Posted on: September 27, 2007 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Foreigner will share the same stage at London’s O2 Arena with Atlantic Records label mates Led Zeppelin for a long-anticipated tribute concert honoring the late Ahmet Ertegun, the visionary founder of Atlantic Records.“Ahmet’s combination of charm, humour, irreverence and above all his great passion for music, made getting to know him one of the brightest highlights of my life,” says Foreigner founder Mick Jones, whose band created sixteen top thirty hits for the label. “I feel truly honoured to be participating in this unique and exciting event.” (see full quote attached)

Foreigner and Ahmet’s Atlantic experienced nothing short of a tremendous collaboration. The band is second only to the legendary Led Zeppelin in worldwide sales of all artists currently distributed by Atlantic. Foreigner “4” spent more weeks on the Billboard chart at number one than any album by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, U2, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and every other artist in Atlantic Records 60 year history. The strength of the Foreigner catalogue continues, and no Atlantic classic rock era artist comes close to Led Zeppelin and Foreigner to this day. In fact, the band’s ‘Very Best and Beyond” catalogue CD just hit #16 on Billboard charts and has been certified double platinum.

As expected and hoped for, Jason Bonham — son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and Foreigner’s drummer — will be joining Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones for the historic benefit concert.

“I must thank Mick for giving me the time off from Foreigner to fulfil a dream that was once thought to be my destiny,” says Jason. “Led Zeppelin are to play at the O2 arena in London on the 26th of November for their dear friend Ahmet Ertegun to raise money for his educational foundation. Ahmet was a huge part of Led Zeppelin’s and my father’s success. He was a very special man, and it is a truly great privilege for me to join Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul for this concert. I am sure Ahmet and my father will be watching. I hope to do them proud.” (see full quote attached)

Proceeds from the concert spectacle — which will include performances by Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings and Paolo Nutini — will go to the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund which provides students with annual scholarships to universities in the UK, USA and Turkey.

In addition, a music scholarship open to all will be established at Ravensbourne College in the UK.

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert will be available by ballot only with names being chosen at random. To register, please go to www.ahmettribute.com. Tickets will be limited to two successful applicants per household.

Beginning approximately two weeks prior to the Tribute To Ahmet Ertegun, Foreigner will be embarking on a tour of the UK on a trek that will encompass the following cities*:

Friday, November 9th – ABC in Glasgow, Scotland
Saturday, November 10th – Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle, England
Monday, November 12th – St. David’s Hall in Cardiff
Tuesday, November 13th – Guildhall in Portsmouth, England
Thursday, November 15th – Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England
Friday, November 16th – Apollo in Manchester, England
Saturday, November 17th – Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, England

*More dates to possibly be announced.

The November UK comes hot on the heels of the band’s summer tour where they hooked up with Def Leppard and Styx for approximately thirty shows in addition to several solo performances and an extensive tour of Germany.

The journey through Europe will coincide with the release of the band’s forthcoming live DVD, Alive & Rockin’, which will be released on Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Please stay tuned.

www.foreigneronline.com

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