The new TBL magazine issue 31 (with a revised standard cover -see above) is all set to go. It’s another packed 32 page issue with exclusive content taking you back to the music with fresh perspective…

Here’s what’s in store:

Led Zeppelin 1971: Peaking in Japan – Electric Magic in the UK:
Mike Tremaglio tracks a remarkable period in their concert history – including full dissection of those Whole Lotta Love medleys. From bizarre song choices (Cliff Richard’s Bachelor Boy anyone?) to bizarre venues (a gig at a swimming baths – not a problem!) this is a golden period of on the road Zep history -re-told as it happened.

TBL Investigates 1: Just how much is the rare Led Zeppelin 1 UK turquoise sleeve pressing really worth?
A copy of the UK version of the debut Led Zeppelin album presented in the rare turquoise coloured sleeve recently sold for a staggering £2,000. Leading Zep vinyl authority Nick Anderson dissects the factors that has made this version of the first Led Zeppelin album item highly desirable and investigates if the astronomical price it commands is justified.

TBL Investigates 2: Exactly where and when did Led Zeppelin perform their first ever gig under that name?
Mike Tremaglio attempts to separate fact from fiction and Dave Lewis puts in some leg work in darkest Surrey all in the name of accurate TBL  research.

IV at 40 – A Celebration 1
The Flood Gallery Art Prints Exhibition –full report and interviews from the recent Led Zeppelin IV art prints launch.
IV At 40: A Celebration 2
Comment, feedback and analysis past and present on an album that still emits a freshness that belies its age –with quotes from Lemmy,Thunder’s Danny Bowes and Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson and more.

Howard Mylett 1947 – 2011 – A Tribute
The Final Interview – Part 2
This second part of the interview with Howard looks back at his brush with fame on Southern TV, the writing of his various books, the lost projects, the lost scrapbooks, his involvement with the Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page book, thoughts on the 02 reunion and more. It paints a final picture of the esteemed author and chronicler whose passion for Led Zeppelin remained undimmed to the end.

Maggie Bell: The TBL Interview – The first lady of Swan Song and still the Queen of the night
Maggie Bell has enjoyed a long association within the Zep camp stretching back to the days of Stone The Crows. The Scottish born singer’s unique raw edged vocals are still being deployed to good effect. Dave Lewis catches up with the first lady of Swan Song for this TBL interview.

Jimmy Page: Back on stage with Roy Harper for The Same Old Rock
Full Report and photos from Roy’s 70th Birthday Royal Festival Hall concert last November –  plus…

Exclusive: Roy Harper talks to TBL about that gig

Labour Of Love From The Keeper of The Flame

The ‘’On this day’’ feature on jimmypage.com is already proving to be an essential part of every Led Zeppelin fan’s life, TBL’s Simon Cadman summarises some recent postings.

CD & Book Reviews
Gerard Sparaco rounds up the latest underground titles including the Shepperton Rehearsals plus focus on the new George Case book Led Zeppelin FAQ and the new Baron Wolman Rolling Stone years photo book with comments from both authors.

 Plus latest Robert Plant, John Paul Jones news, latest Black Country Communion & Jason Bonham updates and more

This is the final issue of the 2011 TBL subscription so current subscribers will need to re –subscribe for the 2012 magazines – there will be a flyer in each issue posted out as a prompt to ensure you do!

All subscriber copies and pre orders will be distributed over the next few days -UK subscribers can expect their copies by the middle of next week or at the end of the week at the latest –  Europe and USA/rest of the world should  follow in the next couple of weeks. 

If you are new to TBL – this is an ideal opportunity to sample the delights of the TBL magazine –TBL 31 is a fantastic starting point for new readers
You can order the standard edition with the rare Zep ’71 acoustic shot on the cover here now
http://www.tightbutloose.co.uk/?page_id=12233

In a first for the TBL magazine – there is also a limited opportunity to purchase a copy of a special alternate collector’s cover edition of this issue …here’s the information:

Unique alternate limited edition collector’s cover edition of TBL 31
Having the recent opportunity to feature a rare Led Zeppelin photo from 1971 as the main cover photo for TBL 31, we have decided to produce two runs of the magazine for this issue – the aforementioned Zep design alongside the already previewed Roy Harper & Jimmy Page version.
So for the new issue of TBL – issue 31, we are producing a special strictly limited edition Roy Harper & Jimmy Page reunion collector’s cover edition.

This features an alternate cover to the standard issue – on the front, a photo of Roy Harper and Jimmy Page at last year’s Royal Festival Hall by Ian Avey, whilst the back cover has a collage (exclusive to this version only) of rare images representing the Japan and UK fall 1971 dates as chronicled in the magazine by Mike Tremaglio.

Here is the front and back designs of the limited edition cover :

This unique cover comes in a limited edition run of just of 150 – each of them individually numbered.

Please note: this is an additional offer to the standard issue which has a Led Zeppelin photo as the main image on the front and the standard TBL back cover offers text  – both editions have the same text content inside.

Subscribers will receive this standard edition as part of their 2011 subscription. The TBL 31 collector’s cover edition is an additional purchase. I am sure ardent TBL collectors will want to invest in this unique collector’s cover edition.

Demand is sure to be high, and once they are gone – they are gone. So don’t miss your chance – order today!

Invest in both editions to complete your collection!

You can order the special collectors cover edition via this link now –

http://www.tightbutloose.co.uk/?page_id=12887

or pay by cheque in the UK price £6.60 including postage. Cheque payable to D. Lewis –send to TBL 31 Offer,14 Totnes Close, Bedford MK403AX

Hurry and order now to avoid disappointment!

So that’s TBL 31 – another outpouring of  news,views and features to kickstart the year.

Invest and enjoy another tangible physical TBL product that takes you ever closer to the world of Led Zeppelin.

Dave Lewis  – January 12th 2012