At a press conference in London today, it was announced that Oxford University has been given one its biggest ever donation after £26million was handed over to create scholarships for humanities students. The donation, made by Mica Ertegun, widow of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, is understood to be one of the largest in Oxford’s 900-year history.
It will be used to set up the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities.
Ahmet Ertegun died in 2006 and the next year Led Zeppelin reformed to play the now famous …

The  TBL archive celebration of the release of Physical Graffiti continues with two reviews of the album from the time of its original release 37 years ago. Firstly the view from America’s Creem magazine – followed by words of wisdom from the UK’s Zig Zag mag.
Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti (Swan Song)
Jaan Uhelszki, Creem, 1975
ROCK’S BIGGEST bruisers, Led Zeppelin, have got another album. In rock chronology this is an Event, since the defending champions of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll draw have released only six albums in the past seven years. …

Robert Plant and his new band the Sensational Space Shifters will make their live debut as headliners of this year’s Womad, as the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. The group comprising the former Led Zeppelin frontman, members of his former backing band Strange Sensation and regular collaborator Justin Adams say they draw inspiration “from the roots music of Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton”.
The first Womad – an acronymn for World of Music, Arts and Dance – was conceived by Genesis singer Peter Gabriel, and took place …

37 years ago today February 24th 1975 Led Zeppelin’s sixth album Physical Graffiti was unleashed on an eagerly awaiting Zep public. This 15 track double album stands for many as their premier recorded statement. Over three decades on, it remains the perfect one stop summary of every ingredient that makes Led Zeppelin THE outstanding rock band of yesterday… of today and tomorrow…
I vividly remember the pure excitement of investing in the new Led Zeppelin album that day 37 years ago. Feasting my eyes on that incredible sleeve, and the first …

John Paul Jones joined the Floating Palace last night in the company of Robyn Hitchock, KT Tunstall,Eliza Carthy, Krystle Warren and more – Gary Foy files this exclusive on the spot report for TBL:
Warwick Arts Centre is shrouded in show and a cold biting air this evening but inside the futuristic University campus that  in previous years I have visited to be entertained by the likes of Robert Plant (twice), Twinarian and Justin Adams, a warm glow radiates from within the Butterworth Hall thanks to Robyn Hitchcock and his Floating Palace.
The Floating Palace is …

John Paul Jones will be performing with Robyn Hitchcock and friends on February 12 at Warwick Arts Centre.
This evening of musical delight will features  Robyn Hitchcock, Krystle Warren, KT Tunstall, Eliza Carthy, John Paul Jones and Howe Gelb.
Curated by renowned English eccentric Robyn Hitchcock, The Floating Palace is an intimate evening of free-wheeling musical collaboration.
It’s a simple concept: musicians admire each other, are a little envious of each other, and given the chance, like to play with each other. But normally they only get the chance to do this in the …

John Paul Jones will be performing at the Kettle’s Yard Gallery in Cambridge on Sunday May 20th in a special presentation as a part of the Kettle Yard Gallery 2012 New Music season of concerts.
The programme John Paul Jones John A Composer Portrait will feature a series of his works alongside an informal interview with composer Stephen Montague and accompaniment from the Cambridge New Ensemble . This is part of the Sunday coffee concerts at Kettles Yard Gallery and commences at 12 noon.
For further details  visit http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/newmusic
John Paul Jones photo …

Gibson Guitars is hosting a masterclass with legendary rock photographer Neal Preston as part of the ‘Gibson Through The Lens’ exhibition at London’s British Music Experience on Janaury 29th. Neal enjoyed major access during Led Zeppelin’s 1975 and 1977 US tours. The masterclass will run 4PM to 6PM and entry is free. During the session Neal will talk about his experiences shooting the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen, Bruce Springsteen and Marc Bolan.
To gain entry to the masterclass, all you have to do is email events@britishmusicexperience.com with your …

The This Day In Led Zeppelin App which was launched last year, has recently been updated. The additional content includes more quiz and trivia items, new images and more On This Day info. The app for iPhone and iPad users is produced by the team behind the This Day In Music website and book of the same name. They have similar apps for Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan.
In an exclusive TBL website competition, we have ten free codes up for grabs that will provide access to the This Day In …

Since writing this post on Thursday, sadly our friend Alan Johnston died on Friday morning. Our sincere condolences to Emily and all the family. (DL/Janet)
It’s amazing to think that there was a time back in the day that the only way of hearing Led Zeppelin’s music was via the ten original albums – ie the eight original studio albums, The Song Remains The Same soundtrack and the posthumous collection Coda.
There were no greatest hits albums, no Early Days & Latter Days, no BBC sessions, no 1972 live album, Song Remains …