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Whole lotta hysteria ... Led Zep's one-off gig
By Alexa Baracaia, Evening Standard 12.09.07
Stairlift to heaven: Led Zeppelin will perform for one night at the O2
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The return of legendary rockers Led Zeppelin was finally confirmed today - 27 years after they split.
In what is set to be the most sought-after concert of the year, if not the decade, the band will reform for one night at the O2 Arena on 26 November.
They will play a tribute concert to the late Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records who died last December.
Original members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones will be joined by Jason Bonham, son of their late drummer John.
Also performing will be other British acts mentored by Ertegun, including Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings, Foreigner and Paolo Nutini. Nutini, the 20-year-old Scottish singer-songwriter, was the last act to be signed by Ertegun before his death at 83 following a fall backstage at a Rolling Stones gig.
Rumours of reunions have surrounded Led Zeppelin since they disbanded in 1980. But, as first reported in the Standard last month, hopes rose when mysterious adverts appeared from touts in the press offering ticket and hotel packages for a reunion concert at the O2.
Demand for tickets is expected to be so high that organisers are allocating seats - £125 apiece - through a ballot system. Fans must register online at www.ahmettribute.com for a maximum of two tickets per household. Allocation will be random.
Robert Plant said today: "For us Ahmet Ertegun was Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator - this performance stands alone as our tribute to the work and the life of our long-standing friend."
Profits will go to the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which provides scholarships to universities in the UK, America and Turkey.
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