Led Zeppelin Reunite for Ertegun Tribute
By ROMINA SPINA
Associated Press Writer
LONDON — Led Zeppelin will perform a one-time comeback concert in memory of Ahmet Ertegun, a co-founder of Atlantic Records.
The band will perform together for the first time in 19 years on Nov. 26, at London's The O2 venue, on the banks of the River Thames.
Promoters said the concert would pay tribute to Ertegun — the label boss who popularized Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin — who died in December at age 83.
"During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord," Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant said in a statement. "For us he was Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator."
Ertegun, who co-founded the Atlantic Records label with Herb Abramson, signed Plant's band in 1968 and later snapped up the Rolling Stones.
Led Zeppelin's remaining original members Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones will headline the concert with late drummer John Bonham's son, Jason, on drums, organizers said Wednesday.
The quartet is expected to perform a full set lasting up to two hours.
Promoter Harvey Goldsmith said Led Zeppelin would play one show only and there was no commitment or discussion of playing beyond that.
The Who's Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman, Foreigner and young Scottish singer Paolo Nutini — the last British act Ertegun signed — will also play at the tribute concert.
All proceeds will go to the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund to establish music scholarships for students at institutions in Britain, the United States and Turkey, Goldsmith said. |
