I've only just come across this - so it's a bit out of date! Jimmy attended a midsummer’s eve party for the Tommy Roberts book launch http://www.paulgormanis.com There were big smiles for Tommy Roberts at the midsummer’s eve party to celebrate the publication of my new book Mr Freedom – Tommy Roberts: British Design Hero. Our hosts were publisher Jenny Ross and Tommy’s son Keith, who threw open the doors of his Shoreditch shop Two Columbia Road to a thoroughly enjoyable gathering of friends, family and fans. Jimmy and John Pearse, formerly of the legendary shop 'Granny Takes A Trip' Jimmy with Jeff Dexter All photographs are the copyright of Paul Gorman.

Jimmy backstage at the RAH in 28 June 2012 with Frankie Valli's drummer, Craig Pilo. Photo Copyright Mark Gaffney.

There may be a personal reason why Jimmy is not recording or planning any gigs (so far as we are aware). I am not saying a personal consideration is the only reason, however back in February/March of this year, a schoolboy at a very expensive private school in Berkshlre put it on Twitter that he had been asked to show Jimmy round the school because Ashen was starting there in September 2012. Up until now, Ashen has been at school in Sussex while living with his mother. The new school (which I am not going to name, nor give a precise location) is about a 10 minute car journey from his father's country home. That suggests to me that the boy will be a day pupil, rather than boarder, and if so, would require Jimmy to be near to home, as he would be a single parent. I am sure there are a multitude of reasons for JPP's inactivity and this may be one of them.

The boy is Jimmy's younger son, Ashen.

By Brian Hancill www.mirror.co.uk 14 Jul 2012 20:01 Caught live... Robert Plant: Patty Griffin steals the show in dodgy HMV Forum I was gutted when I missed the tour in 2010, but no matter. Two years later I go to see them with high expectations. And... I just wish I hadn't bothered. Robert Plant did a fine and brave thing when he turned down squillions of dollars and refused to continue the Led Zeppelin reunion after their one-off gig in 2007. He had just made the best album of his post-Zep career, a series of cover versions with country star Alison Krauss called Raising Sand. There was no sense in giving up this bold new direction to reconstruct the glories of 40 years ago with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. So even when a Raising Sand follow-up with the demanding Ms Krauss didn't work out, Plant dived straight into a new collaboration with producer Buddy Miller which brought in singer-songwriter Patty Griffin (an enormous talent) as his new vocal foil. The result was Band Of Joy, another album of carefully chosen covers. When it came out in 2010 it didn't set the world on fire like Raising Sand, but I loved it, and was disappointed when I had to miss the tour. But no matter. Two years later, Ms Griffin is still part of his new band the Sensational Space Shifters. So off I went to see them on Thursday night with high expectations. And... I just wish I hadn't bothered. Mostly because the sound from my seat four rows back on the balcony was dire. Truly terrible. Booming bass, muddy middle and very little treble to speak of. It was at least five years since I'd been to the Forum and I'd forgotten how bad its acoustics can be. I spent half of the show wandering around the venue trying to find a sweet spot where it sounded better You could hear a few more high notes from the bar at the very top of the building, but people were standing three-deep at the rail. The wall of aural mud was slightly thinner at the back of the crowd downstairs too, but by that time it was too jam-packed to force my way to a point where I could see. But it wasn't just the sound. For me, Plant's choice of songs signaled a lurch back into the style of his earlier solo career, which I'm afraid I had never rated. Not a single track from Raising Sand or Band of Joy. Instead, the band began with a plodding Bukka White blues and continued with one of his older solo tracks. When they got as far as the fifth number with no sign of Patty Griffin, I began to think that going home and catching up with the ironing would be a better use of my evening. But then she did come on, and things looked up a bit. First her voice cut through the mud to the give the old Led Zep tune Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp some definition. Then Plant stepped out of the spotlight while she sang three of her own numbers. This was the high point of the evening for me, particularly when they played her gorgeous gospel song Standing. Incidentally, the internet is awash with reports that Robert Plant and Patty Griffin are an item and may even be married. I can only report that there were no clues to this in their body language on stage. The set included no less than five Led Zeppelin songs played in fairly radical re-interpretations with acoustic and African instruments. I had been looking forward to these because they sound thrilling on an Artist's Den DVD that Plant has recorded in Nashville with substantially the same band. Sadly, the Forum's formidable sound barrier filtered out anything remotely thrilling from Friends, Black Dog, and a medley including Whole Lotta Love. The final encore of Gallows Pole was much better in its sheer walloping drive, but it was too late for me. I was still thinking of all the shirts I could have ironed. To add a little perspective, I spoke to two sets of friends who were also at the gig. One whole family of Zep/Page/Plant diehards loved the whole thing, though they conceded that the sound upstairs wasn't the best they had heard. And a couple who were crammed like sardines four bodies from the stage said it all sounded wonderful to them. Memo to self: never darken the door of the HMV Forum again. And don't let the ironing get so far behind.

In addition to the news provided by SAJ, I wanted to give the heads up that it was in the Sun (UK) newspaper on 9/07/2012 that the Stones are due to attend the opening of this exhibition in London on 12 July, before it opens to the public on the 13th. The exhibition from 13/07 to 27/08 is Free Admission. Also detailed below is the Thames & Hudson book released to coincide with this anniversary year, at the affordable price of £29.95. The Rolling Stones: 50 13 July - 27 August 2012 Daily 10.00-18.00 East Wing Galleries, East Wing Free admission On 12 July 1962 the Rolling Stones went on stage for the first time at the Marquee Club in London’s Oxford Street. A phenomenal 50 years later, and to celebrate this milestone, a free photographic exhibition documenting the last half-century will occupy the East Wing Galleries, looking back at their astounding career. With privileged access to a wealth of unseen and rare material, this one-off exhibition will include over seventy prints ranging from reportage photography, live concert and studio session images, to contact sheets, negative strips and outtakes from every period of the band’s history – from performing in the smallest blues clubs to the biggest stadium tours of all time. Limited edition prints, copies of the book and other items will be available to buy. This exhibition coincides with the release of the book by the same name, published by Thames & Hudson @ £29.95.

This is a review from Publishers' Weekly on the Tolinski book which is due out in October 2012. www.publishersweekly.com Over the past decade, the enigmatic Page has been sitting down with Tolinski, the editor-in-chief of Guitar World and author of Classic Hendrix and The Faces: 196975, to discuss everything from Pages early years as a session guitarist and member of the Yardbirds to his heyday with Led Zeppelin and his more recent post-Zep projects and plans. The interviews Page gives to Tolinski are enlightening, and while he doesnt completely open the vault about Zeppelins party lifestyle or his interest in the occult, he does speak freely on guitar technique. Sometimes even more informative than the interviews are the pre-q&a introductions, which set up the topics of discussion and allow Tolinski to demonstrate his encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock and guitar history in his fluid prose. Further expanding the books scope are the Musical Interludes that follow each chapter and feature entertaining asides like an inventory of Pages guitars; he also conducts interviews with some of Pages former bandmates like John Paul Jones and Paul Rodgers. By shining a light on the shadowy Page, Tolinski has created a must-have for any Led Zeppelin fan or guitar player. 21 b&w photos. (Oct.) Reviewed on: 07/02/2012 Other Formats Hardcover - 288 pages - 978-0-7710-8420-1

http://renebestguitarist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/jimmy-page-and-solid-groundmay-29-1991.html Jimmy Page and Solid Ground / May 29, 1991 A band I played in “Solid Ground” played with Jimmy Page at the Crystal Bay Club on May 29, 1991, Funny things happen when you're packing to move; you find a lot of the stuff you thought you lost. Last night after all these years I found part of a recording of the night Jimmy Page played with Solid Ground. I hope to find the rest of the recording. We did have pictures of the show but the keyboardist for the band ripped them off. He also is the one the band suspects boot legged the recording of the show against Jimmy’s wishes, after he specifically told the band that night not to do it. I want Jimmy to know the rest of the band had nothing to do with the boot legged recordings. Bill Glahn reviewed the recording on his blog in March 1993. He was tough on the band, Thank God he liked my singing "The male vocalist, a very good southern belter, is prone to calling Page “son.” I don't remember calling Jimmy son. It is a southern thing though, y'all know what I mean? I don't know why the recording is titled "Up In Smoke". Funny thing is, that is what happened to our relationship with the keyboardist, totally burnt to ashes. Reminds me of another situation with a nasty ex band mate. I do plan on posting these recordings of the show (Not for Profit) on my website. Jimmy was playing my guitar and Debbie McIntyre sang Hang On Sloopy and I sang the rest of the songs. Finding these recordings has led me to see what was out there on the internet about that night. I cannot believe the curiosity and information that has been posted. At the very least I want folks out there to know the story and give credit to where credit is due and mention all the band members who played on that recording with Jimmy Page. Well maybe not all, I will just ignore the damn keyboardist. I have worked with many musicians with pleasant and difficult dispositions. It is only the very worst of those that I refuse to have any association with, and refuse to recall anytime I spent with them, or mention them on my website www.renebest.net. That reminds me, I still have to write a disclosure about my website which I own and control all content, and the person who is spreading bogus lies, that "It's Not Really Rene's Website". In the mean time if anyone feels the need to know about the motives of the person behind the bogus complaints board comments you can cell me @ 775-378-7084

I am not sure that these could be described as "hot pics" of Jimmy, nevertheless I am placing them here because they are additional press shots from last year's Ivor Novello Awards which I had not seen. They are from a website called isopix which I was unaware of until the magnificent PlanetPage brought it to my attention yesterday. www.isopix.be

Hi Mark, i hope you are keeping well. I have happily accepted your friend request for this site. I am continuing to work my way through the images for which you have generously given us free access. I wish you well with your 'paid' photography ventures.

PlanetPage, You are very welcome. Thanks so much for finding these photos. Over the past few days, I have checked the usual sites like Rex Features, Getty Images and Zimbio, but I could not find any with Jimmy - and then you come to the rescue .

こんにちは saj, 感謝 I think the late, great Peter Grant may have purchased a RAH box too. さようなら (Japanese words courtesy of 'Google Translate' - just in case the above has alternative meanings )

Thanks Knebby

I am sure Jimmy purchased a private box at the RAH many years ago. Can you confirm?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2167428/Sir-Paul-McCartney-rock-gods-force-celebrate-Sir-Peter-Blakes-80th-birthday.html With a combined age of 270, they make a quartet of genuine rock legends. Sir Paul McCartney, 70, Eric Clapton, 67, Roger Daltrey, 68, and Ronnie Wood, 65, were among a parade of stars who turned out to mark the 80th birthday of pop art pioneer Sir Peter Blake. He is most famous for designing the iconic cover for The Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The party was held at the Royal Albert Hall where a retrospective exhibition of Sir Peter’s work is being held. As well as the static exhibition there is also a mobile work of art in the form of a tour bus which will be spotted at festivals around the country. The artist, in red braces and with a walking stick, was seen enjoying a drink with Sir Paul and the singer’s wife Nancy Shevell at the event on Friday. He also cut a cake, iced with a pop art design, in front of the partygoers who included former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman, 75. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was with his 34-year-old theatre producer girlfriend Sally Humphreys. Other guests included Beatles producer Sir George Martin, 86, Tony Bennett, 85, and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, 68, while Madness performed some of their songs. As well as Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Sir Peter designed the cover for the Band Aid single Do They Know It’s Christmas? and Paul Weller’s album Stanley Road. Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Royal Albert Hall June 2012 http://www.theartsdesk.com/new-music/frankie-valli-four-seasons-royal-albert-hall It was the right venue. Frankie Valli is New Jersey royalty. He might not have been crowned, but appearing in The Sopranos is as good as any coronation. As he leaned into the audience, shaking hands, he spread his magic. Even Jimmy Page had come along for this rare London show by one of pop’s greatest, most distinctive voices. www.tompetty.com 20 Jun2012 London, GB Opening Acts: Jonathan Wilson The Royal Albert Hall added to its rich concert history on Wednesday night as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers closed out their two-night run at the famed London venue with an epic show featuring a guest appearance by close friend and rock legend Steve Winwood. Backstage hopped with excitement before the show as family and friends mingled with the band amid the road cases. Winwood - who opened for Tom and the Heartbreakers' summer tour in 2008 - caught up with tour manager Richard Fernandez and checked out guitars with Alan Rogan before the show. Olivia Harrison dropped in to say hello. Father-and-son producing duo Glyn and Ethan Johns were around. Nick Lowe and Jimmy Page were in the house and Helen Mirren came backstage to say hi.

Unfortunately, if you stole money in Britain, you would be given a pat on the head and asked if you would like some welfare benefits to help you get over the trauma of being caught!!! And that is after a legal aid funded lawyer is appointed and paid for out of taxpayers money to fight your 'case'.

Deborah J, I agree with much of what you say, but wished to highlight the part about people having the right to speak their minds. Well said.

I've had a look at Genesis' website and the advertising blurb for the JC book seems to have changed from 'your choice' to it now being signed by Aninha Capaldi, SW and RP. I'm still not sure about why RP is so involved in this. I would have thought signatures from JC's widow and SW would have been sufficient. MR FANTASY is a limited edition of only 900 copies. Each book is hand-signed by Steve Winwood, Aninha Capaldi & Robert Plant.

Trampled Underfoot has been included on the draft playlist for the Olympics Opening ceremony. The link to the full article is below, together with the full list. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2160420/Olympics-opening-ceremony--The-Queen-hear-Sex-Pistols.html

Perhaps they are waiting to get final costings from the binders before setting a price point. "Genesis Publications has announced a forthcoming book, "Eric Clapton Six String Stories: The Crossroads Auction Guitars 1999-2011." The signed limited edition book will benefit The Crossroads Centre, which was founded by Eric Clapton. The book documents Clapton's career through the tools of his trade. A quote from Clapton on the guitars featured in the book states, "Each individual guitar seems to have this in-built virtuosity of its own ... it can take you another 10 miles down the road. Once it stops, it's time to move on to the next one. My career has been divided up with these instruments." Although a publication date has not yet been announced, those interested can register their interest via genesis-publications.com to receive a free brochure by postal mail and be among the first to order."

Genesis Publications are publishing a new luxury Eric Clapton book. Here is the link with the details:- http://whereseric.com/eric-clapton-news/303-genesis-publications-announces-eric-clapton-six-string-stories

Ultimate Classic Rock Chris Squire Of Yes: ‘I’d Be Happy To Work With Jimmy Page Again’ by: Matt Wardlaw Yesterday 02/06/2012 Yes bassist Chris Squire recently revealed some more details about the spectacular rock and roll near-miss experience that nearly resulted in a collaborative supergroup featuring members of Yes and Led Zeppelin. On the heels of the disastrous Jon Anderson-less ‘Drama’ album and subsequent tour, Squire and fellow Yes member, drummer Alan White, found themselves jamming with Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Musically, Page was at loose ends following the death of Zep drummer John Bonham and was searching for the appropriate entry point to get back into making music again. Squire tells Prog Magazine that the trio were in the studio together in early 1981, working on prospective material with Elton John producer Gus Dudgeon. They laid down recording sketches for four songs, mostly written by Squire, with distant hope that Zeppelin singer Robert Plant might complete the circle and add vocals to the tracks. It was a bit early for that however, as Plant wasn’t quite ready to get back into a band situation. As Squire relates, “Jimmy was hoping that Robert was going to come and join the party,” and even when that didn’t come to pass, the project had already served its purpose. Page, says Squire, “just wanted to get back into playing with some guys.” “XYZ” was the working title for the collective, a nod to the trio of “ex” Yes and Zeppelin members. Two of the four songs they were working on eventually surfaced as Yes tracks. landed on the ‘Keys To Ascension’ release while ‘Can You See’ got a new title, labeled as on the 2001 Yes album ‘Magnification.’ Squire says that he’s still in touch with Page and that the possibilities for collaboration remain loosely plausible. “Jimmy knows how much he enjoyed playing with us and if it’s something that he ever wanted to do again, it’s always on the table,” Squire continued. “I’d be happy to work with Jimmy again, but it’s not something I am thinking is going to happen necessarily.” But isn’t it just maddening to consider the possibilities of what the above grouping might have sounded like

Yes, good thinking. Miss Melanie also mentions above the relatively reasonable price of the guitar case which musicstore.de is offering. Perhaps if it had gone ahead with Jimmy's endorsement, it would have been more expensive. It seems strange because Rimowa/Jimmy/Halfin had gone as far as doing the photographic work for the adverts.

Thanks Sam, Fantastic news - something to look forward to. And also something which all Zeppelin fans will be able to afford.