Catch Up Time

It's been 9 months since the last time Achilles Last Stand hit the internet airwaves and much has
happened since then. Well, one really really big event occurred and the rest is mostly rumors.

The actual news: Them Crooked Vultures
After the obligatory Led Zeppelin reunion rumors for the decade, a new project quickly emerged. Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame combined with Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones for a new album. They played the social media game like pros and did an excellent job of getting fans excited for the new release and tour. Although the band takes much of its influence from Homme, much of their sound comes from John Paul Jones' previous solo projects Zooma and The Thunderthief. Jones' multi-instrumental abilities shine through. The band's life span is up for question due to Homme and Grohl, however if they wanted to release another album they certainly could based off of the success of their self titled effort.

The rumor: Jimmy Page album and tour

As a fan of Zeppelin starting in 2002, I missed his last tour with Plant in 1998. He has kept a low profile since then with a few appearances here and there, including the one-off Ahmet Ertegun reunion in 2007 and joining Jack White and the Edge for the It Might Get Loud documentary. Not surprisingly he cannot keep up with the demanding schedule of a major recording artist. Even before he ravaged his body with elicit substances he had a history of health problems. At 66 he's the oldest member of Led Zeppelin and he started touring with various groups a half decade before Jones or Plant ever hit the road for the first time. He's been saying for the past few years he has songs ready to go and he received plenty of rest after three and a half decades of heavy touring. I think he'll actually get something out, however I'm not sure how long he can tour. Expect him to hit the major stops but not much more.

And the rest: Plant news
After a highly successful 2008 tour with Alison Krauss after releasing Raising Sand, Plant took it easy in 2009. He did his usual charity gigs and even received Commander of the Order Of The British Empire. Current news on him says he's recording but I've heard two stories.  Lemon Squeezings says he's working alone but rumor was that he was working with Krauss again.. Knowing Plant, he would move onto a brand new project quickly since he usually changes his image and sound every 2-3 albums. He could still break and sing for a Zeppelin reunion again, but I still don't see that happening as outlined in the past.