Calling all Led Zeppelin fans because I want to make sure you know about the show at The State Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to town and it’s a chance to see a whole lotta Zeppelin songs performed by a first-rate band led by drummer Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham.
Jason Bonham
SHOW INFO:
WHEN: 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29
WHERE: The State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland.
HOW MUCH: $30 to $65, reserved seating
TICKETS & INFO: Statetheatreportland.com
Here’s a clip of Jason Bonham and his band doing their thing with “Kashmir”
This got me thinking about some of my favorite Led Zeppelin covers. Their music is of course sacred and you have to both brave and damn good at what you’re doing to pull this off well.
Here are 13 times that I think the artists got it right by respecting the original while also completely making it their own.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Stanley Jordan. About a million years ago, I saw Jordan perform this live. He’s phenomenal and he uses a technique called two-handed tapping. I don’t know about any of this technical stuff but I do know that he’s incredible. Here’s a live clip of Jordan performing the song.
“The Battle of Evermore” by SHEL. SHEL is four sisters from Colorado and they are hands down my favorite band of 2016, but that’s a whole other story. Their self-titled album was released in 2012 and on it you’ll find their stunning take on “The Battle of Evermore.” This past year I’ve seen SHEL perform this live four times and four times I was at a loss for words. Take a listen.
“Thank You” by Tori Amos. She also does justice to “Whole Lotta Love” but her take on “Thank You” is heart-rending and holy bananas great.
“Going to California” by Never the Bride. They’re an English band that I know very little about. But here’s what I do know. In 1995 a Zeppelin tribute album called “Encomium” was released. Honestly, I’ve never been too hot on it save for this one by Never the Bride. Give it a listen.
“Going to California” by The String Quartet. Because it’s gorgeous.
“Immigrant Song” by Karen O with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. This was used in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and it’s sooooooo great.
“The Ocean” by Laura Veirs. Because it’s so freakin’ cool and that’s reason enough.
“All My Love” by Bettye LaVette. Because it’s so different. Wow.
“Black Dog” by Deborah Harry. Because she can do whatever she damn well pleases. This isn’t really that good but again…it’s Deborah Harry.
“Bron-Yr-Aur” by Laura Marling. Very cool take on this instrumental tune from “Physical Graffiti”
“Rock and Roll” by Susan Tedeschi. Hell yes.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Dolly Parton. Wait. WHAT? Dolly Parton covers this? I didn’t know this either but take a listen. Because hello, Dolly!
“When The Levee Breaks” by Kristin Hersh. She’s another artist who can do whatever she wants and it usually sounds awesome.