Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, discussed his ongoing celebration of Led Zeppelin’s music through his project, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (JBLZE).
Bonham, who launched the tribute band in 2010 (originally known as Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience), explained his enduring passion for performing his father’s band’s iconic songs. “It would have stopped many years ago if we didn’t feel that people liked it, for one, and if I didn’t enjoy it,” Bonham told ABC Audio. “It just says something about the music … that’s the main thing.”
Currently, JBLZE is on tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s classic double album, “Physical Graffiti,” by performing the album in its entirety alongside other Zeppelin staples. Bonham noted that this is the first time they have performed a complete Zeppelin album on tour, which helps keep the performances fresh.
“Physical Graffiti” holds a special place for Bonham, as it’s his “favorite album” from Led Zeppelin, largely due to the inclusion of “Kashmir.” He believes the track showcased the band reaching “another level,” noting its lasting influence on other musicians incorporating “Eastern promise” into their riffs.
Despite having numerous other musical projects throughout his career, Bonham’s commitment to playing Led Zeppelin’s music remains strong. “I do it for passion and the love of the music and the people that come to see it,” he stated. “You know, once they stop coming, then we’ll stop playing it, I guess.”
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Celebrating 50 Years of Physical Graffiti kicked off on May 3rd in Wallingford, Connecticut, and is scheduled to conclude on May 21st in Los Angeles.