**The Band That Brought Led Zeppelin Back Together: “A Quick One-Off”**
In the history of rock and roll, few reunions have been as anticipated—or as fleeting—as Led Zeppelin’s 2007 one-off concert at London’s O2 Arena. After disbanding in 1980 following the tragic death of drummer John Bonham, the legendary group resisted countless offers to reunite, with singer Robert Plant often dismissing the idea. However, one band managed to bring them back together—at least for one night.
That band was **Foreigner**, or more specifically, its founding member and guitarist, Mick Jones. The reason? The concert was a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the late co-founder of Atlantic Records, who had signed both Foreigner and Led Zeppelin. The event, billed as “Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert,” took place on December 10, 2007, and was meant to honor Ertegun’s immense influence on rock music.
Jones, who had worked closely with Ertegun, played a major role in assembling the star-studded lineup, which included Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. But the real showstopper was Led Zeppelin. For the performance, they enlisted Jason Bonham, John Bonham’s son, to take his father’s place on drums.
While the event was framed as a tribute, the excitement surrounding Led Zeppelin’s return overshadowed everything else. It was their first full-length concert in 27 years, and anticipation was sky-high. The band delivered a powerhouse 16-song set, opening with “Good Times Bad Times” and closing with “Rock and Roll.” Their performance was widely praised, with critics and fans hailing it as proof that Led Zeppelin could still command the stage.
Despite the success, Plant remained firm that it was a one-time deal. While Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were open to further tours, Plant declined, choosing to focus on his solo career. Jason Bonham would go on to form **Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening**, keeping his father’s legacy alive, but a full Zeppelin reunion never materialized.
In the end, Foreigner and Mick Jones may not have been the direct cause of Led Zeppelin’s brief return, but they played a pivotal role in the concert that made it happen. It was, as Plant called it, “a quick one-off.” But for fans, it was a night of rock history that will never be forgotten.
