Jimmy Page & Robert Plant / BBC TV Studios, London, UK, 1998

Footage of the British music program *Later…*—featuring the duo following the release of their album *Walking into Clarksdale*—has long circulated among fans, but this release presents the audio sourced directly from BBC masters in superb stereo soundboard quality. The audio fidelity is impeccable, making it a thoroughly enjoyable live album experience even without the visuals. Disc 1 captures the actual recording session. Although the band launches energetically into “The Wanton Song” following host Jools Holland’s introduction, the take is interrupted by technical issues on the production side. While the audio alone conveys the chaos in the studio, Plant lightens the mood with characteristic ease, cracking jokes like, “There goes my career.” After a brief pause, “Take 2” is performed flawlessly. The actual broadcast cleverly edited Holland’s introduction from just before “Take 1” directly into “Take 2,” creating the impression that the performance had gone off without a hitch. Most notably, having just wrapped up a European tour, the band’s performance is rock-solid. Page and Plant were accorded exceptional treatment during this appearance; while other acts performed two songs each, they played three. Furthermore, “Burning Up” served as the show’s finale—a prime slot that underscores the special regard in which they were held. *Later…* is also known for its conversation segments between the host and the artists, and Page and Plant participated in this as well. A relaxed atmosphere permeates their discussion about how they first met, and Jimmy appears genuinely delighted when talking about the influence of John Lee Hooker. Having previously appeared on the show during the *Unledded* era, they were clearly very comfortable in this environment. Perhaps even more fascinating than the actual performance is the rehearsal footage. It is surprising enough that non-broadcast material was recorded—and subsequently leaked—but the content itself is truly substantial. While the atmosphere is charged with high energy, Plant displays a relaxed composure—even humming the Everly Brothers’ “All I Have To Do Is Dream” during a break in the soundcheck. When he begins singing Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin'” between rehearsal runs, the band—led by Jimmy—naturally falls into step and joins the performance. Although they don’t play the song all the way through—as it is, after all, a rehearsal—the performance is nonetheless thrilling; witnessing such moments is one of the unique pleasures of rehearsal recordings. The three songs eventually performed on the actual broadcast are all spirited and compelling, but the rehearsal of “Burning Up” is a true highlight. Watching Plant and keyboardist Philip Andrews repeatedly trade vocal lines to fine-tune their harmonies reveals their serious dedication to the upcoming performance. It is interesting to note that, while the vocal harmonies were mixed somewhat low in the actual broadcast, they ring out with far greater clarity and vibrancy in this rehearsal. The final take, in particular, boasts a level of polish rivaling the actual broadcast performance. This is a fantastic stereo soundboard album that allows you to vividly experience the process of refining the songs for the air. BBC TV Studios, White City, London, England – May 5, 1998. STEREO SBD (from Original Masters). An ultra-high-quality stereo soundboard master sourced directly from the BBC—leaked from within the production team! Disc:1 (33:04) 1. Jools Holland Intro 2. The Wanton Song [interruption] Studio Chaos 3. The Wanton Song 4. Wishing I Was There (Natalie Imbruglia) (Intro Only) 5. Interview 6. Shining In The Light #1 7. Burning Up 8. MC 9. Shining in the Light #2 Disc:2 (48:37) Rehearsals 1. Soundcheck 2. The Wanton Song #1 3. The Wanton Song #2 4. Don’t Start Me To Talkin’ 5. Shining In The Light #1 6. Shining In The Light #2 7. Burning Up #1 8. Burning Up #2 (Chorus Part) 9. Burning Up #3 Jimmy Page – Guitars Robert Plant – Vocals Charlie Jones – Bass Michael Lee – Drums Philip Andrews – Keyboards, Vocals STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING All ‘confirmed’ Revenge demos and outtakes in the best circulating quality.