LED ZEPPELIN VINYL by ROSS HALFIN

 

This book has been a long time coming. Back in the 1980's there were Robert Godwin's excellent guides and Sam Ketenjian's singles guide. Over the following decades there have been numerous articles in Goldmine, Record Collector and specialist Zeppelin magazines, namely Dave Lewis' 'Tight But Loose'. 

They have all brought new insights and in depth information to the table soo to speak, and with so many online websites, Blogs and Facebook groups an incredible amount of information has amassed as more collectors open their files, cupboards and man caves for all to see, enjoy and wonder. 

As Led Zeppelin were the undisputed Kings from the age of Vinyl, for many of us it's the most enthralling, relevant and tactile format there is to enhance and enjoy Zeppelin's music, show our personal love and devotion and homage to the band, their music and enduring legacy.

And so it's fantastic thhat someone has brought it all together. Ross has been a Zeppelin fan and collector from pretty much day one, his insightful introduction here reminisces about buying 'Blueberry Hill' from Virgin Records back in 1971 (I remember buying some very dubious 'Import' titles at their Marble Arch branch in 1977/78, Branson was bold enough to stock pretty much every Bootleg vinyl he could until industry pressure forced his towards or nearer to legitimacy) and has been picking up what he can ever since.

Adding to his collecting and love of the Band is his occupation as Top Rock Photographer and he's the perfect person to compile what is heralded on the cover as 'The Essential Collection'. The final fourth section 'Catalogue Details' had large input from two esteemed collectors - Graeme Hutchinson and Nick Anderson. On the Bootleg Vinyl side, Graeme has diligently presented an exhaustive and detailed list of LP's, Ep's, Box Sets and Acetates in chronological recording order, something I'm proud to say I was more than happy to help with over the last months. And Nick is behind the official (and sometimes semi-official!) listing of all shapes and sizes of releases, and it's a staggering and mind blowing list...

So, what we have is a 216 page, 12" x 12" hardback tome, beautifully and expertly printed by the good people at Reel Art Press to the highest standards and quality possible. And the pictures are amazing. Firstly every studio album is represented, with accurately annotated information as to country of origin, label, catalogue number etc.

Remember this is essential, NOT complete. By definition and indeed common sense, it's impossible for any such list or collection to be complete. As a great friend once said 'when you realize you can't have everything you can enjoy collecting all the more'

Because of the high quality and resolution of the pictures and illustrations we can all enjoy some of the nicest and rarest of Zeppelin collectibles, regardless of the possibility of owning them. Sharing is the key, both visually and in detail. 

There will always be more, some variations or obscure and different pressings. Hopefully this wonderful book will bring new, different items into the light as this never ending quest and journey goes on. I will close by commending Ross, Graeme and Nick alongside the publishers for a brilliant addition to the ongoing Collection that is Led Zeppelin in print.

RECORD COLLECTOR Presents LED ZEPPELIN

 

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... 

LED ZEPPELIN - ATLANTA POP FESTIVAL 5-7-69

 

'Ain't Gotta Worry 'Bout My Sins!'

Any 'new' or previously unheard Led Zeppelin recording is always an event. The show stopping late afternoon performance at the Atlanta International Pop Festival on July 5th 1969 - the first date of their third US Tour - is the stuff of legend. Already a fearsome live act with a huge reputation, Peter Grant strategically put together a two month 35 date tour that included club, theatre and arena shows and no less than 10 Festival appearances.

For decades it's been widely rumoured and probably true the Soundboard of Zeppelin's set exists as it was recorded professionally and remains in the hands of the promoters. Up until now the only circulating recording has been some 49 seconds of silent 8mm cine film, plus lots of memorabilia including various posters, tickets, pictures etc. 

Now, finally, some of the audio has emerged. Sadly not the soundboard, but a good if distant audience recording that captures 42 minutes of the show. The fact it's genuine is both a magnificent gift to us fans of the Live Zeppelin experience and also a relief considering the steady stream of misdates and deceptions that have circulated over the last 50 plus years. 

So what do we have? Well, we have five of the six tracks known to have been played in the set (from reviews). We're missing the set closer 'How Many More Times' and the reported encore of 'Communication Breakdown'.

The tape cuts/fades in during the opening moments of 'Train Kept A-Rollin'. Wow. The audience are already in near hysteria, screaming and clapping along, bursting into ovations spontaneously. The sound is fairly well balanced, only John Paul is 'missing' at times is the mix. The first thing that hit me is Robert's voice. He's wild, overwhelming with an incredible range and potent confidence. Bonzo drives the band along as only he can and Jimmy is indeed on fire. It sounds almost out of control but the perfect stop/start puts the incredible dynamics into focus. Superb!

At 2 minutes 42 seconds Zeppelin segue into 'I Can't Quit You, Baby'. The playful introduction theme (extra to what we hear on the LP version) is light and syncopated, Bonzo flexing that right foot and Robert howling to the moon. From then on it's spine tingling. Dynamic, sexually charged and incredibly deft. It comes to an end at 8 minutes 43 seconds, greeted by a huge standing ovation from the 90,000 plus crowd.

Robert greets the crowd, talks about how hot it is then introduces 'something we managed to put on the first album. At 9 minutes 13 seconds we're into 'Dazed And Confused'. Already extended, the tension is palpable as Bonzo matches Jimmy's wah wah harmonic twirls with loud and powerful gong crescendos. Again Robert is all over everything, drawing whoops and cheers from the already mesmerised crowd, until some 3 minutes in and Jimmy takes it to another level with the bow. Brilliant stuff, and followed by the frenzied call and response 'chase' before a perfect return to the main theme. But it's not over yet! After the last verse and Robert proclaiming 'Ain't gotta worry 'bout my sins', the band bring it down to a whisper while Robert ad libs with scats, yodels and cries. Incredible as 'Dazed' climaxes at 10 minutes 36 seconds.

Barely time to catch our breath, it's time for Jimmy's 'White Summer'/'Black Mountainside' showcase. His playing is so fluent and inspired, including some incredible cascades and flurries in the second half of the 9 minutes and 45 seconds version, just before Bonzo powers it to a climax.

Next up, and sadly the last part of the tape we have, is 'You Shook Me'. No organ, but some fantastic harmonica before Led Zeppelin slip so easily into that groove. This is a band on fire. And yes, it's only the first night of the tour! Of course, unlike later years gigs were coming thick and fast and they'd last performed just a week before with two set at the 'Pop Proms' at London's Royal Albert Hall.

This version of 'YSM' is special. Already one of my favourite versions ever (up there with the Winterland 25-4-69 version) it runs almost 11 minutes and is sheer joy, intensity and sexual groove. And when we get to the Jimmy/Robert call and response... You've never heard anything like it, truly!

So there we have it. Yet another unique and essential piece of Led Zeppelin's history for us all to enjoy. For those of us able to look beyond the quality, edits etc it is simply incredible. Enjoy my friends, and it makes me wonder - What's Next!?  

TIGHT BUT LOOSE ISSUE 45

TIGHT BUT LOOSE 45

I'm more than delighted to be sitting here leafing through the latest edition - and a special 64 page edition it is too - of long running and much admired Led Zeppelin magazine Tight But Loose. 41 years young, and as compelling and detailed as ever. 

Before I get into the content I'd first like to lay a bit of background with regard to my friendship and working relationship with TBL mainman Dave Lewis. I think Issue 4 was the first I saw on the shelves in London's west end back in 1981, but the first time Dave and I really sat down and got to know each other was 1988. We'd met at two of Robert's Now & Zen secret warm up shows in Colchester and The Marquee and then at a fair few shows as the tour plotted around the UK.

The following year I was very pleased to help contribute to Dave's upcoming book 'A Celebration' with (not surprisingly!) a bootleg overview. And after Zeppelin were firmly back in the public eye and once again respected by much of the media following the Box Set and Remasters packages, I approached Dave with a frankly mad idea of a fully blown Led Zeppelin Fan Convention.

It may be history now, but at the time it was something never done outside the USA and we managed to pull off an amazing weekend we're both extremely proud of. A second event in 1994 cemented it all, and over the years we've both been involved in many fan meets and gatherings, celebrating all things Zeppelin.

And so to 2019.

As we all know the 40th Anniversary of Knebworth is upon us. Dave has wisely decided to celebrate the fact with the publication of TBL45, boosted by incorporating an enlarged facsimile of TBL3, which is his original issue devoted to the events of 1979.

I've been reading and re-reading this special edition issue for 5 days now, and still find myself picking it up and finding something I've missed, something to look at again, something to immerse myself and my Zeppelin induced mind in. It is THE essential Led Zeppelin magazine. Simple. 

So, what's inside? Where to start... The reprint of TBL3 is the centrepiece of this special edition, embellished with some great colour pictures and illustrations, and covers 40 pages. It's fascinating to look back at Dave's observations from 40 years ago, so enthused by the incredible Led Zeppelin comeback, and highlighted for me by his blow by blow review (although the word review doesn't really do it justice) of that magical night on August 4th. The other articles, fan communication, a quiz, readers poll and the loose talk section all stand the test of time thanks to a heartfelt mixture of perception and enthusiasm. 

The rest of TBL45 is even better. After the reprint of TBL3 are 10 pages almost exclusively devoted to even more in depth articles on Knebworth. Nick Anderson highlights 3 very rare items related to Knebworth in his Collector's Column. Paul Sheppard brings us an invaluable guide to the best Bootleg CD releases and yours truly looks back to those halcyon days and the Vinyl Bootlegs that surfaced from the four 1979 shows.

Andy Crofts analyses the audio tapes that were used on the aforementioned underground releases, and I add a timeline style piece regarding the footage that has turned up over the last four decades. The last article is a five page recollection of August 4th by Pat Mount, a perceptive and personal look back at an extraordinary day.

And, being 2019, the front pages round up current news, including the upcoming official Led Zeppelin Documentary, Robert's Podcast and tour dates for Robert and Debbie Bonham. A review by Dave of Jonesy's 100 Club Resonance FM fundraiser is accompanied by a fascinating and exclusive interview with John Paul from June 26th this year. 

A Review of Saving Grace in St Albans, the Love Rocks NYC event from March, an interview with Peter Piddock about booking Zeppelin for the University of Kent gig on 10-3-71, another great interview, this time with renowned author David Hepworth and Simon Cadman's visit to the Play It Loud Exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum are all here too. 

Phew! Add to that a few more pieces of news and more....

Exhaustive and indeed exhausting! Dave has long been a chronicler of all things Zeppelin, and his constant enthusiasm is infectious. This is possibly the best TBL yet and a real treasure. It IS limited to 675 copies so please don't miss out, you'll regret it if you do. Check out www.tightbutloose.co.uk about how to order. 

And as I write this it's under 3 weeks to the next fan gathering, on August 4th at the Atlas Pub, Fulham. I hope to see as many of you there that can make it, and as ever Celebrate all things Led Zeppelin.

KNEBWORTH FAN GATHERING AUGUST 4 2019

LED ZEPPELIN AT KNEBWORTH - 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Since 1992 I've been honored to be involved in many conventions and fan gatherings here in the UK, from the original UK Fan Convention Celebration Days,, a glorious long weekend celebration of all things Zeppelin. 

This August 4th sees the 3rd annual fan gathering at The Atlas pub in Fulham, London. If you haven't already got your tickets I really hope you can make it along. As with all previous gatherings, it promises to be an unashamed day of celebrating Led Zeppelin, with the focus on events in that field near Stevenage 40 years gone. 

Guest speakers, video's, a quiz and much more will unfold over a day when we can all indulge in our passion with fans and friends old and new. I will be taking an active part in the day, and full details are below. Capacity IS limited, so please don't hesitate and join us if you can for what promises to be a great day.

Looking forward to seeing many of you at the Atlas!

Andy Adams

July 2019.

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF LED ZEPPELIN AT KNEBWORTH 40TH ANIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS…

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE LED ZEPPELIN AT KNEBWORTH 40 YEARS GONE CELEBRATION DAY EVENT:

Led Zeppelin at Knebworth 40 Years Gone –

No Sleeping Bag Required…

40th Anniversary TBL Celebration Day Event:

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Following on from last September’s hugely enjoyable Led Zeppelin 50th Anniversary ‘It’s been a Long Time’ TBL gathering, later this year we are going back to the excellent Atlas pub in Fulham,London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Led Zeppelin performing those two memorable shows at Knebworth – 40 years to the day of the first date, and this time around there’s no sleeping bag required….

Here’s the details:

Dave Lewis and Julian Walker Present:

Led Zeppelin at Knebworth 40 Years Gone – No Sleeping Bag Required…

40 Anniversary TBL Celebration Event

Sunday, August 4, 2019

The Atlas Pub

16 Seagrave Road, Fulham, London, SW6 1RX

From 12.00 Midday to 8.30PM

Nearest tube: West Brompton (District Line, London Overground, and Southern train services)

This is a great opportunity to get together and celebrate those landmark last UK performances – of which many reading this will have attended.

A Day of Led Zep Celebration – Guest Speaker Forums, Video Playbacks, Led Zep Knebworth Quiz, History of Led Zeppelin at Knebworth 1979 on film and more.

Guest Speakers already confirmed:

Chris Charlesworth

Phil Tattershall presenting ‘Confessions of a Led Zeppelin Taper at Knebworth 1979

Mick Bulow and Pat Mount on their experiences out in the field

A Day of Led Zep Celebration – Guest Speaker Forums, Video Playbacks, Led Zep Knebworth Quiz and more

The new TBL issue 45 and the new package of the Then As It Was – Led Zeppelin 1979 book will be available on the day.

Pre order tickets at this link:

http://www.tightbutloose.co.uk/tbl-knebworth-40th-anniversary-event-no-sleeping-bag-required-sunday-august-4-2019-order-tickets-here/

Tight But Loose » TBL KNEBWORTH 40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT – NO SLEEPING BAG REQUIRED – SUNDAY AUGUST 4 2019 – ORDER TICKETS HERE! Ticket entry is £12.00. Please send £12.00 via PayPal via the pay pal box above – note if you require more than one ticket just make an additional order for each ticket – there is not a facility for multiple orders. www.tightbutloose.co.uk

Limited capacity –be sure to order as soon possible!

We look forward to seeing you.

Best Regards

Dave Lewis and Julian Walker

CODA - THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE

 Over the decades I've seen many a tribute band, from Limehouse Lizzy to AB/CD and Dread Zeppelin. Almost 30 years later the tribute scene is as thriving and relevant as ever. When bands cease to be, there is a demand for their music, their presence and their live experience. And of all the artists to have trodden the boards, none has the live reputation or is equally as missed and demanded as Led Zeppelin.

Those of you that know me know I'm a furtive and intense fan. I revel in the detail, the minutiae. Led Zeppelin were a four piece, they changed music forever. If you're gonna do Zep, it's gonna take a lot of talent, love and attention to that detail.

And this is where Coda come in. On the eve of my next live experience with the band, I'm drawn to express my thoughts about them and the tribute they so accurately and lovingly celebrate. Going back in time there have been some fine bands - Simply Led, Boot Led Zeppelin and The Rubber Plants all stood out almost two decades ago as I remember seeing them from close quarters.

It was last September I first saw Coda, and have seen six shows so far including all 3 2019 shows - very soon to be 4!. The second show I saw last October was their nothing short of triumphant 50th Anniversary Celebration of Zeppelin's Marquee Debut on the 18th of the month. Legendary and esteemed journalist Chris Welch witnessed the first set and wrote a glowing review of the occasion.

Equally legendary Zeppelin author and old friend Dave Lewis was also in attendance, and we both enjoyed the night immensely. The crowd loved it too, feverishly and wildly. One thing that really strikes me about Coda is, like Zeppelin, different songs stand out on different nights There's one pertinent and obvious reason for this - they're a live band. Some nights are better than others, sometimes it works, sometimes not quite! At O'Neills Bar on October 18th 'How Many More Times', 'Communication Breakdown' and 'Since I've Been Loving You' are etched on my brain. At Southend it was 'I Can't Quit You Baby',  'Kashmir' and the encore stomp of 'Black Dog' that resonated strongest.

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Fast forward to Milton Keynes on January 18th 'Dazed And Confused', 'The Song Remains The Same/Rain Song' (played by Coda for the first time that night) and a celebratory 'Stairway' were highlights  The Next night at the White Rock in Hastings I remember 'Ramble On', 'Thank You' and a wonderful 'The Battle Of Evermore'. For authenticity Coda invited the wonderful and highly talented Jessica Lee Morgan to be their Sandy Denny for the evening.

The show at Lewes two weeks later was exceptional, with a really enthusiastic crowd that loved every minute. 'Moby Dick' grew a huge cheer as did the final numbers 'Kashmir' and 'Stairway' and the multiple encores.

The reason I've described and eulogized on the shows I've seen is simple. Coda don't pretend to be Led Zeppelin, they celebrate Led Zeppelin. They've researched and rehearsed and managed to achieve that rare and joyous quality that makes you indulge and rejoice in the music of Led Zeppelin. Chris Welch talked of being transported back to 1968 during the opening songs on October 18th. I know what he means.

Visually the show moves from the early Marquee and Royal Albert Hall era with appropriate stage wear and equipment. For the second set the Madison Square and Earls Court era's are faithfully represented. The songs vary, including a great acoustic set, and more are being readied all the time. As musicians they are all outstanding. And they understand what being a tribute is all about, and play with joy, enthusiasm and humour. At the White Rock Rob led the audience into a brief rendition of 'I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside', which incidentally Jonesy did at a show in Baltimore in July 1973!

Peter, Adam, Rob and Simon all work extremely hard to bring the music of Led Zeppelin to life in a celebratory way that makes you smile. With some great gigs coming up, even more exciting times are ahead. I've not been this enthusiastic about a tribute band for almost 20 years, but don't take my word for it. Check them out yourself!

Find out more about Coda at -

www.codaledzeppelintributeband.co.uk

www.facebook.com/codaledzeppelintributeband

Twitter @CodaZeppelin

Instagram CODA_Led Zeppelin Tribute

email codaledzeppelintributeband@gmail.com

WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS

In the summer of 1926 the States, towns and cities alongside and near the Mississippi River experienced unusually high rainfall. By the September flood defences were reaching breaking point, and over the Xmas and New Year into 1927 something had to give. The Great Mississippi flood of 1927 was to rage for months, peaking in April and finally subsiding in August. When it was over there was huge crop and livelihood devastation, hundreds of thousands dislocated and more than 500 dead.

This life changing event was captured by the media at the time in film, picture and prose and also by musicians. Blues artists sang about the tragedy, Bessie Smith's Backwater Blues regaling her viewpoint as early as January 1927. The great Charley Patton recorded High Water Everywhere in December of '29 but it was Kansas Joe McCoy who wrote When The Levee Breaks that same year. It's his version that stood out, a duet with his vocals and rhythm acoustic guitar, embellished by the lead guitar work of  Memphis Minnie Douglas. 

Esteemed journalist Charles Shaar Murray credits the song to Joe, the original '78 names the artists as Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie with no mention of origin. Whoever scribed the tale, it's a wonderful heartfelt tale of despair and fear. 

Fast forward to the Autumn of 1970. After their 6th US Tour Led Zeppelin looked forward to their next album. Although the tour was a huge success 'III' was roundly criticized by the press and those fans baying for the son of 'II'. Responding to this, Jimmy drove the band on, rehearsing and writing. So just 6 weeks after the final notes echoed around Madison Square Garden Led Zeppelin found themselves in Island Studios. On November 2nd Four Sticks was recorded, and just 9 days later their first early take on Joe and Minnie's tale of woe - 'If It Keeps On Raining'.

A much more open sound, even without the seismic crunch achieved in Headley Grange Bonzo stars with some perfect syncopation, busier than the final arrangement. Robert is more down key, sticking closer to the original lyrics including 'work so hard to keep the water away' and only adds 'goin' home' at the coda. Without the searing slide lead and maestrom of dubs and panning Jimmy plays a precise on the money riff. It grooves, moves and is fine. Just not quite...

Recording continued into 1971, with most of the album recorded by the end of January. On May 19th further mixes and takes were auditioned. The three that have surfaced both officially and unofficially are all radically different lyrically and in terms of dubs and mix. Less intense than the released version, they show the way Jimmy added layer upon layer to turn the song into a monster, prompting Robert's much more impassioned vocals on the finished version, as if to match the swirling harp and searing slide overdubs.

And it's not until the final take that Robert adds the opening lines from Joe Williams 'Goin' To Chicago'.Playing these versions back to back, the enormity of the finished article is astounding. From the off, the backbeat groove and almighty crunch of Bonzo's introduction is game changing. Recorded with just 2 mics in the stairwell at Headley Grange, Jimmy ran the feed through a Binson echo unit, an Italian made effect that used a magnetic drum to record as opposed to a tape loop. Heavy compression to bring John's fabulous hi-hat and cymbal work to the fore completed the sound. 

All four are on the top of their game here, their collective drive and confidence palpable. For me, it's not just about that. Even with Roberts more and more pleading and hysterical vocals, Jonesy's on the button groove nailed to John's bass drum pedal, Bonzo's thunderous rolls towards the coda and Jimmy's layered guitar swoops intertwining with Robert's wailing harp the crowning glory is the production.

Bearing in mind the restrictions and barriers in the studio in 1971, Jimmy works miracles. 16 tracks at his behest, he takes the other worldly soundscape of 'Whole Lotta Love' to a whole new level. Each verse, bridge, break brings something new, an extra tone, one more flavour. And finally as it seems to almost get too much, Robert's vocals stand dead centre as Led Zeppelin swirl and glide around him. It actually SOUNDS like the levee breaking! Genius.

Live, we only have 3 live performances by Led Zeppelin on tape. The 2nd warm up in Brussels on Jan 12th '75, the recently surfaced Bloomington show from January 18th and the first Chicago gig on the 20th. Probably played in Rotterdam on the 11th, the only other possible that year is the 2nd night in Chicago. It works live, but for me needed to be later in the set and played consistently to get a life of its own as a live number.

Brought back post Zep by  Page & Plant, their 1994 Unledded arrangement was slower and more like the 1929 Joe & Minnie take. 

Robert played it with Alison Krauss too, and let's not forget this great 2017 version by the Deborah Bonham band, with Robert guesting...

Over the decades it has become (rightly) one of the most influential songs in the Zeppelin catalogue, largely due to Bonzo's immortal drum intro. So many have used it, following on from Trevor Horn's sampling Moby Dick for Frankie Goes To Hollywood!

From the Beastie Boys to Dr Dre, Eminem to Massive Attack plus countless mix DJ's across the globe.  

Half a century on, When The Levee Breaks is testament to Led Zeppelin as pioneers and masters of their art. Taking their own inspirations and influences and creating such a unique song that has in turn inspired new generations and genres...