Robert Plant / CA, USA 12.01.1988 Mike Millard Master Edition

Since the release of the Millard Masters series, it has become clear that he not only recorded Led Zeppelin’s performances from 1975 to 1977, but also continued to record their live activities after their breakup. This was proven by Jimmy’s “L.A. FORUM 1988: MIKE MILLARD FIRST GENERATION TAPES” and Plant’s “SAN DIEGO 1990: MIKE MILLARD MASTER CASSETTES”. This time it’s Plant’s turn again, and the recording is of a live performance at the Universal Amphitheater in LA from the “Non-stop Go” tour, which took place after the release of his 1988 album “NOW AND ZEN”. “NOW AND ZEN” was a huge hit for Plant, who for the first time incorporated the essence of Led Zeppelin, which he had stubbornly rejected in his solo work up until then, after meeting young musicians such as Phil Johnston, and ultimately even got Jimmy to participate. Following the album’s massive success, Plant spent 1988 touring extensively. In particular, the album was a huge hit in the US, reaching number 6 on the charts, leading to numerous tours. While he naturally toured large arenas, towards the end of the tour, he made an exception, playing gigs in smaller venues like the Universal Amphitheater. Millard captured the second night of one of these shows. Beyond the album’s success, the “Non-stop Go” tour garnered significant attention for Plant’s bold incorporation of Led Zeppelin classics, something he had never done before, resulting in several LP releases at the time. The mere discovery of such a high-quality audience recording from this tour is fascinating enough, but with a Millard recording, its high quality is practically guaranteed. Indeed, the sound quality is superb, showcasing Millard’s signature “miraculous” quality. The sheer power of the sound pressure, almost as if the performance is looming, is further enhanced by the fact that it was recorded in a medium-sized venue like the Universal Amphitheater. Even so, listening to the “Non-stop Go” tour again in 2021 is incredibly enjoyable, with its quintessential 80s sound in full force. The setlist, which blends Phil Johnston’s synth-driven “NOW AND ZEN” numbers with classic Led Zeppelin songs, is truly fascinating. The arrangement, starting with “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” followed by “In The Light,” is unique, but the excitement in the venue was already off the charts when “In The Light” began. It’s no surprise that the audience was thrilled to see Plant singing Led Zeppelin songs in LA for the first time since the 1977 tour. And it’s only natural that the excitement reached its peak with “Going To California,” given that it was LA. The 80s feel of the song, accompanied by an acoustic-electric guitar with full chorus effects and Johnston’s synth, is delightful, and it’s also endearing that “Trampled Under Foot” and “Communication Breakdown” are played to the length of the album versions, unlike in old Led Zeppelin live performances. Plant himself seemed to get nostalgic singing “Trampled Under Foot,” repeatedly shouting “Push!” and even getting the audience to shout along, showing his playful side. Yet, even towards the end of the show, the energy was high with “Now and Zen” tracks like “Heaven Knows” and “Tall Cool One,” demonstrating the immense popularity of those hits and showcasing Plant’s continued presence as an active artist. Having moved on from his feelings towards Led Zeppelin, this nostalgic “Non-stop Go” tour, arguably the most brilliant period of his 80s solo career, was captured in superb sound quality by Millard in LA! Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles, CA, USA 1st December 1988 TRULY PERFECT SOUND Disc 1 (51:52) 1. Pink And Black 2. Other Arms 3. Billy’s Revenge 4. In The Light 5. Nobody’s Fault But Mine 6. Dance On My Own 7. In The Mood 8. Going To California 9. Ship Of Fools Disc 2 (46:30) 1. Dimples 2. Trampled Under Foot 3. Heaven Knows 4. Immigrant Song 5. Tall Cool One (incl. The Ocean) 6. Communication Breakdown 7. Big Log 8. Misty Mountain Hop Robert Plant – Vocals Doug Boyle – Guitar Phil Johnstone – Keyboards Charlie Jones – Bass Chris Blackwell – Drums