Live Zeppelin have consistently delivered outstanding performances ever since their formation in 2006. They are known as the best live band on the south west circuit by many audiences as well as the venues themselves.
With an average age of 20, they resurrect the excitement of the original Led Zeppelin live shows. Blistering guitar solos, a thundering rhythm section and, of course, superlative vocals, means this is truly the Zeppelin experience for the fans.
The band stands alone amongst other Zep tributes with a reputation for focusing on the inspired improvisation that was a staple of every Led Zeppelin performance. They have worked hard to be able to ad-lib with explosive energy, while still keeping the core of the songs intact.
Every member of the group is an exceptional musician in their own right; this proves invaluable when attempting to execute notoriously difficult songs that crop up in any Zeppelin set list.
Andy never fails to impress as the band’s drummer. Having been given the unenviable task of replicating the revered John Bonham, he has put everything into making sure he gets it right. Moby Dick is always a highlight of the night; just as it was back in 1970.
Ben has proved to be a formidable force on the guitar, nailing both the subtlety and power of Jimmy Page’s legendary playing. He always puts in 100% into his performance, as do the rest of the band. Songs such as Stairway to Heaven are a guitar player’s Holy Grail, and Ben is more than capable of tackling them.
Louis is the band’s John Paul Jones. Some of the best bass playing in rock history has come out of the Zeppelin back catalogue, and Louis always succeeds in doing it justice. He is also required to recreate Jonesey’s versatility on different instruments, and this is perhaps best demonstrated in other gig highlights, Kashmir and No Quarter.
Finally, Matt is the centre of the band as the vocalist. Robert Plant is often cited as the best rock singer of all time, and tribute bands are usually judged on the quality of the vocals. Thankfully Live Zeppelin have found a star in Matt. He possesses the necessary vocal range that most rival Plant impersonators lack, and he attacks each vocal as if he wrote every word; throwing in subtle ‘Plantisms’ . Aside from his fantastic voice, he has a hypnotic stage presence that keeps audiences in the moment for the entire show.
The band doesn’t have to bother with wigs and jumpsuits to entertain the crowd. They are a tribute to the music for the true fans. This isn’t a bunch of old rockers playing Zeppelin. This is four extremely talented young musicians BEING Led Zeppelin.
EVENING POST PICK OF THE WEEK AND MONTH OF DEC '08
