Battle of the Bands Results: In Honor of Little Richard Zeppelin beats The Boss Handly

Sadly the world lost Little Richard. My battle of the bands play tribute to him by selecting his song "Long Tall Sally." Bruce might be the boss but he is not the mighty Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin wasn't just Robert Plant. This might not be his finest vocal performance as one reader commented:

"I think this could be titled 'Battle Of The Screamers'"

As noted by another reader:

"They have Jimmy Page... "

The band also had John Bonham and John Paul Jones which together made them Led Zeppelin. It is all math 4 greats better than 1. The votes agreed 5 to 1.

Let's celebrate:

 

                                                  

                                                  "Celebration Day"

"Over the Hills and Far Away"

"Rock and Roll"

Hope you enjoyed! I will have another battle on the 1st!

Jason Bonham Leaves California Breed

California Breed with "The Way"

Jason Bonham has certainly been busy lately touring with Sammy Hagar (currently), his own Led Zeppelin Experience, and with Heart. Rumor has it he is apparently going to be the drummer on the new Phil Collins album.

Jason with Sammy Hagar performing Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll"

I enjoyed Jason Bonham working with Glenn Hughes in their last band Black Country Communion..

Here is "I Can See Your Spirit"

I thought these bands would steer Jason a bit out of his Father's shadow. Being in a band that isn't a Zeppelin cover band or a band with a similar sound. Jason is a heck of a drummer but being the son of John is a blessing and a curse I would imagine.

Anyway I was looking forward to catching California Breed live somewhere down the road..

Here they pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin...(Mr. Hughes was in Deep Purple)

Oh well. I enjoyed Jason in a rock trio setting while it lasted..

I wish him luck in whatever he pursues. I mean I have been following him since the 80's. Catching him live in 1988 with Jimmy Page and again in 2012 with Black Country Communion.

Led Zeppelin: The Last Show

34 years ago today, the mighty Led Zeppelin played their last official show in Berlin, Germany on July 7, 1980. Here is a recording of the show..

Like the Alpha and Omega Led Zeppelin reached out to perform one of the songs they used to play when they first started "Train Kept-A-Rollin.'"  Zeppelin then played a blues rocker in "Nobody's Fault But Mine" followed by the classic "Black Dog."

Kick in a newer song "In the Evening" followed by another classic "The Rain Song" and then play a fun song in "Hot Dog."

Yes the In Thru the Outdoor album was well represented with "All of My Love" and "Trampled Underfoot." Then returning to the blues with "Since, I've Been Loving You."

Then showcase Jimmy Page on "White Summer-Black Mountain Side" before finishing strong with "Kashmir" and the required "Stairway to Heaven." The encore would be "Rock and Roll" and "Whole Lotta Love."

The concert was stripped down. Lengthy stables from the past like "No Quarter," "Dazed and Confused"  and Bonham's "Moby Dick were scratched in favor of new material  and other gems.

They were rehearsing for a tour of America when John Bonham died and cut the band's career short. Luckily we have recordings to hear what was and what will never be.

Celebrating John Bonham's Birthday

On this date, May 31, 1948 John Bonham was born. He went on to be the power house drummer in Led Zeppelin. He died too soon essentially ending the band. Todsay we celebrate the music he left behind.

Here is John Bonham with Robert Plant before Zeppelin took flight in The Band of Joy...

Here he is with Led Zeppelin in 1977 performing Moby Dick..24 minutes worth of Bonzo...

Here is a shorter piece "Bonzo's Montreux"

Here is a rare interview with Robert Plant and John Bonham circa 1970

Below is a report of his death on the news...

Thanks for the songs, the thunder in the rock, you are missed...