Once I get my scanner hooked up I'll send you some John Paul Jones photos. I took quite a few good ones when he toured in 1999 and I have many from the early days.

JIMMY PAGE: First Meeting, Houston 1985 By "Ronnie Lane's Former Butler" I am proud to be able to say that I am friends with a person as fine and amazingly creative as Jimmy Page. Anyway I was living with Faces bassist Ronnie Lane as his butler and personal assistant in early 1985. Jimmy came through Houston with his new band The Firm, and Ronnie and I went to the concert with our new friend Mark Bowman, including one of Jimmy and I together. Jimmy had 4 seats reserved for us on the stage behind a bank of speakers, so we watched his entire performance from about 10 feet away. Yes, I took a camera. He sought out Ronnie backstage and suggested he come visit the following night at our apartment, which he did. My first words to him were, "Good evening Mr. Page, please come in, Mr. Lane is expecting you. My name is James." He snorted and said, "Yeh, mine too..." This began a friendship which has lasted over 20 years. We spent several hours together that evening, during which I spent most of the time listening to the two of them visit while occasionally injecting something pointless with a sporty posh accent. When I finally cracked him up, he spewed his drink and exclaimed to Ronnie, "Where'd ya get HIM?!?" Ronnie just grinned and said, "He's my butler. Ain't he great?" This was on or about March 21, 1985. I will have many stories about Pagey but you must remember his privacy must be honored at all times, so don't expect any great revelations here. He is absolutely genius-level smart in fields other than music, and funny beyond belief, qualities which may not be readily apparent in his public life, so it's been wonderful to enjoy those aspects of his personality. He's no angel but he's known a few and settled on one. She herself is another story for another time.

RE: JIMMY PAGE'S INSPIRATION FOR HOUSES OF THE HOLY ALBUM COVER? From: "Steve A. Jones" To: chofgren Subject: Jimmy's Inspiration for HOTH Album Cover Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 01:57:09 +0000 Chris - Sorry, it's 3am here and my brain is getting fuzzy. This is what I meant to pass along concerning where Jimmy got the concept for the HOTH album cover. I have his specific comments confirming this as a matter of fact from a 1970's era interview I recently had transferred to cdr from the original audiotape. ------------------------------ The Midwich Cuckoos "If you were wishful to challenge the supremacy of a society that was fairly stable, and quite well weaponed, what would you do? Would you meet it on its' own terms by launching a probably costly, and certainly destructive, assault? Or, if time were no great importance, would you prefer to employ a version of a more subtle tactic? Would you, in fact, try somehow to introduce a fifth column, to attack it from within?" First published in 1957, The Midwich Cuckoos was a return to familiar territory for John Wyndham after the more fantasy-themed Chrysalids. In many ways this is the archetypal Wyndham novel, containing all his classic themes and techniques, written in the classic style. It is also quite possibly his best-known work, with the possible exception of The Day of the Triffids. This is mainly due to the well-known film adaptation, Village of the Damned(196X), which led to a sequel, Children of the Damned, and a 1995 remake. Synopsis The quiet Winshire village of Midwich is disturbed for the first time in decades when, late one night, the entire population lapses into an inexplicable trance-like sleep. The army quickly cordons off the area and establishes that the effect influences a dome-shaped space - centred on a strange metallic object that has appeared at the centre of the village. Nearly thirty-six hours later, the sleep-induction field vanishes, along with the object. Apart from a few residents who have died in accidents or of exposure, the villagers seem unaffected. But Colonel Westcott, an officer in military intelligence, recruits Richard Gayford, a newcomer to the village, to monitor the situation. Sure enough, some weeks later a remarkable fact becomes apparent - all the women in Midwich of child-bearing age present during the phenomenon are pregnant - over sixty in all. Panic is narrowly avoided, but local eminence Gordon Zellaby is well aware of the full implications - the women have been implanted by some other intelligence present during the 'Dayout'. When the babies are eventually born, however, they seem wholly human, but for their golden eyes and hair. As time goes by, though, odd events occur - it seems the Children can exert a compulsive influence over those around them and are even capable of forcing self-harm. Zellaby also discovers the Children possess a strange linked intelligence - anything taught to one of the boys is instantly known by all of them, and the same applies to the girls. The story moves forward seven years. The Children are now nine, but physically resemble adolescents. A local man has been killed in a road accident. The verdict is one of misadventure, but Zellaby and others know better - the dead man accidentally injured a Child and was compelled to kill himself by the others - a deliberate act of murder, but beyond the cognisance of the law. The dead man's brother attacks the Children with a shotgun but again is forced to commit 'suicide'. Events escalate and an angry mob marches on the special school the Children attend. The Children make the villagers attack each other and several deaths ensue. Shortly afterwards they impose a restriction zone around Midwich - outsiders are allowed through, but not villagers, thus creating a human shield against any attack on them. Westcott reveals that Midwich was not the only, or even first place to have a Dayout. In several places the Children were stillborn or killed, but a Soviet group survived and were raised in secrecy - hence military intelligence's interest in the Midwich colony. A few days ago, the Russians grew alarmed by their Children's burgeoning power and obliterated the whole town without warning, and have urged the other nations of the world to do the same with any other Children that may exist. The Midwich Children demand transport out of the village to a place where they may mature in peace. Clearly, if allowed to survive, they will replace normal civilisation - but the morality of that very civilisation refuses to contemplate the necessary extermination of children, even ones as potentially lethal as these are. The Children seem in the ascendant until Zellaby - who, it is revealed, is already terminally ill - destroys himself, them, and their school with a bomb. His last letter is warning that, in order to survive, one must be prepared to take whatever measures are required... "This is not a civilised matter... it is a very primitive matter. If we exist, we shall dominate you - that is clear and inevitable. Will you agree to be superceded, and start on your way to extinction without a struggle?" From: "Chris Hofgren" To: Steve A. Jones Subject: RE: Jimmy's Inspiration for HOTH Album Cover Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 21:53:23 -0500 RE: The Midwich Cuckoos, I never read that book (although had read Wyndham's 'Day Of The Triffids' as a schoolkid) but was aware that Village of the Damned (1960) - which I haven't seen for many years - was based on it. what were Page's transcripted comments from that audio interview? I have the 1976 audio interview as bonus Disc 3 of a 1997 'BBC Sessions' CD limited edition......there Jimmy talked a lot about the English school system, society generally and detrimental influence on kids, shows he would have been influenced by Wyndham-style gritty scifi stories of that '50s-early'60s era. Please let me know if the interview you're referring to is different. Was it the movie, or story which inspired the album imagery concept? Direct reference to a scene in movie (I can see, the blond wigs....) or book? or something less specific, indirectly implied by the released HOTH artwork? best, Chris H. From: "Steve A. Jones" To: chofgren Subject: RE: Jimmy's Inspiration for HOTH Album Cover Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2005 03:10:16 +0000 I'll have to get back to you in the next week or so with a confirmation of his exact comments. I seem to recall he said this to Dave Schulps in his hotel room during the '77 tour and was referring to the film, but I could be mistaken about that. I've reviewed about 20 interviews recently transferred from audio to cdr over the past few weeks so I can't speak with any degree of precision at the moment --they all start to run together in my mind after a while! Bare in mind Storm Thorgersen, amongst others at Hipgnosis, was chiefly responsible for actually bringing several of Jimmy's album cover concepts into reality. Robert & Jimmy enjoyed a similar relationship with Aubrey Powell at Atlantic when their 80's-era solo careers required promotional videos. They would speak to Po in gerneral terms of what they wanted and he'd come up with the "script". You probably already knew this or are aware of it. Regards, Steve A. Jones From: Chris H. Sent:Thu 12/29/05 3:22 AM To: Steve A. Jones Steve, thanks again and please let me know whenever you get around to it. Knew about Thorgersen's role but not Powell/Plant/Page in '80s..... yes it would be interesting to hear more about HOTH artwork concept development (there's several interview comments around about how difficult the colour printing/execution of the jacket was). maybe I'll just have to track down that VOTD DVD (it's on a 2-for-1 disc in the U.S. which also includes the later sequel best, Chris H.

QUOTE (Darth Zoso @ Nov 22 2007, 12:25 AM) Years ago, I was once told that the band was to play at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, CA but the show was canceled when Bonham passed away. True?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Swan Song announced plans for a 33 date US tour on July 7th 1975; it would have included a performance at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sat, Sept. 6th. However, as a consequence of Robert Plant's car crash on Aug 4th their rehearsals (to have taken place in France from Aug 10-20) were cancelled while all touring was postponed (and ultimately cancelled). These dates were announced for the ill-fated first leg of the 1980 North American tour: Oct 17 80 Montreal, Canada The Forum Oct 19 80 Landover, MD USA Capitol Centre Oct 21 80 Landover, MD USA Capitol Centre Oct 22 80 Philadelphia, PA USA Spectrum Oct 23 80 Landover, MD USA Capitol Centre Oct 26 80 Richfield, OH USA Richfield Coliseum Oct 27 80 Richfield, OH USA Richfield Coliseum Oct 29 80 Detroit, MI USA Joe Louis Sports Arena Oct 30 80 Detroit, MI USA Joe Louis Sports Arena Nov 1 80 Buffalo, NY USA War Memorial Auditorium Nov 3 80 Philadelphia, PA USA Spectrum Nov 4 80 Philadelphia, PA USA Spectrum Nov 6 80 Pittsburgh, PA USA Civic Arena Nov 7 80 Pittsburgh, PA USA Civic Arena Nov 9 80 St. Paul, MN USA Civic Center Nov 10 80 Chicago, IL USA Chicago Stadium Nov 12 80 Chicago, IL USA Chicago Stadium Nov 13 80 Chicago, IL USA Chicago Stadium Nov 15 80 Chicago, IL USA Chicago Stadium

ZEP TO PLAY SALCOMBE (!) In late February/early March 1990 Robert Plant and his band began rehearsing for their upcoming European tour in Salcombe, England as this was not far from keyboardist Phil Johnstone's expectant wife. The local council ordered a March 1990 warm-up gig at Cliff Trust Assembly Hall cancelled after they were led to believe it would feature a reformed Led Zeppelin. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm seeking any additional information; thank you.

Mystery: The Robert Plant House Fire In 1978 the City of Kidderminster's Fire Station dispatched firefighters to the home of Robert Plant to extinguish a chimney fire. Robert later stopped by the fire station for a cigarette and a cup of tea and signed several Led Zeppelin albums for the fire fighters. I'm seeking any additional information.

Knebby, Many thanks for the information! In lieu of the ticket stub you've still provided me some additional leads by sharing the names of others who were there and may recall it or said something along the way in the UK press. It's good to hear there may be a newsclip from the royal reception that could shed more light on that event. In the mid-80s Jimmy kept two photos displayed side by side in his living room; one of him with Prince Charles and the the other of him with Lady Diana. If I had to guess I'd say they were taken at that reception for British rockers but I'm seeking to confirm it. I am not writing a book at the moment, though many have encouraged me to do so. In this digital age a book may not be the best way to share Led Zeppelin's legacy. Sam has launched this incredible website, for example, but clearly could have done a book as well. So, in closing, I'd say that right now I'm still just on a quest for more knowledge. If I ever do get books together I'd hope to emulate Peter Guralnick's 'Elvis Last Train to Memphis' or Bill Wyman's 'Rolling With The Stones'. I suppose there are those who view this as mere trivia, and I won't argue the point, but this thread is just getting started. Who knows what mysteries are to come. I'm hoping others will post their unsolved Zeppelin mysteries in this thread too. Yours Sincerely, Steve A. Jones

The mystery to which you refer in your thread is not unsolved; these ones are.

Here's a link to an excellent 14 minute radio interview with Pete Townsend recorded shortly after the release of Endless Wire. Pete always gives a brutally honest take on things. Sorry to see he can't make the rescheduled O2 gig. Anyway, here's the link if you want to hear him discuss what it's like to keep rocking well past 60: http://www.wcsx.com/podcast/interviews/

Thank you for stopping by.

A few starter posts to show you what it's all about. How it works. Thread is now open.

In 1990 rock promoter Barley Arts circulated a promotional flyer for a five-date Robert Plant Italian tour which was cancelled in early November 1990, presumably because he elected to continue touring the USA thru Nov 26th. I have the dates and cities confirmed but the unsolved mystery is WHAT WERE THE VENUES FOR THIS TOUR? Nov 28 1990 Wed Mestre, Italy Nov 30 1990 Fri Torino, Italy Dec 1 1990 Sat Bologna, Italy Dec 3 1990 Mon Rome, Italy Dec 4 1990 Tue Naples, Italy

Sometime during 1989 Robert Plant joined The Stray Cats onstage for their encore at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. The unsolved mystery is: ON WHICH EXACT DATE WAS THIS CONCERT HELD? WHAT SONG OR SONGS DID ROBERT PLANT PERFORM WITH THEM?

It's March 1986. Jimmy Page is in Florida on tour with The Firm. Sometime on March 13th, 14th or 15th he granted an interview to Ron Diaz of Radio Station 96YNF for later broadcast on the 'Power Cuts' program which aired March 16th & 23rd. The unsolved mystery is: ON WHICH EXACT DATE DID JIMMY CONDUCT THIS INTERVIEW?

Yes, provided your intent is to confirm or post an unsolved mystery pertaining to it.

Unsolved Zeppelin Mystery: "Jimmy Page Meets Princess Diana" It's November 1985. A Tuesday in London. Jimmy Page is attending a reception for British rockers hosted by Prince Charles and Lady Diana at a West End studio. The unsolved mystery is: WHAT WAS THE DATE OF THIS RECEPTION AND WHICH WEST END STUDIO HOSTED IT?

Unsolved Zeppelin Mystery: "Jimmy Page and James Brown" On January 16th 2004 Jimmy Page was backstage at the House of Blues in Los Angeles speaking to legendary singer James Brown. He told James Brown he had attended his gig at the Odeon in Hammersmith (London) in 1970. Given Led Zeppelin's extensive touring that year the gig Jimmy attended was probably during the summer, but the unsolved mystery is: WHAT WAS THE DATE OF THE 1970 JAMES BROWN GIG that Jimmy claimed to have attended?

Welcome to my thread, won't you come inside. Miracles may happen, every now & again. This thread is going to be about UNSOLVED LED ZEPPELIN MYSTERIES. I am the thread starter and these are my guidelines: 1. Stay on topic. If your post doesn't pertain to an Unsolved Led Zeppelin Mystery you will be placed on ignore. 2. Anyone can post what THEY believe to be an Unsolved Led Zeppelin Mystery, or respond to one already posted. If you make a claim that solves a mystery be prepared to SUBSTANTIATE IT (news article, photo, credentials, etc). 3. NO BLACK MAGIC / BACKWARDS MASKING posts. I WILL ignore you. Enjoy the thread! Here's hoping we can all solve a mystery or two together.

That's too bad, you might catch up to him in the Handsome Men thread if you hurry.

Hot pics of John Paul Jones?! I'm thinking a fishfly has a longer life expectancy than this thread.