Led Zeppelin Reunion Controversy

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day over the possibility of a full fledged Led Zeppelin reunion. We both agreed that we would like to see the mighty Zep in concert. Hell, I'd give up most anything to see Zeppelin. Let's face the facts. It isn't gonna happen anytime soon.

Why not? Singer Robert Plant doesn't seem to want one right now.

Ever since the death of drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham and the demise of Led Zeppelin in 1980, reunion rumors have been circulating. Yes, Zeppelin has reunited for a few occasions. There was the torrid Live-Aid performance in 1985. Not even the trans-Atlantic drummer Phil Collins save that one. The 25th Anniversary of Atlantic Records performance was botched. The jam fest with Neil Young, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry at their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wasn't any better.

Then came the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund Concert on December 10, 2007 at the O2 Arena in London.....




This two and a half hour 14 song concert was the first full length show the band played since 1980. Backed by "Bonzo's" son, Jason on the skins, Zeppelin sounded just as great as their heyday. The band proved that they had it in them. Reunion rumors of a tour persisted.

Why not? Zep fans, like me, would go insane over this. They could have easily sold out stadiums all over the globe. Millions of dollars would have easily stuffed their pockets. This would have a historical event!

Why did Robert Plant turn all of this down? Good question. For starters, Plant is having a successful solo career. His solo album with Allison Krauss, Raising Sand, is a critically acclaimed piece of work. Plant has reached out and broaden his horizons beyond the Zeppelin spectrum-without losing his integrity.



Another good reason, Plant doesn't want to be just another nostalgic act on the road. Think about it, how many bands out there that are touring that just shells of their former line ups? Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Styx...It's not they are not any good any more, it's just they are way past their prime. Plus the pressure to live up the expectations.

Given these reasons, I think Plant has some valid points. I did see Page/Plant in concert. I really dig Plant's solo career. John Paul Jones has a good thing going in Them Crooked Vultures. Jason Bonham is solid in Black Country Communion. I guess I can wait for a Zep reunion, but STILL...it's on my bucket list....