John Bonham, or Bonzo, as he was affectionately known, was considered THE BEST drummer of all time before his tragic death in 1980. Carrying the weight of his late father’s legacy, son Jason Bonham – a drummer in his own right since the age of 5, has carved his own name out amongst his musical peers and fans as the real deal and worthy successor to his dad’s crown.
Having played in countless bands over the years including AIR-RACE, Bonham and Motherland which have earnt him Grammy nominations and credibility, Jason was then asked to step into his late father’s shoes by invitation of Jimmy Page and played with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin in New York City in 1988. Since then Jason has played with a number of other bands, including other Led Zeppelin reunions and has now formed his own project – The Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening which is a tribute to his father’s music.
In fact it was playing in the Led Zeppelin reunion in 2007 that sparked interest in wanting to start the Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Experience. “To be in that band is a phenomenal feeling,” says Jason on playing with the original Led Zep. “You can’t really describe it regardless of whether your Dad was in the band or not, it’s just one of the greatest experiences to be in that seat and playing those songs, it’s a dream come true.”
With such a vast and iconic catalogue to choose from, the hardest part for Bonham is deciding the set-list. “You never want to leave anything out,” he confirms. “There were so many sides to the band – the acoustic side, the blues side – there are so many great songs we can play.”
After a sell-out Australian tour in 2018, The Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening returns for 2023. It’s a band of accomplished and virtuoso musicians hand-picked by Bonham to justifiably bring the Led Zep canon to blistering life. “It’s the greatest to represent my family and play these songs live!”
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening April 2023 Tour Dates
Wednesday 5th April, PERTH – Astor Theatre
Friday 7th April, MELBOURNE – Palais Theatre
Saturday 8th April, SYDNEY – Enmore Theatre
Sunday 9th April, BRISBANE – Tivoli Theatre
Tuesday 11th April, ADELAIDE – Hindley Street