John Paul Jones in Borders Oxford Street  April 12th 2002 holding up an essential  magazine 

Pretty hectic right now what with TBL 25 to wrap and proof, plus lots of news incoming with Jimmy in Rio, the It Might Get Loud UK screening details and premiere, Robert in the Delta and TCV out and very much about.

In between his hectic schedule, John Paul Jones very kindly made some time on Tuesday to conduct an interview on the phone with me for the new TBL magazine. He was on great form and it was fantastic to hear him enthusiastically recounting the events of the past remarkable Vulture filled nine months and his take on life inside the new best band in town.

This interview with the man himself just met the deadline for the new issue which is due this month. Another reason to make it an unmissable Zep reading experience. 

The way we were -thirty years gone: DL and JPJ November 28th 1979

It was sad to see the collapse of yet another UK high street chain with the news of Borders going into administration. I guess I had something of a lucky escape with the job in the MK store not working out for me earlier in the year, as to go though all that again would not have been pleasant to say the least. As one industry person commented last week, Borders was of the Friends generation with its relaxed environment and mix of books, DVD’s, CD’s and coffee hangouts. That attraction faded somewhat as online book sales increased.  I always enjoyed visiting Borders stores and their (already closed) Oxford Street store played host to one of the most memorable post Zep occasions when John Paul Jones performed with Julie Felix in the store amongst the book racks in April 2002.  

The Borders stores always stocked an extensive selection of magazines,

which brings me to the other massive downside to the chain’s problems. Borders was the only UK outlet that stocks Tight But Loose – losing that distribution will not be at all good. I am now totally reliant on the magazine selling via the TBL site.

That’s why it’s even more essential that you subscribe to the magazine for 2010.  Regarding TBL 25 which is out soon – unless you subscribed for 2009

It will mean you need to purchase it as a single issue as 2010 subs cover the three issues for next year. Hope that makes sense.

So don’t miss out – the upcoming issue its shaping up to be a great read with the JPJ interview, Them Crooked Vultures coverage, another of Mike Tremaglio’s extensive 1969 Zep tour logs, a re appraisal of Led Zeppelin 2, Nick Anderson rounding up the collectable Zep 2 rare pressings, plus exclusive interviews with Zep engineer Eddie Kramer and veteran DJ Nicky Horne with his tales of Earls Court, Knebworth and being on the 1977 US tour, plus latest book and CD reviews and more. 

While I’m on the sales pitch, don’t forget the Then As It Was Knebworth book makes a great Christmas present – limited edition signed by the author and personally dedicated. If you haven’t indulged yet now is the time.

Back here the boy Adam has been off with a heavy cold – probably picked up in the driving rain at his match on Sunday. It was a cup tie and it went to penalties. Adam bravely volunteered to take the first and netted but alas they missed a couple more. Elsewhere Spurs got back to earth with a bump going down 2-0 against Man Utd  in the Carling Cup not that I expected much from that.  There’s talk of me referring Adam’s match this Sunday – yet another TBL service on offer.

On the deck this week: Miles Davis Blue Christmas vinyl LP, Family Old Songs New Songs LP, Kiki Dee’s lovely 1973 LP Loving And Free (Quick aside –I have a vivid memory of Kiki performing that number in the afternoon September sunshine at the free Queen Hyde Park show in 1976).

Them Crooked Vultures – have found this a lot to take in at 66 minutes –scaled it down to an old vinyl length forty five minute playlist that’s all killer and no filler, George Harrison All Things Must Pass, Stones Let It Bleed (eying the new Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out reissue set for my Santa list), Led Zeppelin Coda LP: Side One is absolute perfection every track a pure joy- We’re Gonna Groove – pure mid ’69 swing with Sol studio overtones , Poor Tom – best drum intro ever recorded, I Can’t Quit You Baby –a band oozing turn of the decade confidence totally relaxed just blowing out and Walter’s Walk, dense, defiant and blessed with one of THE great Page riffs. Try yourself and see.  

On TV it’s good to welcome back Gavin & Stacey –the third series has a lot to live up to but episode one was class, great script, and characters you can believe in and Rob Brydon steals every scene he’s in.    

Great to see It Might Get Loud finally receiving a UK screening. Look forward to hooking up with those that are attending the London premiere

I’ ll seek out a meeting venue in a nearby pub for this by next week.

Ticket link for the London premiere is here  http://tickets.hmv.com/tickets/slink.buy/e.1DOJ/london/uk-music-news/it

December 4th rolls around and thoughts drift back to that fateful day in 1980 when it was announced it was all over. I’d actually been in touch with

Swan Song on that day regarding TBL 5 and there was no hint of the announcement – when it broke on the Radio One news at five o clock it was like a bullet in the heart.

It may have been inevitable that they could not continue as they were, but reading and hearing it brought home the fact it was all over….but as I always say at this time of year – So much has gone but so much remains…