Latest news on the book Portraits of Robert Plant – Through The Eighties (Rufus Publishing):

We had a very successful launch of the book at the London Victoria Fair last Saturday (see more below). Initial feedback has been excellent with some great comments. Here’s a promo interview I have conducted with Mike Tremaglio explaining  how the book came together and my thoughts on Robert Plant’s career during the Eighties…

Dave Lewis on the editing and compiling of Portraits of Robert Plant Through the Eighties…

In an interview with the renowned Zep researcher and co-author of the Evenings With Led Zeppelin book Mike Tremaglio, Dave Lewis discusses the editing and compiling of Portraits of Robert Plant Through the Eighties for Rufus Publishing.

Mike Tremaglio:  So how did the idea for this Robert Plant photo book emerge?

Dave Lewis: Mark Smith – the main man at Rufus Publishing – got in touch with me last Autumn. I’ve worked with Mark on various publications, such as the Five Glorious Nights Led Zeppelin at Earls Court book. He explained he was producing a series of photos books under the Rufus Portraits imprint. These were compact small size editions presenting black and white photos on high quality paper and pitched as a standard edition price of around £60. The Portraits catalogue was steadily building up with titles by Rory Gallagher, Rush, Dio, Status Quo, Iron Maiden already out. Mark said he was eyeing a Robert Plant book in the series as a potential future title and asked what I thought. As there had not been a specific Robert Plant photo book I was interested to see what Mark had in the way of photos.

MT: What sources have the photos been drawn from?

DL: Mark initially sent me over some contact sheets and this is where the idea really developed. Mark had sourced a number of 1980s era photos shot both onstage and off. A lot of them were from the archive of the late George Bodner’s archive. Many of these photos were previously unseen. So I knew there would be scope to produce something really worthwhile. With Mark busy on other Rufus titles the project went on the backburner for a few months. In early April of this year, Mark was very keen to get moving with it and I came back on board. It’s been pretty non-stop since then.

MT: Why have you concentrated on Robert’s career in the eighties?

DL: It was evident Mark had collated a lot of photos from The Principle of Moments tour in 1983 and the Non Stop Go tour in 1988. It was agreed we should concentrate on this era. Robert Plant’s career covered a lot of ground during that decade and with more digging deep in the agency archives and my own collection, we had over 200 images at our disposal covering the years 1981 to 1989. I have seen a lot of Plant photos but a good 85% of what we had collated were rarely seen or previously unpublished.

MT: So how did you go about putting the photos into some sort of clear context?

DL: I worked closely with Mark’s excellent designer at Rufus Publishing, Jamie Wallis. He created an initial rough layout and sequence. I then got to work on the painstaking task of putting it all into a chronological order. This was a similar approach to how I formatted the Five Glorious Nights Led Zeppelin at Earls Court book.

We split the photos into chapters as follows: Pictures at Eleven 1981 to 1982; The Principle of Moments 1983; Shaken’ N ‘Stirred 1984; and Now And Zen 1986 – 1989.  I spent many an hour identifying the photo locations and adapting a logical sequence. In the case of the Live Aid 1985 and Atlantic 1988 Zep reunions I made sure it followed in a set list order. On May 22 I spent a very fruitful day at the Rufus café and offices working side by side with Jamie moving various photos to create an accurate layout and then adding the appropriate captions.

MT: I see you have an introduction by Mark Blake and a personal overview that you have written. How did all that take shape?

DL: Mark Smith approached the renowned rock journalist Mark Blake to supply the introduction. Mark, who I have worked with on various Zep projects, has interviewed Robert many times over the years and was able to offer a clear career perspective that sets the scene. Mark is also the author of the superb Peter Grant biography Bring it on Home. Peter Grant ,Led Zeppelin and Beyond. The Story of Rock’s Greatest Manager.

For my written contribution, I felt the book would benefit from an overview that touched on my personal experiences of following Robert’s career during that decade. So there’s a 6,000 word text that I hope it brings a clear perspective to the various twists and turns Robert’s career underwent from 1981 onwards.  I witnessed a lot of this at close quarters and the caption text is designed to complement the subsequent spread of photos that goes through to page 240.

MT: What do you think the photos tell us about the state of Robert’s career during the 1980s?

DL: For a start, it portrays the total reinvention Robert’s career underwent following the demise of Led Zeppelin. Looking at the photos from the first US tour, it’s incredible to think it was a mere four years on from Zep playing Knebworth. His whole visual persona had massively changed. Gone was the Zep rock god and in its place a more sophisticated and understated image emerged. There were new bandmates and of course new music. I think what is really interesting is how the call of the past still held sway. This is evident in the Jimmy Page guest appearances and of course the Zep reunions at Live Aid and the Atlantic 40th Anniversary show in 1988. That year was very significant; not least the decision to introduce of several Led Zep numbers to his set. Guided by new manager Bill Curbishley, we see the re-emergence of a more confident front man and one at peace with his past. The book is able to portray that change very effectively as the decade moves on.

MT: As you explained, you have written a personal overview relaying your experiences of seeing Robert perform during the era – firstly, did you see many of  The Honeydrippers gigs in 1981?

DL: I attended five shows in May 1981 – Retford, Nottingham, Pontypridd, Sheffield and Bradford. Like a lot of Zep fans, I was very eager to see where Robert would take his career next and it was incredibly thrilling to have such close proximity at these Honeydrippers gigs. He really was going back to his              R & B roots, teaming up with local musicians who felt perfectly at home in such surroundings. It was all a long way from Earls Court and Knebworth. If this was how things were going to be, I was fully on board. One thing that didn’t change was his vocal qualities. Give him a stage and he delivered. There may have been ‘No Led Anything’ as he put it, but there was a whole lotta Robert Plant – it was a joy to see that. The book has some of the photos I took at the side of the stage during The Honeydrippers show at the Sheffield Limit Club on May 26, 1981.

MT: So overall, how many Robert Plant shows did you attend in the 1980s?

DL: A total of 21 shows:

1981: Five Honeydrippers shows;

1982: The Princes Trust guest appearance at the London Dominion Theatre;

1983: The Tube TV recording in Newcastle (June 1983), and on the UK tour at the Newcastle City Hall, both Hammersmith Odeon shows in December and the Oxford Apollo;

1985: Birmingham NEC and Wembley;

1988: Leicester University, Colchester University, London Marquee, Warwick University, Oxford Apollo, London Astoria, Town and Country Club and Hammersmith Odeon in 1988.

MT: How much of a diversion do you think the Live Aid and Atlantic 1988 Zep reunions were to Robert’s 1980s career?

DL: Both occasions I think did distract him somewhat. For all the chaos around the Live Aid apperance, it showed all three of them the esteem they were still held in. The 1988 Atlantic 40th anniversary show should have worked far better, but circumstances were against them (such as the sound issues and going on so late). On both occasions, Robert was on tour with his own band. After Live Aid in early 1986 there was a get together at Peter Gabriel’s Bath studio, but it never really jelled. However, Jimmy’s guest appearances in 1983 and 1988 was a clear indication of the affinity they still had for each other.

MT: Let’s discuss some of the albums – how difficult a third album was Shaken ‘N’ Stirred in your view?

DL: Very difficult at times. By his own admission, he was really pushing the boundaries. On initial listens it did seem all over the place – awkward time signatures, female backing vocal from Toni Halliday. For all that, I really admired him for taking these risks and going away from what might have been expected. I remember playing Too Loud to  anyone who would listen, citing it as an example of how contemporary Plant had become. Shaken ‘N’ Stirred has actually stood the test of time pretty well – Little By Little and the closing track Sixes And Sevens still sound great. The latter is a much underrated performance.

MT: Before that there was the The Honeydrippers Volume One mini album – what did you make of that?

DL: Yes, from one extreme to another. It’s never been dull being a Robert Plant fan! A ten inch record mini album which was so refreshing in its simplicity. Suddenly he’s in heavy rotation on MTV with Sea of Love, a top five US hit.

MT: Of all the twists and turns of his solo career in the Eighties what do you think were the pivotal moments and how are they represented in the book?

DL: I think the book does a very good job in unfolding the story. There’s the initial tentative Honeydrippers 1981 period and onto The Principle of Moments US tour. The various backstage photos are a clear proof that Robert was growing in confidence at being the central focus and how much he was enjoying that role. Then there’s the diversions of Live Aid, Atlantic, and the Non Stop Go tour in 1988 where the hair is getting longer and the rock god look is back. Along the way, various  fellow musicians are caught on camera with him – Jimmy of course, Phil Collins, the Heart sisters, Pete Townshend, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Steven Tyler. Robert worked hard to establish himself again and performed nigh on 250 gigs between 1981 and 1989.

MT: What would you say are the stand out photos in the book?

DL: There’s a lot to choose from – I particularly like the spread of photos taken off stage during The Principle of Moments US tour in 1983. This includes shots taken on the airplane, backstage with Phil Collins, Robbie Blunt and the band. The Live Aid and Atlantic 40th anniversary are great to see. On stage with Jimmy at the two Hammersmith shows, close up photos from the Marquee show in 1988, and crazy poses backstage with Steven Tyler at an Aerosmith show in 1989. It really exposes the sheer fun Robert was having in this new guise.

MT: I know you have compiled a gig listing for the first Appendix – what does the other one contain sections consist of?

DL: As you are very aware Mike, the first one is a complete gig listing of the aforementioned 200 plus gigs he performed. It was a pleasure to call in your expertise on this  in identifying various shows and the end result is as accurate a concert log as we could produce. Readers of the book I am sure will be checking through to see which ones they attended. Mike was a massive help in overseeing the whole book. One of the leading memorabilia and ticket collectors, Cliff Hilliard, was also a great help in supplying the ticket stubs that are re-produced in the book.

The second Appendix is a recommended listening guide to Robert’s 1980s output on LP, single and CD. The book is designed to take every reader back to the music and that’s something that was a joy to do for me as I went through the editing process.

MT: So what is your favourite Robert Plant album from the Eighties period?

DL: I still have much affinity for the Pictures At Eleven debut album. I can vividly recall the first time I played it – it was a real watershed moment as there was no real indication of how this new found solo career was going to evolve. From the first bars of the opening track Burning Down One Side it was evident this new era was going to be quite a ride. I also love the Now And Zen album. The late Phil Johnstone brought a commercial edge to the songwriting that really inspired Robert’s vocal delivery.

MT: What about favourite Robert Plant gigs?

DL: I feel very fortunate to have witnessed many memorable live performances during that first decade of Robert’s solo career. I have to say the thrill of him performing In The Evening at the Leicester University gig on January 23 1988 was something really special. Bringing back Led Zeppelin numbers just never seemed on, so that was a watershed moment and that gig remains one of my all time favourites.  The Honeyddrippers at Retford Porterhouse on May 4, 1981, the Hammersmith Odeon shows in 1983 and 1988 when Jimmy Page guested – particularly the latter one. There was always a feeling of unfinished business between Robert and Jimmy.

They always looked so at home in each other’s company and as we now know that sense of unfinished business did find an outlet with the Unledded reunion in the 1990s. Other memorable gigs that spring to mind: the Princes Trust appearance in 1982, the Marquee media showcase gig in 1988 – I was right at the front for that, and the 1985 Wembley Arena show. Throughout the decade I was also lucky enough to be in Robert’s company backstage and speak to him on a fair few occasion and there’s some special memories there.

MT: It’s a very sad fact that a few of Plant’s bandmates from that era have passed away.

DL: Yes, it really is – Bob Mayo, Richie Hayward, Phil Johnstone, Paul Martinez, long time sound man Roy Williams – this book is dedicated to their memory.

MT: What target market are you aiming for ?

DL: Obviously, long time Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin fans. I think during that 1980s decade a lot of Zep fans kept faith with Robert. The mega gigs of the Zep era were now long gone and being able to see him at low-key venues and theatres provided greater proximity to him and his various bandmates. He was still capable of selling out all sizes of venues; however, taking into account the many direction his career would undertake in the 90s and beyond, gradually there may have been a dropping off of interest but in this 1980s decade there was a definite air of curiosity and affection for what the former singer from Led Zeppelin could achieve on his own.

With that in mind, the book is able to take readers right back to that era with much clarity. How his whole visual image evolved after Zep is captured in sharp focus – so there’s the initial mullet hair styles, the jump suits and then the return of a more golden god stance with bigger hair. As Robert noted with tongue firmly in cheek at a Q and A event in 2020: ”I was chest of the year in 1969, king of cock rock in 1970, and by 1988 I was in ‘Heavy Rotation’ on MTV. I was embarrassed by the 1980s until about 2010!”

Fans who attended Robert’s gigs during the 1980s will feel a  warm sense of nostalgia for an era that provided many captivating live performances. Of course, if you weren’t there this book offers the opportunity to see what it was all about.

MT: Final thoughts?

DL: It’s been an absolute joy editing this Portraits of Robert Plant Through the Eighties book. It’s taken me back to a time where I  spent a lot of my waking hours diligently following his career. I did all this during a decade where I was full on managing the WH Smith and Our Price record shops, courting and marrying the good lady Janet, writing two weekly pop columns for the local papers (which of course chronicled Robert’s gigs and albums). Robert perhaps summed it all up when he stated in 1983 that “It’s still today’s work and tomorrow’s plans that give us all a reason for being – instead of a reason for having been.”

Some 45 years on that is still something of a mission statement.

Since that first decade, Robert Plant has enjoy many twists and turns in a musical journey that has included the 1993 release of his Fate of Nations album; a four year spell back with Jimmy Page that would herald two world tours and the Unledded and Walking Into Clarksdale albums; a back to the roots venture in the quirkily named Priory Of Brion; a merging of ethnic influences and trip hop rhythms in the Strange Sensation; the Grammy Award winning Raising Sand collaboration with Alison Krauss; further Americana excursions in the Band of Joy and on into a merging of a multitude of influences in the Sensational Space Shifters.

More recently he has maintained a dual career, partnering alongside Alison Krauss on the back of a second album Raise The Roof, and what has emerged as one of his most acclaimed projects in presenting Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian.

Along the way, I personally have witnessed over 100 further sightings of Robert Plant on stage.

For all his idiosyncratic traits, being a Robert Plant fan remains a richly rewarding experience. He does everything an artist should do: he enchants, he intrigues, he frustrates, he confuses and above all… he digs deep to inspire and he certainly inspired this writer yet again at the recent trio of March 2024 gigs I saw Saving Grace perform at the London Palladium, Peterborough New Theatre and at the Teenage Cancer Trust final night at the Royal Albert Hall.

The innocent days of the immediate post-Zep era now seems a long way off; the 1980s however, can be viewed as a pivotal decade for the former singer in Led Zeppelin. It was the period when Robert Plant – then in his 30s – took a firm handle on his career. This book is a timely reminder of that era of mullet haircuts, jump suits, 12 inch remixes, indulgent videos, and some truly fantastic live performances. Portraits of Robert Plant Through the Eighties is a snapshot in time and will offer Robert Plant fans a renewed perspective on a decade that truly shaped his solo career.

Dave Lewis – July 2024

The book is available direct from Rufus Publishing.

London Victoria VIP Record Fair last Saturday…

https://www.rufuspublications.com/rufusbooks/plant/

Here’s some pics from a fantastic day…

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A clip of unseen Montreal 1975 footage was released

An eight-minute clip of Led Zeppelin performing in Montreal on February 6, 1975 was posted online by Ikhnaton this week.

The clip is part of a 36-minute video of the concert that filmer Michel Scott has been attempting to sell for $10,000 in recent years. A five-minute snippet of the same film surfaced in 2022.

A separate, 51-minute film of the same concert shot by Jim Kelly, known as “Speedy”, was released online in April.

LedZepFilm released upgraded Knebworth 1979 footage

LedZepFilm has released upgraded footage of Led Zeppelin performing at Knebworth Festival in the UK on August 4, 1979.

The footage was shot by Ron Huban and circulated amongst Led Zeppelin fans for years as one of the only ways to enjoy the first Knebworth performance before the 2003 release of Led Zeppelin’s DVD containing official footage of the concert.

Auction watch

It’s time for another round-up of interesting Led Zeppelin-related items currently up for sale.

First up, there’s an item seemingly from one of John Bonham’s drum kits available at auction. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have prominence from Jeff Ocheltree. Instead, this Omega Auctions lot claims to be a drum skin used by Bonham during Led Zeppelin’s 1975 Earls Court shows.

The drum skin being sold through Omega Auctions (Omega Auctions)

The drum skin has an estimate of £3,000 to £5,000 and had one bid of £2,800 at the time of writing. The auction will end on September 17.

Secondly, a bit of a strange one: A modern chair that might have been in Boleskine House at some point but almost certainly was not in the house when it was owned by Aleister Crowley or Jimmy Page.

Fabrizio Federico is selling this chair, which does seem to match a video taken inside the house before a 2015 fire, and is asking for an absolutely wild sum of £15,000 for it.

Fabrizio has definitely been to Boleskine House, so it’s possible the chair does come from the property, but this is not a piece of antique furniture. We asked the Boleskine House Foundation, which owns the property, about this chair. They were aware of the listing and joined LedZepNews in finding the £15,000 asking price absurd.

Our history of The Starship

We’ve been gradually expanding the LedZepNews article on the history of The Starship, the plane used by Led Zeppelin in 1973 and 1975. Earlier today we added one of the last photographs taken of the plane into the story after we got permission to use the photo by the person who took it.

Earlier this week, we interviewed one of the stewardesses who worked on the plane and served drinks to everyone from Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones. Look out for that interview publishing soon.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant finished touring with Alison Krauss

Robert Plant has now finished his tour with Alison Krauss, ending it with a September 1 performance in Vail, Colorado.

There is currently no indication that Plant and Krauss will tour together again, unlike the end of the tour last year when Plant announced two days after their last performance that they’d tour together again in 2024.

A full audio recording of their August 31 show in Colorado Springs is available on YouTube:

A couple of fans posted backstage photos from the final show on September 1:

LedZepNews was amused to see these intricately decorated cookies created for Plant and Krauss’ August 25 show in Highland, California. They seem to have been commissioned by the venue for Plant and Krauss to enjoy backstage. We wonder how Plant felt about being served multiple biscuits with Jimmy Page’s symbol on them.

Saving Grace announced a May tour of Europe

We now have our first scheduled Robert Plant shows for 2025. He will tour Europe in May with Saving Grace, band members announced this week. We’ve added the tour dates to our schedule of upcoming events below.

Upcoming events:

• September 15 – The exhibition “The Wiltshire Thatcher – a Photographic Journey through Victorian Wessex” featuring the original photograph from the cover of Led Zeppelin’s fourth album will close at Wiltshire Museum.
• September 17 – The auction for a drum skin seemingly used by John Bonham at Earls Court in 1975 will end.
• September 21 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Bewdley, UK.
• October 8 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Bari, Italy.
• October 9 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Naples, Italy.
• October 11 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Rome, Italy.
• October 12 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Florence, Italy.
• October 14 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Bologna, Italy.
• October 15 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Turin, Italy.
• October 17 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Como, Italy.
• October 18 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Bolzano, Italy.
• October 20 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Padua, Italy.
• October 21 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Trieste, Italy.
• October 23 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Brescia, Italy.
• October 25 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace at the Baloise Session music festival in Basel, Switzerland.
• October 27 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Antwerp, Belgium.
• October 29 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Paris, France.
• Late October – “Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love: A People’s History” by Richard Houghton will be published.
• November 5 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Harrogate, UK.
• November 6 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Stockton, UK.
• November 23 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Woking, UK.
• November 24 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Southend, UK.
• 2025 – An expanded version of Live at the Greek, the live album featuring Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes, is due to be released.
• May 5 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
• May 6 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
• May 8 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• May 9 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Malmö, Sweden.
• May 11 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Gothenburg, Sweden.
• May 14 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Oslo, Norway.
• May 16 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Stockholm, Sweden.
• May 18 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Tampere, Finland.
• May 19 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Helsinki, Finland.
• May 21 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Tallinn, Estonia.
• May 23 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• October 2025 – John Paul Jones’ song cycle for Dame Sarah Connolly will premiere in London.That was our 357th email. Have any questions or feedback? Reply to this email and we’ll get back to you.Follow Led Zeppelin News on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on news as it happens, and check ledzepnews.com for the latest news.

Many thanks to James Cook 

The complete Led ZepNews email goes out periodically. To receive it sign up here:http://tinyletter.com/LedZepNews

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It was 53 years ago…

TBL Archive:

53 years ago on September 13 and 14, 1971 Led Zeppelin performed two shows at the Berkeley Theatre in California/ Thankfully both these shows were captured by fans in attendance and have appeared on various bootleg releases.

Here’s something I wrote about the Berkeley Days The Second Night double album when it surfaced by in 2017…

BERKELEY DAYS THE 2ND NIGHT (CASINO RECORDS ENTERTAINMENT)

Here’s my thoughts on the recently released on vinyl Berkeley Daze 2nd Night double album… 

Berkeley Daze – 2nd night: Yet Another Very Stoney 1971 evening… 

Dave Lewis welcomes a vinyl reissue of an old bootleg favourite…

I’ve been collecting bootleg recordings of Led Zeppelin since I was 15. It remains a great passion.

In recent years, the market has been somewhat saturated  with upgrades and reissues. I try to keep on top of the CD releases though I have long since dropped out of buying the really high end expensive packages that emerge – however, if it’s something previously unheard, I obviously check that out.

As many of you reading this will be aware, my overall collecting focus has switched to vinyl in recent years, I am therefore very interested in any Zep vinyl bootleg package. However, they have not been too well served in the modern area. Zep Vinyl packages have been fairly random – both in terms of track listing and packaging. It probably does not help that to capture a whole Zep show – the CD format has clear benefits over vinyl.

There have been some worthwhile releases – such as the admirable box sets from Virgin Vinyl stable presenting the Royal Albert Hall 1970 show and the Seattle March 17 1975 show. Also of note is the Fab Four Liverpool January 14 1973 box set, the Southampton ‘73 soundboard across a double set and the ‘Bob Presents’ white vinyl pressing of the Fillmore West January 9 1069 recording. Too often though, the song choices are randomly presented on a single disc such as Touch And Go which mixes performances from Toronto September 4 1971 BBC ’69 and Brussels ’75 and Teddy Bears Picnic, which has highlights of the Newcastle November 11, 1971 show.

When I heard that Led Zeppelin – Berkeley Daze 2nd Night – a new double vinyl presentation of the famous, nay brilliant, September 14 1971 Berkeley Community Theatre show was on the way, my hopes were definitely raised.

This is of course the recording immortalised way back as the seminal legendary Going To California TMQ bootleg. That particular double album on coloured vinyl first came into my life on Friday January 19, 1973 – these dates were important ones and all logged in the dairy so I know these things!

Following on from Live On Blueberry Hill which I had got in late ‘72, it was another revelation and upped my own enthusiasm for Zep bootlegs manifold.

Fast forward 43 years, on a similar cold Friday (February 10) and I took receipt of a new pressing of this fabled September 14 1971 show on the Casino Records Entertainment label in a limited edition of 400.

Boy, was I keen to get intimate again with a live recording that has been part of my Zep DNA for four decades.

So what we have here is a vinyl edition repackage onto vinyl of the CD set that came out via Godfather Records.

The first indication that this label means business is the packaging. An impressive heavyweight cardboard double fold out sleeve with full colour inners.

There’s accompanying explanatory sleeve notes about the recording of the show by one Paul De Luxe. The photos deployed on the inner sleeves are mostly 1971 period shots from the US tour and Empire Pool Wembley gig. There are two pleasing group shots from the autumn 1971 photo session that has them holding drinks and smoking – Page in the Zoso jumper.

Unfortunately, the 1971 mood is spoiled slightly by the dropping in of a colour shot of John Bonham from the 1977 US tour.

Overall though, a sturdy well thought out sleeve package and the records themselves are on 180 gram coloured yellow vinyl – individually numbered in a run of just 400. All very pleasing to look at.

In the very informative sleeve notes Paul reveals the story that the original tapes of this show were disposed of  – as he explains ”Having been lost in a fire, or even thown in the pacific ocean out of paranoia by the person who ran a bootleg label and was scared of an FBI raid’’. The bootleg release was overseen by the famous Dub of TMOQ. It’s likely he got the tapes from the original taper and then released them in early 1973. The fact they came out some two years after the show took place, hints that Dub did not tape them himself – his policy was to release any show he had taped as soon after the gig as he could manage.

It’s well worth noting that TMOQ also presented another bootleg from the same time and venue era – and very likely taped by the same guy that did the Zep show. This was a performance by David Crosby and Graham Nash at the Berkeley Community Theatre a month after the Zep visit on October 15 1971. It’s reported to have the same sound resonance and similar slight cuts as the Zep recording.

The Crosby & Nash bootleg album came out on the Trade Mark of Quality label under the title A Very Stoney Evening. It was issued in February 1973 – with a catalogue number of TMQ 72005 – the next inline after Going To California which is TMQ 72004.

I recently searched out the original mail order listing I received in late 1972 – the very listing I used to order Going To California – and sure enough under ‘New Discs’, it lists both the Zep and Crosby & Nash titles. Looking back I dearly wish I had ordered both as the Crosby & Nash album has gone on to be a celebrated notable bootleg release.

In fact due recognition was paid to it when in 1997 the Grateful Dead label officially issued an excellent multi track soundboard Crosby & Nash concert recorded at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, on October 10 ,1971, a mere five days before the bootlegged Berkeley show.

This official release (which I purchased when it came out on CD in 1997 – and I’ve recently acquired the superb double vinyl pressing)) went out under the title Another Stoney Evening – and as the sleeve notes explained ‘’The title of this release is producer Stephen Barncard tip of the hat to A Very Stoney Evening the celebrated bootleg of another inspired date on the tour released on the legendary Trade Mark Of Quality label.’’

Back to Led Zeppelin Berkeley Daze the 2nd Night and the music contained therein:

Well, put simply, what’s not to like?

For a start, this is one of those audience recordings that simply crackles with excitement. Slightly toppy but completely authentic – if a soundboard was to emerge of this night though much welcomed, it would be hard pushed to capture the sheer electricity of what was picked up by the enterprising fan who recorded this amazing show.

And amazing it is, right from the moment they kick in with Immigrant Song. One thing is for sure – Robert Plant’s vocal are at something of a career high – so flexible so confident so utterly self assured – he is literally inventing the rock god model with every song. The echo on his voice is also a sheer delight – none more so effective than on Heartbreaker.

On this track there’s that sudden shift of the sound to stereo just as they hit the line ‘’Annie’s back in town’’ and then Thwack!

Now we really are on a winner. Jimmy is captured right up front just ahead of JPJ’s bass – as for John Bonham, rarely has that Ludwig kit been so well captured from the audience. His snare drum resonates so decisively –it drives the whole thing on at a frantic pace. The entire set showcases the often wild but perfectly honed interplay between Bonzo, JPJ and Jimmy. The solo on Heartbreaker has that delightful run through 59th Street Bridge Song and Bouree – an amazingly fluid piece of guitar mastery.

‘’You should have come last night – last night there were several bowler hatted beatniks’’ . I’m not the only one I’m sure who can recite Plant’s inter song patter on this double set at will…

Since I’ve Been Loving You does have a cut at the intro but no matter as it soon flows with an assured authority and when Jimmy hits the strings for the solo..phew …we are talking Electric Magic here big time.

Black Dog has that Out On The Tiles intro, back in January 1973 that was still fresh in my memory having seen it played live just four weeks previous on stage at Ally Pally. John Bonham is a powerhouse of immense percussive skill throughout this fantastic delivery.

‘’There was a pollution alert today and I lost my voice. Here’s one from millions of years ago.’’

Incredibly it was only two years ago that they were romping through a mere seven minutes of the early anthem that is Dazed And Confused. By 1971 it had extended manifold and this twenty minute onslaught is a perfect example of how well crafted this number had become. There’s a great moment when Plant comes in with those ‘’I’m so glad I’m living in the USA’’ lines.

Side three presents the more acoustic side of Led Zep commencing with a slightly tentative rendering of Stairway To Heaven – tentative but sensitive and warmly received by the audience. There’s also another evocative Plant ad lib witness – ‘’You are the home of the children of the sun.’’

That’s The Way follows, the clarity of the audience tape captures JPJ’s mandolin sound perfectly and it supplements Jimmy’s acoustic picking. Robert is again totally immersed in the song living the lines ‘’why doesn’t everybody cry?’’

The tuning up prior to them easing into Going To California (”a sitting down song”) is another off the cuff highlight

Over on side four, the amps are back up to ten for a bruising compelling Whole Lotta Love. Jimmy teases the riff and you can clearly hear him on backing vocals on the chorus. Then it’s all manner of delightful medley fun: Let That Boy Boogie, the double early 60s throwback wammy of Rick Nelson’s Hello Mary Lou and Elvis’ Mess of Blues and on into a complete rendition of You Shook Me and back to the finale.

‘’Goodnight – thank you!’’

Goodnight – thank them…

Now it’s no secret that I am something of a 1975 man when it comes to loving Zep live, however my second favourite era is 1971. This double album is a prime example of the sheer exuberance of the band at that time.  Jimmy remarked that the audiences on these Berkeley nights were quiet sedate – though you would never really know it.

Some afterthoughts:

Being at the helm of all things TBL, the world of Led Zeppelin revolves for pretty much most of my waking hours. Keeping on top of all the social media demands, answering emails, regularly updating the TBL website, receiving packing and distributing orders (on my bike!) Writing TBL content, working on book projects, etc. – it really is never a dull moment…

Within all that, it would be easy to lose sight of what attracted me to this thing in the first place – which is of course the music. I always make a dedicated effort to not let that happen by frequently spinning fave LP’s and CDs. When something new comes around – particular on vinyl, I still have the hunger and passion to get immersed in it all again.

The arrival of this new double album has more than justified that belief. It’s been a wonderful reminder of the initial ingredients that sparked my insatiable appetite for this remarkable music.

The studio albums, brilliant as they are, were just the starting point.

Unconstrained by the limitations of a mere two sides of vinyl playing time, on stage night after night is where they really came into their own. Their creative juices were ever overflowing. Those evenings with Led Zeppelin were special…and no more so than this September night back in 1971.

It’s been the perfect inspiration as I get down to some intensive work with designer Mick Lowe on the book I am co- authoring with Mike Tremaglio which will chronicle the heritage of those 500+ evenings with Led Zeppelin

On Berkeley Daze and many other nights, Led Zeppelin really were something special.

This double album is more conclusive proof.

I love both the Soundtrack to The Song Remains The Same and How The West Was Won, but in my opinion ( and many others), some of their best live albums remain unofficial – and Berkeley Daze 2nd Night is truly one of the best….

400 lucky recipients of this double album are in for yet another very stoney 1971 evening…

Dave Lewis, February 2017.

Postscript September  2024 :

I’ve just played the album and it sounded every bit as impressive as it did six years back -it really is one of the all time great Led Zeppelin performances.

DL

DL Diary Blog Update:

Sunday September 8:

It’s a Happy Birthday to our very good friend Mr Steve Way – long time TBL contributor and supporter – massive Zep fan, a seasoned gig attender who I’ve shared many great moments with and all round top man. Happy Birthday Steve from Janet and I – have a great day!

Sunday September 8:

It was 51 years ago today…

51 years ago today on Saturday September 8 1973 I was lucky enough to witness The Rolling Stones at The Empire Pool Wembley.

Such was the demand to see them, they played both an afternoon and evening performance on this day. I attended the afternoon show which prompted Mick’s opening greeting ‘’How are you this afternoon, just give me a minute to wake up’’

Support acts were Kracker newly signed to the Rolling Stones label and the excellent Billy Preston who also appeared with the Stones.

For me, just turned 17 and three days old it was an incredible thrill. Mick and co were amazing with Mick Taylor on peak form – amongst many highlights Dancing With Mr D and Star Star from the just released Goats Head Soup and and Rip This Joint and All Down The Line from Exile On Main Street.

I was already a massive Stones fan but this incredible afternoon cemented my passion for all time – a passion that continues to shine (a light) ever brightly – and though it’s sometimes a battle with The Beatles, they are my number two all- time fave band…and in the light of their just released brilliant single Angry – that status is assured…

Note my arena ticket back in 1973 was all of £2.20 – when I saw them at Twickenham Stadium some 30 years later in 2003 my front block gold ticket was £150…but of course worth every penny…

DL – September 8 2024..

Update here:

A very busy week with so many highlights – not least the Robert Plant book launch at the Victoria Record Fair last Saturday and the TBL meet in London on Tuesday night. The book is now shipping out – if you have ordered, be sure to let me know what you think…

Thanks for listening