Led Zepp-again?
So word has it that the mighty Zepp is set to tour again! One small problem, or at the very least some assured controversy: minus iconic frontman Robert Plant.
I spent some time yesterday reading a few blog posts, but focused mostly on the voluminous fan commentary. The overwhelming consensus was NEGATIVE, but for different reasons. Many accused Jimmy Page of “selling out” whilst others accused Robert Plant of being “callous”… as if rejoining was obligatory? Amazing… Many aficionados argued that Led Zeppelin died with John Bonham (1980), or that Robert Plant was no longer capable of delivering the demanding vocal range. Of course, many pointed out the less than stellar prior Zeppelin reunions, even calling into question Plant’s performance at the 2007 London 02 tribute concert for Atlantic Records Chairman Ahmet Ertegün.
First, I must acknowledge that experiencing Led Zeppelin “live” was way up there on my bucket list because I was too young to see them in their prime. When the London 02 concert was announced, I knew I was going to attend, regardless of cost – and I did! I figured the likelihood of an immediate follow-up tour was fairly low, and that a lot could happen during ensuing years including looming senior citizen status for a few of the gents. Today, my decision to attend continues to appear more like an investment than an expenditure!
By all accounts, the London 02 show was a brilliant performance, but I can tell you first hand that it was an even more powerful experience. As for Robert Plant singing out of key… rubbish. Not only is pitch correctable with technology – employed by nearly all live artists – but the acoustics in that size of auditorium makes it indiscernible to human ears.
Live performance creates a unique experience – it is a real-time interaction between the band and its audience. For Zeppelin, the persona and presence of Robert Plant is an immutable part of the equation – the song remains the same, but the experience does not. Fact is everyone is entitled to their opinion on this, but speaking for myself, I had the same reaction with the Paul Rodgers/Queen team-up… Sure, they played Queen’s music, but it wasn’t Queen without Freddie. And it’s not just limited to rock bands: talk to anyone who experienced The Phantom of the Opera with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman.
For whatever reason, it appears Robert Plant will not be a part of a Led Zeppelin reunion tour, and I would encourage people to give him some benefit of doubt on this one. Perhaps he shares the opinion of world renowned marketing guru, Seth Godin: “Be Exceptional or Quit“… Whatever his reason, I not only admire his resolve, but also respect it.
That said, I really really hope the London O2 show eventually gets pressed into a DVD! It was an amazing EXPERIENCE, and oh yeah, the music was pretty f*cking good too!
August 7th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Well you are a lucky man having got to the O2 Led Zep gig – money well spent. I was interested to note, in the few vids I watched, that they seemed to have played down a tone from the original pitch of the songs.
They have been my all-time favourite band and unlike you I was old enough to see them live in their heyday when they visited Perth Western Australia in January 1971. Sensational!
August 7th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Thanks, but in truth, you are luckier having had the chance to see them in their “prime”! I agree with your observation of having played down a tone from the original pitch of the songs. I kind of suspected this on a few tunes during the show, but after I watched the videos, it was fairly evident. But alas, I think many veteran groups do that… at least they weren’t “faking it” right? Thanks for stopping by, Robin, and bringing me back to a one of my very best musical moments!!
All the best,
Adrian
October 7th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I had the pleasure of seeing LZ on their SF tour prior to Robert’s son passing. Incredible life time memory. There is only one guitarist that has influenced me so profoundly. If you ever have an opportunity to see them together, even on their worst day, you won’t be disappointed.
Keep in mind that to see them live is different than listening to their albums. Don’t go with the expectation that you’ll here them play the album exactly note for note. They are artists, virtuoso’s, and creative individuals. Playing their songs whithout deviation day in day out would get incredibly boring. Enjoy the fact they are being spontaneous and having fun.
Watching Jimmy play ‘whole lotta love’ at the Summer Olympics and seeing the movie ‘It Might Get Loud”, you can see Jimmy’s love and desire to rock out has never wained.
Enjoy Life and Rock On
Londog
October 8th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Londog, thank you for the taking the time to post your LZ commentary! These are always beyond welcome as it brings me right back to what will indeed be a lifetime memory for me as well. I completely agree with what you said: Zeppelin live is an experience unique to its own; something that cannot be approximated by listening to their albums. Even the sound… the live sound that they produce is beyond comparison. I also agree that they improvise and that’s part of the fun. As I write this, I sit back and wonder whether that O2 London event will indeed be their last… bittersweet if so because on one hand, it justifies what I expended to attend, but on the other hand, I’m sorry that the experience was limited a handful of fortunate souls…
Enjoy and Rock on right back at cha! Adrian
October 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Why wont they release the reunion on DVD? Just doesnt make any sense. Were they not happy with their performance?
October 21st, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Honestly, I believe they eventually will. The concert was definitely filmed… I counted at least 5 cameras… As so far as the performance, I’d like to think they were very happy – you’d be hard pressed to Google a review that said otherwise… From having been there, I can easily say it was the most powerful live (rock) performance I’ve ever experienced!
December 24th, 2009 at 2:06 am
Simply want to say your article is astounding. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i can take for granted you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your rss feed to keep up to date with future post. Thanks a million and please keep up the fabulous work