Re: PP's Achilles Last Stand

[Brad Schauer <jeffreys@xxxxxxx>]

At 07:40 AM 10/21/97 +0000, S7600436@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>	I was taping Pensacola for a trade and just happened to come in
>when Achilles Last Stand was playing.  This version was not as good as
>the Atlanta version but it seemed that the boys got their act together
>after one live rehersal.  I would like to know what you all think the
>reason was for cutting such a well done song:  was it...
>
>	(a)  The song was too long
>	(b)  The song did not fit in with the "No Quarter" theme
>	(c)  Robert Plant could not handle the vocals on a day-to-day
>	     basis
>	(d)  The band could not handle it on a day to day basis
>	(e)  Thought The Song Remains The Same would be better as well
>	     as shorter (not be mention easier)
>	(f)  Plant, who runs the show, just said "cut it"

I think being too long had something to do with it.  The Page/Plant set was
a lot more faced paced than the sets of later Led Zeppelin.  The 10+ minute
performances of "Achilles" interrupted the flow of the opening set.  This is
the same reason that "SIBLY" was pushed back to later in the show.

I don't think (b) or (c) are correct: the Eastern feel of Achilles certainly
fits in with the "No Quarter" theme, and the vocals are not very difficult
(except for the "Ah Ah Ah" part, that Plant refuses to attempt, except for
maybe once on 2-28-95).  Rumor had it that it was Jimmy's idea to scrap it,
or at least alternate it with "TSRTS", because he found it too difficult to
play every night.  When they inserted "TSRTS" into the set, it was so well
received (with the doubleneck and all), and the band enjoyed it so much,
they decided to can "Achilles".  And that's a damned shame, in my opinion.
It could have been fantastic, especially in the shape the band was in on the
2nd US leg.  I'm also mad that they dropped OTHAFA, although it was obvious
that Plant couldn't handle the notes every night.  Playing it as an encore
would have probably worked out, though...

Also, I realize what Derek means by Plant running the show, but I don't
think that Plant would be one to dictate terms like that.  I'm sure that
Plant picked a lot of the Zep songs that were played, because Michael Lee
and Charlie Jones were familiar with them, having played them on tour with
Plant ("WIAWSNB", "Ramble On", "Thank You", etc).  Note, though, that
Jimmy's favorites like "Custard Pie" and "Heartbreaker" start appearing as
the tour progresses.



Brad Schauer                          E-Mail: jeffreys@xxxxxxx
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                  Led Zeppelin: BBC Sessions
	    2CD set available Nov. 11th on Atlantic