Collecting Led Zeppelin. To some a pastime, others an obsession, a virus even for which there is no two part vaccine (nor one required). Published this week, Record Collector Presents Led Zeppelin is a wonderful, essential and inspiring magazine. 116 pages of nothing but Zeppelin, incredibly well collated, edited and executed.
Superbly edited by Jamie Atkins, all aspects of collecting are featured with some spectacular images to accompany in depth, fascinating and compelling articles. Add to that pieces from RC's Archives including two Jimmy Page Interviews, some unbelievable memorabilia and an in depth look at each Zeppelin LP.
Where to start? From the Jay Thompson Chateau Marmont 1969 photoshoot front cover to Chris Welch's Tour memories there is something for everyone on every page, every turn. Excerpts from Pete Frame's legendary and lengthy Zig Zag interview (the original conversation ran well over three hours) whets the appetite with talk of Session Days, early influences and the rise of Zeppelin.
And then we come to ten pages titled 'All That Glitters Is Gold' that gives us a glimpse into the amazing collection of Brian Knapp. From tour jackets, blimps, programmes, ephemera, Jimmy's shirt and bow from Knebworth to Bonzo's Harley from the movie, it's fascinating and mouth watering indeed. A big big thanks goes out to Brian for his generosity.
There are five Fan profiles throughout the magazine - Steve Livesey, Dave Lewis, Michaela Tait, Cliff Hilliard and Yours Truly. All of us have grasped the nettle and all make a great read, from what started this whole thing off to our favourite moments and collectibles and many points in between. I'm so chuffed to be part of this and I hope you like our words and thoughts on this thing they call Led Zeppelin.
Of course, there are some amazing annotated images of rare singles, EP's and Acetates from all over the globe, and a separate ten page spread of rare LP's, CD's, Tapes, * Tracks, Promo's and on and on. It really is a remarkable treasure trove. SO many things are unique and it's a pleasure to be able to enjoy them within these pages.
Dave Lewis has been one of the main driving forces in this publication, and suitably has an archive RC piece on the making of 'IV', plus his own recollections of his remarkable journey through the written word with Tight But Loose and his book publications, and some great and fond memories of our 1992 Celebration Days Fan Convention.
And there's more, much more. A similarly incredible ten page spread of Posters and Flyers thanks to Mike Tremaglio (co-author of the essential 'Evenings With' book with Dave Lewis) and once again Brian Knapp, plus an incredible and very detailed UK Discography from Nick Anderson who also provides (mint condition) valuations to the Singles, LP's etc in the other photo spreads.
Phew! Quite simply this is stunning, even better than I had imagined when Dave and Jamie first discussed the project with me. Big congratulations to all involved and I'm certain this will become a very welcome addition to those ever increasingly overloaded shelves in our homes...
