Led Zeppelin to Reunite With New Singer

Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham reportedly give their frontman Robert Plant an ultimatum, saying that if he refuses to re-join Led Zeppelin on their comeback tour, he will then be replaced by a new singer. "They will be finalizing plans for shows over the next couple of months and will tell Robert that if he doesn't want to be involved they will go ahead without him," a source says.

Speaking of the possible reunion, the source reveals that the three members of the band "are determined a tour will go ahead next year" and there's an American guy who has been standing in for Robert regularly and doing a great job. The source close to the band states, "They've been rehearsing frequently in London and the band is really gelling."

Hmm.

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00018471.html

99% of the band was Robert Plant.Who would want to hear some American guy.I love that group Ramble On my favorite.

Er, "99% of the band" was not Robert Plant. It was Page and Plant primarily probably a little more Page, a musical and production genius who formed the band in the first place out of the ashes of The Yardbirds.

Andrew

While I agree that Robert Plant is not the whole draw of Led Zeppelin, do not underestimate John Paul Jones contributions. While Page is noted for his early session work, Jones was also well renowned as an arranger before the project was even considered. The magic of the band was the combination of two studio veterans, a totally unique drummer and a relative newbie.

If Plant had the same experience of grinding anonymity that Page and Jones had before Zep, he might treasure his position with the band a bit more. It is not the same act without Bonzo, but at least the very talented Jason truly understands that the legacy of his Dad must be preserved. It would be amusing and potentially effective if he told the other three to just grow up and enjoy the ride.

Perhaps the passing of Richard Wright will wake up the old men to the reality of being a mortal who performs immortal material. This could very well be the last time they have the chance to experience a tour together. It would be a shame to squander it on petty bickering. As it stands right now, the whole damn thing smacks of cynicism and cashing in on the past. In spite of all that, I really hope they get it together.

This story, with no named sources, is thin. Born out of practice sessions ongoing since O2 where the path forward was layed out by Page and Plant. Plant was already committed to the tour he's now on. Doing another Zep tour without Robert would be a terrible legal and accounting nightmare, anyway.

The Plant/Krauss tour ends Oct 5.

I'm disappointed that any of you put any stock in this story.
There is no collaborating stories anywhere I can find, although I'm sure this one piece will spur reactive writing.

Give me something credible, not just tabloid trash.

Incidentally, trying to pull off Zep without Robert is just not possible. Jimmy is smart enough to know that, rich enough not to have to do it, and media savvy enough to know that any news about Zep, even trash talk like Skep found, keeps the brand in the public eye.

LS: "If Plant had the same experience of grinding anonymity that Page and Jones had before Zep, he might treasure his position with the band a bit more."

Don't know which is more irresponsible, Skep naming the post as a finite or LS drawing hostile conclusions based on an unsubstantiated piece of tabloid journalism. Just for the record, Jonesy had nowhere the near the studio credentials Jimmy did, and Robert was hardly a newbie (Crawling King Snakes, Band Of Joy). None of them except Jimmy were really known quantities outside of the English music scene.

My "hostile conclusions" are substantiated by being a young man witnessing the demise of a legendary act. Enjoying with sadness, an album that was a huge hit after the drummer perished. Noting that it happened within a very short time of the death of Keith Moon and months before John Lennon was shot.

My "hostile conclusions" are substantiated by the cynical corporate overseers that hoped to heaven that the band would explode or die before they sucked and the catalog was tainted. They fed a culture of permissiveness that continues unabated to this day while recordings of the dead still put food on ever more elegant tables.

My "hostile conclusions" are substantiated by being a teenager who bought a less than stellar record and tickets to a solo tour of Robert Plant where the image of the band was used for himself alone. Page became a "guest" in his own house, Jones was substituted for "programming" and Bonzo was just a trick of processing a drumkit.

"Just for the record, Jonesy had nowhere the near the studio credentials Jimmy did..." Whose record? Referring to 1968, JPJ is quoted as saying, "I was arranging 50 or 60 things a month and it was starting to kill me." Yeah, he is a multi-instrumentalist and classically trained. He read and wrote music, not just tab. He performed in the studio and arranged huge hits including some number ones.

I hate to come off harsh, but Jimmy was just grinding out guitar bits, or touring in the latest incarnation of the mayonnaise brothers. Can we take a few feet out of the pedestal that the British regurgitation of traditional American music sits upon? I love it for what it is, but Jesus, these men are hardly pioneering and would admit it to you.

Please, spare me all the nonsense about the Jimmy Page studio magic too. Without Glyn Johns, Eddie Kramer, Andy Johns and Terry Manning, this band would not have realized a fraction of their musical vision. The whole point I was trying to make was that it was a team and ought to stay that way. I really do not much care about the rumor, so much as seeing them performing as a unit again.

"spare me all the nonsense"

That's MY point. This story is nonsense until it's substantiated.
If anyone is overreacting, it's you not me. You can parse out whatever you want on your own time about who had more "sessions" but the word was "credentials." Page had the contract that had to be fulfilled, Page had the gumption to take a new group out to service an established Yardbird fan base and try and get the new "sound" out there. Sure, Jones had hundreds of "sessions" but Page probably had thousands. He had a stronger portfolio whether you want to admit that or not, I really don't care.

Maybe I am in denial about the prospect of yet another favorite band of mine seeking a new lead singer ( Queen, INXS, Judas Priest, Journey - gee those didn't go so well for me ) but if this story proved to be true, I would not be interested in seeing that incarnanation.

Pass.

Nothing hostile. Just not my bag.

You do not have to like me, but at least extend me the courtesy of acknowledging that discussion was attempted on my part. My opinion, while perhaps not as cool as yours, has validity along with all the others in the thread. Some people appreciate it, and I certainly appreciate yours.

That's why it won't happen. Without all 3 surviving members it's not Led Zeppelin. When Page and Plant toured together with "No Quarter" and "Walking into Clarksdale" they did not use the LZ name. If Page and Jones tour without Robert, they would have to pay Robert a ton of dough anyway. It just doesn't make sense. The story is tabloid trash until such time as a legitimate news source covers it with quotable sources.

It's nothing personal, LS. What I don't like is rumormongering. It's hard enough sifting through conflicting evidence without having to filter out the b.s. Maybe I should have just posted "This story is bullshit." Like much of what can be found on the net to draw readers. Opinions aren't cool or uncool. They are opinions. Some are not always based in logic, rather based in feeling. In this case both my logic and my feelings both call the story a flagrant foul. My reaction is to the lack of evidence behind the story. Too many people in the chain of here say makes for whoppers untrue. Your comment accusing Plant of not appreciating his position in the band was inaccurate as well as based in the story that as of yet has no validity.

Your comment accusing Plant of not appreciating his position in the band was inaccurate as well as based in the story that as of yet has no validity.

Actually, my position was solidified when this abomination made me feel dirty for even buying it. I still feel cheated twenty years later. Whether the article is true or not, Mister Plant is still on probation with me.

For crying out loud, I briefly met Robert outside of the old KPTV studios -- where the Opera is now. We talked briefly about the river, the rain and my old Raleigh bicycle. It was fine. I do not hate these guys. I just hold them to a higher standard.

I guess I never have a reason to disbelieve or deeply research new celebrity rumors in a thread unless the artist a whole lot less famous. Or, in the case of Abe Vigoda, very much alive. Peace.

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&tab=wn&ned=us&q=led+zeppelin+tour&btnG=Search+ News

Not that it makes it more true but more than one news outlet is reporting the story.

Still, worth keeping an eye on for Zep fans.

Sammy hagar will replace Robert Plant according to my "inside sources" or David Lee Roth maybe David Coverdale or Chris Robinson Maybe Billy squier or even Gary cherone or hey how about ............................................Yawn

I can't remember the guys name, but there was an American Idol contestant that performed a Queen song so well, I thought: "Sign Him".

They missed huge not inking a deal with that guy.

Hearing the new music, in the closest thing to the style and sound that made it great in the first place is more valuable to me than any purist, "nobody can replace [x]" deal is. IMHO, that's almost always true, but we still would enjoy the music.

here is NO Led Zeppelin without Robert Plant Just as there no ledzep w/o Jimmy Page

So, is it not AC\DC without Bon Scott??

Zeppelin and AC/DC are not the same bands.

Actually, yes, some of us don't think AC/DC was the same band after Scott died. I never liked AC/DC much after "Highway to Hell" although I admit "Back in Black" was a great album. I liked nothing after that.

Andrew

Still waiting for Abba's reunion tour.

Watch the movie "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" while you're waiting. You'll get your Abba fix there, plus something about ping pong balls you might not have known about!

Well it's not like Bon Scott had a choice in the matter. And I think that plays a little bit into it from a fans perspective.

Got a dead lead singer that left fans hanging? Fans are MUCH more forgiving in a scenario like that. Hell, the'll pretend they are just as good when not given a choice. ( Queen / INXS ).

Got a lead singer that has too big of an ego? You'd better pick someone REAL good to keep even half of what you had. ( Van Halen got close by recording new material that held up / Journey did not ).

Got a lead singer that has expressed interest in touring again, but has other commitments and you are too impatient to wait until he is done and WANTS to tour again? It's an uphill battle for you then. Fans will wait until everyone on stage WANTS to be there together. To pretend that a new lead singer is good enough for now, while you bilk the fans for a subpar tribute show, well, won't work and will ruin your legacy for the next time your singer is available ( Led Zeppelin ).

And if The Police can tour successfully without too much blood, anyone can - WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT FOR THEM! - not just fans that will be there no mater when Led Zeppelin does it right.

But to answer your question, DT; AC/DC got REAL lucky with Brian Johnson.

It was 8 years ago that I went and saw Styx without Dennis DeYoung on keys and vocals. The substitute singer did fine and the keyboardist didnt miss a note. /shrug They were out there having fun on stage rocking the State Fairgrounds. The crowd was into it. No one mentioned it... (BTW Survivor opened that show and were the best part! and REO Speedwagon not so good these days).

My point is does it really matter? I believe INXS can have a television contest for their replacement. I think that their album Kick ranks in the top five of the 1980s. Will I go see them? Maybe... A once successful band has a right to carry on no matter what the missing member has done (died, ego-trip, temper tantrum, drug binge, medical disability). I am a huge Queen fan. Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen in the history of rock'n'roll. Right up there, imo, with Little Richard, Billy Joel (in his younger days), and Jerry Lee Lewis. That said, will I go see them without him? No. Do I respect them less as musicians? No. Have I sold all my Queen CDs in contempt for their betrayal of Freddie's legacy? No. And that is why I dont begrudge cover bands, or that new fangled video game Rock band... it lets everyone back into the fold of rock. So remember,

ROCK ON.

" I am a huge Queen fan. "

You gotta email me. I have something for you to hear.

darktemper,plant is still alive so the ac/dc reference is a bit odd > Can any one here really picture any form of Bonham,page and jpj going on tour with another front man?? Not as Led Zep

Moman74,
So you wouldn't lose any respect for Led Zeppelin if Richard Marx became their new lead singer?

How about Boy George? How about we dig up Kevin DeBrow and see if the cash machine can print us some money.
Guys! This is all about greed and the ALMIGHTY dollar!!!!!!!!!!!
Without the Plant the scenery is different!!!!!! One of the GREATEST Rock bands of ALL time is going to replace their lead singer?
We're NOT talking about Drowning Pool, Skid Row or even Journey for that matter. This is one of the top 5 GREATEST fucking Rock N' Roll groups EVER!

I've got a link that will totally dissolve this story and make this entire thread a waste of time and energy, but I won't tell you unless you elect me president.

It's all just hype to get free publicity. Unless he is brain dead I would expect him to tour with the group.

Maybe Alison has put a spell on him and has him under her thumb!

Trixter, I have been worried SICK about you!

I am so damn glad to have you back. I was also beginning to wonder if you and Herb were the same person, since you disappeared at the same time.

" I've got a link that will totally dissolve this story and make this entire thread a waste of time and energy, but I won't tell you unless you elect me president. "

I don't negotiate with terrorists or information hostage-takers. I will, however, bomb you. That's how I roll.

Ouch. I think I just bombed myself laughing.

@ Bunsofsteel:

I hate to admit it, I only have one Led Zeppelin album (I think it's Led Zeppelin IV). I listen to it once every three years or so. Why? Because I'd like to find a classic rock station that doesn't have Led Zeppelin on heavy rotation. Now I'm sure I'll anger some people but my top five rock and roll bands of all-time don't include Led Zeppelin nor the Stones for that matter. Top 10 sure. Not top 5, it's just my opinion. That said, of course, I wouldn't want Richard Marx to tour with them. He's not the right singer. If they got someone from a good cover band, why not....

And Trixter... that's just absurd I wasn't suggesting anything along those lines. My example, Queen, found a perfectly good singer in Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company fame. I'm sure the boys in Led Zeppelin could do the same for one tour.

What's in your top 5?

IMHO, they should not even call it Queen. Queen died with Freddie Mercury. While Paul Rogers is a great singer he and the rest of the band will never get me to pay and go see one of their concerts or purchase a CD. Sorry, but Freddie was and is irreplaceable. So I guess I can see your point about Plant. I'm sure if he was replaced it would sound good and all of the shows would sell out, but it would just not be the same. I am sure a lot of die hard fans would rather not see a show without him. But then this is all just rumor and speculation.

I'm NOT Herb!!!
Mrs. M you know better than that.... I've been so busy with the beach house in Rockaway (paint and a new roof) and the stupid well on our property has been spitting out too much sand and it's not good to drink. Had to plunk down close to $6,000 just to get it up and running again!!!!!
On top of that with the 2 hurricanes that came through in NO and TexASS my fathers business has been in overdrive.
Thanks for caring Mrs. M since your the ONLY one!!!!!!

Hate to be cliche but:

1. Beatles
2. Pink Floyd
3. Queen
4. Metallica (up to & including the Black Album)
5. the Who (if they had been grammatically correct, they would have been the Whom)

1. Pink Floyd
2. Everything Sammy Hagar including Sammy Halen and Montrose
3. Queen

Those are my top three and in that order!

Darktemper:

Yes. I wouldn't go see the act without Freddie either. My point is that it's unrealistic and selfish to not allow continuing band members to adapt and overcome to get back on the road. I performed live a handful of times and while I had extreme stage fright, a standing ovation is better than sex. I can see why they want to tour again.

I agree that they should give it a go, but if the sound is completely different then at least rename the band. Queen Take 2, The New Queen, etc. Don't tarnish or ruin the reputation of what once was greatness. Led Zeppelin without Plant could be called "Barage Balloon".

Or maybe it could be called "Bloated Led"

Hey, "Led Foot".

Darktemper, actually Queen tours as Queen featuring Paul Rodgers here

Wasn't the Page/Plant tour of the late nineties with the re-release of Kashmir called Page/Plant because the Bonham estate wouldn't let them tour as Led Zep?

Rolling Stone magazine reports "plant has no plans to tour for a least two more years" sammy hagar to the rescue...........t

http://www.robertplant.com/index.php?l1=2&l2=0&l3=0&articleID=186&rt=NE&PHPSESSI D=9bbd4a89c52a97d2e96ab128cb4ae9f9

Now if the other members want to tour as Zep it costs them big dollars because Robert gets his share not only because his name is on most of the music but also he owns a piece of the name. They could tour as Page, Jones, Bonham and "x" and avoid some of that expense at the cost of being not as powerful a draw.

My prediction: After October 5 when Robert is done with his current tour, there may be a revision in the "two year" part of the statement, carefully crafted not to be a definitive, and in consideration of the fact that it takes almost a year to put a major tour together.

I think many fans will be only semi interested in a tour sans Robert.

me thinks nobody will be interested in a tour sans Robert ......Lets see Page,jones,bonham and THEDUDE appearing @ the schnitzer in front of a half filled house

Will you be wearing tight leather or shiny spandex pants and a long curly blond wig?

So Typical! One Track Mind!

Hey! I'm married, not dead!

I can look at the menu, I just can't order off it.

Plus, you all know I have my secret "man crushes" around here.

Plus, you all know I have my secret "man crushes" around here.


No kidding! Merkin has more man crushes than Wilt Chamberlain had lovers

That's why after pondering the thread about who here I'd want to "spend a week with" for about a month, I could never narrow it down to less than 20 or so, all for completely different reasons!

I love (almost) all of you.

Robert said last night at the Rose Garden he'd be back in a few years. It had been a few years since he'd been to town with The Stange Sensations and his show last night with Allison Kraus and T. Bone Burnett was an outstanding performance. That young lady has a set of pipes and standing up there with the undisputed king of "cock rock" (Robert's words, not mine) she looked like a piece of candy. Four reworked Zeppelin tunes came out great and The Battle of Evermore was magical. Bring it back.

Second that, Andy!

Great show that showcased everyone's musical careers. I really liked Black Dog: film noir dark and moody, this arrangement made a song I've heard on the radio countless times fresh and interesting.

I would love to have this show on DVD someday.

It was obvious that Robert loves this stripped-down format, no bells and whistles, simple staging and lighting, and a chance to do something new and different, in front of a very small and completely engaged audience. It was very intimate, which a Zep reunion would not be. I can understand why he may not want to go back again, as much as we would LOVE him to do it.

The lion still roars!

The plot thickens:

http://blog.muchmusic.com/archives/2008/10/exclusive_led_z.php

(play the video)

God bless Dee Snyder for the inside scoop.

Kennedy has some good pipes but I wouldn't go see him with Zep.
No Plant...
NO show....

Led Zeppelin may tour without Plant.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27417890/

I'd rather see them with Plant, but I think I'd still check out the show just to see it.

Robert has had all of 3 weeks off since his 2 year tour with Alison Krauss ended. His Zep band mates will just keep baiting the press until they all have a chance to talk after Robert has had a few months off. The notion of them touring sans Plant is against the grain, and Jones statement hints at that.

Steven Tyler is the latest rumor as a possible frontman for Un-Leded Zeppelin.