Michael White – ST CD Encore Records Ltd

Produced by Mack (Queen, Billy Squier). 12 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork and new interview. Michael White’s story has always been closely linked to the ghost of Led Zeppelin by virtue of the fact that he fronts one of the world’s preeminent Zeppelin tribute acts, The White. Over the years he has carved out a lucrative career presenting an accurate and entertaining testimonial to an act that rede-fined the course of rock music. Interestingly, Michael’s stab at solo success included an unexpectedly successful entrée into the business. Encouraged by Robert Plant himself, he submitted demos to Atlantic Records that were eventually sanctioned by the most important executive at the label, namely label founder, and the man who originally signed Zep-pelin, Ahmet Ertegun. Label hopes were high that Michael could cut an impressive solo album and not entirely ape Zeppelin’s sound. Paired with hot-shot producer Mack (Queen, Billy Squier) he was sent to Munich to record, but problems emerged almost immediately when Mack dismissed Michael’s band (incuding future W.A.S.P. guitarist Randy Piper and former Moxy drummer Danny Bilan) after only a handful of tracks had been taped. Issued in 1987, the album received positive acclaim for not only its content but also the way it steered clear of immediate Zeppelin comparisons. Indeed, if anything, the record displayed a decided nod to solo era Robert Plant, and it boasted an impressive selection of wide-screen epics such as ‘Matriarch’, ‘One Good Turn’, ‘Fantasy’ and the crowning glory ‘Psychometry’.