Kashmir -The pride of Led Zeppelin – pic via Donato Farace

Bit of a catch up here with lots of things going on…

CELEBRATION DAY SCREENINGS FEEDBACK WRAP:

Here’s a last round up of feedback comments from the Celebration Day screenings –

Jumping on the last train…here is my take on Celebration Day. I celebrated the day at the Budokan…er, no, the Cineworld in Stockport (of all places). For the 8:45 pm screening, the second and last of the day, the seats were occupied by some fifty people, about 1/4 full, quite a modest number, I have to say, for the town that once hosted a number of rock greats, namely The Who, Cream, Hendrix (twice!), Pink Floyd, Family etc (not Zeppelin, though). The volume was okay, though a little bit on the quiet side for my liking. However, it didn’t benefit from the surround system in particular (at least I didn’t feel it).

The greatest thing about the film is, above all, it made me feel like I was part of the event myself in some way or other. As compared with this, the fast cuts/quick editing and the use of grainy shots, the two major faults pointed out in some quarters — more often elsewhere than here, perhaps — are minor gripes, even though I agree with the points being made.

“As far as I can judge from the numerous audience recordings and videos, I don’t see enough of the so-called ‘Zeppelin magic’ in their performance at the O2 reunion” – back then, commented one notable Japanese reviewer of Led Zeppelin bootlegs, who was not there. The fans who attended the show from Japan, however, invariably attested, “Surely the magic was there, one that only those who witnessed it all in person could feel.”

Now, after watching Celebration Day on a big screen with a decent sound, I can honestly say, for the first time since the event, that I have my share of what those lucky ones experienced there and then, that rare element they called “the magic”. Hiroshi from Japan

I was lucky enough to be there too. Wish there were more crowd shots!! I was about 7 deep off center on the floor.

The film made me realize the performance was better than I remembered. Also, I was a bit bummed they cut out the Kashmir intro and, I thought one of the most memorable moments – when Jason bowed to the three afterwards only to have it returned. So cool, what a way to end it. JPJ hasn’t lost a thing and Jason was UNREAL. Jimmy was great too although it’s well known he isn’t what he use to be (not as clean or fast – just watch TSRTS) but managed to rock it hard. I thought Nobodys Fault and For Your Life were the best. Jason was unreal on Song Remains. I loved the interplay and some of the close ups were just awesome. I feel so fortunate to have been there and even more that I can relive it again. What a band! Preston Khan

Turned up at Vue Cinema in Harrow for the 2.30pm screening yesterday, resplendent in my replica white Knebworth t-shirt (the original one purchased in a field in Hertfordshire on 4th August ’79 sadly long gone). I expected a real crowd but there were no more than about fifty people there. Looks like I went to the wrong Vue Cinema, DL!!

Truly blown away by the whole experience, I soon forgot the place was half empty and did my little bit to get the ‘crowd’ going. Highlights for me, song-wise, were Nobody’s Fault and No Quarter, plus my own favourite Kashmir which was awesome and “The Pride of Led Zeppelin” as Percy once said.

Second highlight was Jason Bonham who worked so hard for the boys and I loved the little glances and smiles he got from them. He didn’t need any encouragement but maybe it was more reassurance that his old man would have been very very proud indeed.

Final highlight was the musical and visual chemistry between the four of them. In all the footage I have seen both live (just the once) and on film, I have never seen them so connected, smiling, laughing, encouraging, supporting and plainly enjoying what was a musical triumph of the highest order. I guess if that really is it, then you can safely say they bowed out at the very top of their game. Colin Barnett

Saw Celebration Day on Oct 17^th premiere in Montreal.

Had to share.

-Jimmy – I was in emotional shock and awe at watching him play his heart out. This man can play guitar so passionately and differently each and every time.

He is ageing so gracefully, he must be spending time in the mountains of Japan !!!!

-JPJ – The total team player and musician , oozing talent. Loved the close-up’s

-Jason – Amazing, world-class. Wish there was more camera time on him but I guess that would have meant less camera on the others.

He not only met and exceeded expectation, I did not find myself comparing him to Bonzo for even 1 second. Jason stood on his head

and in my mind stands on his own feet in the company of the top 10 drummers in the world but has the edge due to the Bonham family sound.

-Robert – The voice and swag in full form, part of a band.

My song thoughts during the show. All “very” tight and “sometimes” loose. Selection was amazing. They all sounded modern and rich. I was 100% glued to the screen

and in many ways felt like I was there. It far exceeded expectation. It was a generous performance on the part of the boys. It was loaded with dignity, surprises,

twists and swagger. Very emotional. The biggest surprise – Dazed and confused. Felt like I heard it for the first time. Dark, edgy and moody.

My song thoughts after the show (next day). Same as day of show but now feeling emotional crash. Could this really be the end.

What other songs did they perform in rehearsals, was it filmed ? Will they ever share them ? Did they record anything new ?

Songs in my head that I would love to hear live. Can you imagine……….Achilles last stand, Carouselambra, All my love, When the Levele breaks, The lemon song, an acoustic set, custard pie.

Pre-show press conference(s). Found them fascinating while also noting that we had a rare glimpse into the privacy that surrounds the band. They did it their way and still do.

Peter Grant’s influence was/is/remains a major factor. JPJ appears to acknowledge this while the others remain silent.

Ahmet Ertegun – the entire band loved this man. Is there another man on earth that influenced Zep boys as much as him?

Jimmy Page seems to carry the emotions of ZEP on his sleeve, the others less so. I hope he is at peace.

Alain Jandaly

I went to see the film at Edinburgh with my daughter. Having followed Zep since the early seventies but never having seen them live my anticipation prior to the film, which was heightened by the tbl website, was high and I was not disappointed. The cinema was fairly full with a mixture of age groups but mainly middle aged balding blokes like myself. The quality of the performance was second to none and it was clear from the fantastic camera work how much the band were enjoying themselves and that they knew they were on top form. For me the highlight was the supreme performance given by Page. His guitar playing was unbelievable. My daughter said to me when we were leaving the cinema that Page has still got it even at his age. (she is only 26). An unforgettable night and I’m doing it all again  on Sunday as the cinema is showing the film again.  Paul.

Just back from our trip to Spain where we caught Celebration Day in Terrassa, Barcelona. A 13 hour round trip due to leaving the cinema at around 10.00pm and buses back to the rail station in Terrassa not showing up. We had a 3-4 mile walk …Glam Jam

Loved the build up to Celebration Day at the cinema’s. I went to see the film at Solihull Cineworld, the daughter of my friend works there so we got in for free. Nice bonus. The film itself was brilliant, but the sound in Solihull was way too quiet, I could hear a gentlemen on the other side of the isle from me tapping his hand on the arm rest above the sound of the film!! I am not kidding, so as a result it lost some of its dynamics. After 3 songs in I said to Simon who was sitting next to me (who saw Zep 3 times in B’ham in the early 70’s) that it was way too quiet and he agreed.

Another friend of mine went to Vue Cinema’s on Sunday afternoon in Star City B’ham and she said the sound was nice& loud & afterwards had felt that she had been to a gig. What a difference a bit more presence makes (no pun intended).

I did notice during the film that Roberts little‘humming bee’ bit had been edited out of In My Time of Dying, but I agree with you seeing the bands little nodds, smiles and raising of eyebrows for their cues was great and to see John Bonham’s logo on the under side of Jason’s cymbals was nice touch. As too was JPJ’s logo covering the truss rod where the neck of his bass joined the body.

Will I buy the deluxe DVD in November? Definitely. I have the Shepperton Rehearsals on CD and they are amazing as well so am glad they are included. It will be interesting to see if the missing vocal line on Stairway has been added.

Will I still watch my 4 Eyes DVD as well as Celebration Day? Yes as that is more how I remember the gig, but both are brilliant for different reasons. Dave Govier

I made it at last to  “Celebration Day” Sunday at the Apollo Cinema Port Talbot. As the taxi driver pulled up I said “Did I say Cinema, ..I meant church”. Just for one second the look on his face was priceless. Really enjoyed and real great credit to the band for allowing its release. It was nice to see the happiness on stage and a few of the all round smiles to each other knowing that they had delivered. Humbly grateful. Pat Lyons

WESTFIELD WHITE CITY LONDON SCREENING:

There was one more Celebration Day fix for the TBL crew on Sunday at the Westfield Centre. Another great turn out with Gary Foy, Cliff the ticket man, his lady Tracy, Dave Linwood and his friend Nigel a Zep virgin up until then, Lee Matthews, Andreas Stocker, Krys Jantzen, Ian Avey,  Michaela, Dan and Charlie and the Earls Court Bedford four of myself, Phil, Dec and Tom watching Led Zeppelin in the same row as we had watched Led Zeppelin together back on May 24^th 1975.

Before the 39 glorious days ended…Gary, Krys , DL, Ian, Lee, Cliff, Phil, Tom and Tracy –  TBL crew at Westfield Centre Celebration Day pre-screening meet last Sunday

Above – With Dave Linwood – the creator of TBL web  – TBL crew at Westfield Centre Celebration Day pre-screening meet last Sunday.

The Vue cinema was excellent with a fantastic view and de-luxe seating and a giant screen. It did take three numbers to warm up but the surround sound was very effective. This all made for another memorable experience in the company of this astonishing film.

Once again there were fresh new little nuances to discover…Jonesy’s grin as they came out of No Quarter, Robert deploying the Yallah vocal effect on The Song Remains The Same, a deft cutaway to a pleasing cherubic grin from Jimmy as Robert sings the line ‘’Why don’t you take a good look at yourself and describe what you see’’ during Misty Mountain Hop.

Afterwards, yes beers were drunk and stories told in the usual fashion and then it was home to face a Monday morning where the question might well have been  Is there life after Celebration Day?

Tom, Phil, DL, Dec: The TBL Earls Court Bedford veterans – second row Led Zeppelin  May 24th 1975…still in the same row together Celebration Day Oct 21 2012 –combined Led Zeppelin  gigs attended  = 29 –combined Celebration Day film screenings  = 11…combined ages = 222 but still rockin….just !

39 GLORIOUS CELEBRATION DAYS:

From the announcement and airing of the Celebration Day trailer via the official Zep site  on Thursday September 14^th through to my final screening on Sunday October 21^st its been 39 glorious days.

And what fun we have all had…

There really has been no period quite like it since…well the 02 concert of five years back… this has been something very special indeed ,because this time there has been no exclusivity, this film is a communal event for all Led Zeppelin fans to share.

I’ve enjoyed some pretty amazing times in my enthusiasm for Led Zeppelin over the past four decades but I have to say this past month ranks as perhaps the most enjoyable of them all -it’s been to quote myself..simply joyous…I could get pretty deep and meaningful about the whole experience – suffice to say I feel absolutely blessed to have witnessed this simply remarkable period.

The unfolding Celebration Day saga with all the social media at its disposal has been perhaps the biggest media shout of Led Zeppelin’s entire career. Two press conferences reuniting the three ex members, four premieres ,two of them again with all members present, many an interview, many a comment and blanket coverage on line and in the press. There is little doubt that during these past 39 days Led Zeppelin have once again been the most popular band on the planet.

For me personally these past 39 days have been a roller-coaster ride to say the least. Juggling various issues back here, not least a few health ones amongst us , attending book launches, finishing up and distributing TBL 33, arranging tickets and travel (thanks for your help Michaela!), it’s been invigorating, exhilarating and not a little emotional.

Some Reflections:

Attending that initial press screening and press conference has to be right up there with my all time amazing Zep experiences.

Writing my impassioned review the next day was one of the hardest tasks I’ve undertaken in conveying emotions to words…now you have all seen the film I think you can empathise why…hey I was right all along!

The TBL daily newsletter countdown – now that was a challenge in itself and yes sleep was at a premium but again it has been a sheer privilege in enhancing the build up to the October 17^th Celebration Day.

The London Premiere: Another night of nights – perhaps the greatest of ll -an incredibly exciting experience as they strode the red carpet. When is a film not a film? When it’s Led Zeppelin live at the Hammersmith Apollo. It genuinely felt like a gig…and one of the greatest.

Some observations on the film: Jason – an amazing performance –seeped in the emotion of his dad..…the film also identifies how important John Paul Jones has always been to it all…Jimmy Page is just totally immersed in Led Zeppelin again – has any musician looked so happy and glorious as did James Patrick Page throughout the 124 minutes…..Robert Plant –more than anything else, this film shows his utter rejuvenation. For one night only he was once again the frontman of Led Zeppelin. He took to the task with utter conviction…in many ways he is the real hero of the 02 reunion because he really did want to be that man again…this film is ample proof of what a frontman he really is – a compelling performance throughout that says everything about his ability to get right back into character and make all look so effortless…absolutely utterly masterful.

What joy it has been to watch up on the big screen that onstage chemistry and sheer camaraderie unfold at close quarters back on that December night of five years ago

There’s a parallel to be drawn here ….what has also struck me during these 39 golden days is a similar sense of camaraderie amongst fans –be it on Facebook, this site, other message boards or in the cinema (and pub beforehand!) –I personally have reconnected with so many likeminded fans and met many new ones. It was particularly pleasing for me that along the way the good lady Janet and Sam got to see the film along with many of my friends and of course being reunited with the Earls Court Bedford veterans last Sunday to watch the film some 37 years after we attended the Saturday May 24th Earls Court show as mere teenagers was a special thrill.

Aside from the amazing music, that is what this thing has always done. Celebration Day has succeeded in bringing together Led Zeppelin fans of all ages from all over the globe…and I’d like to think that Tight But Loose in all its mediums has played its part in that achievement.

As many others have noted, there is an air of finality about the release of this film –it may well be the last gathering of both musicians and fans to celebrate the legacy of Led Zeppelin – certainly on such a worldwide scale.

Therefore I did feel more than a slight pang of sadness when the credits rolled at the end of the film on Sunday. If this the end …well what an ending. What a glorious, glorious ending….

On Monday it did feel all a bit empty (and hangover!)…and as previously mentioned, the questions was the inevitable one:

Is there life after Led Zeppelin’s Celebration Day?

And of course the answer is an emphatic yes.

The four musicians up on stage at the 02 Arena for Ahmet are forever immortalised and united as Led Zeppelin on that night – away from the screen, once again they are Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham, musicians in their own right.

Out of the phenomenal response to this film, one really has to hope that it will inspire Jimmy Page to seek out new musical challenges. The sheer love and affection shown to him by audiences in New York, the UK and Japan has been extraordinary. He is still the eternal keeper of the flame…and the fans adoration of him remains remarkable. It’s evident that everyone wants to see him back on stage, guitar in hand –Jimmy it’s over to you…

There has also been more than a hint that there will be some sort of remastering and repackaging of the Zeppelin catalogue which we all crave. Given a Pink Floyd type makeover with unreleased  outtakes, alternate versions, vinyl re issues ,well we could be in for a real treat ahead.

So maybe it’s a case of Led Zeppelin is dead…long live Led Zeppelin. Before too long  we of course will have the DVD/blue ray/CD to add to our apprecation of it all (24 days and counting down).

The exclusive airing of Kashmir on the Ken Bruce show on BBC Radio 2 yesterday morning caused much excitement…its sounded awesome streaming out of the radio, just as Whole Lotta Love did all those years back around this time in 1969 – a moment that kick-started my particular enduring love affair with this band.

So if this is goodbye…well, it’s going to be a long one and this web site, via the TBL magazines  and books, will be there waving them off on every step of the way.

The Celebration Day film has proved to so many fans across the globe why Led Zeppelin are forever in the present tense and it’s like I rather excitably relayed to Front Row Dave in the Distillers pub before the première screening…this is not just band….this is a way of life and long may this astonishing band be a substantial part of it.

Dave Lewis, October 26th, 2012

 02 BOOK PROJECT:

I am now in the planning and collation stages of the previously mentioned 02 book project to be published next year. To that end, I am very keen to receive contributions for the book.

Call Out 1:

Firstly if you were at the 02 on December 10^th 2007 and want to unfold your story I am keen to hear from you – word count up to 2,000. I am also very keen to use any photos taken on the night by fans – email to davelewis.tbl1@ntlworld.com. All contributions will be duly credited.

Similarly if you want to tell your story of attending the Celebration Day screening –  again I welcome contributions – text word count max up to 2,000.

The deadline for all contributions is now January 1st 2013. I look forward to hearing from you if you have a tale to tell.

I’ve already amassed a fair amount of material and the potential to unfold the entire Ahmet Ertugen reunion concert story is shaping up very well indeed. More on all this as it unfolds..

Call Out 2:

I am also looking for assistance in the transcribing of various source material.

I require the following. A full transcript of the in between song comments by Robert Plant during the December 10^th 2007 02 reunion concert.

A full transcript of the New York Press conference staged on October 9^th.

Transcripts of the interviews conducted by Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones for Absolute Radio during the red carpet walkabout at the London premiere on October 12th as seen on You Tube.

Full transcript of the interview John Paul Jones conducted at the Berlin premiere on October 15^th

Full transcript of the press conference Jimmy Page staged in Tokyo on October 16^th

If anyone has the resource to transcribe these I would very much like to hear from them – again email at davelewis.tbl1@ntlworld.com

if anyone can help on the above requests -many thanks in advance

ROD STEWART:

In amongst all the Celebration Day mania the feature I wrote in the summer on Rod Stewart’s never A Dull Moment album was published by Record Collector. You can find it in the current edition. I’m very pleased with how this one came out and thanks again to John Gray and Neal Webb for their assistance. More info here:

http://recordcollectormag.com/articles/spare-the-rod

MOJO MAGAZINE: 

Krys Jantzen has just been in touch to relay that the new issue of  Mojo magazine has a great Celebration Day feature and interview.  Krys reports:

Superb questions from Phil Alexander and great open and honest answers. Full of great quotes. Great cover, great photos…a 12 page delight! Every fan must have this issue!

AXE HEAVEN:

My good friend Dec brought back a couple of gifts  for Tom and I from his recent visit to Los Angeles. Detailed miniature guitars – a Tony Iommi model for Tom and a Jimmy Page Les Paul for me – very nice they are to. You can find out more about these lovely artefacts at www.axeheaven.com

WINTER PLAYLIST:

With the clocks going back this weekend and the dark nights kicking in, I’ve had a quick wade through to gather a relevant winter playlist – warm sounds to enrich the cold winter days ahead. This is what I have lined up:  Miles Davis Birth of The Cool, Rolling Stones It’s Only Rock’n’Roll, George Harrison Early Takes Vol 1 (thank Jon P), Bob Dylan Desire,Humble Pie Rock On, David Bowie Hunky Dory, Free Radio Sessions,Cat Stevens Best Of, Crosby Stills Nash & Young A Perfectly Beuutiful Stoney Evening ,The Hollies Radio Fun, Led Zeppelin Ipswich 71, Newcastle 71, Empire Strikes Back and Ally Pally 72. There’s also a backlog of vinyl that I need to get on the player including The Faces Overture & Beginners, Joe Walsh So Far So Good, Best Of Procal Harum, Sandy Denny & The Strawbs, Poco Rose Of Cimmaron,  Led Zeppelin Johnny Kidd & The Pirates -to name but a few.

Looking ahead, on my Christmas wants list will be The Who Live At Hull set that is due, the Sandy Denny Notes & Words set  and Elvis Presley Prince From Another Planet which gathers material from his June 1972 shows at Madison Square Garden (the afternoon one of which was attended by Zep).

DL DIARY UPDATE:

It’s been a week of catching up and planning ahead here with the 02 book to begin collation and work to commence on the next TBL issue 34  for publication in the new year and already there’s some great stuff lined up. The health stuff continues amongst us here –I had a diabetic eye test this week (shame they didn’t hand out a bottle of  Zeppelin Shiraz to aid my blurred vision afterwards see below!) and have been fending off a head cold but we’ve been getting on with it as you do. With half term upon us ,next week it will be good to spend some time with the good lady Janet who during the 39 glorious days only saw me somewhat intermittently in between flying off on various Celebration Day missions. We had have a walk in town last Saturday where I came upon this bona fide original dragster as deployed by John Bonham in his Song Remains The Same fantasy sequence at nearby Santa Pod raceway. Hey there’s just no getting away from it!

The TBL editor ponders driving the dragster John Bonham style down Bedford High Street …those who know of my driving prowess will be glad to know we went down the pub instead

ROBERT PLANT PRESENTS THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTER  IN SAO PAULO:

Here’s a great clip of Robert and the band via Andre Cruz performing Four Sticks in Sao Paulo on Tuesday –  The man just lives his music…

Full report via Andre to follow

AND FINALLY…

KASHMIR RADIO PREVIEW :

As mentioned, the Kashmir live 02 single from the forthcoming CD was aired by Ken Bruce on Radio Two  yesterday morning. I had a tip from my good friend Terry that this was happening and it was well exciting hearing  it unfold live on the radio – the TBL Facebook reaction was pretty amazing too – David Hope commented:

”I was on a conference call at work when it was played. Can’t remember what was said in the call , I was too busy fist pumping the air and rocking!”

I particularly like this comment too from Paul Harper.   ‘’Have to be thinking that this Kashmir is the greatest live track ever by anybody at anytime.’’

I’ll go along with that one…

Here’s a thought: It would be very nice to see a ten inch Celebration Day vinyl promo produced similar to the Remasters one – Kashmir on the A side complete with Robert’s intro, Ramble On and For Your Life on the B side – one for next year’s Record Store Day maybe?

You can hear the truly sensational Kashmir clip via this story on Ultimate Classic Rock. I’ll be blaring this one out at regular intervals this weekend …and you will too..

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/led-zeppelin-kashmir-live-song-review/

Anf absolutely finally – This just in from Michael Rae in Australia.  

I have found the perfect beverage of which to partake upon whilst enjoying the new Celebration Day Blu-ray/DVD! Nice one Michael!

Have a great weekend,    

Until next time…keep reading – keep listening…

Dave Lewis/Gary Foy

October 26th, 2012

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