On December 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London's O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for dear friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Founding members John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant reunited for the sold-out performance, joined by Jason Bonham, son of their late drummer John Bonham, to perform 16 songs from their iconic catalogue, including landmark tracks, “Whole Lotta Love”, “Rock And Roll”, “Stairway To Heaven” and of course, “Kashmir”.
Led Zeppelin | “Kashmir” [Live from Celebration Day]
In a “two-hour-plus tour de force” the band proved why, despite a lengthy live absence, they remain the undisputed masters of rock 'n' roll. The mammoth power of their signature, blues-infused sound is as potent and commanding as ever, leading the crowd – which was stacked with notable attendees – on an epic and transformative experience that is the legendary Led Zeppelin catalogue.
This performance of “Black Dog” hits the accelerator at the 3:30 mark when Robert Plant confirms he can still muster the soaring vocal range of his younger days (and then some) before Jimmy Page rips into a blistering solo that secures his ‘Guitar God’ status.
Led Zeppelin | “Black Dog” [Live at Celebration Day]
Stepping into his father’s place, Jason Bonham definitely had some big shoes to fill. Adding to an already nerve-racking situation was the fact that drumming heroes like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters & Nirvana), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Steve Gorman (Black Crowes) were all in attendance, watching his every move behind the kit. But if Bonham Jr was feeling the pressure, he didn’t let it show, embellishing his father’s parts with a taste of his own flair while bashing the hell out of the kit.
Celebration Day was a once in a lifetime event, marking the last time Led Zeppelin ever performed live together. In the recent avalanche of reunion announcements, we can only hope and pray, but luckily for us, this masterclass of rock and roll has been meticulously preserved as a timeless lesson for generations to come.
Listen to Celebration Day (Live at O2 Arena, London) on Spotify:
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