Led Zeppelin 1 – it was 51 years ago this week.. to mark the 51st anniversary of the debut Led Zeppelin here’s some facts, figures and thoughts on it all…

January 20, 1969 – Led Zeppelin debut album released:
Despite often being attributed to either Sunday, January 12, 1969 or Friday, January 17, 1969, the correct “official” release date of the debut album might well have been Monday, January 20, 1969. As Mike Tremaglio flagged to me – this release date was referenced in an Atlantic Records memo accompanying white label advance …

SINCERE THANKS FROM DAVE AND JANET:
”In the light you will find the road…”
Janet and I have been absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the many Facebook messages and offers of help and support in the light of a couple of very tough weeks that saw Janet break her leg and myself facing up to some long standing mental health issues.
We would like to sincerely thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all the kindness and support we have received. This has provided so much inspiration and strength for …

Deborah Bonham new album and tour dates for 2020:Here’s the details…    
Deborah Bonham and her band have a new album lined up for 2020 and have announced the following tour dates for the new year as follows:
23 Jan WIMBORNE Tivoli Theatre UK
www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk24 Jan LONDON BLUES FESTIVAL, Under The Bridge Chelsea, UK
www.underthebridge.co.uk/events/jbf-bernie-marsden/25 Jan GIANTS OF ROCK FESTIVAL, Minehead, UK
www.bigweekends.com/your-break/198457/ 28 Jan MILTON KEYNES The Stables
www.stables.org 07 Feb FRANCE L’Espace Culturel , 7 avenue de Villeroy Mennecy (91)
www.mennecy.fr/-Spectacles-

08 Feb TBC France

21 Feb BEWDLEY St George’s Hall, Worcs
www.thehall-bewdley.org.uk 22 Feb TBA23 Feb KINROSS …

Michael Putland 1947 – 2019:
I was very sad to hear the passing of another iconic rock photographer Michael Putland aged 72. During the 1970s, his work was a staple feature in the UK music press. When I was editing the Five Glorious Nights Led Zeppelin at Earls Court 1975 book for Rufus Stone I had access to his amazing Led Zep Earls Court photos many of which were featured in the book – including the cover shot .
I was lucky enough to meet him at the Led Zeppelin From The …

My thoughts on the new Robert Plant Interview in this month’s Classic Rock:
A very good interview with Robert Plant by Rob Hughes in the new issue of Classic Rock – though I was surprised there was no direct mention of his Saving Grace project. There’s a heart-warming story of how John Bonham got him back in to the fold for ‘’one morel flurry ‘’with Zep, a good overview of his early solo career with rightful credit to Phil Collins, tales of performing on Top of The Pops, plenty of accolades …

David ”Front Row Dave” Beesmer RIP:
Like so many of us, I was very sad to hear the news of the sudden passing of David ”Front Row Dave”Beesmer aged 54.
Dave was well known in the Zep fan community as ‘’Front Row Dave’’, so called for his knack of always being there or thereabouts at concerts – notably the Led Zeppelin reunion show at the 02 in 2007. Dave was interviewed on BBC Breakfast the day after the show. I was lucky enough to meet him before the Celebration Days London premiere …

Led Zeppelin CAT Club 50th anniversary Led Zeppelin II event at the Tap & Barrel Pontefract:
Last Tuesday I travelled up to Ponterfract to present the Led Zeppelin II 50th anniversary celebration at the CAT Club at the excellent Tap & Barrel pub.
On the night it was a great turn out and what I can say – listening to Led Zeppelin II on record uninterrupted in like-minded company was like hearing it for the first time all over again. Side One – from the cough and riff entry of Whole Lotta Love …

TBL Archive Special: Led Zeppelin II – it was 50 years ago today…
Led Zeppelin II – A Kind of Rock
To celebrate the release of the Led Zeppelin II album this week back in 1969 – some thoughts 50 years on…
Led Zeppelin II:
A Kind Of Rock…. Still Flying
In the same way Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue defined the jazz genre, the second Zep album well and truly encapsulated rock music as we know it. Dave Lewis re appraises Led Zeppelin II on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
In reappraising the second …

DL AT 63: ON THE OCCASION OF MY BIRTHDAY…
63…how did that happen!
63 is the new 23!
As usual when a birthday rolls around, it’s a good time to quantify what I do, what I like and take stock…
So firstly let’s do some timelines:
I was 7 years old when I first saw a live concert (The Dave Clark Five show at the Granada Cinema Bedford)
9 when I first saw Tottenham Hotspur play
13 when I first heard Led Zeppelin
15 when I first started work at British Home Stores (sadly now gone)
15 when I …

 
Robert Plant on the occasion of his 71st birthday:
Robert Plant is 71 years old on Tuesday, August 20…
From his initial forays in the Midlands scene in the mid 60’s leading to his first record being released in 1966, through to his vital contribution to Led Zeppelin and on to an always compelling solo career, Robert Plant has occupied a unique position at the forefront of the music world for over five decades…
During the past 12 months he has continued to push the boundaries of his vocal talent -continuing to delight …