JIMMY PAGE & ROBERT PLANT - LAS VEGAS 1998: SOUNDBOARD MASTER

Description

First 80 copies include Pro-Shot DVD!

MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV, USA 23rd September 1998 STEREO SBD (from Original Masters)

　Page Plant’s 1998 Las Vegas performance, which appeared in recent years, was recorded with video, so even though each was leaked along with the sound source, sadly it was rarely discussed by enthusiasts.

　Recently, a file of this soundboard appeared on a major torrent site, but despite being a 1998 soundboard recording, the pitch was fast, the disc division was strange, and the encore cheers and cheers after the performance were missing. The final blow was a ridiculous version in which the sound quality itself was degraded. The fact that there were problems with both pitch and sound quality suggests that this was a version that had been dubbed to VHS via video many times.

　However, for this release, an overseas enthusiast provided a stereo soundboard DAT master of a completely different dimension. The sound quality without degradation from analog dubbing as mentioned above is so vivid that it seems like it could be officially released as it is. With a soundboard of this quality, it is natural that it would be released on a limited press CD.

　Speaking of Plant Page’s stereo soundboard in 1998, the warm-up before the start of the tour was also recorded on a perfect stereo soundboard, and the “SHEPHERDS BUSH 1998 MULTITRACK MASTER”, which became a huge best-seller with a second press, was a standard in recent years.

　However, this time, half a year after Shepherd’s Bush, it’s a surprising upgrade that documents the heat of the performance that was in the middle of the tour with the best stereo sound board. However, it seems that the original sound source that leaked in the 2010s itself has been overlooked, and most people may be able to touch it for the first time with this highest sound quality version.

　Above all, it is undeniable that in 1998, Page Plant released only the early part of the tour because of the priority on topicality, and it was difficult to convey the original charm of this tour. In fact, the ethnic music flavor that was present in the 1995 and 1996 tours has been wiped out, and the fact that it gave off a rock sound throughout the entire tour should be reevaluated now.

　Even so, the performance in Las Vegas was super hot. Of course, it’s because it’s been half a year since the tour started, but the experience of the large-scale tour before that is reflected beautifully. Jimmy in particular is in top form, and it was hard to tell at the time that he was playing so much. His playing style, such as “No Quarter”, is reminiscent of ZEP from 1975 to 1977, and Robert sings very comfortably next to Jimmy, who is in top form.

　What’s even more noteworthy is the way that the songs from their rock-inspired album “WALKING INTO CLARKSDALE” have evolved beautifully through repeated live performances. The album’s title track and “When the World Was Young” are particularly great, and when you hear Jimmy and Michael Lee’s free-flowing drumming, you’ll be surprised at how well they’ve performed.

　And the highlight of this tour, “How Many More Times”, was reminiscent of 1969 and 1970, but it was a really stunning 1998 version. The development of this performance into a medley of “Down By The Seaside” is also very good.

　The sound quality is perfect, so you can easily hear the extremely high-tension performances, including Jimmy’s, who was at the peak of his playing six months after the start of the tour. Lee’s drums are not only ZEP classics, but also shine in the songs included in “WALKING INTO CLARKSDALE,” which is a major attraction of this tour.

　And Robert, whose voice was not so sharp at the beginning of the tour, was at full throttle here. Unlike 1995 and 1996, which were mainly past repertoires, this tour was with a new studio album, so Jimmy and Robert were in their prime, and the best stereo soundboard recorded the climax of the stage. And yet it’s not just the best sound quality. The performance is super hot!

Disc:1 (59:03)

1. Egyptian Intro
2. The Wanton Song
3. Bring It On Home
4. Heartbreaker
5. Ramble On
6. Walking Into Clarksdale
7. No Quarter
8. When the World Was Young
9. Going to California
10. Tangerine
11. Gallows Pole

Disc:2 (61:05)
1. Heart in Your Hand
2. Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You
3. Band Introductions
4. How Many More Times
5. Most High
6. Whole Lotta Love
7. Thank You
8. Rock and Roll

Jimmy Page – Guitars
Robert Plant – Vocals
Charlie Jones – Bass
Michael Lee – Drums
Philip Andrews – Keyboards

STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING

★★Special Event

★The first limited edition of Page Plant’s “LAS VEGAS 1998: SOUNDBOARD MASTER” with the numbered sticker will come with a special copy of “LAS VEGAS 1998 THE VIDEO,” which contains leaked professional shot footage believed to have been used on the venue screen.

JIMMY PAGE & ROBERT PLANT – LAS VEGAS 1998 THE VIDEO(Bonus DVDR)
MGM Grand Garden, Las Vegas, NV 23rd September 1998 PRO-SHOT

　On the day of “LAS VEGAS 1998: SOUNDBOARD MASTER”, when the spectacular stereo soundboard release will be realized, a pro shot video that seems to be for the venue screen has also been leaked.

　It seems that the leaked footage is incomplete and is currently available from the middle of “Heartbreaker” to “Going to California”.
　Apart from that, there was an audience shot on this day, and a maniac released a video on YouTube that combined the two to create a complete version.

　It is especially special to be able to see “No Quarter”, one of the great performances of the day, in a professional shot with the most beautiful image quality. Once again, I am reminded that Jimmy was in top form.

　On the other hand, when you look at the audience shots, you can see that Jimmy’s short hair and protruding belly at the time are quite prominent, but the sweaty, soggy look that was common in Jimmy up until around 1996 is not seen very often, so it seems that he is no longer bothered by sweat as much as he used to be.

　As a result, it is undeniable that the flashy stage action of the past has subsided, but that is why it is possible to clearly see how he is able to concentrate on his guitar playing. It even looks as if Jimmy, who had completed his rehabilitation through live performances until 1996, had made a complete comeback.

　In addition, Robert, who has not yet grown a beard, looks very youthful now, and above all, his singing is much louder than at the beginning of the tour.

　Although the total footage is made up of a larger proportion of audience shots than professional shots, the audience’s angles are surprisingly good, so you won’t feel stressed watching it.

　Rather than simply shooting Jimmy and Robert, the film’s cinematography is excellent, capturing the virtuoso skills of Michael Lee and other band members at key moments.

　There, the maniacs have dubbed the soundboard recording properly, so the finished product is a wonderful and enjoyable visual version of the Las Vegas performance. Don’t miss the first delivery!

1. Egyptian Intro
2. The Wanton Song
3. Bring It On Home
4. Heartbreaker
5. Ramble On
6. Walking Into Clarksdale
7. No Quarter
8. When The World Was Young
9. Going To California
10. Tangerine
11. Gallows Pole
12. Heart In Your Hand
13. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
14. How Many More Times
15. Down By The Seaside
16. Most High
17. Whole Lotta Love
18. Thank You
19. Rock And Roll

PRO-SHOT COLOUR NTSC Approx.120min.

Special Bonus DVDR for limited numbered stickered edition of “LAS VEGAS 1998: SOUNDBOARD MASTER”(Wardour-672)