AboutChris M. Zangara Expertise I`m not only a Zeppelin collector but I have been collecting Zeppelin - and Page/Plant music & information for over 20 years. I am truly a lover of Page/Plant music in & out of Zeppelin simply because of the honesty & integrity of it all. - I have been studying them for as long as I have been listening to Rock/Blues Music. I look forward to any question and will answer the very best I can - as above all - I am just a fan like you!
I'm a huge fan of Zep bootlegs and listen to them exclusively anymore. Rarely do I put on their official studio releases (I guess I got my fill of them back in the day). I have a dual layered dvd called "Final Kingdome". It was a pro shot video from their last Seattle date in 1977. The version I have was done by Boogie Mama and claimed to be a major upgrade over previously available versions. Music aside, the video itself is rather fuzzy. I mean, sometimes the image is pretty good but most of the time, the image lacks sharpness and focus and the edges seem washed out. I've seen many bootleg videos so I know that's just the way they can be. Are you familiar with this and what is your opinion of the picture. And are there better versions available?
And regarding audio boots...I've heard many a soundboard recording criticized for being "dry"...in fact, I've seen audience tapes recommended over said such "dry" soundboards. What does that term mean? Is it when the "live" audience is inaudible, therefore the music doesn't capture a concerts "energy?"
Any insights would be welcomed. Thanks a lot!
ANSWER: Hi Tony,
A dry recording is usually absent of low end so it comes out sounding stale as if recorded in a cardboard box or tin can. Dry also means lacking in reverb or effects from other levers on the soundboard that didn't make onto the recording so its as if the band is playing their instruments without amps or effects as it was meant to be heard on stage. Audience boots are my favorite. Especially June 21st 77 in LA. Also known as Listen to this Eddie.
I've seen 4 or 5 different Seattle videos but not the one you refer to. The best quality I've seen is pretty clear but there are still fuzzy areas to be sure.
Hope this helped!
Chris Z.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi again Chris,
Do have the titles of the Seattle shows you're referring too? I wouldn't mind searching them out. Any advice on where? I too love "Listen to This Eddie"--an amazing performance. It was recorded by Mike Millard, an expert taper, as you're probably aware. It's been said he would regularly record every LA show by the Stones and Zeppelin during the 70s. Every one of his recordings I've heard have been outstanding. Do you know what happened to him?
Also, I really like Zeppelin's final tour, Europe 1980. I've come across a title, "Raid Over Brussels" that features BOTH the soundboard and audience tapes of this show. Are you familiar with it and is it worth the high bucks (a 4 cd set)?
Thanks again!
Answer Mike Millard, the taper of the LA 77 shows was able to get so close to the action by hiding a tape recorder (which were quite bulky in the 70's) in his wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible seating was usually up towards the front of the stage.
For unknown and obviously tragic reasons, Mike committed suicide years ago which allowed his Zep recordings to be released. They were supposedly found by his mother in a box of tapes Mike had left in the attic.
She found them after his death so he never got to see the effect his very own and personal Led Zeppelin recordings would have on the world of Zeppelin, leading all the way up to Jimmy Page himself who would use the audio for Listen To This Eddie's "The Song Remains The Same" to match the video of a Chicago 77 performance on the Led Zeppelin DVD released in 2003. It's found on the menu of the Knebworth footage I believe. An 'easter egg' I believe it's called these days.
It's been a while since I’ve had the means to do any bootleg hunting. I've been moving around a lot. Haven't heard of the Brussels box set but it sounds to me to fetch a pretty penny I'm sure.
I'll post a follow up on the Seattle shows. I'll have to dig em out.
