Fans of the iconic British blues/rock band Led Zeppelin won't to miss the Friday, June 22 Classic Albums Liveperformance of Led Zeppelin IVat the King Center for Performing Arts. The King Center's Classic Albums Live series has proved to be immensely popular and runs through the summer. On Friday, July 20, Jim Morrison fans can enjoy The Doors' first album. The Beatles' albums Rubber Soul and Revolver will be performed August 17.
According to the Classic Albums Live website, "Classic Albums Live takes classic albums and recreates them live on stage - note for note, cut for cut. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live without all the gimmickry and cheesy impersonations. Relying only on the music, using what Martin refers to as 'the world's best musicians', Classic Albums Live has defined itself as a mainstay in Performing Arts Centers across North America."
On a personal note, I am among the above-mentioned fans of Led Zeppelin. One of my most cherished rock and roll memories revolves around Led Zeppelin's March 27, 1970 concert at the "fabulous" Forum in Inglewood, California,just southwest of Los Angles. The highly-anticipated concert had been sold out for weeks. The frenzy Led Zeppelin created that night is impossible to recapture in words. My sisters and I will never forget the energy of lead singer Robert Plant, lead guitarist Jimmy Page and the rest of the band as they drove the crowds out of their seats, into the aisles and as close to the stage as we could get.
Upon its release in 1971, Led Zeppelin IV was a commercial and critical success. The album is one of the best-selling albums worldwide at 32 million sold. In 2003, the album was ranked 66th onRolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time". Led Zeppelin IV contains "Stairway to Heaven", an epic at eight minutes in length and one of the most popular rock songs of the past 40 years.
It's difficult to imagine attending a live performance of this brilliant album by anyone other than Led Zeppelin. I've not yet experienced a concert by Classic Albums Live and I hope to be in attendance at the King Center on Friday, June 22....but I can't promise I'll remain in my seat.