Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening Brings Physical Graffiti to Life in Hollywood

All images by Larry Marano

Jason Bonham delivered a reverent and electrifying tribute to his father's legendary band in November performing Led Zeppelin's double album Physical Graffiti in its entirety to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Live witnessed something special: a son honoring his father's legacy with both technical precision and genuine emotional depth.

From the opening crunch of "Custard Pie," Bonham's band proved they weren't simply going through the motions of a tribute act. The musicianship was exceptional throughout, with particular highlights including a haunting "In the Light" that captured the original's atmospheric mystery and a "Ten Years Gone" that soared with genuine poignancy. Bonham himself commanded the kit with his father's powerful style while adding his own subtle flourishes, never overshadowing the material but enhancing it with lived-in authenticity.

The deep cuts shone brightest. "Bron-Yr-Aur" offered an intimate acoustic moment, while "Night Flight" and "Boogie With Stu" reminded everyone why Physical Graffiti remains Zeppelin's most adventurous work. "Kashmir" was predictably massive, its orchestral swagger filling every corner of the venue, and the encore of "Whole Lotta Love" and "Rock and Roll" sent the audience into rapturous celebration.