the rescheduling of the Show and the subsequently rescheduling from visitors from 50 countries, i figured the ticket price was probably 5-10 % off total cost for most of the crowd.
By the way i gave up on my second ticket, since i couldnt find someone to accompany me within a few hours, before the ticket order deadline kicked in. I didnt sell it on eBay and made another fan happy.
Roland E. Wolff, Munich, Germany
It was an incredible performance, Something i will remember for the rest of my life. To have the honour of seeing Led Zeppelin, as a 19 year old was more than a dream come true for me!
Natasha Soames, Tunbridge wells, England
This setlist is incorrect -- they played 'Custard Pie' between 'Trampled' and 'Nobody's Fault.'
I'm just sayin...
.cameron
jimb, london, scotland
I have been a Zep-head for almost 30 years and it is clearer to me now that todays so-called rockers are not even qualified to hold Robert Plant's mic-stand.
Harry M, Victoria,B.C, Canada
I wished I too had been one of the lucky ones to have got a ticket in the ballot to see them last night. I entered every competition I could find as well for a ticket! I, like many thousands, have loved and supported this band since the early 70s when I was just a kid, and loved what they have done since Bonzo died. I know it was to raise funds, but I was absolutely gutted to see models like Naomi Campbell get a ticket - that really hurt, as it must have done for so many other fans I am sure.
I am so pleased, however, to hear that the band really enjoyed themselves and played so brilliantly. An amazing tribute to Ahmed Ertugun and his wife, and the memory of John Bonham.
I hope that they have the confidence and trust to play again and give the rest of us near life-long fans another chance to see them (without having to compete for fewer tickets because of models and rich kids).
They were and are still utterly outstanding and there was and is no other band to match them.
Charlotte, Bury St, Edmunds, Suffolk
Sensational journalism!
"Page dispensed powerchords like an aged Thor".
Seeing as how there are no power chords in Black Dog, perhaps the Times should employ a music reviewer that knows something about music?
Is that really asking too much?
Richard Bainsfair, London,
31 years a fan, and it was worth the wait. It was the greatest gig I have ever been to and I must have seen 200+ bands. Jason Bonham was just awesome. His father would have been immensely proud. Pagey nailed it, never missing a note. JPJ looked so relaxed, effortlessly providing the 'glue' keeping each song driving along, locked tightly with Jason. As for Robert, well just about the most iconic frontman you would ever want in a rock band. What a voice, what style. The Immigrant Song was sorely missed, but just imagine the almost impossible task of choosing the set list. What they eventually played was perfect, as was the running order. Well done Gents, bring on the world tour!
John Dorling, Guildford, UK
I was at knebworth in 79 - but last night they just blew us away. They were tighter than a gnats chuff. I was standing just in front of all the celebs on the right of the stage and it was fantastic to see their faces - witnessing a rock masterclass.
Best gig of my life....... bar none
Julian , Suffolk,
I was there - it was stunning. Excellent sound ,staging and set list. They are not of the same species as other groups.
Now I'm gonna have a go at the freeloaders!
Lazy "critics" on free passes and Z list "look at me" cretins in limos. Learn to queue up and show some respect!
Why do lazy journalists have to resort to tired Spinal Tap cliches and sick comments about another human being's death - who brought more pleasure to the world than an army of freeloading"Journalists ever will" - grow up. Is this tabloid rubbish what the Times now stands for?
Who cares if they're 180+? . Talentless yobs like Gallagher are half their age with no talent - so what's your point?
And what's wrong with middle aged men eh? - I can't help when I was born - does it make me socially unacceptable?
Your review is pitiful and bears all the hallmarks of what is dragging this country down - snide laziness aimed at something we should all be thankful for!
G Matthews, Dartford, UK
Have to agree with the guy way the hell up there who commented on the 'celebrities' (haha) who were at the gig last night.....I was gutted not to be there, being a lifelong Zep Fan and having been lucky enough to see both the 'Knebworth' performances.....
I have no gripe with the promoters 'lottery' for tickets and measures to keep the touts away...but to see the likes of the Gallaghers and that waste of good skin Moss, swanning in while we 'mere mortals' were unlucky left a nasty taste.
How did they (and the other 'boxed' rich kids) obtain tickets - we were told in no uncertain terms NOT to obtain them from ebay and the like and that tickets were ONLY available via the lottery.
The only plus side is that I can imagine the Gallaghers faces as they were confronted by the magnificence of the Zep and perhaps now understand their own insignificance.
Chris Martin-Gathern, Pltmouth, UK
"all these years of nothing decent from any of these has beens" Have you been living under a stone Jack Mosely? Plant's recent work with Alison Krauss and his own band The Strange Sensation has been sublime, Page and Plant lived up to the legend with their Unledded album and tour a decade ago and Jones has produced some critically acclaimed albums as well.
I was weeping hot tears of envy when I read the reviews and saw the set list this morning.
Ian Blackwell, Huntingdon, UK
I have seen a lot of bands and reunions but what I saw last night blew me away. You understood why Led Zepp was and shall remain the gods of rock. Their power would put most modern rockers to shame. Very, Very good tight set....
Kaushik Banerjee, London,
I would have loved to have been at the gig last night. And therein lays my problem. As a fan since the '70's I find it disappointing that this one off gig was promoted as a lottery for the tickets (fair enough) but then when you look at the news footage you see dozens of celebrities turning up. How come they were guaranteed a ticket? The boxes were full of city boys paying 20k a box while the stalls were full of famous faces. I brought my first hifi aged 12 and the first album I played in it was Led Zep 1. My best man played Stairway in the car on the way to the church. There are loads of people like me who grew up with Zep in the 70's and 80's. Surely the band cannot have made all this effort to play to a few lucky ticket winners, a bunch of celebs and boxes full of overpaid city boys. Surely now they have gone down a storm, presumably got a kick out of it and grown in confidence they will take this show on the road so the thousands of ordinary fans can get a taste of the action?
Gary Pritchard, Finchampstead, UK
Yeah Mark, too many kids around like Paphides who are part now of a pop "industry". Then, it was just first time around musical discovery. Now, pop inspects itself and recreates. I must say, I'm surprised there's such a fuss made about the revival of another old rock band - Plant's been touring ever since with similar and the same material, and you can see bands covering this stuff brilliantly, everywhere.so it's hardly a musical revelation. But it is a another celebrity photo op, which is all pop culture is about now.
John Stitch, London,
Deep Purple's reputation was gradually tarnished after they reformed back in the eighties and I'm sure, that eventually, Led Zep's would be too if they reformed. I would love to see Zeppelin in concert, but I'm sure Robert Plant is right. What's more, no one seems to give him much credit for refusing a long term reformation, but John Bonham was his friend and bandmate and I respect him more for his respect for that. Sure it's a shame that Zeppelin aren't still conquering the world, but it's good to see an artist that has integrity, both artistic and personal. Well done, Mr Plant. (Surely a knighthood is overdue!)
M Taylor, Canterbury,
Gutted I wasn't there.
I have nothing more to say :(
Phill Barlow, The Wirral, England
Leave the cynics to their scorn.
Those of us who grew up listening to Led Zep, joined the masses at Knebworth and mourned the untimely death of Bonzo were simply blown away last night.
A one-off? Who yet knows? But I'm a happy man.
Mark, Cambridge, UK
come off it... John Paul Jones only gets mentioned for the bit he did on harpsichord??? the entire sound of Led Zepp is based off his bass playing... if you take the bass away, the end result is dead... nothing is happening...
paulc, gloucester,
They give me hope of possibly seeing them. making me feel like a teenager again of the 70's. I never really had the chance to see them back then but, things would be different now if they went on tour. I would do what ever it took to get to them. I have been to ALOT of concerts. But this would be the crown jewel of them. They were allway my favorit Band, Right next to The Beatles.
Tom Gomes, Rochester, New York
This was way over hyped and after all these years of nothing decent from any of these has beens, let's seem them go back into retirement for 30 more years. Just like the Spice Girls. Just goes to show, the public will go anywhere, see anybody.
Jack Mosely, Marytown, NY
Dear Santa,
All i want for Christmas this year is tickets to a Led Zepplin reunion concert in Sydney or Melbourne. If it can be done, I will give back everything I have ever recieved and never to ask for anything again
Boof, Albury, Australia
If the concert was filmed I really hope it is released as a DVD. It would be educational for aspiring musicians to witness one of the best bands of the seventies performing on stage. It would hopefully make them realize that perhaps they aren't as good as they think - and that, yes, their parents were correct when they say music just isn't what it used to be! Unfortunately releasing a DVD of the concert would not be good for the environment - think of all those DVD players that would be worn out!
peterj, malvern, worcs
In honor of this band from Florida....it felt for me like my dire need of water from a well that was 5000 miles away tonight, did quench my thirst upon reading they are finally back.
Michael, Orlando, USA/Florida
I was one of the very lucky few who managed to attend the best gig of the decade. Having been born the same year the band played their last gig (many many years ago) I can now understand the hype and passion that my father and his generation attributed to this band, and after last night I too can now call Led Zeppelin the greatest band on the planet today!
Patrick Moore, London, England
It's so wonderful to hear that these musicians, in spite of their own legend,in spite of the caustic realities of age, and obvious loss, that Page, Plant Jones and even young Bonham, can conjure up the magic of these songs. I know bands half their age, that can't say that. Mabe Neil Young was right after all, "rock n' roll will never die".
Robert Kulanda, Chicago, USA, Illinois
Great review. I want Led Zeppelin to tour and I want Jeff Beck, the world's greatest guitarist, to be the opening act !!
Brien Comerford, Glenview, United States