Editors Note: Today we learned that Georges Yared, one of our most impassioned bloggers, died suddenly on Sunday, September 7, 2008. He was 53.Georges was a brilliant investor and an insightful commentator on many companies. He loved Starbucks, Apple and discovering the 'next big thing' in retail, technology and restaurant stocks. This post on BJ's Restaurant and Brewery was so popular it was forwarded 190 times.
Georges also loved Led Zeppelin, and we thought his post on meeting Jimmy Page would be appropriate to re-run in his memory. This post originally ran March 10, 2007.
I took the train from Central London to Gatwick Airport to catch my plane home to the U.S. I have done this over 200 times in the past 16 years and I can almost do the steps with my eyes closed. As I was leaving the train at Gatwick Airport to make my way to the warmth and gratitude of the Northwest Airlines ticket clerk, I saw an older guy waiting to board the train with what appeared to be a 5- or 6-year-old boy; I figured it was a grandchild.
I brushed past this gentleman, took three steps when I felt I had been hit by a bolt of lightening. That's Jimmy Page! It was Jimmy Page, founder and lead guitarist of what many feel was the finest rock band of all time -- Led Zeppelin. I looked back as he very gently lifted his grandson onto the train and took his seat. I figured, if not now, when?
I hopped back on and gently asked him "Are you Jimmy Page?" He stood up and respectfully said yes while shaking my hand. I was speechless. Am I a 51-year-old groupie? The train had 15 minutes before leaving to go back to Central London. I asked Jimmy if I could chat with him for a few moments. He said, "Yes, of course, please sit down. I do not get the opportunity to chat with fans very often," probably thinking -- yeah, a fan this old!!
First question I asked was, "Why don't you guys reunite and tour? Put the great John Bonham's son Jason on the drums! " Jimmy said he would love to tour, but that lead singer Robert Plant was not interested at the moment. Ever the gentleman, Jimmy said, "You know, I am over 60 years of age, and the rest are approaching 60. We need to do this soon!"
I, being the capitalist, said the money would be extraordinary: sold-out venues, T-shirt sales, CDs, and so on.
Jimmy said since they have allowed Cadillac to use the "Rock n' Roll" song from their fourth album in its ads, several corporate sponsors have emerged to underwrite any tour. When I pressed him, he went on to explain that all costs of touring, like hotels, meals, transportation, stage set-up, engineers, light and sound systems, are all paid for by the main corporate sponsor. I asked which company was most interested? With a sly smile he said "I cannot say the name, as it's confidential, but they make a very popular mouthwash!"
I was floored. Here was arguably one of the two or three finest guitarists to ever walk this planet, and I was talking corporate sponsorship. He was as gracious and kind as ever. As the trolley car rolled by, he even offered to buy me a cup of tea! Jimmy Page offered me a cup of tea -- how British.
Jimmy explained that what used to be a break-even proposition -- touring, is now highly profitable with major sponsorships. Amazing, Led Zeppelin and Listerine. What's next, Pink Floyd and Pampers?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-09-2008 @ 3:56PM
Sheldon L said...
I miss you already Georges.
9-09-2008 @ 3:56PM
Jen Andalou said...
Sad to hear of Mr. Yared's passing. His stories will be missed. In regards to Jimmy Page he seems like a wonderful person. Too bad he's set his sights on Robert for a reunion. I've been waiting for ANYTHING to come from Jimmy or John Paul. It is mind boggling how much Robert has recorded since Led Zeppelin in comparison of Jimmy Page. Jimmy - were waiting for your "solo" album! (It wouldn't hurt to include JPJ and Jason) George... You WILL be missed - thanks for the repost.
9-09-2008 @ 3:59PM
melly.alazraki said...
Georges was a pleasure to work with. He was always upbeat, professional and the perfect gentleman.
His sense of optimism came through in his posts and there was no bigger fan of Apple than him. Bloggers and readers alike benefited from his deep qualitative analysis.
I will miss him.
9-10-2008 @ 9:52AM
Carmel Courtright said...
I worked with Georges in the good ol' days at Dean Witter - he was a gentleman and a person who was always "interested' in what you were doing. He was passionate about the market, passionate about his family -- he did nothing halfway - I will miss him - my thoughts and prayers go to his family
9-10-2008 @ 12:28PM
marcus b. nestor said...
I have never been to this blog before, i found it googling Jimmy Page. I am sorry for the loss of George, and as a fellow LedZeppelin fan(atic), Let me say unequivocaly that this post has made me very happy. I could not believe that Jimmy Page would jerk his fans around the way its been happening recently, and now I dont have to. I know he isnt. Thank you George.
9-11-2008 @ 8:27PM
Ananya Bhaduri said...
My condolences to the grieving family; may God give you the strength to bear this grave loss. My yared had a way with words, he was as entertaining as he was analytical, your presence will be greatly missed here.
9-17-2008 @ 3:31AM
Sylvette Schmitt said...
I'm so sad. He was my friend and my cousin.
I want to have some news about his sisters. I 'm thinking about them. It's very so sad .
From France
Sylvette