Legendary band Led Zeppelin rocks London

By Mike Collett-White

LONDON (Reuters) - Legendary British rock band Led Zeppelin opened their first public concert in nearly two decades on Monday with a mesmerizing light show and "Good Times Bad Times" to 20,000 fans from around the world.

Singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones were joined by John Bonham's son Jason on the drums for the one-off comeback, although there has been fevered speculation that the gig may be followed by a full-scale tour.

After showing news footage comparing Led Zeppelin, who created "Stairway to Heaven", to the Beatles in terms of impact and following, the stage came alive and Jason Bonham pounded out the opening salvo as flashing lights pierced the darkness.

"In the days of my youth; I was told what it was to be a man; Now I've reached the age; I've tried to do all those things the best I can; No matter how I try; I find my way to do the same old jam," the band belted out to an adoring crowd who cheered every bar and beat.

The three surviving members of the hugely successful 1970s group, also known worldwide for "Whole Lotta Love", have rarely performed together since splitting in 1980 after the death of drummer Bonham following a drinking binge.

By their own admission, each reunion was a shambles, so anticipation ahead of the set at London's O2 Arena was high.

"Let's just do the O2 and we'll see what happens from there," 63-year-old Page told Reuters in a recent interview. "I haven't got a crystal ball here and nor have you."

ROCK 'N' ROLL EXCESS