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 …

 
It’s Led Zeppelin II month at TBL – 50 years gone…
TBL Led Zeppelin II Archive:
TBL Exclusive Interview With Eddie Kramer On Led Zeppelin II  
In an exclusive interview conducted by Dave Lewis on , Eddie Kramer the director of engineering and mixing on Led Zeppelin II, reflected on the making of the album….
Eddie took time out from presenting his ‘’Evening With Eddie Kramer ’’ event at Metropolis Studios to talk about the album for TBL. Looking back to the mixdown session of Whole Lotta Love, he described it as ‘’A happy …

Remembering John Bonham 39 years gone today…
To mark the 39th anniversary of his passing, I’ve rounded up 39 examples of his percussive perfection. Along with countless fans around the world I will be indulging in many of these remarkable performances as we remember the man who still remains at the heart and soul of Led Zeppelin…
John Bonham 1948 – 1980:
Always loved…Always remembered… Always played…
Play these and remember him this way…

She’s A Mod – The Senators – (1964)
The earliest appearance on record of the young John Bonham on record. There’s plenty of …

Coda John Bonham Celebration Redditch gig this Saturday :

Here’s all the info for this Saturday’s Coda gig at the Queens Head Redditch:
Coda had been booked to headline the John Bonham Celebration on Saturday, September 21.
However after that event was cancelled Coda managed to secure a gig at the Queen’s Head pub – close to where the Celebration was due to take place – so their own tribute could go ahead as planned on the same night.
Not only will it be a celebration of the life and works of what many regard …

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 …

Announcing a new 40th Anniversary Limited Edition re-package of the Then As It Was Led Zeppelin At Knebworth 1979 book
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s approaches at Knebworth I am making available a strictly limited edition re-package of the Then As It Was Led Zeppelin At Knebworth 1979 book
This 40th anniversary limited edition has a glossy newly designed book jacket with exclusives live photos from the Knebworth shows.
Each book includes an additional four page insert. This features a new 3,000 word interview with author Dave Lewis in which …

 
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 …