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17/12/2007
Led Zeppelin To Fly Again In Belfast?
Although Belfast had to make do with an (excellent) tribute band in 2001 - marking three decades since the original super rock band, Led Zeppelin played the city - negotiations are now underway to bring the legendary band back to Belfast.
It was of course the Ulster Hall where they first played their world-class rock hit, Stairway to 36 years ago.
Now, promoter Peter Aiken whose late father Jim brought Zeppelin to the Ulster Hall in 1971 – and who was a guest at the band's one-off comeback gig in London last week - is now talking to singer Robert Plant and the others about a return to the city where big things happened for them all those years ago.
"If Zeppelin go touring as has been suggested I will definitely bring them on an overdue return to Belfast, as they are keen on the idea," Mr Aiken said.
"I will take Robert and Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham, back for a tour of the Ulster Hall where they first played that famous tune, but this time the concert would have to go on at the Odyssey Arena," he said.
"I'd like to put the comeback concert on just for old time's sake. My dad always talked fondly about Zeppelin's time here.
"The Ulster Hall now would be too small for the return and of course it is closed to the public for refurbishment anyway."
Zeppelin recorded Stairway to Heaven on an album immediately after the 1971 Belfast gig, partly because of the positive reaction of the crowd in then strife-torn Belfast.
The closest the city has got since that flying visit by the group - who enjoyed a quick visit to a local riot-in-progress before being driven overnight to Dublin for their next concert was on the 30th anniversary of the gig in 2001.
There was a reunion of the Zeppelin faithful - complete with tribute band - again at the Ulster Hall, which was the only thing then possible as the real Led Zeppelin split in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham whose place for last week's O2 reunion gig was taken by his son.
(BMcC)
It was of course the Ulster Hall where they first played their world-class rock hit, Stairway to 36 years ago.
Now, promoter Peter Aiken whose late father Jim brought Zeppelin to the Ulster Hall in 1971 – and who was a guest at the band's one-off comeback gig in London last week - is now talking to singer Robert Plant and the others about a return to the city where big things happened for them all those years ago.
"If Zeppelin go touring as has been suggested I will definitely bring them on an overdue return to Belfast, as they are keen on the idea," Mr Aiken said.
"I will take Robert and Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham, back for a tour of the Ulster Hall where they first played that famous tune, but this time the concert would have to go on at the Odyssey Arena," he said.
"I'd like to put the comeback concert on just for old time's sake. My dad always talked fondly about Zeppelin's time here.
"The Ulster Hall now would be too small for the return and of course it is closed to the public for refurbishment anyway."
Zeppelin recorded Stairway to Heaven on an album immediately after the 1971 Belfast gig, partly because of the positive reaction of the crowd in then strife-torn Belfast.
The closest the city has got since that flying visit by the group - who enjoyed a quick visit to a local riot-in-progress before being driven overnight to Dublin for their next concert was on the 30th anniversary of the gig in 2001.
There was a reunion of the Zeppelin faithful - complete with tribute band - again at the Ulster Hall, which was the only thing then possible as the real Led Zeppelin split in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham whose place for last week's O2 reunion gig was taken by his son.
(BMcC)
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03 January 2007
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
