Jason Bonham has been celebrating his father John Bonham and Led Zeppelin in concert for almost 15 years. But today, the drummer has a secret weapon that enhances his show: guitarist Akio “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai.
On Tuesday night (Nov. 26), “Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening” tour made a stop at the historic Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York.
Get tickets to Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin night here
Performing Led Zeppelin's music is no easy task, especially considering Jason's father was one of the greatest drummers of all time. In fact, John Bonham reached number 1 on ConsequenceRecent list of the 100 greatest drummers of all time.
That said, Jason goes a step further, not only covering Led Zeppelin songs, but in some cases, tackling specific live versions of songs from legendary Zeppelin concerts. Good luck to most people trying to replicate John Bonham and Jimmy Page's parts in those cases, but Jason is a very skilled drummer and is now armed with a guitarist who has dedicated his life to emulating Page.
Akio “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai has spent years mastering nearly every note Page has played, along with the guitar icon's stage moves and gestures; Not to mention that it also bears a strong resemblance to the legend of Led Zeppelin. It is even the subject of a recent documentary, mister jimmywhich chronicles his dedication to mastering all things Jimmy Page.
When the band opened the set with songs like “in the Evening,” “Good Times Bad Times,” and “Ramble On,” it was immediately evident how much time was spent rehearsing and mastering these classic tunes. The highlight was an epic performance of “Dazed and Confused,” with Mr. Jimmy plucking a violin bow to play a psychedelic guitar solo, as made famous by Page during memorable Zeppelin concerts.
Hits like “Over the Hills and Far Away” and “Kashmir” highlighted the second half of the set, as did the all-time classic “Stairway to Heaven.” After singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, Jason and company closed with stirring renditions of “Whole Lotta Love” and “Rock and Roll.”
Of course, the band isn't just Jason and Mr. Jimmy. Singer James Dylan does a solid job on vocals and displays a strong range. Unlike Mr. Jimmy, he doesn't try to emulate Robert Plant (again, that would be a very difficult task), but instead lets the spotlight shine on Jason and Mr. Jimmy. The line-up is rounded out by Dorian Heartsong on bass and Alex Howland on keyboards, each talented musicians in their own right.
Throughout the show, Jason shared stories of his father and Led Zeppelin. One funny memory involved a young Jason telling his father that The Police's Stewart Copeland was a better drummer than him, and ended with a backstage confrontation involving John Bonham and Sting.
Jason also expressed his genuine love for his late father throughout the set and his gratitude to the fans for allowing him to celebrate Led Zeppelin's music.
Perhaps the most admirable aspect of the tour is Jason's willingness to let Mr. Jimmy share the spotlight at every concert. While Jason's name is on the marquee, there are actually two stars of the show, and it's a treat for fans to see a pair of masters at work.
“Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening” tour will take place on December 16 in Tampa, Florida, with tickets available through Ticketmaster either StubHub. Check out our photos and fan-filmed video from the Port Chester concert, as well as the setlist, below.
Song list:
In the afternoon
Good times Bad times
ramble
What is and what should never be
heartbreaker
When the dam breaks
Achilles' last battle
Dazed and confused
the ocean
Over the hills and far away
Misty mountain jump
Black mountain side
cashmere
stairway to Heaven
Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver version with audience voice)
much love
rock and roll
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