Led Zeppelin — ëƵCelebration DayëƵ
It certainly has been a long time since I rocked and rolled to the sounds of Led Zeppelin.
I fondly recall purchasing the legendary bandëƵs debut effort and being completely blown away with the raw power delivered by songs like ëƵDazed and Confused,ëƵ ëƵCommunication BreakdownëƵ and ëƵBabe IëƵm Gonna Leave You.ëƵ
Later in high school, it seemed as if everybody owned a copy of the bandëƵs classic fourth album with no name. ëƵCelebration DayëƵ is truly a time to revel in Led ZeppelinëƵs greatness as fans get to experience the band reunited Dec. 10, 2007, for a one-night only reunion show as a tribute to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. This performance marks the bandëƵs first headlining show together since disbanding in 1980 after drummer John BonhamëƵs untimely death. Founding members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are joined on stage with Jason Bonham filling in on drums for his late father. From the thunderous guitar riffs and pounding drums of the show opener, ëƵGood Times Bad Times,ëƵ to the rousing encore closer, ëƵRock and Roll,ëƵ the seasoned rockers shake off the rust and get the ëƵled outëƵ during the two-hour set. Plant is in fine voice belting out the lyrics to ëƵBlack Dog,ëƵ ëƵMisty Mountain TopëƵ and the all-time rock classic ëƵStairway to HeavenëƵ with the same swagger the charismatic frontman delivered back in 1971. Page shows why heëƵs one of rockëƵs greatest guitarists, providing the fiery licks to ëƵRamble On,ëƵ ëƵNobodyëƵs Fault But MineëƵ and the epic showstopper ëƵKashmir.ëƵ
Jones shines on bass and keyboard on the stirring ëƵDazed and Confused,ëƵ while Bonham demonstrates that he is his fatherëƵs son, hammering out the beat on ëƵTrampled Under Foot.ëƵ While many of Led ZeppelinëƵs signature songs are performed, the band surprisingly delivers a rousing version of ëƵFor Your Life,ëƵ a track they have never performed live. At times, the performance seems bittersweet as fans relish hearing the band recapture the glory days of the 1970s, yet realize that a more permanent reunion will likely never happen. For now, simply enjoy one of the greatest rock bands of all time performing some of the greatest rock songs ever. Rejoice and celebrate.