Led Zeppelin reunite for Ertegun tribute
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.