With only the fond memories of my elders and the constant viewing of The Song Remains the Same, I’ve no real concept of what it’s like to be in the presence of the legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin. Yet, they remain arguably the greatest rock band of all time. Their music: an amalgamation of blues, rock, and psychedelic awe. Their notoriety compared to Gods or mythological creatures, just like the lyrics to some of their songs. Of the dozens of hits within the ten albums released, hardly any of them are forgettable. If only they’d reunite (in the flesh) for a new generation to appreciate…
On December 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin did just that. The remaining band members took the stage, with the addition of the late drummer’s son, Jason Bonham, at London’s O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for their dear friend, Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun. Until now, only those fortunate enough to have been in attendance would know what went down that night. The rest of us would have to dream over our audio and video collections from the past. However, after five years, the O2 Celebration Day concert comes to life for all to see on the big screen. Recently, I had the honor of previewing what exactly went down on that mid-December night.
As the concert opened with “Good Times, Bad Times”, I wondered, “Do they know they’re Led Zeppelin?” The song sounded right, but it wasn’t clear whether they realized just how special this all was. Next, came “Ramble On” and Robert Plant began twirling the microphone, moving his hips, and twisting his long curly hair. No, he still hasn’t cut it. “Black Dog” and “In My Time of Dying” followed and Page was feeling it, as were John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham. It was as if the spirit of John Bonham had been channeled through his son to play with his friends one last time. It was becoming very clear who they were, and their confidence began to shine.
Plant spoke to the crowd, letting the fans know of the emotions that went into the preparation for the concert. Their next song, “For Your Life” had “Its first adventure in public.” I would’ve thought it was the hundredth time they played it, and as the hits rolled on, it all became clear, this truly is one of the greatest band of all time…no arguments.
Bass player John Paul Jones showed off his versatile musical abilities with his keyboard ensemble in “No Quarter”. By the tenth song, “Dazed and Confused”, Page brought out his signature violin bow, creating an intoxicating sound founded by the master himself. “Stairway to Heaven” brought out the double guitar and “The Song Remains The Same” came soon after. By the time “Kashmir” was belted out, I was lost in a world of fabricated nostalgia – a place I never thought I could visit, until now.
The entire concert was sixteen songs over a two-hour period and the band seemed to gel more and more with each hit. A quick smile and exchange between Plant and Page and one can feel the same chemistry that brought these gurus together in the first place. Whether they’ve been apart for years or not, it didn’t show on that stage in London.
Following the film screening came a moment straight out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. We all know of the legends. They play in so many headphones on a daily basis and yet we’re not entirely sure what they’ve been up to over the years. If only we could gaze upon the Gods and pick their brains – even if it’s only for a half-hour. Alas, the band strutted onto a small stage at the MoMA Museum in Midtown Manhattan, in front of about a hundred press members. If only Jimmy would have ripped out the double guitar, it could’ve been the most intimate Zeppelin concert of all time. But the band was just as sharp as ever - even without their instruments.
Plant began quipping with his line, “There are people in this room who are not journalists. There’s a masseuse in here and that’s so exciting.” When asked if the band is critical of their work and self-conscious of watching the Celebration Day film, Plant answered, “I used to be better looking than this. So, of course I’m critical.” When a woman reporter excused her muddled voice, Plant told her not to worry, but to just meet him in the back. Indeed, a charm that could only be acquired through years of rock star status was still present.
But among the jokes was an explanation for the real reason this whole concert was created in the first place: Atlantic Records’ founder, Ahmet Ertegun. “It was the greatest thing on the planet to be considered and signed by Atlantic Records,” said Plant. The band recalled the fun times they had with Ahmet and felt they needed to show just how much they loved him. Well, we love you too, Mr. Ertegun, for bringing us Led Zeppelin.
If there’s one lesson I learned from the wondrous encounter, it’s to never ask the band if they have any plans for a reunion. The answer remains the same according to Page: “I don’t see it.”
Unless that changes, see the film of Led Zeppelin’s Celebration Day performance, which will be available in multiple video and audio formats on November 19, 2012.
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One of my favorites and one of the best bands of all time
Great review Frank. It’s very different from what I’ve come to expect from ScreenRant’s reviews, but still great.
There’s no doubt that Led Zeppelin is one of the best rock & roll bands ever to grace this earth.
I’ll be sure to pick this one up as soon as it’s available.
If you don’t mind Mr. Avenger I’m going echo your comment and say this review was a nice surprise. While Screen Rant is my one stop for movie & TV info it’s not often we see a review for something like this.
Well done Frank & Screen Rant.
This will make a friend of mine really happy. I gave him a bootleg video of this show for his birthday that year, but the quality was meh… This will give him multiple orgasms.
I have one called “Four Eyes” and when they played “for your life” i was simply blown away. i have quite a few zep bootlegs and never thought i would hear this song live. cant wait for the bluray. my neighbors are gonna be pissed!
Even though I respect their status as the second most important rock band of the 70s (the original Black Sabbath is #1), I was never really a fan. I like some songs but I think that Page’s guitar sound is way too thin, given the fact that he plays a Les Paul with two Humbucker pick-ups on Marshall amps.
I love Black Sabbath. I love Iommi’s playing and style. But if I had to choose between listening to Sabbath or Zeppelin for the rest of my life, I would choose Zeppelin. I just think Zeppelin has more range and dynamics, and the musicianship just shines through a bit more than Sabbath in my opinion. As for Page’s thin guitar tone, I totally know what you mean. However, that tone was a result of Page leaving the wah pedal in the “fully engaged” position on a lot of his live soloing, as it gives a lot more output when playing. Page actually has a lot of different tones. Iommi, in my opinion, has always been stuck in the blues box (pentatonic scale) and rarely strays out of it. But, I absolutely love his playing too. He is the reason why my main guitar is an SG!
I just saw the Zeppelin concert at the theater this past Thursday. I have to say, it was an amazing spectacle, considering these are 60+ year old men. They proved that in just one show 32 years after their hey-day, they are still the best rock band on the planet (along with Sabbath!).
you don’t know rock and roll, sir
There’s room to debate on many things, especially here at Screen Rant. Movies, TV, Actors or Directors but IMO there’s no debate to be had when the topic of greatest rock bands of all time comes up. It is then & now Led Zeppelin.
Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones along with John Bohnam bringing the mutha f-ing thunder blew my mind the 1st time I heard a live recording of Dazed and Confused and 25yrs later I’m still blown away.
So it goes without saying that this is a must own for me. Endless replays will be happening and finally my copy of How The West Was Won can take a hard earned break.
Actually who am I kidding??? I’ll never stop blasting that CD…
“This is Spinal Tap” got most of their stuff from “The Song Remains The Same” (along with “The Last 8-ball…err Waltz”), right down to the pants-so-tight-you-can-see-which-side-he-hangs-on.
I was there
Amazing review!!! You have me psyched for the blu-ray release!
Thanks for the kind words on the review. I had a great time at the event as you can probably tell. Happy to contribute to Screen Rant.
I neglected to mention that Plant called the guy sitting next to me a “schmuck” for asking a third time if they plan to reunite again. Thank God he wasn’t talking to me.
Also, did I see a Black Sabbath over Led Zeppelin on the comments? Hmmm…
Thanks for the awesome review. Zeppelin has been pat of my life since high school and I’m still a die hard fan listening to them every day. I saw them 3 times before John passed, saw them reunion at Live Aid in 1985 with Phil Collins and have attended Plant, Page and Jason concerts over the years doing their thing. I missed this screening but am trying to get our local theater to bring it here. In the meantime I’ll have to settle for the dvd/cd. Thanks for the great discription. I feel lucky to have experienced this music in my lifetime. This guys are Gods. Thanks Again, Joanne
I wanted to like the movie. Their playing was fine, but the editing made the film frustratingly unwatchable. Every nanosecond there was a choppy edit to something that may or may not be relevant. When plant addressed the crowd for the first time since 1980, as Led Zeppelin, the camera was at his back and was late to come to the front. The constant every second choppy edit was disapointing. Also what was with the intentional make it look out of focus like it was 1970 film. Are we not in age of HD? I thought HD was a good thing? The editing made the movie feel like it could have been filmed on a sound stage in Hollywood. The enormity of the event was lost to a crappy editor and filmaker. Pink Floyd’s pulse is a much more watchable concert experince. Once again I wanted to like it.
while Pulse of which at was at the actual show with Floyd, as stunning as it was, it NOT the Zeppelin experience.
sure the editing was wierd (I attended the world premire in nyc with zeppelin and Jason in attendance.
Thing is seeing floyd in 1994 alive was a m a z i n g indeed as I did… but seeing Zeppelin at the 02 in London in 07′ performing ‘For You Life’, ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ The Song Remains the Same” and Trampled Underfoot’ was a totally -unique moment in time- of which NONE of these aforementioned songs the Floyd could have NEVER DREAMED OF CREATING ! not happening
I will add in 1994, (Pulse) not only was Roger not on stage, they had TWO drummer and an entire second band which made the -masters floyd- sound confusing & tainted compared to just Dave, Richard and Mason.
They also I wil l add did not have a Bonham on stage, even if his name was Jason..
Wow! This is exactly what I thought. I loved the music, the concert, but was almost ill from the jerky editing and constant movement. Also, the camera spent too much time on Plant and Page and not enought on Bonham and Jones. The production quality almost ruined what was a magical performance and many important moments were lost as a result. Just look at how much time is spent filming disembodied hands.
I was at the world premire of celebration day in NYC.
Page, Plant, Jones and Jason were sitting a few rows behind me! How I got in, is another story entirely.
simply: GET this movie on blu ray or have someone buy it for u, for the holidays.
This night in 2007 was a very special night, in which if u closed your eyes you may think you were back in the year 1975 again!
get it and U shall experience once more….
What would everyone’s dream casting for a Zeppelin biopic be? I really don’t have the vast knowledge of today’s actors to make informed choices, but they’re hands down my favourite band of all time and am interested to hear what people think
Saw the film in the theater last Tuesday night (11/13).
Lots of high and low points for me. Sound was loud enough in the theater, but mix seemed very muddy. I sure hope it sounds better on the DVD. Remastered SRTS sound to me is much better than what I heard in the theater.
Song-wise really enjoyed Kashmir, For Your Life, In My Time of Dying (great guitar sound), basically anything that didn’t have complicated guitar solos. The Song Remains the Same, was pretty bad as Jimmy couldn’t come close on the 12 string guitar solos throughout.
Also, no real decent jams on Dazed and Whole Lotta Love.
Jason Bonham was great, but you really get to appreciate how much better his father was.
Gotta agree with Steve. As a bass player, the bottom end of the mix is awful. The bass has no clear definition and gets lost with the drums. The vocals and lead guitar on the otherhand are awesome.