Tight But Loose at 35:
35 years ago this month I was busy scribing away quite literally on what would become the first issue of the Tight But Loose magazine. I had been harbouring the idea of a Zep type fanzine (as home made publications were known) for the past year – an early proto- type was mocked up in December 1977. Inspired by the do it yourself tactics of the punk rock fanzines such as Sniffin’ Glue and Ripped & Torn, I set about laying out the content in a …

Plenty of news this week to report with JPJ’s Mini Bus Pimps album due and Robert adding a US festival date to his schedule – firstly, I’d like to bring you up to date with the TBL 2014 Strategy commencing with…
Led Zeppelin Physical Rocket-  At Earls Court 1975 –The sky was the objective – not the limit (Tight But Loose Publishing)
As previously mentioned, the above title will be the next TBL book publication. This is all a long way off yet with a publication date of mid to late 2015. However as …

On the occasion of his birthday….
Jimmy Page is 70 today (January 9th).
In a career that has spanned over six decades – he has simply written the rule book on the art of rock guitar.
From monolithic riffing to bombastic solos. From simple acoustic beauty to vast guitar instrumental orchestration. Jazz, classical and Eastern influences, Blues, 50s rock’n’roll and psychedelic – he has turned his hand to all these varying styles over the years. At times his playing may seem sloppy and seemingly undisciplined but that is all part of the attraction. …

John Paul Jones – On the occasion of his birthday:
John Paul Jones is 68 today (January 3rd)
Throughout the past 12 months, John has again moved effortlessly between differing projects and collaborations. His appearances with Seasick Steve both on record (Hubcap Music) and on stage made for some memorable moments –most notably the storming set at Glastonbury. Occasional work with The Minibus Pimps and Supersilent, an appearance at the Mandolines De Lunel Festival plus tour dates with Dave Rawlings added yet more strings to his ever expanding bow -and along the way …

So that was the year that was and although there wasn’t quite the euphoria of the Celebration Day film release in 2012, in Zep terms there was still much to enjoy these past 12 months .…
Robert Plant moulded his Sensational Space Shifters into a tight cohesive unit that delighted audiences across Australia, through America and back to the UK. This band of electric musicians is clearly providing yet another career high for a singer whose musical exploration continues to prove enlightening and invigorating in equal measures. Robert’s occasional link-ups with Patty …

So this is Christmas…
Christmas Eve is upon us and once again it’s been the usual rush to get everything sorted for the big day tomorrow.
The TBL distribution centre (our dining room actually!) has been pretty much flat out fulfilling orders right up to today. Many of you will be opening TBL products -notably the Knebworth book, on Christmas day that have been purchased as presents .
I hope the waiting will be worth it….here’s a recent accolade from another satisfied reader:
   ‘’What can I say about the book to do it …

TBL Celebrates Jimmy Page at 70: The TBL Poll:
As part of the TBL celebrations of Jimmy Page’s impending 70th birthday in January, we are conducting a TBL poll to attain your favourite Jimmy Page guitar performances across his 50 year career. This will take the form of a series of reader polls for which we want you to list your ten favorite Jimmy Page guitar performances in a series of categories.
Many thanks to the response to last week’s Jimmy with The Yardbirds poll.
This week the focus is on…
Your All …

Led Zeppelin catalogue now on Spotify:
Spotify – the music streaming service, has acquired the rights to the catalogue of Led Zeppelin. The news, initially reported by The New York Times, was announced at Spotify’s event at their New York based headquarters on Wednesday. It is the most high-profile rights acquisition since Spotify brought Pink Floyd to its service earlier this summer.
 In a press conference, the music streaming site’s founder and CEO Daniel Ek announced that the band’s music will now be available to listen to for free on the service. …

Nelson Mandela 1918 – 2013: 
No words required…..
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Robert Plant and The Band Of Joy Live From The Artists Den on Sky Arts this Sunday:

 Robert Plant’s episode of Live from the @Artists Den premieres in the UK for the first time this Sunday, December 8th. Tune-in to @Sky Arts at 9:00pm to watch the hour-long episode, filmed at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Here is the truely excellent House Of Cards from Live From The Artists Den

TBL Celebrates Jimmy Page At 70 : The TBL Poll:

As part of the TBL  celebrations of  Jimmy …

A Celebration Of Bert Jansch – Royal Festival Hall London -Tuesday December 3rd 2013. Photo by DL for TBL.
To the Royal Festival Hall  – the last time I was here was for the Roy Harper 70th birthday show at which  Jimmy Page appeared. Unsurprisingly there were the usual rumours beforehand here of a Jimmy sighting. Unfortunately Eric Clapton and Roy Harper were unable to appear as billed – however this did not detract this wonderful tribute to the legacy of Bert Jansch from being an unqualified success.
The proceedings commenced with Ralph McTell performing Angi. …