http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/oct/1...elin-new-singer
Led Zeppelin to regroup with singer Myles Kennedy?
No, we've never heard of him either, but the man rumoured to replace Robert Plant apparently has a four-octave vocal range - which could be handy when singing Stairway to Heaven
Sometimes big news comes from the strangest places. Twisted Sister's Dee Snider – a man not exactly in the limelight – may have broken one of the biggest stories of the year, in an interview with Canada's MuchMoreMusic network. The reformed Led Zeppelin have allegedly found a replacement for Robert Plant. And his name is Myles Kennedy.
Snider apparently knows this because he shares a manager with Robert Plant. Although we're certain the manager takes Plant's calls before Snider's, the fellow did disclose a couple of nuggets. "[Led Zeppelin are] saying [to Plant]: 'We're all rehearsed, we're ready to go, here's a gazillion dollars on the table,'" Snider explained. "'If you don't do it, we're going out with this kid. And he can sing the shit out of Zeppelin.'"
So far, Plant has remained adamant on the subject of another Zeppelin reunion, refusing to tour with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham - John Bonham's son. After last month's rumours that Led Zep were finding a new singer, Plant still quashed hopes that he would be persuaded to return. Nevertheless, Snider said, "[Zeppelin] hope that Robert, at the last minute, will go, 'OK,' and step in, before having the lead singer of Alter Bridge out with John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham."
The mysterious Myles Kennedy is an American singer, best known as a member of 90s rock act Mayfield Four and then Alter Bridge – a group that is essentially Creed minus Scott Stapp. (Apparently Kennedy has lots of experience as a substitute frontman.) Wikipedia claims Kennedy has a four-octave vocal range and can hold a note for 22 seconds, both of which could be helpful in singing Stairway to Heaven.
And though Dee Snider may not be the most reliable source, his comments have been backed up by producer Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley, who worked on several Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page albums. Writing in his online diary on September 23, Shirley mentioned "a very troubling rumour".
"There is a singer from a Florida heavy metal band who is pretty close to becoming My-Fave-Band-Ever's singer. As the old one has a separate happening career. I have to admit to shock, shock, shock."
Shirley heard the rumour from Journey's "new singer", Arnel Pineda. "I don't know what to think," he wrote.
Kennedy, meanwhile, must be thinking: dollar sign, dollar sign, dollar sign!