Track Two Side One Led Zeppelin 3 / Inspirations / Silver Linings

“The greatest thing you ever can do now is trade a smile with someone who’s blue now”

That sentiment from the second track on Led Zeppelin 3 has certainly been in evidence for me these past few days as more emails of support have come down the line re the Zavvi situation.

“Inspiration is what they are to me” to paraphrase another Zep classic.

Current situation here on that front is that the Milton Keynes store escaped the round of 22 closures last week and we trade-on with potential buyers said to be showing interest, though what that means or looks like we know not at this point.

Elsewhere there’s been plenty to focus on, not least the planning of the next TBL magazine. Inspiration has also been at hand from a variety of friends.

First there was contact from my lifelong fellow Wallbangers Phil and Max, and on Wednesday a visit from Cliff Hilliard – bringing more Zep and solo history into the house via his amazing ticket collection.

Highlight of which this time was the vintage series of mid 60’s handbills featuring Robert’s early bands The Tennessee Teens and Listen. As Cliff viewed the Zep collectables in the TBL office, we listened to radio commentary of the last five minutes of Derby’s surprise victory over Man United.

Cliff being an Arsenal fan was not as excited as Adam and I were, as if Spurs hold onto their 4-1 lead over Burnley, it’ll be Spurs v United or Derby at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final.

More soccer inspiration came via the excellent Big Match Revisited programme on TV. This was pure nostalgic heaven for me as they showed the edition from January 7 1979 thirty years ago. Checked my diary for that year and sure enough I’d watched it on that day back in Dents Road – in fact the diary also reveals I had spent that day hand stapling the just received hand written and photo copied TBL 1. 

The main match back then was the third round cup tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal on a snow bound pitch that would never be announced fit to play on today. Back then men were men, not least goalkeeper Pat Jennings who got showered with snowballs as he came out for the second half. Ah those were the days.

Also finally got around to investigating some of the Christmas presents I was lucky enough to receive. Hadn’t really had the heart to get into that before now and there’s some lovely stuff, including the exquisite Miles Davis Kind Of Blue box set, the Dennis Wilson Pacific Ocean Blue CD which has been on my wish list for months and an album from early 70’s band Plainsong – the latter pair  were sent to me by Andrew Ricci (thank you sir!) and very good they are too. Also began reading Frank Skinner’s new book On The Road – for all his stand up bravado there lurks a most introspective character which is making for some compelling and laugh out loud reading.

Then there’s been the respective birthdays of JPJ and Jimmy to acknowledge, which has been done via a good helping of live No Quarter’s and the CDR compilation Gary Foy compiled for me a while back titled Lord Of The Strings – which of course he still is, though the latest conflicting ‘Will they or won’t they’ reports that came through this week indicate that his next move musically remains unclear.

The week was rounded off last night with a very nice Chinese takeaway for Sam’s farewell before she goes back to Uni in Norwich today (Sunday). Sam also received an award for outstanding excellence at her former school’s annual end of year review night which made us very proud indeed. This afternoon I watched the boy Adam deftly threading through some defence splitting passes in his team Brickhill Wanderers 4-1 victory.

And that’s 2009 so far… still much uncertainty ahead on the job front… but plenty of silver linings and inspirations which as Robert once sang prove that “You gotta a friend you ain’t lonely…”                      

New Year Thoughts

First off, sincere thanks for the many emails I’ve received of support and good wishes following the Zavvi financial collapse that has put my job at severe risk. We knew there were problems for some weeks but having an administrator serve a notice on us in the store on Christmas Eve was a bitter pill to swallow and a big shock.

Currently we continue to trade as a potential buyer is sought – the uncertainty of it all is very worrying and there have been difficult times here and challenging times ahead no doubt.

Within it all that, I’m trying to hang on to that old Zep motto of moving Ever Onward. And whatever will be will be, and as the good lady reminds me, it’s how you cope with the problem in hand that matters and remaining stoic and positive is the aim.

Of course there’s been plenty of black humour about it all, not least from the bruv JL who has had me down as everything from a being a future milkman to train driver. Those that know my complete incompatibility with anything to do with four wheels will find such suggestions plain ridiculous …mind you a postman operates on two so maybe there’s hope there.

Similarly those at work are considering sending off to Harry Hill’s You’ve Been Framed TV show, the CCTV footage of me losing my rag with a vitriolic customer who blatantly abused me in the store over the issue of Zavvi being unable to accept gift vouchers. So much so I saw red and promptly kicked over a pile of baskets in her direction (more David Brent than David Beckham). Hardly the appropriate action I know but hey, a man has a breaking point and the whole issue has brought the worst out in people believe me.

Anyway life goes on….and as often happens something of a landmark in my own life corresponds with some big Zep news…and Robert’s CBE award has been a welcome antidote to all the bad stuff going around.

Justly deserved and another proud moment for the singer himself and fans alike.    

2009 arrived in the company of our good friends Marion and Terry – a curry and a night of retro DVD’s including plenty of Faces and Stones plus Elton live on TV got us through and beyond the midnight hour – before fatigue kicked in and I crashed.

Today has been typically new year’s dayish moving a few CD’s and mags about and planning the next TBL. I even succumbed to watching Mamma Mia with the good lady and Sam which was actually pretty good in a feel good factor kind of way.

The aforementioned Ever Onward motto was something of a mantra for the fledgling Led Zeppelin 40 years ago this month as they crossed the waters to test their brand of unique rock on American soil for the first time.

That tumultuous year of 1969 will be well under the spotlight in the Tight But Loose magazine over the next 12 months – so I’ll be ready to revel again in the vintage delights of their momentous debut album, the early BBC sessions,

Classic live material from the Danish TV appearance, Tous En Scene, the Dallas Pop Festival, and later in the year the impact of Led Zep 2. Get ready to soak all this up in the coming issues.

Gloriously adventurous then…and still gloriously adventurous now.

All this celebration of the way they were 40 years ago will no doubt provide major inspiration and respite against the challenging times ahead.

TBL 22 – The Aural Companion / Christmas Greetings!

So it’s here. Tight But Loose issue 22 is on the streets.

It’s always quite an epic moment when the fruits of our labour become a reality which all started in late August. I must acknowledge the input of Steve Jones, Cliff Hilliard, Simon Cadman, Mick Wall, Ross Halfin, Gary Davies and Gary Foy in making this issue what it is. 

Such is the close proximity to Christmas day itself, I half expected the TBL logo masthead to have a layer of snow on like seasonal issues of The Beano or Hotspur comics I used to eagerly snap up when I were a lad (there are still a few of those in the loft somewhere!)

Martyn has delivered another fantastic design job in bringing it all alive – and one big advantage publishing at this time of year is for a majority of readers, they’ll be plenty of time to soak up the contents of another TBL outpouring over the holiday season. 

To aid my own enjoyment of it all, I couldn’t resist compiling a personal playlist that effectively acts as an aural companion to the magazine – ie an imaginary cover mounted CD ala Uncut magazine etc .

Each selection here mirrors the accompanying text on the relevant page. You might want to have a go at compiling a similar playlist when the magazine drops on your doormat.

For me this is the music that inspires the content of the twenty second issue of the magazine that continues chronicling the world of Led Zeppelin.

So over the Christmas period keep reading and keep listening to this:          

 

TIGHT BUT LOOSE 22

THE PLAYLIST

 

Page 3

For Your Life

(Source –Live At The O2 –Wendy label CD)

As the ‘’Will they or won’t they’’ saga goes on, this track is a permanent reminder of how potent they were, are and always will be.  

 

Page 5

Four Sticks

Kashmir

(Source Jimmy Page Robert Plant No Quarter/Unledded CD)

The sad news of Michael Lee’s death prompts this tribute to the drummer who’s total empathy for their catalogue made this MTV reunion so memorable. The last minutes of this version of Kashmir is one of the most compelling Page & Plant performances in or out of Zep. Not least due to Michael’s subtle sense of percussive dynamics.

 

Page 5

The Battle Of Evermore

(Source – Led Zeppelin IV CD)

Robert’s guest appearance at the Cropredy Festival to sing this famous lament in memory of Sandy was a fitting testament to a singer who’s achievements and stature grow with each year of her passing.

 

Page 7

Celebration Day

Out On The Tiles

(Source – Led Zeppelin III CD)

Recollections of Zep 3 from the designer of that famous album cover on a lovely English night just outside Stevenage. 

The Song Remains The Same

(Source – Knebworth Lost Masters  CD)

…which of course led us back to the scene of the best blind date I ever went on -

together with a few thousand others.

 

Page 8

Please Read The Letter

Stick With Me Baby

(Source -Robert Plant Alison Krauss Raising Sand CD)

Much has happened since this album innocently seeped out. A perfect match that has reaped much creative and commercial reward for both partners. Yoko Ono she ain’t.   

 

Page 9

And I quote ‘’If we need heroes rather Jimmy Page than political bafoons,or licensed jesters or sporting apes: rather the shy, nervous steely youth whose songs are inspiring a generation’’

Tony Palmer Observer magazine/Earls Court programme notes May 1975

Heartbreaker

Communication Breakdown

(Source When We Were Kings CD)

Tony Palmer was right there when these glorious May Days were upon us.

This final onslaught from the Earls Court stage on may 25 1975 might just be their greatest ever encore. 

 

Page 10/11

Since I’ve Been Loving You

(Source – Led Zeppelin III CD

Achilles Last Stand

(Source – Presence CD)

Robert At 60 ‘’It works contrary to public opinion’’: loud and proud here in the golden era  

 

Like I’ve Never Been Gone

(Source – Pictures At Eleven CD)

Come Into My Life

(Source – Fate Of Nations CD)

..And equally as emotive in his post Zep years

 

Page 16

Black Dog

Dazed And Confused

Source – BBC Sessions CD)

How they sounded when Steve Jones first saw them in Manchester University

 

Page 17

Immigrant Song

Heartbreaker

(Source – Ipswich 1971 CD)

….And again around the time Steve was there at the Free Trade Hall/Belle Vue

 

Page 18

Rock And Roll

Over The Hills And Far Away

(Source – Southampton 73 CD)

…And a year later when they were developing into something very special and unique

 

Page 20

Nobody’s Fault But Mine

(Source – Presence CD)

The Zeppelin At 40 Scrapbook Of Memories Part 3 kicks off in 1976 when ‘’Led Zeppelin Storm Back’’- did they ever…

 

Page 21

No Quarter

(Source – The Song Remains The Same CD)

‘’Thundering good’’ said the Evening Standard as this mystical performance testifies. And I’m of the opinion Jimmy’s solo is exquisite on any of the versions officially available.

 

Page 22

The Song Remains the Same

Sick Again

(Source – Listen To This Eddie CD)

Biggest of Them All’’  read the Melody Maker headline and boy did they sound like it on this incredible opening salvo from the famous Listen To This Eddie show in Los Angeles on the night of June 21 1977.

 

Page 23

Fire

Carouselambra

(Source – Brutal Artistry CD)

Darlene

(Source – Coda  CD)

‘’Zeppelin Back’’…well maybe soon –these rehearsal remnants from Clearwell Castle show that the spirit was still very much willing…while visits to see Duane Eddy and Jerry Lee Lewis prompted rock’n’roll cornball such as Darlene. Clearly they were having fun again.

 

Page 24/25

In The Evening

Whole Lotta Love

(Source DVD soundtrack)

‘’It took Led to lift the roof off’’ observed the Record Mirror. Or the sky in this instance. Two of the finest Knebworth moments

 

Page 26

Carouselambra

(Source – In Through The Out Door CD)

‘’Close the door put out the light’’ ran the Sounds headline…I begged to differ as did millions around the world as we soaked up what we believed to be the artistic rebirth.

The Train Kept A Rollin’

All My Love

Stairway To Heaven

(Source – Berlin 80 CD)

‘’Uber Alles’’ indeed.  The last hurrah in Berlin tells us Led Zeppelin still had new places to go. Jimmy’s solo in Stairway is utterly mesmerising.    

 

Page 27

We’re Gonna Groove

Wearing And Tearing

(Source – Coda CD)

‘Coda::The independent and often elaborate passage introduced after the main part of a movement’’ So explained the Melody Maker at the time. And Rolling Stone noted ‘’Led Zep goes out with class’’.

Ten years divide these two frantic performances, which can both rightly be deemed to being best described by the phrase Jimmy and Robert once used to describe the ethic of Led Zeppelin’s music.

‘’Tight But Loose’’

You have been listening to issue 22

Enjoy reading it…..

…..

Here it’s been full-on in the midst of retail frenzy and getting organized for Christmas. It’s a big week ahead with the Zavvi sale due to launch (bargains galore – perfect for you late gift buyers-get in there!).

This year I’m not working on Boxing Day so it will be fantastic to have two days out to enjoy the season’s festivities. Which for us revolves around Christmas dinner at the good lady Janet’s Mum and Dads.

All talk of Zeppelin of course will be banished….though I might just sneak a listen to the TBL 22 playlist on the i-pod as I drift off to sleep after the Queens speech!

Wherever you are, have a great Christmas and thanks for all your support throughout the year.   

02 Celebrated / 1981 The First Reunion Remembered / Christmas Playlist

It only took a few seconds of that Tampa news footage to appear on screen before I felt a little watery eyed looking at the O2 DVD footage this week. Such is the lasting emotion of that truly incredible night of exactly one year ago. Watching it again and playing it back on the iPod on cold nights going home this week has only heightened my appreciation of their performance.

There were plenty of texts and emails from fans around the world similarly sharing their one year on experiences.

Seeing them reunited up there for all the right reasons on the DVD, brought back memories of their first public reunion equally for the right reasons back in 1981. One that I was also lucky enough to attend.

Lynn Sizemore was PR to the Golden Lion Roadies Charity For Children Association, the charity formed from the Fulham pub often acquainted by the Zep / Swan Song entourage, approached me in early 1981 to publicise in the next TBL a children’s charity raffle being held in December – I was only too willing to help and when I visited the Swan Song offices next I met up with Lynne at the pub. Robert’s sound man Benjii Lefevre was there as was John Bindon who I was introduced to – a man with a towering presence. Robert and JPJ had already promised to attend and give prizes out on the night set for December 15 so it was always going to be a special evening.

Even more so after the call I made to Swan Song the day before. Sian informed me that Jimmy was also due to attend. As it was, it turned into something of a grand Swan Song reunion in true Zep syle. Peter Grant arrived with Jimmy around 8.30. A combat attired Robert and smartly dressed JPJ were already in tow.  Various roadies and Swan Song employees were there as was John Bindon again.  Bedford Earls Court 6 member Tom Locke and I spent a memorable night in the pub as the Jimmy, Robert and JPJ  mingled by the bar and duly got up on stage to present the prizes of Jimmy’s Yamaha guitar Gibson guitar (wonder where that is now?) and a set of personally signed albums. The main winner was an American guy while runner up was a TBL subscriber form the West Country whose name escapes me. Jimmy looked in good shape and told me he was working on the Death Wish soundtrack. Later on I gave Robert a copy of a large format History Of The Blues book (wonder if still adorns his book shelf?) to which he acknowledged with the classic “Eye Thank yew” catchphrase so prevalent on the Over Europe tour. I took the opportunity to tell Peter and Phil Carson of my plans for a major reference work on the band’s music though it would be another night eight years on in the Marquee (at a Jason Bonham gig) when I was able to tell the pair of them it was now a reality.

It may have been a strictly non playing role, but this unexpected Led Zeppelin reunion was full of warmth and good cheer. Underlying all that though was the definite feeling that they now all had separate plans – Jimmy with the soundtrack, Robert with his debut album recording and Jonesy who wryly informed someone at the bar that he was now on permanent school run duty for his daughter’s back in Devon. It would be another eleven years before all three appeared in public together in the UK to collect the outstanding achievement Q award, and another 26 years before they played together on that night of nights which has been so ripe for celebration this past week           

Reliving the whole 02 experience has provided much needed solace against the day to day retail work pressures at this time of year – which in the current climate continues to be somewhat of a challenge to say the least.

Inspiration on the DL playlist has come via a sprinkling of Christmas delights and not those that regularly fill the Now That’s What I Call Christmas compilations (though I do have a soft spot for Slade and Wham’s seasonal waxings!).

Seasonal fair such as Miles Davis album Blue Christmas has been high on the list (by the way at joint number one on my Christmas present list alongside the new Zep box is the exquisite Miles Kind Of Blue 50^th Anniversary box set if anybody’s feeling generous!) plus selected cuts from Mojo’s Christmas compilation of a couple of years back (which has Christmas songs from the likes of the Flaming Lips, Marvin Gaye, BB King etc), and finally my other all time fave seasonal songs namely Darlene Love’s Christmas ( Baby Please Come Home), The Waitresses Christmas Wrapping and The Pogues and Kirsty’s perennial Fairytale Of New York. I’m sure Frank and Elvis’s Christmas albums will also be resounding around the Totnes Towers in the days to come. Hope the returning Sam who comes back from Uni on Saturday is primed ready for such festive musical fare.   

Howard Mylett was in touch this week –he has a Zep 1969 rare poster up for auction –contact him via  howardz1@hotmail.co.uk.

Also had some seasonal goodies from long time TBL associates John Parkin and Pete Gozzard (thank you guys!), the contents of which I’ve passed to be unwrapped on Christmas Day.

TBL 22 proof was signed off this week (thanks Gary D. and Steve J. for checking duties) and should be back from the printers and on its way to subscribers doors this week.

Be sure to put aside some quality reading time over the Christmas hols for some serious Zep reading.

Like Christmas Day itself, hopefully it will be worth waiting for.

28 years Gone / O2 Reunion One Year On / Rolling Stone / Tight But Loose 22

Looking back at my diary entry for 28 years ago this very day it started off as a fairly ordinary Thursday.

The night before I’d been to see Rod Stewart at Wembley Arena with good my friends Max, Phil and James (no sniggering at the back. Rod was, and is a class act and you can count me in for the rumoured Faces reunion)

It was a pretty riotous night – the diary notes that I consumed 6 vodka and limes and a Harvey Wallbanger in the pub before the gig though we didn’t call it binge drinking back then, we just enjoyed having a good time!

Next morning December 4 1980, The postman woke me up as I shrugged off the inevitable hangover bringing an LP size package containing the latest Zep bootleg Flying High requirement – an excellent recording of the Fillmore West April 27 ’69 date.

Later I phoned Swan Song and spoke to Sian for a while though there was seemingly no major news. I then took some of the some of the freshly printed TBL 5’s round to the post office to send off.

Around 4.30 a story on Radio One’s Newsbeat stopped in my tracks. It announced Led Zeppelin had released made a statement to the effect that they could not continue as they were.

After Bonzo’s death It was pretty evident that they would be splitting – I’d been in Swan Song a few weeks back and the atmosphere was one of complete loss, but hearing they had officially announced something was still a major shock.

I immediately phoned Sian at Swan Song but she was making no comment.

The diary says ‘’Fuck sake it’s over…’’

I made several tearful phone calls – one inevitably to the bruv JL 

The last thing I wrote in my diary that night was equally dramatic.

‘’Part of me died tonight’’

The next week the ‘Zep to split’ news story was buried somewhat under the barrage of press for John Lennon’s tragic murder which occurred on December 8.

These were strange days indeed.

I guess I never really got to grieve too much about it all in the wake of Lennon’s death. That reality would come early in 1981 with Robert’s ‘’No Led anything’’ comments as he began The Honeydrippers gigs.

27 years on, that part of me that died on was resurrected on the night of December 10 2007 and next Wednesday will signify the first anniversary of that historic Led Zeppelin’s O2 reunion concert.

Some thoughts one year on:.

The evening itself – well the whole event still carries for me an almost surreal feel. A point Mick Wall also picks up on in his book.

Did it really happen?

Was I lucky enough to see that Sunday night rehearsal?  Was I really interviewed for the BBC six o clock news?  Did I really witness Led Zeppelin performing For Your Life?

Did the tears stream down in Stairway?  Did I see Maureen and Logan dancing frantically in front of me as Robert gestured towards them in Rock’ N’ Roll?

Did Noel Gallagher really tell me Kashmir was ‘’fookin’ awesome’’?

Well incredibly the answer to all that is yes.

Looking back at my diary over the days leading up to, and after the event it makes for some memorable entries.

It was a whirlwind course of events…from the controversy of the tickets, the media barrage that preceded the gig, lots of personal stress to fit it all in (not least losing my mobile phone for a few hours the week before). Emotions were running high and manifested themselves in differing ways.

Then there was the pressure above everything to take it all in.

To relish in the moment because it surely will never happen again in those circumstances.

And thanks to many people that made it what it was…The Lewis clan JL and Martyn, Graeme, JR, Brian Knapp, the two Gary’s…so many fans in the Pilot Inn who came so far (on a blind date) and of course Jimmy, Robert, JPJ and Jason.

I did soak up every minute of their amazing performance and the event itself.

It was the experience of a lifetime

Since then….well there’s been the mountain of favorable press reaction, the ever evolving will they or wont they saga, Robert with Alison, Jimmy and JPJ with the Foo Fighters, awards and accolades galore… and then Robert’s statement and the news that the fab three intend to carry on regardless.

The waves of aftermath of that truly incredible night continue to soar.

I’m sure I won’t be the only one with a lump in my throat as I roll through the Third Eye O2 DVD over the next few days…and for all the for and against arguments of taking it further on in some format.. (as Q’s Paul Rees astutely noted  ‘’How can they possibly leave all this behind again’’)  I just have a nagging belief that if anyone can make it work…..then Jimmy Page can

Just like he did 40 years ago in the Marquee and Whisky Ago Ago

Just like he did one year ago in the O2 Arena

.. ..  .. .. .. 

The final proof of the new issue of Tight But Loose came though yesterday. Once again Martyn has done an incredible design job in bringing the text alive.

Looking through it for the first time I was reminded of the recent words of another magazine editor and a very notable one –  Jann S. Wenner who founded the influential Rolling Stone magazine over four decades ago.

Rolling Stone is still one of my favourite magazines. Despite the so called feud with Zep (which really stemmed from an and review of the first album), the US oracle has always served Zep very well – in my loft I have countless editions carrying incisive Zep news stories, extensive album reviews (Physical Graffiti is a gem) wonderful features (the 1975 Cameron Crowe cover story a similar Plant 1988 cover interview, a 1994 Unledded Page & Plant special and last year’s perceptive David Fricke reunion piece) – all lit up with style and vision.

The magazine has just undergone a radical format transition reducing in size to that of a standard A4 format ala Time, Newsweek or Mojo after years as a broadsheet 

Explaining the move in the current issue Jann states:

“What never changes is our DNA. A great magazine is a set of voices and values, artfully and urgently translated into great stories and pictures. The soul and mission of Rolling Stone remains the same as a magazine coming out of midtown Manhattan as they were when we published from a warehouse district loft in San Francisco.

We believe in the magic of rock n roll and that the magic can set you free’’.

Tight But Loose is of course hardly in Rolling Stones league and 22 issues over 30 years may not be prolific.

But we are still here three decades on forging ahead chronicling the world of Led Zeppelin with a mission to bring every reader closer to their music.

Looking at the newly completed issue, it’s another fine example of those voices and values as described by Jann S. Wenner.

Here at Tight But Loose we believe in the magic of Led Zeppelin…and that the magic can set you free.  

As it did so magnificently one year ago.