Concert Summary:
JASON BONHAM LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE
University of Buffalo Center for the Arts

     In the Name of the Father…..It was 30 years ago this past September 25th a day that will live in infamy in the annuls of Rock & Roll as JOHN HENRY "Bonzo" BONHAM was suddenly & sadly lost to the music masses. As if this tragedy wasn't enough to bear for Family & Friends, the powerfully precise Drummer's untimely death ultimately ended the reign of the Mighty LED ZEPPELIN.
     "Bonzo's" legacy didn't end with the celebrated ZEPPELIN body of work; he also left behind a son named JASON who would one day follow in his footsteps; a career path that would be filled with lofty expectations & unavoidable comparisons to his legendary lineage.
In the years that followed JASON BONHAM has carved out more than a respectable career at the age of 44 sporting several High Hats, fronting his own Band BONHAM for nearly a decade as well as joining established Groups the likes of UFO & MICK JONES & FOREIGNER with whom he recorded & toured with up until 2008.
     Since leaving FOREIGNER to pursue other musical endeavors BONHAM has been incredibly busy to say the least. In between two legs of the LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE Tour, which commenced this past fall, he's kept right on rolling along recording two Albums in less then a year with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION featuring legendary Metal vocalist GLENN HUGHES & Guitar virtuoso JOE BONAMASSA. Music's newest old school Rockers are set to follow up their critically acclaimed BCC 1 with the release of BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION 2 on June 14th. BONHAM & company will be hitting the road in June in support of BCC 2 with a handful of select U.S. Dates before embarking on a European Summer Festival Circuit. Visit www.bccommunion.com for dates & Ticket information.
     If that's not enough pedal pounding BONHAM most recently managed to sprinkle in a handful of U.K dates Drumming for the Voice of BAD COMPANY PAUL RODGERS solo Band accompanying longtime HEART Guitarist HOWARD LEESE & booming Bassist LYNN SORENSON.
It only seems appropriate that Buffalo, NY would make the JASON BONHAM LED ZEPPELIN Experience Tour as this City & LED ZEPPELIN have had quite the tumultuous history.
     Undoubtedly Buffalo has hosted many a memorable evening musically over the years, but two tickets that were sadly never torn at the turnstile occurred on August 6th 1977 when the LED ZEPPELIN show scheduled for Rich Stadium was cancelled due to the tragic death of ROBERT PLANT'S son Karac.
     Buffalo once again felt the Hammer of the Rock Gods as the November 1st 1980 Tour date at Memorial Auditorium was cancelled due to the untimely death of ZEPPELIN drummer JOHN BONHAM.
     It's been over thirty years since those somber turn of events occurred, now 2011 finds JASON BONHAM sharing his Fathers memory and musical legacy with the Celebration that is the JASON BONHAM LED ZEPPELIN Experience.
     From the moment BONHAM stepped on stage his enthusiasm & passion were infectious as his Band tore through several gems from the early LED ZEP collection. It's clear that the veteran Drummer is as humbled & awe struck as the fans while performing the songs, that didn't stop him from absolutely abusing the skins throughout the night as his kit rumbled like a locomotive.
     The Music was accompanied by several video segments from the BONHAM home movie library which brought cheers, tears & laughter throughout the night.
      While each member of LED ZEPPELIN is virtually impossible to emulate one of the most insurmountable tasks is to find someone to fill the Tall Cool shoes of ROBERT PLANT. JASON BONHAM like many other Bands such as JOURNEY & YES turned to You Tube to find vocalist JAMES DYLAN.
     DYLAN absolutely nailed it capturing the intensity of each song; while he may not sport the locks of "Percy" he most certainly possessed the potent primal scream of PLANT.
     Lead Guitarist TONY CATANIA played with a fury throughout the evening breaking out the bow & double neck for "Dazed & Confused" & "Since I've Been Loving You".
      He too is no stranger to the tour circuit; CATANIA has been with JASON BONHAM for quite some time with recording credits on BONHAM'S "When You See the Sun" & "In The Name of My Father". CATANIA has also toured with RONNIE JAMES DIO, IRON MAIDEN Front man BRUCE DICKINSON & The SCORPIONS
     A few of the many highlights of the show were a spine tingling rendition of "Moby Dick" as the wonders of technology once again played a part with JASON seated at the right hand of his Father playing simultaneously via a movie screen.
     "Thank You" included a reflective montage of never before seen home movies from the BONHAM family archives; throughout the show JASON truly seemed touched by the spirit of his Father & Family.
     As the evening commenced BONHAM shared some behind the scenes footage from December 10th 2007 the date of the now famous O2 Arena Reunion show; the long awaited gathering of the surviving members of LED ZEPPELIN performing with JASON BONHAM proudly sitting at the kit representing his Father.
     One can only surmise what emotions flowed through BONHAM on that night as he shared the stage & the music with his Dad's longtime mates; one thing is for certain he continues to do himself & the BONHAM Legacy proud.
     The Band closed out the night with JASON BONHAM pumping his chest shouting "From us to You, with a "Whole Lotta Love".
     While long overdue and if only for a few hours the Mighty LED ZEPPELIN finally took flight here in Buffalo.
     The Rock Rapport would like to Thank Bari Lieberman from MSO PR. We would also like to Thank Thom Jennings & Gus Griesinger of www.backstageaxxess.com for sharing their set list & photos.
     Lastly we would like to Thank the fine folks from the University of Buffalo Center for the Arts Staff.

********************PEACE & Harmonies*******************

Set One Rock and Roll Celebration Day Immigrant Song Your Time is Gonna Come Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You What is and What Should Never Be The Lemon Song Thank You Dazed and Confused Moby Dick w/ drum solo Set Two I'm Gonna Crawl Since I've Been Loving You The Rain Song Over the Hills and Far Away Stairway to Heaven Kashmir Encore Whole Lotta Love