VISION ON ANNOUNCES A NEW BOOK: LED ZEPPELIN - An Independent Photographic History by Neal preston

Neal Preston had to be a worker of subtle magic in order to get up close to Led Zeppelin during the height of their 1970s reign. He was on the inside, shooting Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones onstage, off stage, backstage, on the road... and more. Now, Prestons collection of some of the most interesting and entertaining rock photographs ever taken have been brought together in this remarkable new book by Vision On, including commentary by music journalist Dave Lewis.

''The fans are really interested in what goes on behind the scenes, away from the CD covers, away from the music videos... that's what it's all about, getting that rare glimpse.'' (Neal Preston)

- LED ZEPPELIN BY NEAL PRESTON
- PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2002 BY VISION ON, PRICED 19.99 / $29.95 SOFT BACK - COLLECTORS EDITION & 25% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS

The relationship between Preston and Led Zeppelin was well under way by 1973, when a photo taken by Preston of Jimmy Page at the San Diego leg of the tour struck a chord with Page.

Jimmy was cradling his right hand on stage -- I thought he was striking a dramatic pose but he was in fact in a great deal of pain," recalls Preston. Page later revealed that his wrist had been injured as a result of a fall." He had liked the photo so much Preston was asked to accompany them on the road.

Preston was right there, on the private jets and at the aftershows, and his record of the band at their pagan Hammer of the Gods peak reverberates loudly. This collection will reach both serious Zeppelin fans and the casually curious. Fans will recall the images of Robert Plant holding a white dove in his hands and the infamous Jimmy Page swigging from a Jack Daniels bottle, as the embodiment and spirit of the band. These are indeed also among Prestons favourites.

However, Preston adds: The privileged access given to me by the band offer a behind-the-scenes peak, away from the CD covers, away from the music videos...at the peak of their success...thats what its all about, getting a rare glimpse."

As Dave Lewis remarks, Prestons shots display the often underplayed humour and camaraderie of Zeppelin on the road... If you want to relive the memories or discover what it all looked like, then the photographs Neal Preston took of Led Zeppelin in their absolute prime are simply essential viewing."

For image and book requests, please contact Sarah Marusek at SMPR - E. sarahmarusek@smpublicrelations.com - T. 718 789 1955

Editors Notes:

Neal Preston
Los Angeles-based Neal Preston was Led Zeppelins tour photographer in the 1970s and had full access to the band, onstage and off. A photographer working extensively in the musioc business for over 30 years, Preston has also produced memorable and candid images of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, The Eagles and U2 among others. Vision On Publishing Established in December 1999 by British photographer Rankin and Alex Proud.

Vision On is committed to producing quality photographic books with a mass market appeal. Using the highest standards of photography, design and production, Vision On has led the way in the creation of popular art books. Over the past 3 years, Vision On has worked on high profile book and exhibition projects including the critically acclaimed RANKIN NUDES, NIRVANA, DAZED & CONFUSED ANNUAL, BLOOD & GLITTER by Mick Rock, AUDREY: AN INTIMATE COLLECTION by Bob Willoughby, THE STONES 65-67 by Gered Mankowitz and UNDEREXPOSED edited by Colin Jacobson.

Feeding from an international creative network of new talent, Vision On aims to continue its commitment as a showcase for cutting edge photography and with the promise of over thirty new titles, 2003 looks even more exciting than the last.