JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING @ MOHEGAN SUN

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening came to the Mohegan Sun Arena Sunday for a members only show one night after playing the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford on Saturday. I grabbed my friend Nancy and we headed out to end the spring break from our teaching with some good old rock and roll. This was probably the best crowd I have seen at a members show ever. The lower bowl was jammed and the crowd hung it out to the end, many reliving the music of their youth. This was a night of Zeppelin, all covers and personal stories by Bonham to go along with the songs. I will say it wasn’t Zeppelin but a pretty great cover band.

First, we have a truly amazing vocalist in James Dylan, a guy with a strong and dynamic voice and an impressive range, capable of channeling Robert Plant’s nuances effortlessly. There are not a lot of people who can do justice to one of the greatest rock front men of all time, but he does that and more. Bassist Dorian Heartsong did an impressive job in the four strings front, playing rich bass lines and melodic fills. The occupational hazard that comes with being a bass player is that people tend not to notice you, however looking at his fingers you can tell a different story.

Guitarist Jimmy Sakurai’s resemblance with Jimmy Page is truly uncanny. With shoulder length black wavy hair, a long slender body, and bell-bottom jeans, I initially thought my eyes were deceiving me. He definitely owned the guitar department, delivering all the right feels and notes throughout the night, as he strutted across the stage, or reveled in the spotlight while searing through the famous guitar solos. And last but not least, keyboardist/guitarist Alex Howland added the picture-perfect tonality to the songs when needed. his dexterity infusing crispness and structured clarity to the thunderous sound.

This is Bonham’s show though and the drums were booming.“Immigrant Song” and “Good Times Bad Times” started the evening and then Bonham talked about his dad a little and keeping his legacy alive. “Over the Hills and Far Away”, “Ramble On” and “What Is and Should Never Be” led into a story about how his grandmother made his dad go play with a jazz band and led to John Bonham’s style and sound. “Thanks You”, “The Ocean”, “Fool in the Rain” and “Trampled Under Foot” were next.

He next told a story about his not being appreciative of his father’s talent until 1979. He was a big fan of The Police as a kid and wondered if his father was as good as drummer as Stewart Copeland. To John Bonham’s credit, he took no offense. He did take young Jason to a Police concert. They got backstage although he was ready to punch out Sting, his son told us with a laugh. He then admitted to Copeland being pretty good.”Black Mountain Side” and “Kashmir”concluded the main set.

The band went into “Stairway to Heaven” where in my opinion more phones were out than not. It was amusing from my seat just seeing so many screens. I wonder how many people watch those after the show. Certainly, I have taken a few videos over the years but as far as watching them later not so much. I take a lot fewer videos now and love to enjoy the moment. “Whole Lotta Love” and “Rock and Roll” closed out the evening.

Nancy was happy I dragged her out of the house and we grabbed a cheeseburger for the ride home. We had sushi before the show. So, a spread out surf and turf night. I gave a little money back to the Mohegan Tribe but that also leads to ticket offers so a pretty decent trade off. One of these nights I may even win financially as well as musically.

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