I did my best to keep my excitement about this event subdued because it didn’t feel right setting too many expectations. Consider: It could have been a limited set as the accompanying artists were anything but trivial… and Led Zeppelin’s previous cameos since breaking up were, in Mr. Plant’s words, atrocious. Such was my contemplation as I sat in a British queue in bloody cold weather to pick-up my ticket the evening prior (the security around this event is a story in and of itself). But alas, the O2 is in LONDON so liquid therapy was available to combat the elements. Fast forward to the gig…

My intrepidation was furthered in the opening seconds of “Good Times Bad Times”. As you may have read, microphone feedback plagued Robert Plant as he assumed the position, and the band honestly appeared a little dazed and confused… BUT about a minute into the opening number, this incredible energy took over like afterburners on a jet… no joke. The body language changed, the mix was dialed in, and they didn’t stop to refuel for two of the most unforgettable hours I’ve ever experienced.

Honestly, I can’t bring myself to write a detailed “play by play” as many of you have requested because I now realize that, for me, Monday night was about an opportunity to release emotions I’ve harbored for way too many years (waiting for THIS to FINALLY happen). I also believe that’s what it was about for the band as well… coming full circle.

Beyond virtuosic musicianship, Led Zeppelin conveyed tremendous humility and moving expression throughout their performance… They not only played for the audience, but for one another; and of course, Ahmet. Most touching of all was the emotion expressed to and from Jason Bonham – nuf said.

For those still insistent on the details, here’s the BBCs take:

And, here’s the most accurate review I’ve read thus far (and I think the musicians amongst you will appreciate the overtones)

Rolling Stone Review

To top things off, my concert mate and newly made friend, Matteo and I were extended an invitation to the “after party” through a strange but welcomed twist of events. And this was a proper party! We took advantage of the open bar and food until 4A? What I know is that the sun was rising by the time I stumbled back into my hotel, and a 24-hr “recovery period” was required before attempting to put this together…

My final answer? The most riveting, energizing, and moving (rock) concert I’ve ever experienced.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 11:31 pm and is filed under Concerts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.