Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening celebrates one of history’s greatest bands at the Orpheum

by Mike Usinger on February 27th, 2024 at 9:44 AM

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Not that it’s right to compare one child to another, but Jason Bonham has carved out a career that the offspring of [insert your favouite classic rocker here] might deservedly envy. Which explains why he’ll be headlining the Orpheum on April 30, while most kids of your favourite rock stars would have trouble filling Red Gate.

The 57-year-old drummer will be the focal point of a Vancouver night billed as Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, featuring the songs that made his father famous. Tickets go on sale March 1 at 10am.

Born to Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham in 1966, Jason Bonham was already adept on the kit at the age five, appearing briefly in the 1976 concert film The Song Remains the Same. His father died at age 32 in his sleep, choking on his own vomit after a day of heavy drinking while practicing with Led Zeppelin.

By age 15, Jason Bonham was already on his chosen career path, serving as the drummer for his first band Airrace. In the years that have followed, Bonham has played with artists ranging from Slash to Paul Rodgers, formed his own projects including the simply-named Bonham, and performed with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin—Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones—on multiple occasions, including a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1995.

At the moment his projects include JBLZE and the Circle.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening will, as advertised, lean heavily into the hits that made the ’70s rockers one of the most famous groups of all time. As for what Bonham brings to the table, watch this, and try not to cry—knowing that, if you do, you’ve at least got one thing in common with Robert Plant.