Jason Bonham's dream of honoring his father's historic career in Led Zeppelin with a multimedia tour is now a reality with the announcement of the Led Zeppelin Experience tour dates. The tour is timed to take place just after the 30th anniversary of his John Bonham's death on September 25th, 1980 and will launch in North America October 8 in British Columbia.
"I can't wait," Bonham said in a press release. "I'm sure it will be an emotional night, especially the first time we do it in front of an audience, but it's a commemoration of Dad's life and my life with the music and the company of Led Zeppelin. And I'm really looking forward to doing it."
Here are the details from a previous announcement: "This is a personal trip through my life with the music of Led Zeppelin," explains Jason, "and how the music influenced me."
Jason played with Robert Plant , Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones at Led Zeppelin's "final" show at London's O2 Arena in 2007, which was heralded as the most powerful Led Zeppelin performance since the group's disbandment. The band received uniformly rave reviews and Jason didn't want to stop after that magical and memorable night.
"When I was offered to put this together over a year ago, it wasn't right," notes Jason. "This September 25th is the 30th anniversary of my father's passing - I thought, what better way to celebrate his life than to do 30 shows for the 30 years he's been gone?"
Bohham has partnered with Annerin Productions - the critically acclaimed producers of The Pink Floyd Experience and Rain, A Tribute To The Beatles - to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert. As Bonham and his band rock through Led Zeppelin's hallowed catalog, a state-of-the-art sound system and light show will enhance their live performance onstage. Behind them, giant screens will display futuristic art and mood-setting home movies and photos. All this will take you though a personal journey into Jason's past and put you at the center of this multimedia event.
After Jason saw Rain, A Tribute To The Beatles , he put together his own show with himself in his father's coveted seat behind the kit.
"I loved 'Rain' and its take on The Beatles ," notes Jason. "The way they used a timeline and news reel to create a mood, and crafted set changes throughout, it was stunning."
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience will offer an epic and intimate evening - an unforgettable night of rock 'n' roll.
"I remember when I went to see Led Zeppelin live in 1979 at Knebworth, there were certain songs that stood out to me and will stay with me forever," Jason recalls. "I will also share other big moments in my life, time with my Dad and my relationship with the band. The show is far from being 'just another tribute band'. I want to make the show as personal as I can and show how much Led Zeppelin means to me."
Led Zeppelin Experience Tour Dates
November 29th - The Centre PAC - Vancouver, BC
November 23rd - Pantages Theater - Los Angeles, CA
November 21st - Fox PAC - Riverside, CA
November 16th - Verizon Theatre - Houston, TX
November 14th - King Center Melbourne, FL
November 13th - Florida Theater Jacksonville, FL
November 6th - Merriam Theatre Philadelphia, PA
November 4th - Bergen PAC Englewood, NJ
November 3rd - Count Basie Theater Red Bank, NJ
November 2nd - The Orpheum Boston, MA
October 30th - Auditorium Theater Rochester, NY
October 29th - Sony Centre Toronto, ON
October 28th - Centre in the Square Kitchener, ON
October 27th - Hamilton Place - Great Hall Hamilton, ON
October 25th - Grand Theatre Quebec City, QUE
October 23rd - Metropolis Montreal, QUE
October 21st - Star Plaza Merrilville, IN
October 20th - Riverside Theatre Milwaukee, WI
October 19th - State Theatre Minneapolis, MN
October 17th - MTS Centre Winnipeg, MB
October 16th - Brandt Centre Regina, SK
October 14th - Southern Alberta Jubilee Calgary, AB
October 13th - Enmax Centre - Red Deer, AB
October 12th - Northern Alberta Jubilee - Edmonton, AB
October 9th - CN Centre - Prince George, BC