TCH News

Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: Entertainment

With a slight pluck of the guitar string, the melodic song begins. Following the smooth bass intro by John Paul Jones are the mind-boggling riffs of lead guitarist Jimmy Page. Then, as the lyrics begin, Rodert Plant's upper-timbre vocals energetically flow. Perfecting the chemistry of the band is John Bonham's thunderous drums. The sky's the limit for this band's talent. After all, they are the renowned Led Zeppelin.

It's been nearly two decades since anyone has been able to witness Led Zeppelin in concert. Recently, the band re-formed and played a special "one off" concert at London's O2 Arena. A "one off" concert means that no recordings or videos were allowed.

This concert was given in memory of Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder and chief executive of Atlantic Records, the company that produced many of Led Zeppelin's recordings.

"During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord," said Robert Plant. "For us he was Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator. This performance stands alone as our tribute to the work and the life of our long standing friend."

"Led Zeppelin transformed Atlantic from an R & B and pop label into a major force in rock," said Craig Kallman, the chairman of Atlantic, reminiscing about the times shared between Ahment and Led Zeppelin. "The bond between Led Zeppelin and Mr. Ertegun was more than musical."

The concert coincided with the release of a new greatest hits album by Led Zeppelin, "Mothership." In addition, an expanded version of the bands' 1976 movie, "The Song Remains the Same," was recently re-released.

Tickets to the show, which cost $250, were sold by lottery only. All proceeds went toward an educational charity in Ahmet Ertegun's name.

Accepted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, Led Zeppelin will never be forgotten for their combining of the visceral power of hard rock with the finesse of British folk songs.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools