I can only remember reading in several publications that he began using John Baldwin. Of course I've been reading about Zeppelin for 30 years so my memory could be poor. I do know the info did not cite an interview or direct quote from Jonesy, so it very well could be false.

It would appear that John Paul reverted back to calling himself John Baldwin for a time after the demise of Zeppelin. I take this to be due to the fact John was frustrated at the lack of respect for his scoring and arranging abilities, as he became irritated at the assumption of other musicians that he was a "heavy metal bass player" only. The combination of removing the Zeppelin "moniker" and citing his old session days perhaps alleviated this issue. Would this be correct Steve?

Mannheim 1980/07/02 is actually quite good, the highlight of the show in my opinion. The ending is rather creative as well. Also rather partial to 1975/05/25.

It was anticipated, and apparent upon early ticket sales, that sellouts would occur at all American venues. America at the time did not share the UK's disharmony with long established acts.

Correct. In my earlier reference I meant Nuremberg, not Cologne.

Most shows were a sellout. Some venues such as Cologne only held 4,000. Others like Frankfurt and Munich held 10,000. There was no advertising locally and very little notice of the impending tour. There were no questions about demand but rather time and word of mouth. Berlin was also a somewhat smaller venue, holding 6,000.

"For the benefit...of Mr. Kite" R. Plant, 1975-02-14

The doubleneck was used for early Celebration Day performances

I have read in several publications that he had an auto accident near his home in England in the fall of '77 in which he broke two ribs. Of course you can't believe everything you read, but having seen it repeated I took it to have some truth. It may have flown under the radar simply because Zeppelin was not active during this period.

So what do we know about Bonham's car crash and injuries in the autumn of 1977? Alcohol involved? Any charges filed?

1977/05/25. Perhaps one of the most "professional" performances from the tour. No bad spots, but fewer risks taken than normal.

This show is fascinating for Bonham's "haze". Particularly ALS, where he puts in one of the weakest and most off tempo fills I've ever heard him do. He should have done as he did in Hannover '80 and not play anything, leaving only silence. It would have been better.

I'm not much help but I do know Cole played onstage a handful of times, and I know it was a percussion instrument every time. Not sure which shows though.

Anyone want to bring this back around to the thread at hand? Hell why not me. I'm embarrassed to admit this, after 30 years of collecting and having seen a great deal, but I don't know why Plant always says "Ta", as in " thank you very much, ta". Anyone willing to clear that up for me?

There is some debate regarding where the fault lies here. I believe it is Jimmy's failure to timely play the first few notes of the solo that causes the ugly break.

CB from 1980 is indeed one of the highlights of the tour. This particular version is from Bremen 1980-06-23 however.

Yes, the Presence production is tops. The levels require a little boosting, and there are some volume flunctuations in the right channel. I fixed these issues on my copy and it sounds badass. Go ahead, play Achilles in all it's glory. Soon you'll forget all about Pontiac...!

Isn't it missing Trampled?

I must have mistaken Jason for looking a little older in that photo.

I know that in the fall of '75 they hoped to tour South America and perhaps a return to Japan. In the fall of '77 there was some loose talk of returning to the U.K. As Grant got deeper into alcohol and drugs his motivation to steer the band on tour lessened. This is likely a contributor to the lack of concrete plans in late '75 and '77 as well as the large gaps between shows in the '79 - '80 period.

Sam, the fantastic pic you have posted of John and Jason appears to be from late summer 1980. Do you have an estimated date of the photo? Thanks

I think the masses will enjoy this. The tale of Ringo's shaved head and Bonzo's adventures, as told by Jason: Start around the 2:40 mark...

I enjoyed watching this thread progress and indeed see no harm in scrutiny to the benefit of accuracy. I will note that it seems Bonham consistently cut his hair shorter when Zeppelin was not on the road, growing it out just prior to tours commencing. In his 1980 "interview" someone in the crowd comments his hair is too short to which he replies "Rubbish!". Seems he felt he had an image to uphold.

I am only aware of what Billy alludes to in Dave's book. I have never seen any further details. Likely that Billy left him be and Rex came to pick him up and return him home.

It has been said that Bonham was working to overcome, just prior to his untimely passing, his use of heroin. Do we know if this began after the Euro trek in '80? Medication has been alluded to in helping with withdrawal, has this been substantiated? What or who indicated that Bonzo was in fact trying to stop using heroin? Not trying to put this subject under a microscope, rather just interested in the man's state of mind around this time.