28 years ago this month, I was a man on a mission.
I needed to know just what the state of play was inside Led Zeppelin.
The past few months for all Zep fans had been an unsettling time. After Robert’s tragedy and the silence that followed, there was still more than an air of doubt as to how they would face the future. There had been some recent positive signs – notably the band get together at Clearwell Castle in the May and sightings of Robert on stage with …

Apologies for the lack of diary entry but it’s been hectic here.
Still coming down from what was a truly incredible week of celebrations for my 50th birthday last month. It all started on the Friday with a pub meet reunion of my former soccer team mates The Wallbangers FC (legendary in the late 70’s in this area believe me!). The Saturday was a fantastic meal over at our local The White Horse with close friends – including a reunion of three of the Earls Court Bedford vets: Tom Locke,Phil Harris …

Bit of an unsettling last few weeks what with Jimmy’s decision to pull out of the Clapham Festival – and the very sad news about Paul Kelvie, Arthur Lee and Syd Barrett.
The Lewis clan have had a bit of a break though no holiday away this year – matters such a new kitchen to be installed in the autumn etc have taken precedent. Work on Tight But Loose 17 has been somewhat restricted due to a heavy day job schedule/hols etc and there’s a way to go there which I’ll …

Cornbury Festival Oxfordshire, Saturday July 8 2006
To Cornbury in deepest Oxfordshire. The last time I saw Robert at an open air gig was back in ’98 at Reading with Jimmy. I was keen to attend this one and after moving heaven and earth to fit it all in, it was a relief to be finally on the bus early on Saturday morning bound for my first Plant live experience of the year.
Looking back, the three gigs I’d attended last December had been smash and grab affairs as I rushed to …

Somerset House London, Monday July 10 2006
A damp and rainy Monday night in the capital. You never can trust the English weather.
Like buses it’s been no gigs for six months then two come along. This open air presentation in the stately surroundings of Somerset House offered the ideal opportunity to see Robert in London away from the usual haunts.
On the social side it was good to link up with Mr Linwood,Dave Fox,Rudi,Krys Jantzen,Mick Bulow and Billy and Alison Fletcher (apologies for missing you Terry and Kam but duty called!)
In front …

SATURDAY MAY 17 1975
Ticket: Gallery Block 72 Row L Seat 34

The first night – met then girlfriend Fiona in London for the long long awaited return. When the stage burst into action following Bob Harris’s intro just after 8pm well it was the moment my life switched into colour after the previous 18 years had been viewed in grainy black and white!
We had a good view high up to the right looking down towards Robert’s side. They were a little nervous and it was evident Jimmy was having lead …