“Strike while the iron is hot,” is what I always say. Right now with the talk being about the recent theater release (and soon to be DVD) of Led Zeppelin’s “Celebration Day,” Jason Bonham couldn’t pick a better time to pay tribute to his dad, John Bonham.
Yes, he has done this tribute over the last year and he continues to have mostly the same backing band with him in Stephen LeBlanc on keyboards, Tony Catania on guitar, James Dylan on vocals and newcomer Dorian Heart on bass. Again, this time was different because there is a real thirst for Zeppelin right now and Jason and his amazing band of musicians quenched it with their performance in Niagara Falls this past Monday night.
Bonham shared stories about his dad and how he loved him so much. He also dedicated “Since I’ve Been Loving You” to his grandmom. It was also the first song he played with Catania. “Going to California” was one of the highlights of the night as an acoustic three piece set with Catania and Heart on guitar and LeBlanc on vocals. Heart was all over the place on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals. Catania added that appropriate feedback during “The Ocean.” The same videos were used during the performance, showing footage of when he was a young lad playing the drums and dancing in front of his parents. Also, there was a clip of Jason Bonham driving to the O2 Arena before the “Celebration Day” show.
Jason remarked that he loves to play his favorite song from any band live, and that song was none other than “Kashmir.” Jason enjoyed playing “When the Levee Breaks” with his dad playing simultaneously on the screen behind him.
It was an enjoyable night of Led Zeppelin music performed by a man who has it running through his veins.
Set List:
Rock and Roll
Celebration Day
Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You
Over the Hills and Far Away
No Quarter
Thank You
Moby Dick
Video montage
The Ocean
Since I’ve Been Loving You
Going to California
When the Levee Breaks
O2 Video
Stairway to Heaven
Encore:
Whole Lotta Love
We would like to thank Libby Coffey from MSOPR for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
