Photos by Ilya Mirman
Review by JohnPaul Fulciniti
Show Photos: HEART, JASON BONHAM, HEART AND BONHAM
Last Friday night, John Bonham was probably looking down and saying, while nudging Janice, Jimi, Jim, Elvis and Buddy, “hey look, that’s my little boy” as proud as a father could be. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience was truly an experience. Jason did not miss a beat. Extraordinary power drumming, each beat perfect, as were the fills. His band was tight as could be.
I closed my eyes and imagined I was in my room, 14 years old, listening to Led Zeppelin IV. Rock and Roll, then Black dog. I had to reopen my eyes to realize I was actually at a Jason Bonham Show. Tony Catania played Page note for note. Even the three finger point into the audience after a strum. Jimmy Page signature strum. James Dylan on vocals was like listening to Plant. John Paul Jones (Michael Devon) was also there. (It might sound like blasphemy, but I don’t think Led Zeppelin was ever this tight live!)
Jason is a master of his craft, as was his legendary father. Over the Hills and Far Away, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, When the Levee Breaks, Whole Lotta Love…Each one sounded better than the other. This is not merely a tribute or cover band. Jason brings a piece of Zeppelin to this show, emceeing between songs and speaks of his father and Led Zeppelin.
We connect, as he was also a piece of us when we were teens blasting our Zeppelin records. Jason Bonham reminds us of why we love Led Zeppelins music, and he does it justice. But this night gets better as it goes on!
Jason Bonham and the Led Zeppelin Experience was a prelude to the unbelievable sounds of Heart, fronted by the dynamic Wilson sisters. They opened their show with Barracuda. They came onto the stage with Nancy Wilson strumming the opening riff of this timeless rock and roll masterpiece and proved they were here to perform a kick-ass show.
I don’t think Ann Wilson can sing a sour note. (If she can or does, it wasn’t at this show!) Her powerful vocals left me awestruck. Heart owned that stage. Band was right on. Even It Up, Magic Man, These Dreams, Kick It Out!!! I’m so confused!! Which one did I love the most??!!
They also did a rare “Dog and Butterfly,” as a mailed-in request. Ann and Nancy graced this stage. The Sisters came out front to perform their brilliant version of “The Battle of Evermore” this led into an encore with Bonham, Catania (with the classic double-neck SG Guitar) and Heart all taking the stage to perform five Zeppelin tunes.
Some say Heart does Zeppelin better than Zeppelin does Zeppelin. With Jason Bonham, this maybe so! Maybe live, anyways.
They ended with a brilliant version of “Stairway to Heaven” and it was the perfect song to end an incredible night.
Show Photos
Heart and Jason Bonham Photos
Heart Photos
Jason Bonham and The Led Zeppelin Experience
Set List
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience:
1. Rock-n-Roll
2. Black Dog
3. Over the Hills and Far Away
4. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
5. Houses of the Holy
6. Nobody’s Fault
7. When the Levee Breaks
8. Whole Lotta Love
HEART:
1. Barracuda
2. Heartless
3. What About Love
4. Magic Man
5. Kick It Out
6. Mistral Wind
7. Even It Up
8. Dog and Butterfly
9. I Need You to Turn To (Elton John cover) (Nancy Wilson solo on acoustic guitar)
10. These Dreams
11. Alone
12. Dear Old America
13. Crazy On You
Encore:
14. Battle of Evermore (Led Zeppelin cover) (Ann and Nancy Wilson Only)
15. The Song Remains the Same (Led Zeppelin cover) (With Jason Bonham)
16. The Rain Song (Led Zeppelin cover) (With Jason Bonham)
17. The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover) (With Jason Bonham)
18. Kashmir (Led Zeppelin cover) (With Jason Bonham)
19. Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover) (With Jason Bonham)