I agree with most of this post. But, the assertion that Plant would have been gone shortly after the scheduled NA 81' tour with Bonham still breathing is not quite that easy to deduce. Without Bonham there, Plant really only had Jimmy and he was busy battling his demons. Don't think he ever cared much for Jones other than his musicianship, and I think the feeling was mutual there. But, if Bonham hadn't died, it wouldn't have been as desirable/easy to just leave Led Zeppelin behind and never look back the way he did, no way, not with Bonzo still in the band.

I've always felt that it is a mistake to get involved into the personal family lives of artists of any kind. Its really none of our business why Plant wasn't with his family at this time, or why Page and Jones didn't make it to Plants sons funeral....etc. Its best to just enjoy the music and stay out of their personal lives and decisions.

For anyone who thinks Plant wasn't onboard for the tax exile, I suggest watching Plants banter right before Communication Breakdown at Earls Court on the 25th. Looks to me like Plant was pretty excited to be leaving England. "Gentlemen with white shirts will be passing a hat around because the equipment cost so much that we got no bread 'to fly out of the country'. So if u see a hat coming round, please put bread in it. Somebody's gonna make some money somewhere". Don't let Plants hippie persona fool you into thinking that $$$ wasn't a priority to him. He wanted to hold on to his cash as much as anybody else, and rightfully so. But, nobody had to twist his arm, and why would they? You want to keep your money or give it all to the tax man? The Stones went into tax exile (Exile on Main Street) in 1971. Its called business.

God, that solo was pure bliss. Had to listen to it several times before coming back down to earth. Great job on the remaster. Keep em comin' and thank you.

That was fucking awesome!!!!!

^ Greatness. Its hard to choose a favorite year, but i would definitely have to go with 1973. The unbelievable playing along with his best tone ever takes the cake for me. The whole band just seemed to slip into another dimension in '73. Their playing was more relaxed and confident than they'd ever been before. I'd also have to say that Bonham's drumming had noticeably matured on this tour. His playing was less thrashy and more focused and disciplined than he'd ever been.

Page did not play jazz, so its a bit of a stretch right off the bat. I'm sure they could have ripped through a few 8 balls together like nobody's business though.

My favorite Peter Green track:

#1 Misty Mountain Hop - Love it on the album, but 'live' it just never seemed to work right IMO. #2 Kashmir - however, I usually tune in for the dramatic flurry towards the end, can't help myself there. #3 Nobody's Fault But Mine - its a fun song, but a bit of a slog to get through. Ahha Ahha Ah Ah Ahaaa...... #4 The Rain Song - Love the song and how its performed live, but I usually just don't have the attention span for it .

Happy birthday to the great Jimmy Page, the baddest motherfucker to ever step onstage.

In honor and memory of late great Alphonse Mouzon: