February 28, 2023 Led Zepagain

Music filled the Kelowna Community Theatre, the rhythm and beat filled my soul. 

It began with the first blast of Rock and Roll and cascaded with energy until the last notes of Whole Lotta Love faded into the night. It wasn’t Led Zeppelin but it was as close as any of us will ever get to see. 

The band was called Led Zeppegain and they lived up to the name. Dressed to the T and rocking out like they lived to play the music I was thrilled to enjoy the music from my youth. It is also the music of my daily life. 

I sat in my seat and the music took over my body. I swayed and rocked to each crashing symbol and soaring guitar. After a couple of songs, my wife suggested we move to the back so we could dance. She looked around nervously at all the people sitting still in their seats and thought I was causing a scene. 

I couldn’t believe the people weren’t standing and dancing, or even sitting and rocking like I was. But sometimes I forget I’m in Kelowna and music fans in my adopted hometown can be a little subdued. Or if I must be completely honest music fans tend to be a bit lame. 

But not me.

So after a few more songs I looked around and saw an unoccupied section except for a couple dancing. I nodded to my wife, “let’s move, let’s go dance.”

With every note of musical bliss, I felt the songs lift my spirit and fill my soul. Seeing these musicians playing the soulful ministrations of the greatest Rock and Roll band of all time was a treat. Forget the Beatles and the Stones. Led Zeppelin is the greatest band there ever was.

And we had the joy of watching a tribute to them that was as close as one could ever expect. 

The clothes, the costumes, and the songs were right out of The Song Remains The Same, the quintessential classic from 1976. It’s hard to believe it has been almost fifty years since that classic film was released. I was a mere lad of six when it came out and my exposure to their music would have to wait another ten years. By the time I discovered the mighty Zep they’d already disbanded and gone on their own with the tragic death of Drummer John Bonham their music career came to a premature halt. 

It would be another ten years until the two leaders of the band, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant would reunite to create the album Walking Into Clarksdale. I was very fortunate to go see them live when they followed that up with a tour. I was there in Vancouver and then in The Hollywood Bowl a few weeks later. When people ask what is the best concert you have ever seen, Invariably the show in Hollywood California wins out. The venture, the moment, and the music were a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In 2014, Heart played in Kelowna with Jason Bonham, the late drummer’s son. They played a set of Zeppelin songs that were musical glory. It was the only other time I’d been able to enjoy the live music of my rock heroes.

Until Monday night. I never thought I’d get to listen to the music of Zeppelin performed live again. When I saw the event advertised I was a bit skeptical that any band could live up to the musical prowess of Led Zeppelin. After thirty-five years of practice, I was not disappointed. 

To put it simply, they rocked.

It took until the encore before the crowd rocked as well.

But rock they did, the fans cheered and the band played a fantastic rendition of Whole Lotta Love, bridged together by Bring It On Home and Communication Breakdown. It was a thrilling tribute to a band I’ve loved my whole life. 

I left the show, my soul soothed by the musical beast.