Led Zeppelin to give concert in London

Led Zeppelin will perform a concert in London in memory of a co-founder of Atlantic Records.

Photo: Led Zeppelin to give concert in London

Led Zeppelin to give concert in London

The group will perform together for the first time in 19 years on Nov. 26, at London's The O2 venue, on the banks of the River Thames.

Promoters said the concert would pay tribute to Ahmet Ertegun - the label boss who popularized Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin - who died in December at the age of 83.

"During the Zeppelin years, Ahmet Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord," Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant said in a statement. "For us he was Atlantic Records and remained a close friend and conspirator."

Ertegun, who co-founded the Atlantic Records label with Herb Abramson, signed Plant's band in 1968 and later snapped up the Rolling Stones.

Organizers said Led Zeppelin's remaining original members Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones, will headline the November concert with late drummer John Bonham's son, Jason, on drums.

The quartet is expected to perform a full set lasting up to 2 hours.

Promoter Harvey Goldsmith said Led Zeppelin would play one show only and there was no commitment or discussion of the band playing beyond that.

The Who's Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman, rock band Foreigner and young Scottish singer Paolo Nutini - the last British act Ertegun signed - will also play at the tribute concert.

Goldsmith said fans would have to enter a ballot to win the chance to purchase a 125 pound (US$253; 183 EUR) ticket. Fans could register on the Web site until Monday, he said.

All proceeds will go toward the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund to establish music scholarships for students at institutions in the UK, the United States and Turkey, Goldsmith said.