(antiMusic) It's official. Led Zeppelin announced on Wednesday that they will play their first concert together in at least two decades at a tribute concert to Ahmet Ertegun the late founder of Atlantic Records, the man that gave them their shot almost 40 years ago. John Bonham's son Jason will take the place of his late father in the band.
The event will take place at the O2 Arena in London on November 26 and aside from Led Zeppelin, The Who's Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings, Foreigner and Paolo Nutini have all signed on to perform and promoter Harvey Goldsmith hinted during the press conference that the show may see another reunion, this one with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and former Stones member Bill Wyman. In all the hoopla surrounding this event, organizers and the band aimed to keep the focus on why it is taking place- Ahmet Ertegun. Profits from the event will go the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund. And his widow Mica gave the event her seal of approval, "He would be very proud that Led Zeppelin have chosen to re-unite and headline a benefit concert in his name featuring so many of his friends."
And Robert Plant brought home why it took an event like this to bring him and his former bandmates back together again. "During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord," said Plant, 59."For us he 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."
This will surely be the hottest ticket in town and Goldsmith says the "fairest way to do it", will be a ballot / lottery. Those that draw the chance to purchase tickets will pay 125 pounds (roughly $255 or 185 Euros). Fans can sign up for the lottery at http://www.ahmettribute.com/
Zeppelin will reportedly play a full two hour set at this concert. Now that the band have made the jump for this one-off it has led to mass speculation that a reunion tour could not be far behind.
