Whole Lotta Love Focus: Simon Meli

What was Zeppelin's best period musically? Well, Zeppelin's entire life span. It wasn't a long one as it was, so I'll take it all as their best.

Do you have a consistently favourite song of theirs or does it change around? Kashmir is the epitome of rock'n'roll meets the eastern influence. The lyrical imagery and pure riffery make the perfect rock epic.

Which album of theirs would you give to a newbie who had no idea about them to best represent them? I think the raw power and the production in I to IV are bang-on, sure to convince the new rock kids.

Do you reckon they nicked Stairway To Heaven from Spirit? How many times have the blues been played? How many chord variations are out there? I just think Stairway was the better song, backed by timing and the right release strategy

Do you try and belt out Zeppelin songs like Robert Plant when performing live, or you don't even try and compete with the Golden God's golden tonsils and just do your own thing? Doing my own thing is all I can do, all I've ever got and all I will ever have! The music moves me more than any other! So I surrender!

Should Zeppelin play another reunion gig? For me, no. Leave it untouchable, leave the memories and records free from the tarnish of old age. It's already timeless.

When and where is your gig? 20 & 26 Aug, Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford; 27 Aug, State Theatre.