Anyone who is a Led Zeppelin fan above the age of 50 remembers just how big the band was in its heyday until the band dismantled after the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. Zeppelin then only played a handful of shows, to put it literally. The last performance was in 2007 at the Ahmet Ertugen Tribute charity concert when Jason Bonham filled in for his father on that historic night.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
MGM Northfield Park, Northfield, Ohio – 15 November 2024
Words: Donna Balentine
Photography: Jim Balentine
Since then, fans have always clamoured to be able to see Led Zeppelin live again in concert. But the band, unfortunately, have not done anything.
About 15 years ago, Jason Bonham decided to take the music of Led Zeppelin out to the people who want to go back to the glory days. Jason brought his Led Zeppelin Evening to a sold-out Northfield Park Centerstage when Zeppelin faithful would sing along to all the 15 song classics.
There were some surprises that have not been played live before or in many years. Bonham and friends could have easily added ten more songs and played for another hour and a half, and no one would have minded.
Along with Jason on drums, Jimmy Page look-alike Jimmy Sakurai, who is known as “Mr. Jimmy,” looked and played identical to the Hall Of Fame guitarist Page.
During the evening, Sakurai would play the famous Les Paul and the double neck guitar for Stairway To Heaven. Many tonight forget that we were watching Jimmy Sakurai and not Jimmy Page.
Vocalist James Dylan who has been with Jason for 15 years now sang just like Robert Plant in his prime without trying to be the famous crooner. Dylan, with his own style and flare, captivated the audience, singing both low and high parts. Dylan really came to the fore in Dazed and Confused.
Dorian Heartsong kept the low end rumbling on the bass, methodically bringing John Paul Jones’s intricate patterns to life, especially on Ramble On.
But what can be said about Jason Bonham that hasn’t been said already?
Bonham plays with as much ferocity as his father did. Hearing that bass drum resonate throughout the theatre, especially on the famous When The Levee Breaks, is something to behold.
Jason has brought his father’s and Led Zeppelin’s legacy to life, playing to sold-out shows throughout the United States. Yes, there are other tribute bands out there that do a very good job, but there is only one son of the original Bonzo.
You will not find Jason Bonham on Sammy Hagar’s Best Of All Worlds tour anymore, as Kenny Aronoff has replaced the drummer. If you want to hear the music of Led Zeppelin played to perfection, then the Hagar split is good news.
This is definitely the show to see. For full tour information, visit Jason’s website here.
Jason Bonham – Led Zeppelin Setlist
In The Evening
Good Times Bad Times
Celebration Day
Over The Hills And Far Away
Ramble On
What Is And What Should Never Be
When The Levee Breaks
Achilles Last Stand
Dazed And Confused
Friends
The Ocean
Misty Mountain Hop
Kashmir
Stairway To Heaven
Whole Lotta Love
Rock And Roll
Big fan of heavy metal.