July 23, 2009
In this issue:
Percy's Harmonica - An Update
Last month, we talked about Jimmy Page’s Dragon Telecaster and asked if anyone out there knew for sure what brand of harmonica Robert Plant played. It didn’t take long for someone to write in and support our contention that it was probably a Hohner.Mark Hanna of St Catharines, Ontario, sent us the July 2008 edition of Easy Reeding, Hohner’s company newsletter. In his “Letter from the Editor” on page 2, Andy Garrigue talked about the signature harmonicas that Hohner produced to commemorate the company’s 150th anniversary (1857-2007).
Among the limited edition models, there were some harmonicas plated with gold, others with chrome. Some boasted combs of crystal glass. Stainless steel covers. Exceptional instruments all!
The article featured Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who was directly involved in designing his signature harp. But Mr. Garrigue went on to say that Hohner’s high-profile year – and clients – continued to make news into 2008. He cited Robert Plant, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Toots Thielemans, G. Love, Sugar Blue and John Popper.
Many thanks to Mark for being the first to write in and to share this info with all of us. We hope he enjoys the T-shirt he won for his efforts!
News from Enzepplopedia
In case you didn’t know, Enzepplopedia Publishing is a family business with only two (over-worked but very happy and enthusiastic) employees: yours truly and my sister/editor, Lou Anne. She’s been busy lately creating our first-ever e-books from the mountain of research material I’ve gathered over the years.They look absolutely stunning and the information will blow you away! We’ll give you a lot more detail in next month’s Enzepplozine. We’ll also reveal the secret identity of the Led Zeppelin authority who is so graciously writing the Foreword for one of them.
Our first two e-books will be ready in September, so keep an eye on your inbox and our website (which will also be updated soon).
Celebrating Knebworth
It’s hard to believe that thirty years have come and gone since Led Zeppelin performed those historic concerts at Knebworth in August of 1979. There are several events planned to commemorate that landmark in rock history.
Graeme Hutchinson, Chair of Action for Brazil’s Children Trust (a charity established by Jimena and Jimmy Page) and Dave Lewis, renowned Led Zeppelin chronicler and editor of Tight But Loose magazine, have asked us to pass along some information. It’s our pleasure. Lou and I only wish we lived close enough to take part! If you live in the United Kingdom or are planning to be there on vacation next month, be sure to check out what’s going on.
New book compiled by Dave Lewis
Note: The following information is reprinted with permission.
Over two weekends in August 1979, thousands of fans came to pay homage to Led Zeppelin as they performed what would be their last UK shows at Knebworth.
Dave Lewis chronicles this milestone event in rock history with his latest book, entitled:
Then As It Was. Led Zeppelin at Knebworth 1979. 30 Years Gone
It provides the full story behind the band's triumphant return to the stage – the build-up to the event, the concerts themselves, the aftermath and the accompanying impact of their final studio album In Through the Out Door.
The book also incorporates a series of unique first hand accounts from fans who attended the gigs, interviews from the time and retrospective views. It’s illustrated throughout with rare photos and memorabilia.
It all adds up to an engaging account of how Led Zeppelin came out to meet their post-punk audience and reclaim their crown as the world’s number one rock attraction. These nostalgic recollections from out in the field capture the final days of a legendary band and the simpler, more innocent times of the last great British festival gatherings of the 1970s.
Strictly limited first run hardback edition
Each book individually numbered and signed by the author
270 pages with over 100 black and white illustrations and with 16 colour pages
Tight But Loose Publishing ISBN 978-0-9540764-2-9
The book includes:
Foreword by Ross Halfin, who photographed Led Zeppelin at the August 11th 1979 Knebworth show and at their 2007 reunion at London’s 02 Arena
Preface overview by Chris Charlesworth, former editor of Melody Maker magazine who had close access to the band in the 1970s
Build-up to the event, the gigs themselves and aftermath summary
Over thirty unique first hand accounts from fans who proudly boast ‘’I was there…’’
Original Knebworth review from the Tight But Loose magazine
Transcriptions of interviews from the Knebworth era with Robert Plant and John Paul Jones including contents of “the lost promo interview” album
American retrospective view of the Zep Knebworth saga
Detailed Zep Knebworth bootleg appendix
In Through the Out Door worldwide discography appendix
Knebworth Memorabilia appendix
Dave Lewis will officially launch his book at the Tight But Loose Knebworth Celebration Day “Then As It Was” event at the Lytton Arms, Knebworth on Saturday, August 8th, 2009. Tickets to the event must be purchased in advance.
In addition to a buffet, guest speakers, charity raffle and video playbacks of the Knebworth concerts, event-goers will enjoy a performance by well-known tribute band, Boot Led Zeppelin.
For full details of that event or to order Dave Lewis’ book online via PayPal, visit www.tblweb.com Nicky Horne recently interviewed Dave about his book for Planet Rock. To hear a recording of that interview, visit Planet Rock's website at www.planetrock.com and click on "Listen Again".
Dave has also written an extensive feature article on Led Zeppelin at Knebworth that will appear in Record Collector magazine, due out at the end of July.
That's it for this issue. Hope you enjoyed it!
Don't forget that you can email us anytime with your comments or suggestions for future Enzepplozines. We'd love to hear what you'd like us to talk about! There's so much info to share on Led Zeppelin, we appreciate hearing what's of most interest to you. Just use the contact form on this website.
As always, it's a GREAT time to be a lover of Led!
Rock on and relive Knebworth!
Frank Reddon, Author
Sonic Boom: The Impact of Led Zeppelin Volume 1 – Break & Enter
Reminders
Want to learn about Led? Visit Learn-about-Led.com
Order Sonic Boom Volume 1 at Enzepplopedia.com.
And don't forget to tell us what's YOUR favourite Led Zeppelin album!