Concert Reports

JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHYSICAL GRAFFITI ON  U.S. TOUR – INCLUDING A STOP AT VINA ROBLES AMPHITHEATRE
 

All Photos: Ray Soto / Central Coast Rocks

JasonBonham.net

JagerHenry.com

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On the heels of a successful tour that wrapped last December, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening/JBLZE is back with another round of U.S. dates. The latest tour is a first for JBLZE as it is focusing on the 50th Anniversary of the Led Zeppelin classic, Physical Graffiti. The latest 21-city trek is billed as An Evening with JBLZE Celebrating 50 Years of Physical Graffiti. JBLZE has never done a tour that was centered around a specific Led Zeppelin album before as Bonham live celebrates all things about his father, drumming legend John Bonham. The show featured all the selections from Physical Graffiti performed alongside numerous other Led Zeppelin classics. The tour kicked off on May 3 in Wallingford, CT and ran across the country when it wrapped May 31 in Los Angeles, CA. Along the way, the tour made stops in Wheeling, WV (May 07), Nashville, TN (May 15), Phoenix, AZ (May 23), San Diego, CA (May 28) and Paso Robles at Vina Robles Amphitheatre (May 29) to name a few markets.

From the opening notes of “Custard Pie,” from the Led Zeppelin classic, Physical Graffiti, Jason Bonham and band had the capacity crowd at Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles on their feet to not only reminisce about music past but also enjoy a fresh dose of the songs from the classic album.

The band included the components of vocalist James Dylan, bassist Dorian Heartsong, keyboardist Alex Howland and guitarist (Mr.) Jimmy Sakurai. Each member recreates their part immaculately to where if you close your eyes you may think you are listening to the original Zeppelin but somehow with a fresh sound. Anchored by Jason’s solid backbeat that only a Bonham is fit to recreate, the evening was in celebration of Physical Graffiti in its entirety but not in order to keep the evening in suspense and the crowd guessing. Jager Henry ( Bonham’s Son ) opened up the show.

“This is my favorite Led Zeppelin album of all time. Being able to celebrate it the way we are planning on this tour is something I am extremely excited about. I can’t wait for people to come out and see these shows and celebrate this extraordinary record with us. My goal is to play at least 50 shows to commemorate 50 years…And don’t worry there will be plenty of other songs that you also love played that night,” explains Jason Bonham.

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening is amplifying its celebration of the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's eminent album “Physical Graffiti” by extending their tour dates due to overwhelming demand and success. Initially, the band had a planned set of appearances, but multiple sellouts and enthusiastic reception from fans have prompted an additional 22-city trek. These performances are slated to commence on August 1, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, and culminate on August 31 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This tour, titled “An Evening With JBLZE Celebrating 50 Years Of Physical Graffiti,” promises not only a full playthrough of the iconic album but will also feature other Led Zeppelin classics like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Stairway to Heaven.”

The enthusiasm from the audience can in part be attributed to Jason Bonham's deep personal connection to Led Zeppelin, notably his father, John Bonham, who was the original band's legendary drummer. Bonham has spoken about the tour with great excitement, notably remarking that “Physical Graffiti” is his favorite Led Zeppelin album. His aim is to perform at least 50 shows in this celebratory tour, encapsulating his affection and admiration for the album while offering fans a nostalgic experience filled with vivid performances of their beloved tracks. The tour's objective is not merely a tribute to his late father but a celebration of the musical genius that Led Zeppelin imbued throughout their career, fostering a shared experience for fans new and old.

About Jason Bonham

Jason Bonham always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo for a myriad of the most legendary artists of all-time. It’s the place where he initially realized his destiny as a kid. It’s a tried-and-true safe harbor for the expression of his purest emotions. It’s a direct conduit to his late father and Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Following stints with Airrace and Virginia Wolf, he handled drums on Jimmy Page’s gold-certified Outrider. During 1988, he notably accompanied Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant behind the kit for Led Zeppelin at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert. Beyond helming solo projects such as Bonham and The Jason Bonham Band, he appeared in Rock Star with Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anniston. Plus, he lent his talents to Foreigner, Little Steven, Joe Bonamassa, and Paul Rodgers.

He held down the drums for Led Zeppelin’s 2007 reunion at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert—which set the Guinness World Record® for “Highest Demand for Tickets for One Music Concert.” The evening spawned the Celebration Day concert film and multiplatinum album, debuting Top 10 on the Billboard 200, selling three million-plus copies, and garnering a GRAMMY®. Other notable projects have included Black Country Communion (Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, and Derek Sherinian) and California Breed (Hughes and producer and guitarist Andrew Watt). He joined Sammy Hagar and the Circle with Van Halen’s Michael Anthony and Vic Johnson. In 2010, he introduced Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (JBLZE), packing venues coast-to-coast and supporting everyone from Heart to Kid Rock. A spectacle of top-flight musicianship, arresting visuals, mind-blowing lighting, and emotionally charged storytelling, Rolling Stone hailed its “set of Led Zep gems that were strikingly faithful to the originals,” while Billy Joel personally handpicked JBLZE to open a handful of dates. Ultimately, Jason remains forever at home on the drums.

Connect with Jason Bonham/JBLZE at:

Website: www.jasonbonham.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JasonBonhamOfficial

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jasonbonham/

X:  x.com/Jason_Bonham

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jasonbonham66

About Vina Robles Amphitheatre

Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.

The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here
 

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