BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN EXTENDED UK CINEMA RUN/UNCUT NEW INTERVIEWS/JIMMY PAGE COMMENTS IN THE TIMES ON AI /CAMDEN Q AND A BOOK EVENT AND CODA LIVE/ LZ NEWS/STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN IT WAS 54 YEARS AGO/SIMPLY LED BACK TO BELFAST 2001/RRPL EXHIBITION/ DL DIARY BLOG UPDATE
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A very perceptive piece by Jimmy Page on the threat of AI to creativity in The Times on Saturday March 1 …
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LZ News:
Led Zeppelin News Update:
Previously unseen Seattle 1975 footage released
Previously unseen footage of Led Zeppelin performing “Sick Again” in Seattle, Washington on March 17, 1975 was published online by Mark McFall this week.
“The footage stands out for its remarkable steadiness, suggesting the use of a tripod, and provides an excellent vantage point that showcases the entire stage,” McFall wrote. “Unlike typical 8mm concert recordings, this film features unusually long, continuous shots, raising the intriguing possibility that the filmmaker had prior experience documenting live performances.”
Led Zeppelin promotes ‘Whole Lotta Love’ with Facebook ad campaign
Led Zeppelin quietly launched an online advertising campaign on February 19, paying to promote “Whole Lotta Love” to Facebook and Instagram users.
The campaign seems designed to further boost the song’s popularity following the release of “Becoming Led Zeppelin” and after the song was featured in Nike’s Super Bowl advert (as LedZepNews reader Wyatt Brake pointed out in the comments).
‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ returned to IMAX
“Becoming Led Zeppelin” returned to IMAX cinemas on February 28, a move that helped the film to reach the $10 million box office milestone. Its current earnings sit at $10.2 million, according to Box Office Mojo data.
LedZepNews hears that the IMAX re-release this weekend has been selling out in some cinemas, with a source telling LedZepNews that one cinema manager emailed Sony Pictures Classics this week, writing: “We are selling out the doc tonight in Southampton!”
The filmmakers behind “Becoming Led Zeppelin” have brought their press tour to South America to promote the film’s release there. They’ve given interviews to BBC Radio 6 Music, Interview, Rolling Stone Italia, LOS40 Ecuador and KSLX-FM 100.7 Classic Rock. They also spoke to the French publication Rock & Folk magazine, which is only available in print for now.
Mexican newspaper Excélsior also published an interview with the filmmakers which included a lavish print layout designed to look like 1960s gig posters. You can find a PDF of that interview below, thanks to the “Becoming Led Zeppelin” filmmakers.
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| Mexican newspaper Excélsior’s interview with the filmmakers behind “Becoming Led Zeppelin” | ||
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Led Zeppelin is on the cover of Rolling Stone France
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The cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone France
Led Zeppelin is featured on the cover of Rolling Stone France for a cover story in the magazine’s 170th issue about the fiftieth anniversary of Physical Graffiti. LedZepNews hears there are no new band member interviews in the cover story. The magazine also features a new interview with “Becoming Led Zeppelin” director Bernard MacMahon.
Led Zeppelin ignores the fiftieth anniversary of Physical Graffiti online
The surviving members of Led Zeppelin may have given new interviews about Physical Graffiti to Uncut Magazine, but the band’s official online channels ignored the fiftieth anniversary of the album’s release.
Led Zeppelin’s social media channels continued their silence that has lasted since September 2023, breaking the band’s previous habit of publishing posts marking the fiftieth anniversary of album releases.
We checked back this week and Led Zeppelin marked the fiftieth anniversaries of Led Zeppelin I and Led Zeppelin II in 2019, Led Zeppelin III in 2020, the band’s fourth album in 2021 and Houses of the Holy in 2023. But that practice stopped after the band ignored the Physical Graffiti anniversary this week.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page called the UK government’s AI plan ‘a sham’ in new article
Jimmy Page wrote a lengthy comment article criticising the UK government’s plans to allow artificial intelligence companies to use existing music to train their systems, helping them to generate new music.
“If, during my session days, someone had taken my riffs without acknowledgment or payment, it would have been deemed theft. The same standard must apply to AI,” he wrote, something which has raised some eyebrows on social media given the longstanding allegations that Led Zeppelin borrowed the work of black musicians for their own material.
After the article was published, Page’s official Instagram account liked a series of comments on the post seemingly without properly reading them. That led to the amusing sight of Page liking a comment which accused Led Zeppelin of stealing other people’s music.
It seems Page’s article may have been intended to publish on Tuesday but was delayed until Saturday. In the article, Page writes that the consultation over the legislation “ends today”, seemingly referring to Tuesday.
Could Jimmy Page induct The Black Crowes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
The Black Crowes are a nominee to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. Speaking on an episode of “The State Of Amorica: A Black Crowes Podcast”, band member Rich Robinson said he’d like Jimmy Page to induct the band.
“We’ve kind of talked about it,” he said, according to a Blabbermouth transcript. “I don’t know. I mean, I would love for Jimmy to induct us. Jimmy’s a longtime friend and a mentor and just such an amazing person to be inducted by. But we don’t know until we know, you know what I mean?”
The acts that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame will be announced in late April, before an induction ceremony will take place this Autumn in Los Angeles.
You can listen to the full podcast episode below:
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Episode 124 – Rich Robinson State of Amorica: A Black Crowes Podcast |
Black Crowes ‘The Lemon Song’ soundcheck recording released
Jimmy Page’s YouTube channel released a soundcheck recording of Page and The Black Crowes performing “The Lemon Song” from the upcoming box set version of Live at the Greek.
Robert Plant
Robert Plant was interviewed for the Express & Star
Robert Plant gave an interview to Suzi Perry for the Wolverhampton newspaper Express & Star.
“I never took anything for granted and that’s why I have at least two projects always working,” Plant says in the interview, a copy of which was posted on Instagram.
Elsewhere, Plant discussed the Wolverhampton venue the Lafayette Club, saying: “I met most of my wives there!” (Plant has in fact only been married once).
Plant and Perry were photographed together for the article.
Robert Plant has been out and about
Robert Plant has been enjoying his time off the road before he resumes touring with Saving Grace in May.
He was photographed at a Ghanian restaurant in Cheltenham whose owner said she had to do “some digging” to figure out who he was:
And Plant was also photographed at a café in Cheltenham, where he enjoyed “handmade cakes and Romanian dishes”.
Robert Plant’s 1968 Laney PA purchase
In 1968, Robert Plant bought a Laney PA which he then used on Led Zeppelin’s first US tour. The original purchase record survives, including Plant’s handwriting. It was posted online by James Laney:
John Paul Jones
New John Paul Jones show announced
John Paul Jones will perform as part of Sons Of Chipotle on March 15 at the Kaija Saariaho Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
This 2019 video of the group gives a preview of what to expect from the new concert:
Upcoming events:
- March 3 – ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ will be released in Denmark.
- March 4 – The next issue of Classic Rock Magazine, containing an interview with the filmmakers behind ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’, will be published.
- March 14 – The remastered and expanded version of the Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes live album Live at the Greek will be released.
- March 15 – John Paul Jones will perform as part of Sons Of Chipotle at the Kaija Saariaho Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- March 18 – ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ is likely to be released in Germany and Austria.
- May 3 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Brussels, Belgium.
- 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 – ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’ could be released in further cinemas around this date and 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.
- June – The book “Rock Visions”, which has a chapter on Led Zeppelin memorabilia, will be published.
- July 10 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace at Festival de Poupet in Saint-Malô-du-Bois, France.
- July 13 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace at the Lucca Summer Festival in Lucca, Italy.
- July 17 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Vienne, France.
- July 19 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace in Salon-de-Provence, France.
- July 21 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace at the Jazz in Marciac festival in Marciac, France.
- July 23 – Robert Plant will perform with Saving Grace at Festival de Carcassonne in Carcassonne, France.
- September 11 – The book “Valhalla!: The A to Z of Led Zeppelin” by Paul Brannigan will be published.
- October – John Paul Jones’ song cycle for Dame Sarah Connolly will premiere in London.That was our 382nd 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
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.
For all the latest Zep and related news check out the Led Zeppelin news website at:
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN AT 54 – TBL 54TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL:
54 years ago this month on March 5 1971, Jimmy Page strapped on a newly acquired Gibson double neck guitar and played the first chords of a new lengthy composition in front of an audience for the first time.
The occasion was Led Zeppelin’s opening date on their UK tour at the Ulster Hall Belfast.
The song was Stairway To Heaven…
So here’s a celebration of this 54th anniversary of a special song.
TBL Archive Special Part 1:
Belfast and Stairway To Heaven -it was 52 years ago…
March 5 marked the 54th anniversary of the milestone Led Zeppelin performance at the Ulster Hall Belfast
Here’s a review from TBL 15 of the then newly surfaced Belfast March 5th 1971 tape:
March 5th tape ensures this historic night will never be forgotten
Led Zeppelin on stage at the Ulster Hall Belfast, March 5th 1971. Photo G. Irwin.
Led Zeppelin’s decision to visit Belfast as part of their spring 1971 UK tour was heralded as a very brave move back in 1971. Few rock artists included it on their intinery due to the escalating political situation and threat of rioting. Earlier in the year T.Rex had pulled out of a planned appearance in Belfast. The Zeppelin concert itself was played out to the background of far off Friday night disturbances in the troubled parts of the city.
Until recently the only recorded remnant of that Irish visit was their March 6th date at Dublin’s Boxing Stadium. Now in a perfect piece of timing, a very rare recording has emerged of the Belfast Ulster Hall show. It was captured by one Norman Hanna – 20 years old at the time. He smuggled-in a newly purchased Phillips cassette recorder and taped the show some two thirds of the way back with the cassette machine positioned on the floor.
Unsurprisingly this newly discovered tape has been negotiated into the hands of the ever enterprising Japanese label Empress Valley and will probably have emerged by the time you are reading this as a deluxe four CD set containing the Belfast and Dublin shows.
The set will include a fourteen page booklet with photos and press cuttings from their Irish shows. This includes reproduction extracts from the review of the show featured in the Northern Ireland newspaper City Week.
Of the fifteen UK dates that comprised the Spring ’71 Back to the clubs tour only the aforementioned Dublin show and the officially released April 1 BBC In Concert recordings have emerged until now. This Belfast recording is therefore most welcome.
The tape recording quality is fair to good for the time – a little distorted and with occasional interference but mostly very listenable.
The most striking aspect of hearing it is the sheer force and determination in their playing. This opening night of their ’71 campaign was their first gig in over five months -the longest lay off so far in their career. It followed an eight week period of intensive recording sessions for their fourth album conducted at Island Studios and on location at Headley Grange.
It’s evident they were itching to air the newly recorded material in a live setting. Before those historic premieres we hear them storm through the then customary Immigrant Song/Heartbreaker opening.
Witnessing this in the Ulster Hall must have been extraordinary. Plant extends the vocal shrieks and the Page solo is just completely out there. Off mic you can occasionally hear the excited babble of Irish accents from the crowd. Then it’s a relaxed run through of Since I’ve Been Loving You. Plant on absolute peak form attaining the high pitched notes with ease. Black Dog is the first of the new songs employing the opening riff of Out On The Tiles. It’s back to the greatest hits for a no-nonsense, compact, Dazed And Confused.
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More history making follows: Stairway To Heaven live performance number one. A straight rendering slightly tentative with Page playing the unfamiliar, but soon to become more than familiar, tune on the newly acquired Gibson double neck guitar. It suffers slightly here due to cuts and a high pitched sound from the original recording.
Evidence that the softer side of their playing as deployed on Zep 3 would still be present on their forthcoming album was duly demonstrated by the performance of the new Page/ Plant composition Going To California.
The more familiar Zep 2 standards What Is And What Should Never Be and a powerful Moby Dick take us into the finale – the now expected Whole Lotta Love medley including Let That Boy Boogie, Honey Bee and The Lemon Song.
The encores are just plain shattering. A thrashing Communication Breakdown followed by the debut live performance of Rock And Roll – then known as It’s Been A Long Time. A final welcomed bonus brings this historic recording to an end. There’s quite a delay before they get around to performing and it’s evident they are trying to work out what to play. They opt for a rarely played post 1970 version of Bring It On Home performed in a unique delivery sans vocals and harp in the final section.
“If everybody was like this to each other every day there would be no problems,” Plant can be heard to inform the audience just before the second encore. A nostalgic and relevant comment of the times.
Which is exactly what this Belfast discovery represents. It’s a true document of the band at a crucial moment.
Flushed with the massive success of the past, fresh from a welcomed lay off and enthused by the studio sessions that provided yet more new on stage impetus, this is prime 1971 Led Zeppelin.
In short, this tape is a brilliant reminder of how good they were at that stage of their career. Freeze-framing a period when they were receiving deserved mass popularity and acclaim at a time when they were also producing some of their most powerful and vital work.
Incredibly it all happened 30 years ago. The Belfast people haven’t forgotten. Thankfully, the emergence of this tape will make sure they never do.
Remembering Led Zeppelin at the Ulster Hall 1971: Recalled by those that were there…
“The concert was absolutely unbelievable, I was 15 years old and so close to my idols. I was in the seats behind the stage. It is just a moment of great posterity for me in terms of the age I was and seeing the band I loved. I also saw Zeppelin at Earl’s Court but it could never match the intimacy of that night in the Ulster Hall.” Noel Thompson, now a BBC Newsnight reporter.
“It was brilliant. In those days nobody played Belfast unless they were Irish like Taste or Thin Lizzy. To see Led Zeppelin was so enjoyable. It put Belfast-on the map. Stairway To Heaven did not stand out on the night, but I later saw them perform it to 100,000 fans at Knebworth. A lot different to the 1,500 who saw it in 1971.” Mervyn Jones, now a Belfast Councillor.
“When I heard Stairway performed that night I knew it was something special. We were in the front row of the balcony. Whenever I hear that song the memories of that night in Belfast come flooding back to me.” Trevor Haslett, Killinchy
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The way we were…March 1971
Here are some of the events that were happening 54 years ago as Led Zeppelin toured around the UK….
LED ZEPPELIN 3 WAS STILL IN THE UK TOP 30 ALBUM CHART.
GEORGE HARRISON WAS AT NUMBER ONE ON BOTH THE SINGLES AND ALBUM CHARTS WITH MY SWEET LORD AND ALL THINGS MUST PASS
THE ROLLING STONES KICKED OFF WHAT MANY CONSIDERED WOULD BE THEIR FINAL UK TOUR AT BRISTOL’S COLSTON HALL
IRON BUTTERFLY, THE BAND ZEPPELIN SUPPORTED ON THEIR FIRST US TOUR, ANNOUNCED THEY WERE DISBANDING
THE UK WAS EXPERIENCING ITS FIRST MONTH OF DECIMILISATION AND STILL IN THE THROES OF A GENERAL POSTAL STRIKE
NEWLY RELEASED ALBUMS INCLUDED NICK DRAKE’S BRYTER LATER, THE FACES’ LONG PLAYER AND SOFT MACHINE FOUR. NEW SINGLES JUST OUT INCLUDED JOHN LENNON’S POWER TO THE PEOPLE, DEEP PURPLE WITH STRANGE KINDA WOMAN AND BOB DYLAN’S IF NOT FOR YOU
CHOICE GIGS OF THE MONTH INCLUDED CURVED AIR AND GENESIS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX FOR 62 NEW PENCE AND HAWKWIND AND THE PINK FARIES AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON.
ON TV ATOMIC ROOSTER AND LEON RUSSELL WERE GUESTS ON BBC2’S DISCO 2 WHILE THE ANDY WILLIAMS SHOW INCLUDED RAY CHARLES, ELTON JOHN AND CASS ELLIOT
NEW FILMS AT THE CINEMA INCLUDED LOVE STORY STARRING RYAN O’NEAL AND ALI MACGRAW AND BARBARA STREISAND IN THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT.
IN FOOTBALL, FOLLOWING THEIR GIANT KILLING FIFTH ROUND 3-2 VICTORY OVER LEEDS IN THE FA CUP, COLCHESTER WERE BEATEN 5-0 BY EVERTON IN THE SIXTH ROUND. IN THE SAME ROUND ARSENAL DEFEATED LEICESTER 1-0 IN A REPLAY ON THEIR WAY TO SECURING THEIR CUP AND LEAGUE DOUBLE.
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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN AT 54
Back in 2011 I conducted a poll amongst TBL readers to determine the favourite live version version of Stairway To Heaven…here’s the results:
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: THE TBL 40th ANNIVERSARY POLL:
Today we celebrate what is arguably their greatest song by announcing the results of the TBL Stairway To Heaven 40th Anniversary Poll
And the winner is….
Many thanks for the great response to the Stairway To Heaven At 40 Poll.
We can reveal that the fans choice for the greatest version live version of their greatest song is……..
Earls Court May 25th, 1975 – the DVD version
This is the version that was produced by Jimmy Page and can be seen and heard on the 2003 official Led Zeppelin DVD
In second place…
Madison Square Garden July, 1973 – the Song Remains The Same soundtrack version
Fans have displayed great loyalty for the official original live version as produced by Jimmy Page for The Song Remains The Same soundtrack album.
In third place…
Knebworth August 4th, 1979
More lasting affection for one of the most celebrated of Zep appearances.
In fourth place…
Long Beach June 27th 1972 – as produced by Jimmy Page for the How The West Was Won live album released in 2003.
In fifth place…
BBC Paris Theatre In Concert April 1st 1971 – officially released on the BBC Sessions album in 1997
Here is the complete Top 20 listing of the favourite live versions of Stairway To Heaven as voted by readers of the TBL website
1: Stairway To Heaven – Earls Court May 1975 DVD version
2: Stairway To Heaven – Madison Square Garden July 1973 –
From The Song Remains The Same soundtrack album
3: Stairway To Heaven – Knebworth August 4th 1979
4: Stairway To Heaven – Long Beach June 27th 1972 as released officially on
How The West Was Won
5: Stairway To Heaven – BBC In Concert April 1st, 1971 – as released officially on the BBC Sessions set in 1997.
6: Stairway To Heaven – Earls Court May 24th, 1975
7: Stairway To Heaven – 02 Arena December 10th 2007
8: Stairway To Heaven – Berkeley September 14th 1971 – from the Going To California bootleg.
9: Stairway To Heaven – LA Forum June 23rd 1977 – from the For BadgeHolders Only bootleg
10: Stairway To Heaven – Berlin July 7th 1980
11: Stairway To Heaven – Knebworth August 11th 1979
12: Stairway To Heaven –Madison Square Garden February 12th 1975
13: Stairway To Heaven – Vienna March 16th 1973
14: Stairway To Heaven – Jimmy Page ARMS Royal Albert Hall September 1983
15: Sairway To Heaven – Seattle Kingdome July 17th 1977
16: Stairway To Heaven – Belfast Ulster Hall March 5th 1971
17: Stairway To Heaven – LA Forum June 3rd 1973 from the Three Days After bootleg
18: Stairway To Heaven – LA Forum June 21st 1977 from the Listen To This Eddie bootleg
19: Stairway To Heaven – Zurich June 29th 1980
20: Stairway To Heaven – Budokan Japan, September 23rd 1971
And here is the winning choice: Stairway To Heaven as performed by Led Zeppelin at Earls Court – May 25th 1975
I recommend you take 10 minutes and 27 seconds of your time to marvel in the glory of this astonishing performance on YouTube:
View it at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxfniXCwrJA
Clock the genius at:
00.36: The camera pans on to Jonesy as he plays the plaintive keyboard opening.
At 3 minutes 18 – and Robert’s ‘’Baby baby’’ pleading.
At 4. 06 – Robert’s spontaneous ‘’Priceless’’ after the ‘’Do you remember laughter’’ line.
4.30 – Bonzo’s timely entry.
5.23 – the line ‘’You head is humming and it won’t go –in case you don’t know’’ accented by Bozo’s bass drum.
5.31 – Robert’s moving ‘’Dear PEOPLE can you hear the wind blow and did you know – OUR stairway lies on the whispering wind’.
5.48 – the first crescendo as Jimmy hoists the Gibson double neck high
and then on into what must be one of the finest pieces of live performance in their history.
6.14 – as Plant clusters around Jimmy as he switches necks for the scintillating solo.
7.22 – as the pictures crossfades to Robert banging the tambourine totally lost in the world of Led Zeppelin.
7.51 through to 8.59 as Page delivers a sublimely lyrical solo that again has Plant lost in the music and John Bonham…dear John, behind it all totally on the groove – this sequence brings a lump to my throat every time.
9.00 – the final glorious run in.
9.38 ‘’Never roll people …please don’t make me roll’’.
9.49 – the camera captures Jonesy in that Spanish jacket…
10.02 – Robert’s sings the final line we all know so well and it echoes across the eerie wastes of Earls Court…and into eternity…
Led Zeppelin – Stairway to To Heaven Earls Court
…And that is the greatest live performance of a song that has been now been enthralling us for 40 years – as voted by TBL web readers.
Postscript 2025
Stairway To Heaven – still the pure essence of Led Zeppelin
Long may it reign…
Dave Lewis March 5 2025
TBL Archive 2:
SIMPLEY LED BACK TO BELFAST – 24 YEARS GONE:
This TBL Archive feature looks back to the events that took place on the 30th anniversary of that first airing of Stairway To Heaven.
24 years ago popular tribute band Simply Led came up with a very clever idea – they decided to book the Ulster Hall in Belfast to perform a special anniversary concert 30 years ago to the very day Led Zeppelin had staged that opening night of their UK tour when Stairway To Heaven was first played – and in the very hall that first echoed to the sounds of what would become such an iconic composition.
I was invited to go over to cover the event for TBL – it was a fantastic success. There was a genuine sense of history in being in the vicinity where Led Zeppelin had performed all those years ago. Simply Led played superbly and the people of the city were incredibly friendly and receptive. The comment from one fan afterwards ‘’Thanks for bringing Led Zeppelin’s music back to Belfast’’ said it all.
There’s always a poignancy about reflecting on this occasion as sadly, Simply Led’s drummer Paul Kelvie passed away in 2006 and last year Andy Adams also sadly passed away.
So this piece is dedicated to the much missed Paul who 24 years ago along with Eddie Edwards, Keith Lambert and Phil Eldridge reunited the Led Zeppelin fans of Belfast in fitting style –all in the very place where Stairway To Heaven was first performed live. It was a unique occasion and I feel so privileged to have been in attendance…and this is also dedicated to the late equally much missed Andy Adams…
Remembering Led Zeppelin at the Ulster Hall
Belfast Re-unites Under Simply Led
March 5th 2001: Another cold Monday. Another journey. Today I’m bound for Belfast to celebrate a very special Zeppelin related anniversary. For 30 years ago on this very day Led Zeppelin took a Trident Hovercraft across the Irish sea to perform what would be their only concerts in the Emerald Isle. On the evening of Friday March 5TH 1971 they performed their opening show of the so called “Back to the clubs tour” at the Ulster Hall, Belfast. During their set that night they unveiled a new composition due to appear on their forthcoming fourth album. It was called Stairway To Heaven. Five million radio plays later…
30 years on the London-based tribute band Simply Led have hit upon a very novel and ambitious idea. Tonight they will perform a special anniversary tribute concert at the Ulster Hall – scene of that history making evening for Led Zeppelin back in 1971. Particularly ambitious when you consider this is only their second gig together.
Tribute bands of course are now an accepted part of the live gig scene. Any half renowned or much missed ex-mega group has anything up to half dozen would be copyists trouping up and down the pub circuit. Zeppelin are well served and I have immense respect for the likes of Fred Zeppelin, Whole Lotta Led, Boot Led Zeppelin Let’s Zep who pack ’em in week in week out.
Simply Led’s Belfast plan, as I said, is massively ambitious, and they have done their homework. Singer Keith Lambert had come over a month back to launch the idea at a press conference which garnered much local coverage. Ticket sales have been brisk with already 600 sold. Bass and keyboardist Eddie Edwards assures me they have rehearsed intensely to do the real thing justice on the night. For my part it’s an opportunity to support Eddie, a long-term TBL associate (notably his Song Remains dissection in TBL 13) and spread the TBL word in a new territory. Despite the foot and mouth scare and the freezing weather, the flight out of Luton goes to plan and I meet up with the band around mid day. It’s great to see Andy Adams (pictured here with Eddie) is in tow to lend them a hand and we walk down with Eddie to view the Ulster Hall in the afternoon. Morale is well high by this time – ticket sales have exceeded all expectations with a good chance of over 1,000 likely to witness the show.
As we walk around the balcony of the grand hall it begins to get exciting. There is a genuine sense of history about the place which is smaller than I expected and one of the most impressive venues I’ve ever seen. The vantage point over the stage up on the balcony is superb and you can’t help thinking how incredible it must have been to have viewed the original 1971 show from up here.
Eddie and his boys are understandably more than nervous as they arrive for the soundcheck and run down extremely competent versions of Heartbreaker and The Wanton Song amongst others. Paul let me get behind the drum kit and it was a big thrill to look out at the view John Bonham himself would have had on that night of 30 years ago.
Andy and I set up a display and stall in the foyer and head over to the pub for some pre -gig banter with the local Irish contingent already in. Everyone is really friendly and so keen to witness tonight’s celebration. Over at the Ulster Hall a couple of hundred fans are snaking their way around the hall eager for the doors to open.
There’s already a great sense of occasion in the air. Original 1971 promoter Jim Aiken comes over to view the scene. “This is so special to be witnessing this again,” he tells me. “I can remember how excited we all were to get them here at the time. Nobody apart from Rory of course and a few others bothered to play Belfast. We still talk about the night Zeppelin came…”
It’s a wonderful cross section of fans who mill around the foyer. The elders who remember that momentous night 30 years ago, some bringing their off-spring’s to hear the songs that made such a troubled place at one with itself all those years back. There’s also lots of younger fans in attendance not even born when Zeppelin played their final gig in 1980. It makes for a very boisterous atmosphere and from the moment Simply Led take the stage and chug into the Immigrant Song/ Heartbreaker double whammy that was a staple part of the ’71 Zep set, well that sense of occasion is duly shared by band and audience alike.
I must say that in the weeks leading up to the gig 1 had my doubts that they could pull this off convincingly. It’s a pleasure to be proved so wrong. A combination of this being the right anniversary at the right time in exactly the right place makes the next couple of hours an absolute joy.
This is no mere tribute concert. This is an event and Simply Led rise to the occasion.
Highlights: Guitarist Phil Eldridge’s fluid Gibson work during Over The Hills, Keith Lambert’s pleasing ad-libs (“Acapulco gold”) and pre-’73 high vocal register, Paul Kelvie’s drumming superb throughout the show – as good a Bonham-inspired performance you will see this side of Michael Lee. Eddie Edwards strong feel for Jonesy’s musicianship evident in a compact No Quarter and an ambitious and suitably emotional Stairway. Finally a rousing Whole Lotta Love and Rock And Roll brings to a close a striking performance. Throughout it all I couldn’t help thinking that right here in this very hall exactly 30 years to the, moment Led Zeppelin were making history. I’m sure it was an emotion shared by many in attendance. The atmosphere as the crowd spill into the foyer is a joy to be part of. It’s more than evident that Simply Led have captured the spirit of Zeppelin very well indeed.
Back stage the band themselves are justifiably triumphant. “They’ll never believe this back home,” says Eddie. And I guess unless I’d witnessed it myself I’d probably have been of the same opinion.
As I mentioned earlier the fundamental reason this all came together was the location and timing. Coupled of course with Simply Led’s enthusiasm, musical prowess and sheer determination to pull it off.
Belfast was a very special gig for any band back in those troubled times of ’71. For a band of Led Zeppelin’s stature to come and perform here was a real event. On tonight’s turnout that gesture way back in ’71 has obviously not been forgotten by the people of Belfast.
The whole evening is wonderfully summed up by the excited comment of one of the elder generation of Zep fans here tonight.
“Thanks for bringing Led Zeppelin’s music back to Belfast,” he tells Andy on the way out. It’s an accolade echoing throughout this historic venue. And that’s some accolade for a tribute band playing only their second gig,
Simply Led have every reason to feel very proud of themselves because tonight in Belfast they paid homage to a very special concert in Led Zeppelin’s history.
And in doing so they reunited the people of Belfast just as the real thing had done on a similar cold Irish night 30 years ago. It was simply remarkable.
Dave Lewis, March 6 2001
Simply Led Belfast March 5th 2001 -Paul Kelvie, Eddie Edwards, Keith Lambert, Phil Eldridge
With thanks to Eddie Edwards and Keith Lambert
Dedicated to Paul Kelvie 1961 – 2006 and Andy Adams 1961 – 2021
Check out Eddie Edward’s superb dissection of various Led Zeppelin releases at
http://www.thegardentapes.co.uk/
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Jose at Becoming Led Zeppelin…
Here’s an illustration of the worldwide impact of the Becoming Led Zeppelin film.
Long time TBL supporter Jose Manuel Parada who is based in Ecuador. sent these pics of his trip to his local cinema.
The film was screened at Supercines cinemas at the Riocentro El Dorado Shopping mall in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Jose is on the right of the group photo wearing a Tight But Loose T shirt – nice one Jose!
Farsight Collective’s Rock & Roll Public Library Exhibition…
While in London on Monday Pete Burridge and I visited the Farsight Collective’s Rock & Roll Public Library Exhibition.
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Interesting one in The Sun today…
DL Diary Blog Update:
Thursday February 27:
Saturday March 1:
My Dad was a proud Welshman so on St David’s Day, an early morning coffee in my Welsh mug and good to see the Welsh wizard that is Sir Tom Jones on the cover of the new Shindig! magazine which arrived yesterday….
Saturday March 1:
Saturday March 1:
Saturday March 1:
Marking Roger Daltrey’s 81st Birthday – and loading up the brilliant live San Francisco 1971 2 CD from the superb Who’s Next box set…
Remembering late great Rory Gallagher on the occasion of his Birthday so on the player the brilliant 1972 Live In Europe album…
Sunday March 2:
Sunday March 2:
I watched this performance of No Matter What by Badfinger on Top of The Pops in January 1971 – it’s been one of my all time favourite singles ever since…
RIP Joey Molland…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew6_W7gjszw
Monday March 3:
A day out with my esteemed record collecting comrade Pete Burridge first stop Greenwich and records and CDs have been purchased!
Monday March 3:
After a day record and CD shopping a beer in the TBL office also known as The Spice of Life is required with Pete Burridge….
Monday March 3:
Time to head back to Bedford after a fab day record shopping with Pete Burridge – just time for the traditional photo outside the TBL office also known as The Spice of Life…
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Until next time…
Dave Lewis – March 6 2025
TBL website updates written and compiled by Dave Lewis
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Many thanks Brian for your kind comments
Hi Dave.
Really enjoyed your March 6 TBL post.
TBL remains the most essential source of Led Zep up to date news.
Your hard work is much appreciated.
One small point though, Roger Daltrey turned 81 on 1st March 2025 not 80 as stated.
cheers.
Brian
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Tight But Loose Website edited by Dave Lewis and Gary Foy.
Tight But Loose Magazine created by Dave Lewis 1978. TBL/Web launched by Dave Linwood 1995. TBL logo by Mike Warry.
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