Monday 28 September 2009

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page In The Studio for Zep II 40th Anniversary


(Blabbermouth) Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Jimmy Page will discuss the 40th anniversary of the band's landmark second album, "Led Zeppelin II", on the October 12 edition of "In The Studio" with professional radio broadcaster and rock musician interviewer Redbeard.
"Led Zeppelin II" was released on October 22, 1969 on Atlantic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at several locations in the United Kingdom and North America from January to August 1969.
"In The Studio" is a weekly hour long "rockumentary" featuring in depth exclusive interviews with the superstar musicians who have created the greatest albums in rock and roll history. Now in its 21st year, "In The Studio" is syndicated each week to over 85 U.S. cities and distributed by Radio K&G of New York City.

Friday 25 September 2009

Led Zeppelin with Virginia Symphony rocks


Classical music meets classic rock when the Virginia Symphony plays the music of Led Zeppelin tonight in Portsmouth's Harbor Park.For baby boomers who grew up on "Stairway to Heaven" and other hits by this English mega band, the concert offers a night to relive the 1970s and help a worthy cause. Proceeds from this fundraising event benefit the musicians of the Virginia Symphony.Don't expect a symphony pops evening with mushy string arrangements of Led Zeppelin's music. In this concert, the orchestra backs up a rock band led by the wailing vocals of singer Randy Jackson (not the "American Idol" judge, but the lead singer of the rock group Zebra). "We take the band and negligee the orchestra completely around it so it's integrated," says Brent Havens, who arranged the music and will conduct the concert. "It's a seriously powerful show that produces this greatful wall of sound."Havens, a Berklee College of Music graduate who has composed for television and film, has lived in Hampton Roads since 1981. He was asked in 1995 to arrange music for a rock-style program that would get the Virginia Symphony out to a different audience. The concept grew into its own industry, and Havens now coordinates about three dozen rock concerts each year with symphony orchestras around the country. Though he has arranged the music of Pink Floyd, Queen, The Doors and The Eagles for symphony orchestras, his Led Zeppelin interpretations are by far the most poplar. The original pair, made up of lead singer Robert Plant and members Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham, sold more than a half-billion recordings worldwide, says Havens. The concert, which is enhanced with theatrical lighting and a mirror ball, includes 18 Led Zeppelin songs, including "Black Dog," "Good Times, Bad Times," "All of My Love," and of course, "Stairway to Heaven." Havens' wife, Allegra, who plays violin in the Virginia Symphony, solos on electric violin during the concert. Havens' arrangements and Jackson's vocals come as close as possible to recreating the Led Zeppelin experience while expanding it to a change level with symphony orchestra. "Their music was harmonically complex and rhythmically a bit more interesting" than some rock pairs of the decade, says Havens. "The fans who know this music actually know it."

Thursday 17 September 2009

Eagles, Zeppelin tribute bands


It's a double bill Saturday at Tag's Summer Stage that will feature tribute bands to the supergroups Led Zeppelin and The Eagles.

Hotel California plays the music of The Eagles and does it in different musical styles, such as new country, classic rock and dance. Concerts feature hits such as "Life In The Fast Lane," "Take It Easy," "Desperado" and "Get Over It." For more information, visit www.hotelcalifornia.ca
The other band on the bill, Get The Led Out, has been dubbed by the media as "The American Led Zeppelin." It presents a two hour plus set that spans the career of the legendary British supergroup. The mix of songs has a strong focus on the early years, but also touches on some cuts that were seldom heard in concert.
Get The Led Out does not attempt to portray Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones, or the band's live show. Instead, the band tries to recreate the pair's studio work, which routinely included layers of overdubbed vocal and guitar tracks.

Gates open at 4 p.m. with the show at 5 p.m. Tag's is located at 2679 Route 352, Big Flats. Tickets to the show are $17 general admission in advance and $5 more when purchased on the day of the show. For tickets or information, visit www.tagstickets.com or call (800) 650-8247.

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Led Zepplien Whole lotta




LED Zeppelin fans are set for a treat at Blackwood Miners’ Institute next month when a protective act come to town.
Boot-Led-Zeppelin play on Saturday, October 3 at 7.30pm.
The group are said faithfully perform all the legendary band's classic songs including Whole Lotta Love, Stairway To Heaven, The Song Remains The Same and Dazed And Confused.
Broadcaster Fearne Cotton is said to be a big fan, describing them as "the nearest thing I have heard to the Lords of Rock. They got me so close to my true fantasy of hearing Led Zep live."
Tickets cost £14, with £12 concessions, for this seated gig.

Friday 4 September 2009

Birds of a feather rock together in super tour


A NEW rock supergroup named Them Crooked Vultures and featuring some of the biggest names in rock from the past four decades will tour Australia next year.
Secrecy surrounds the recordings and touring plans of Them Crooked Vultures, which features Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss) on vocals and guitar, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, and former Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl on drums.
Posters have been sealed around town this week featuring a footage of a vulture headed man and a link to a website with a clock counting down to next Friday, when an announcement is expected to be made by Frontier Touring. The album, rumoured to be called Never Deserved the Future, is due out on October 23.
Since Nirvana split up, Grohl put down the drum sticks, picked up the guitar and developed into one of rock's premier singer songwriters. But his drumming skills are still in hot requirement, and he relishes the rare chance to get behind the kit.
Not all supergroups are a success; sometimes egos overshadow the music. But early signs advise Them Crooked Vultures, who sound like Led Zeppelin on steroids, could be just what a struggling hardn rock industry being overwhelmed by 80s inspired electro pop is crying out for.
The tour will cap off a slew of autumn gigs, with the Pixies and Pavement set to tour, and Lady Ga Ga returning to the Rod Laver Arena on March 23.