Ok. 1.I've discovered several 100 pre Slade gigs between 1962-69 and so far I've only found one occasion when they were on the same bill..however I've only scratched the surface and not every gig was advertised. 2.I asked Steve Brett about John Bonham a couple of years ago..Steve can't remember John being a member of the Mavericks ..I've spoken to several ex Mavericks as well and none of them recalls John playing ..I suspect an urban myth due to the Bonham familys connection with the Three Men In a Boat. 3.According to Bobby Graham and 4 of the original 'Nbetweens Jimmy Page did not play on the sessions..Bobby Graham remembers Jimmy looking in but was not needed. Hope this doesn't tread on anyones toes :-0 Can anyone clear up the "Little Nightingale" mysytery..recorded by The 'Nbetweens the song is supposed to be a Jimmy Page song but no one seems to able to confirm or deny it..the record label credits Williams..I think it's urban myth time again.

I'll do some checking on the 1973 date. Cream played Wolverhampton Civic Hall the 9th June 1967 with The 'Nbetweens and several other groups on the bill but no mention of Listen. Listen played all around the Walsall /Wolverhampton/Bloxwich area..their was a very good group scene going on and money could be made. The Willenhall Baths gig is probably the "Autumn 66 " reference..a lot of these things get lost in translation and the mists of time..Willenhall is technically a part of Wolverhampton. It might be useful to do a very quick geography/history lesson to explain the Zeppelin /Slade connection. Noddy Holder parents lived on the Beechdale estate in Bloxwich in Gurney Road..their house was approx 200 yards away from "The Three Men in A Boat" where Robert Plant was lodging with the Bonham family..in 1965 Holder was in a group called Steve Brett and The Mavericks who were quite big locally..they released 3 45s and had done the traditional gigging in Germany thing..at the end of '65 Holder left the group and returned home with the idea of forming a group..Bill Bonham remembers jamming with Holder..Holder joined the 'Nbetweens in March 1966 It was about this time that Listen were formed..Plant and Holder got to know each other..this has led to the stories of Holder "roadieing" for Listen..I think the best explanation for that is that Holder had access o his Dad's window cleaning van and when he was at a loose end he helped Listen out..it's also worth remembering that Plant was supposed to have joined The 'Nbetweens as well as Holder but was regarded as not suitable. Obviously their paths would continue to pass..I'll deal with the great "You Better Run" saga over the next few days. Meanwhile..from the Wolverhampton Express and Star 3rd Mach 1966 This only part of the article..I wasn't looking for Listen stuff at the time. when I go to Wolverhampton archives again I'll get the complete article but it gives a flavour of the group. Sorry if I'm rabbiting on a bit.

You might like this one...from the Wolverhampton Express and Star 18th October 1966. This is the one gig I would have liked to have been at..I saw The Beatles ,Hendrix etc but this is one I missed out on. The 'Nbetweens later became Slade and I spoke to their drummer Don Powell about the gig a few weeks ago..his main memory was of Cream being out of their heads..in the "dressing room"Clapton stood staring at a wall and Ginger Baker was jumping up and down on his drum kit..this was unimaginable to the other bands who had hire purchase payments to make. It would be nice to imagine a jam session..2 of the Black Country's finest front men Holder and Plant..2 fine drummers Baker and Powell..Jim Lea and Jack Bruce on bass and Mr Clapton doing his stuff. The 'Nbetweens /Listen connection is well known and I have a couple of articles from 1966 which cover both bands. Just a quick explanation as to why I have this stuff..I'm researching the early live career of Slade from 1962 -1970 and I've been wading through my local newspaper archives for a few years now. In the course of my search I've picked up a few pieces about Mr Plant..I'll put what I have on here and I'll look out for more.

Big time..Walsall Town Hall was a good booking in the mid '60s in the Black Country and for a young group like Listen it was a big step from youth clubs and pubs. From the Walsall Observer dated Friday April 1st 1966-

Ok..this is from the Wolverhampton Express and Star-4th July 1968..it might help with the spelling.

Is their much interest in this sort of stuff on here?. Midland Beat December 1966- I have a few more Listen things and other stuff can be obtained if wanted.

Newbie on here so apologies for any toe treading.The teacher training College is definitely the Gorway Road Walsall one..John's uncle ran the Three Men in A Boat in the '60s ..it was one the best pub venues in the Black Country..it no longer exists. Bloxwich born and bred so I can remember the days of Robert,Noddy Holder and Rob Halford all knocking around the same housing estate.