Jason Bonham Talks About His ‘Led Zeppelin Evening’ Show: ‘It Was My Therapy to Get the Led Out…

Jason Bonham, the talented drummer and son of the late Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham, has always had a deep connection to his father’s musical legacy. Yet, it wasn’t until more recently that Bonham decided to take a bold step forward with his tribute show, “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.” The show, which celebrates the music of Led Zeppelin, serves not only as a musical tribute to the iconic band but also as a deeply personal journey for the drummer himself.

 

In a recent interview, Bonham opened up about how the project began. “I started it purely as a therapeutic way to get the Led out of me,” he explained, referring to the years of living under the shadow of his father’s extraordinary legacy with the legendary British rock band. Bonham, who was just 14 years old when his father tragically passed away in 1980, has spent much of his life both honoring and carrying the weight of his father’s immense influence in the rock world.

 

The idea behind “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening” was born out of Bonham’s own struggles to deal with his legacy and, more importantly, his own personal grief. He had already performed with the band in various capacities, including on the famous 2007 Led Zeppelin reunion show in London, but it wasn’t until the formation of his tribute band that Bonham truly embraced his heritage as a way to connect with both his past and his present.

 

The show, which first hit the road in 2010, quickly garnered attention for its energetic performances and uncanny ability to channel the spirit of Led Zeppelin’s live shows. From the opening riffs of “Good Times Bad Times” to the thunderous drum solos during “Moby Dick,” Bonham’s performances are a testament to his father’s incredible drumming style and the power of Led Zeppelin’s music.

 

“I’ve always felt the pressure of being John Bonham’s son,” Jason admitted. “But this show allowed me to express myself, to honor him in a way that felt right for me, without feeling like I had to imitate him.” That sense of authenticity has been key to the success of his tribute show. While Bonham certainly pays homage to his father’s drumming style, he also brings his own personality and flair to the performances, making each show a unique experience.

 

What sets “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening” apart from other tribute acts is not only Bonham’s drumming but also the carefully selected band of musicians that support him. Each member is chosen for their ability to capture the essence of Led Zeppelin’s sound, while still leaving room for their own creative contributions. The show’s setlist spans the full range of Led Zeppelin’s discography, from their early blues-inspired tracks to their more experimental later works, and even includes a few surprises for hardcore fans.

 

The tribute show’s success is not just about paying tribute to the music—it’s about healing and embracing the past. Bonham’s reflections on his journey suggest that, in many ways, “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening” has been his own form of catharsis, helping him come to terms with the legacy of both his father and the iconic band he was a part of. “It’s been a healing process, for sure,” Bonham said. “And it’s allowed me to share the music I love with people in a way that feels right.”

 

As the show continues to tour, fans around the world are treated to an experience that transcends mere nostalgia. It’s a powerful, personal journey through the music that defined a generation—one that both honors the past and keeps the spirit of Led Zeppelin alive for future generations. For Jason Bonham, it’s much more than a tribute—it’s a way to keep his father’s memory and his own unique musical identity alive, long after the final note fades away.