Led Zep audition for new singer

[nvmbrsdoom5]

Addressing a few things mentioned on the last couple pages of this thread...

-The main reason I defend KISS decision to let Tommy and Eric be the Spaceman and Catman, respectively, is because those guys put alot of heart and drive into being those characters and doing it right. People talk alot of smack about Gene and Paul (and maybe rightfully so), but Peter and Ace are just as spoiled, jaded and greedy as they are. These two guys were handed the keys to kingdom how many times, and continued to blow their chance due to substance abuse, bad tempers (Peter's is legendary in the biz), and other issues. Ace Frehley was my HERO, and when I paid good money to see him play several times on the Farewell tour in 2000, and watched as he fumbled and botched his way through his own solos that he wrote, I realised that I never wanted to see him up there in that makeup playing those songs again, because it was heartbreaking. At least when I watch Tommy, I see a guy who grew up loving KISS and Ace, just like I did, who is having alot of fun making a living getting to play a role that meant alot to him as a young musician. I'd give anything to be in his shoes, even with all the hecklers and naysayers talkin' smack about it.

-If KISS had allowed more new characters to be added, that would've been ridiculous as well. How many more characters can they really add without it just getting stupid? LOL The hardcore fans are more picky of course, and might be more accepting of new characters, but ultimately people are paying to see those original four characters and hear those songs and see the spectacle. Tribute bands draw big numbers and make a good amount of money for that very reason. And, to be honest, I've seen some tribute bands who look and sound better than the old reunited version of the real bands. I've seen a couple of Zep tribute bands who weren't "lame" in the slightest! I'll be sad to see Paul and Gene retire, but if they can put together a great official tribute band version of KISS that sounds great and puts on a great show, I'm there. Obviously it's not "the real thing" but that doesn't mean it's not still great entertainment.

- Page has every right to go out and play those songs that mean so much to him. He's tried to be respectful of the Zep legacy, and so he's done tours with Black Crowes, or Coverdale, or other respectable musicians, so that he can go out and perform those songs and enjoy himself (and yes, I'm sure money still figures in as well). Page isn't stupid, he knows that his days are numbered, and he wants to get the ol' boys back together for one last go-round so that noone's sitting around a few years from now saying, "Oh, if only...." when it's definitely far too late to give this reunion a try. Noone really wants to see Plant trying to sing "Immigrant Song" when he's 73, and frankly that's only a short time away from now.

-For the record, I like the Plant/Krause stuff, it's different and it's well done. I don't begrudge either of them for doing it, they love it and it's what they want to do, so be it. By the same token, Page should be allowed to go out and perform the songs he loves, with or without Plant. I think it's obvious he'd prefer to have Plant there, but if he can't convince him, then Jimmy shouldn't have to deny himself the pleasure of performing because of it.

And I thought Coverdale/Page was AWESOME, I'd love to see them again. I saw Whitesnake at a festival a few months ago that we played on, and David was just killin' it, so much energy and voice left in him. It was great!

[Cosmicman]

Actually, Page recorded a live album with the Black Crowes that was really amazing. They covered a ton of Zep material and the lead singer of the Black Crowes did a really good job channelling Plant. I had big reservations about the album but turned out to really like it. Check it out!

Chris Robinson is an amazing singer. He is rumored "to be the guy" the press keeps referring to as the American singer. We'll have to see.

[shyndman]

Actually, Page recorded a live album with the Black Crowes that was really amazing. They covered a ton of Zep material and the lead singer of the Black Crowes did a really good job channelling Plant. I had big reservations about the album but turned out to really like it. Check it out!

[EMCE Hammer]

Well, there *is* good rockin' at midnight.

[jwyblejr]

Just had a thought. I know the real reason Plant doesn't want to come back. He want to try a Honeydrippers reunion.

[EMCE Hammer]

I don't see why a reunion is an "artistic dead end." Getting tight again with the band and going out and performing is art. Not exactly new art, although every show has something a little different, but nevertheless art. If Plant says yes, fine. But if he says no, I can't hold it against the rest of them if they go out without him. It's their life too, and I bet it would be a good show.

As for Styx, I lump them in with Journey and the Doobies. New singer takes the band down the road of pussification and achieves commercial success. Singer embarks on solo career, it fades, and the band wants nothing to do with them. Who cares if Dennis Deyoung isn't around to sing Babe or Mr. Roboto? I'm there for Renegade.

[Cosmicman]

Plants the 47th richest man in Britan Page the 56th. Approx 150 mill each. Yea they don't need money. Page will play anytime anywhere for the fun of it.

As far as Robert Plant goes he was hired by Jimmy Page and Page was ALL the influence behind Zeps music.

That is what people don't get. Originally, Led Zeppelin was supposed to be a spin off band of Jimmy Page's called, The New Yardbirds.
Keith Moon made a sarcastic comment about them calling themselves the new Yardbirds by saying, "yeah that will go over like a lead balloon" and Page thought that comment was funny and changed the name to Led Zeppelin.

Led Zeppelin is and was Page's idea and he brought the musicians together. It just so happens that decades later, Robert Plant is a major success because of his solo career and he doesn't want to "go back".

It would probably blow but I think if Page find "the right guy" like that dude that sang in Jason Bonhams band that was a Plant clone, they could pull it off.
It is technically still Page's band. He releases and oversees all the box sets and new Led Zeppelin stuff and he owns the name.

As long as he don't bring in some assclown that has already had a career and is not Led Zeppelin material. If he bring in a Robert Plant clone, then he could pull off a tour.

Robert Plant's head is too big for his ego. **** on him. He can to yodel nursery rhymes with that ugly ***** Alison Krauss and pluck those crappy folk songs. Not my cup of tea and that whole album sucks.

Bring on the Zeppelin!

[Zemo]

Plants the 47th richest man in Britain Page the 56th. Approx 150 mill each. Yea they don't need money. Page will play anytime anywhere for the fun of it.

As far a Plant goes he was hired by Page and Page was ALL the influence behind Zeps music.

[megoat]

Pretty much boils down to this.
Robert Plant. Your little Alison Krause thing got lucky even making the charts. Finish it up, come home to Led Zeppelin you arrogant ******* and play the music that made you famous.
.

Like or dislike the Krause project, you gotta respect Plant for doing something a bit, i dunno, CHALLENGING as an artist?

I can totally understand his not wanting to reunite with Zep. I mean, these nostalgia tours are lucrative and "fun" but they are an artistic DEAD END.

[megoat]

Money is def not the issue. The commercial value of Stair Way To Heaven is over 500 mil alone and the band said no way.

You're right. They're doing this for altruistic reasons and donating all proceeds to charity.

[Zemo]

Money is def not the issue. The commercial value of Stair Way To Heaven is over 500 mil alone and the band said no way.

[Mikey]

From a making money standpoint, I think it's a good idea.

They'll probably get a lot of kids who want to say "I've seen Zeppelin live"-- and have no idea who is or isn't Plant --- and even Page for that matter.

It's like the KISS reunion from a few years ago.
Those concerts were loaded with kids that just wanted to see a band called KISS.

Zep without Plant is a horrible idea artistically,
But i'm sure MONEY is more what they're worried about today.

Don't forget, Page is also the same guy who teamed up with P Diddy to remake Cashmere into a rap song for the US flop Godzilla
Strike-1 ... Strike-2 ..... Strike-3 !!!!!!

[MegoMonk]

I think a Paul,George & Ringo tour would have been cool, as long as they did not call it the Beatles. Too bad they did not do it at the time.

as far as KISS goes, Tommy and Eric should have been allowed to create their own characters/makeup, instead of dressing up like Ace and Peter. Maybe they should have dressed up Eric in the chicken outfit!

John Densmore was the one who sued Manzarek and Krieger not to use the Doors name, not Morrison's estate.

Plant should join Led Zep. I'm not a huge fan,but I would probably go if Plant was involved.

[SUP-Ronin]

I saw the police tour last year, and was pleasantly surprised> I had always wanted to see the Police and finally got too. Zep is my other "always wanted to see", but without Plant I may as well go see some lame Zepplin cover band for $100.00 less.

[Cosmicman]

At least you have to give Paul and Ringo credit for not replacing John and George and trying to bring back the Beatles.

Paul McCartney is not stupid. Even when George Harrison was alive and they did that semi Beatles reunion using Lennon's voice on a vocal track. They knew better to do any "reunions" without John Lennon. They would have been assassinated by the fans and they knew it.