Aging rockers reuniting

January 7, 5:19 PMDC Pop Culture ExaminerPaula Cee

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Back in the saddle again... 

The music world has good news for those of us with a certain bent for old school rock 'n roll.

First, the breaking news on the block today is the reforming of Led Zeppelin to record a new album.  The classic rock legends are looking to lay down tracks with a new lead singer, though, since Robert Plant has taken himself out of the picture.

As you probably remember, Led Zeppelin did a singular show in late 2007 at the O2 Arena in London.  During the one-off, Jason Bonham replaced his deceased father on the drum kit and founding members Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones all performed together.

Robert Plant has been touring and making music with country songbird Alison Krauss since (to great success in our humble opinion) while the other three members have been enjoying rehearsals and writing sessions.

Scuttlebutt on Plant's replacement includes talk of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Soundgarden's Chris Cornell.  We think they've both got the qualifying pipes (Cornell's a little better in the singing, Tyler's a better show man) but we'll still miss Plant on the album.

Don't worry.  We'll probably still buy it.

Also this week, the Dead (the surviving members of the Grateful Dead) announced they will tour for the first time in many years this spring.  The alum will be visiting 19 cities.  It's especially good news for their fans in DC because we'll get three shows within easy driving distance of the Capital City. 

Warren Haynes from the Allman Brothers and Government Mule will join Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bob Weir and Bill Kreutzmann on stage for the shows.  This will be the first official tour of the Dead since four years ago.  Last year the band reunited briefly for an Obama benefit show in California.  Bob Weir said the band realized they had "unfinished business" after they played the gig together.

So, pack up those VW vans and get your hibachis at the ready.  The tour schedule is listed for you here.

You can check out the rest of the details at the Dead's official website here.