by John Johnson, Photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
Having spoken on the phone with Jason Bonham two weeks prior, I was really looking forward to Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (JBLZE) at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Event Center last Monday night. For it would be the electrifying conclusion to the band’s 2024 tour. The performance, started in 2010, showcases Bonham’s exceptional drumming talents and deep connection to his father, John Bonham, obviously the iconic Led Zeppelin drummer.
The intimate venue tucked into the bowels of the Hard Rock was packed with young and old alike. Let’s be honest folks, most of them were what some would consider old, present company included. But regardless of perception of age, this assemblage had gathered to share in the music of arguably the greatest rock band ever.
But before they were to be treated to some Zeppelin, they would have to enjoy, or endure, an opening act. That act would be Jager Henry, a four piece band that plays a hybrid of rock, metal and alternative music with a smidgen of agro thrown in for good measure. I for one enjoyed their set, but I was discontented to see a few Zep devotees leave the auditorium after a couple of their songs. I’ll play devil’s advocate here and assume they wanted to keep their palette cleansed for one band and one band only, but if I’m being honest (again), I feel they’re rude and unable to experience something that’s outside their tiny box. Jager Henry, named after the lead singer and who is the son of Jason Bonham, commanded the stage while also attempting to console the audience members he was fully aware “didn’t understand” what he and his mates were doing at a Zeppelin show. At 6’4”, tatted sleeves, layered mop top haircut and eyeliner, he and his three friends efficiently, in my opinion, brought the roof down. Look into Jager Henry if you get a chance, more specifically their songs “Bleed” and “Heart of Thorns”.
After a brief intermission the room began to fill back up as the revelers, including the curmudgeons, made their way back to their seats. My journalistic shutterbug friend buzzed about the room and I grabbed my prime spot against the soundboard. After having spoken with him, I was aware that Jason would be a consummate storyteller and MC for the evening, and he was just that. He jovially spun yarns and reminisced excitedly between most of the events songs. From the very start he told the congregation that the original 1980 Zeppelin tour would have began with the nights opener “In the Evening”. But since his father sadly passed away that year, the tour never occurred so as an homage, one of many for the evening, he’d open with that gem. “Good Times Bad Times” with familiar opening cowbell was next, followed by “Heartbreaker” whose opening riff was played note for note by Jimmy Page look alike Jimmy Sakurai (a JBLZE member since 2017).
The two other gentlemen joining them on stage were singer James Dylan and bassist Dorian Heartsong, JBLZE members since 2010 and 2011 respectively. Dylan, whose bald head may have been disconcerting to the aforementioned curmudgeon purists, handled the Robert Plant vocal duties with accuracy and often times chill inducing veracity. Whereas Mr. Heartsong, with all the hair Plant had in the 70’s, plucked and thumped his bass in thunderous respect for John Paul Jones. Song five, speaking of thunder, with the help of “modern technology” had Jason virtually playing along side his father to the bombastic opening beats of “When the Levee Breaks”. Still abuzz from the uber familiar opening quintet of tunes, the band tore into the deep cut “Achilles Last stand”, followed on it’s heels (see what I did there) were the beloved bass lines for “Dazed and Confused”. We then we treated to a grandiose swim in “The Ocean” only to be immediately taken on a “Misty Mountain Hop” thanks to the hallowed harmonies played by keyboardist Alex Howland (JBLZE member since 2014).
As the relatively unfamiliar opening acoustic guitar of “Black Mountain Side” began to play, the sourpusses saw the moment to expel the bladders. Or take their blood pressure medication who knows? But I was glued to my seat. If not for the amazing musicianship I was witnessing, but I didn’t want to miss any of “the story” that Jason might bestow upon us, with British accent and near comedic timing. I was right in my assumption as Bonzo’s offspring shared what was probably the most emotional story of the evening, as he elaborated on the moment he knew he’d follow in his fathers footsteps. It was at Knebworth in ’79, “When they (Zeppelin) did this particular song, this way, it changed the way I thought about this song…forever. It was one of the best performances my father ever did. And he did a few”. And with a little help from Mr. Sakurai, and a less then familiar opening guitar ensemble, they tore into “Kashmir”.
Young and old alike, and even the grumpier members of the gathering bobbed their heads to the all to familiar throbbing drum beat as they sang all the “Oohs” at just the right moments along with front man Dylan. Feeling spent after the nearly twelve minute jaunt down metal memory lane, Mr. Bonham once again shared his lighter side in his introduction to the next and most iconic of Zeppelin anthems. “It’s not a school night is it?” Was met with an uproarious “No!”. It was however a Monday, even if the majority of the venue had graduated before 1983. After introducing the individual members of his exceedingly tight group he continued “Whether you love this song, or are tired of this song, it’s still a song of hope.” And once again Sakurai flawlessly plucked the opening, perhaps historic, notes to “Stairway to Heaven”, and after nine plus minutes of mesmerizing musicianship, Dylan aptly sang the closing lines to one of, if not thee most iconic songs of all time. Love it or hate, it’s in a human time capsule floating in space, people. Some would believe that THAT song would end the night, however after a delightful quip about “being too old to get off stage and pretend we aren’t coming back, we’ll just stay here and play a couple more”. The band judiciously surged through “Whole Lotta Love” and closed with the snare drum destroying “Rock and Roll” to sheer jubilance by all.
From the opening eeriness of “In the Evening” to the thunderous finale, the performance radiated energy and authenticity. Bonham, leading his tight-knit band through 14 classic Zeppelin tracks, maintained a reverence for the original while putting his own stamp on the iconic songs. His passion for keeping the spirit of Led Zeppelin alive was evident in every beat, every fill, and in the undeniable chemistry between him and the rest of the band. Bonham’s dynamic drumming was the show’s backbone, but it was the collective energy of the band that truly brought the evening to life. The crowd’s enthusiasm grew throughout the show, culminating in a standing ovation that reflected the deep appreciation for this tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time. For fans of both Led Zeppelin and the Bonham legacy, this was a night to remember. I know I will remember and look forward to their return in 2025.
