The Definitive Led Zeppelin Experience Delivers an Incredible Show to Hollywood – Photos and Feature on Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at the Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

If you were one of the lucky few who got to witness the magic of a Led Zeppelin live show, consider yourself a witness to something truly special. Whether it was Zep in their prime with the classic lineup featuring the late John Bonham, or one of the handful of reunion performances featuring John’s son Jason on the drumkit, the band was always an incredible force to behold, and in today’s age of reunions it always surprised me that one of the greatest rock n roll bands of all time weren’t out on the road rocking faces every night. And apparently I wasn’t the only one that thought that way, because Jason decided to take the show on the road, and (with the Zep camp’s permission, of course) bring the Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening to audiences across the country. Finishing up their 2022 tour at the beautiful Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, the band delivered incredible renditions of Zeppelin songs that were impossible to distinguish from the real thing.

Kicking off the festivities that night (and keeping in the father-son theme) was Jager Henry, a band fronted by Jason’s son Jager Henry Bonham on lead vocals. The band was invited out to come open up for the JBLZE, and even though the style of music probably was not what most of the audience listens to, they still seemed to enjoy opening their horizons and listening to something new. Their music was a mix of classic rock with emo stylings, and it reminded me a lot of early Taking Back Sunday. After a few more songs the band finished up their set and dissipated into the backstage, while the long wait for the main event began.

After the roadies expertly broke down the opening band’s gear and smoke began to fill the stage, the lights finally dimmed and the fateful opening notes of Immigrant Song began to play as the band entered the stage. Jamming through excellent renditions of classics Good Times Bad Times and Over the Hills and Far Away, the band smashed the expectations of everyone there. Singer James Dylan, even though he doesn’t look like Robert Plant, sounds exactly like him to an almost scary degree, with an amazing ability to replicate Robert’s voice on the classic records. Guitarist Jimmy Sakurai, on the other hand, not only sounds just like his counterpart Jimmy Page, but shares an uncanny resemblance to the guitarist as well. Listening to the band play hits like When the Levee Breaks and Since I’ve Been Loving You, when you closed your eyes it was impossible to tell the difference from the real thing. In between songs, Jason would regale the crowd with tales of his late father and the short but priceless time he was able to spend with him. Finishing up their time on stage with an incredible three song ending of Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love and Rock and Roll, the band took a final bow and departed from the spotlights.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening is absolutely an experience to behold, and I cannot wait to see them again when they come back to Florida for Welcome to Rockville in 2023!