Concorde 2, Brighton 15.10.21

Whole Lotta Led give Brighton some Rock n Roll!

Whole Lotta Led are the longest running, full-time professional tribute to Led Zeppelin, some 25 years I think. Since their formation in 1996 the band have continually led the field of Zep tributes and with over 1,500 shows and, interesting fact, they have performed ‘Stairway To Heaven’ more times than any other band in the world – INCLUDING Led Zeppelin.The founding musicians Geoff Hunt (bass) and Nick Ferris (lead guitar) are still full time members. The current line-up, have been in place for almost 10 years, includes Charles Hart (drums) and Lee Pryor (vocals, acoustic guitar & harmonica). This format is augmented by the addition of a guest keyboard player with the resulting five-piece line-up recreating the sounds of Led Zeppelin’s original studio albums to an astonishing level of accuracy.

Whole Lotta Led have always avoided using wigs and costumes, they do not try to ‘be’ Led Zeppelin, it has always been about celebrating the incredible music which Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham created during their illustrious career.

Led Zeppelin are great subjects for a tribute band, and Whole Lotta Led give the originals the full on tribute treatment. They replicate the sound and, well, they bring to “life” one of the biggest rock bands ever. The Led Zep back catalogue continues to sell and their music still appeals to discerning rock fans of all ages. The crowd tonight at Concorde 2 proved that, the large crowd made up of all ages and as Lee said, with a huge smile, it was great to see so many Hippies of all ages in the venue. The crowd reacted with a huge cheer.

Whole Lotta Led have played in Brighton a few times now and thanks to word of mouth and social media their reputation has grown, and with Jimmy Page watching them it really isn’t surprising. They have outgrown the pub/smaller venue circuit a while ago now and tonight impressively, they take to the stage with an almost capacity crowd at Concorde 2.

Playhouse Theatre, Harlow 23.5.19

As a music loving young teenager, the highlight of my weekly television viewing was a Thursday evening at 7pm. Top Of The Pops was essential viewing in our household, introduced with its iconic theme tune, and as I progressed through my teenage years, I soon discovered the origin of the specially recorded CCS cover version of Whole Lotta Love. As my musical tastes expanded, I moved on from the likes of Noel Edmonds and DLT and TOTP, and they were replaced by Fluff Freeman, Jonnie Walker, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Nicky Horne and Radio Caroline. Led Zeppelin were staples for these presenters and programmes, their melding of blues, psychedelia, folk and rock being an almost natural progression from guitarist Jimmy Page’s previous band The Yardbirds. John Bonham’s death in 1980 saw the end of Led Zeppelin as a physical entity, (the ill fated Live Aid performance, and Ahmet Ertegun Celebration Day gig aside) but their music and influence lives on to this day, seemingly stronger than ever. A quick search on the interweb reveals at least half a dozen tribute bands dedicated to keeping the Led Zeppelin flag well and truly flying.

The bar in the Playhouse was buzzing on my arrival, despite the show not being sold out, and the vast majority were obviously Led Zeppelin fans from back in the day, with a few original faded tour t shirts in evidence. Those that had seen the original band in their heyday may have noticed the lack of Marshall amps on the sparsely laid out stage, but all the other elements were in place – a rack of Gibson guitars, including the fabled 18 string double neck, a theremin, and the huge gong situated to the rear of the drum riser.

Whole Lotta Led proudly proclaim on their website “no wigs, no costumes, just music”. As the intro music finishes, and they launch into Good Times, Bad Times, it’s clear that their statement is not just posturing. Whilst their choice of attire is firmly in keeping with the era, and some fairly impressive manes are in evidence, there is no mimicry. Lee Pryor’s vocals have more than a passing nod to those of Robert Plant, and a vocal effects set up means he can recreate some of the studio based parts for some tracks, but that’s pretty much it – none of Percy’s trademark moves, no attempts to replicate Jimmy Page’s flamboyant guitar style. That’s not to say that the musicians can’t cut it, but they seem happy to let the music speak for itself. Homage would be a better choice than tribute.

The first half of the show rattles through several of the obvious choices, interspersed with a few deeper cuts, and also sees the introduction of keyboards for the necessary numbers. The atmosphere in the auditorium seemed a little subdued, although there was plenty of applause as the intermission came round and the assembled multitude headed for the bar.

This year is the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin II, and the second half of tonight’s performance was dedicated to the iconic album in full and in sequence. As the all too familiar riff of album opener Whole Lotta Love flows from the PA system, the ambience in the theatre immediately steps up a couple of notches. The band in turn seem to notice this, and up their game accordingly. As they work their way through the track listing, the quality of musicianship becomes ever more apparent, and nowhere more so than Moby Dick. The original clocks in at around 4:20, although there are reports of Bonham performing for over 30mins on stage. Tonight’s effort lasted around 7 mins, and was enthusiastically received by the audience. Album closer Bring It On Home was followed by the obligatory Stairway To Heaven, and an encore pairing of Black Dog and Rock And Roll brought a standing ovation.

The debate surrounding tribute bands has been ongoing for over a decade, and shows no sign of subsiding any time soon. However, for those of us who weren’t fortunate enough to have caught Led Zeppelin live back in their pomp, Whole Lotta Led give a tiny inkling of what we may have missed.

And for a band that has been so influential to the British music scene for over half a century, is that really such a crime?

Waterfront, Norwich 14.3.19

Whole Lotta Led show once again that – barring another Zeppelin reunion – there’s no one better, says ADAM AIKEN

There’s a Led Zeppelin story from back in 2007, when they got together for their one-off concert at the O2. The legend goes that someone with a link to Zep sidled up to Whole Lotta Led after one of the tribute band’s gigs, and asked for a copy of that night’s running order. A little while later, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham played their triumphant London reunion show – and it quickly became evident that the running order was suspiciously similar to the one handed over by Whole Lotta Led that night. It’s possible, of course, this story has developed over time – but if there’s even a grain of truth to it, it shouldn’t be a surprise, because Whole Lotta Led are the best thing on the circuit when it comes to re-living the music of Zeppelin.
Tonight they have to do it without a keyboard player, which restricts their catalogue if not their performance. It means we don’t get the likes of Misty Mountain Hop, In the Evening or Kashmir, which is a shame, but the four-piece still deliver a potent mix of the songs we expect (such as Stairway to Heaven and Good Times, Bad Times) and deeper cuts, such as Tangerine and The Wanton Song. We also get to hear Led Zeppelin II (half a century old this year) played in its entirety, which means we get The Lemon Song alongside the ubiquitous Whole Lotta Love.
Guitarist Nick Ferris doesn’t miss a note all night, and performances such as during In My Time of Dying show why Page himself has given his blessing to the band.
Geoff Hunt on bass (with the odd cameo on the keys) and drummer Charlie Hart really hit the groove and keep things tight throughout – Hart showing off his skills during Moby Dick, in particular. Drum solos aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re going to get one, this is the one to have.
It’s all topped off by front man Lee Pryor. His vocal range is tremendous and it’s hard to think of anyone else – save for the man himself, of course – who can deliver better renditions of Plant’s vocals.
His best moment comes early on, during the soulful Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, but he’s great throughout.
It would be good to hear them return again as a fivesome, if only to allow them to expand their repertoire once more.
But in the meantime, if there are any spies here tonight doing some scouting ahead of another Led Zep reunion, the reports back to HQ will be that the real thing are going to have their work cut out to match this.

Arlington Arts, Newbury 20.10.18

Led Zeppelin have a very special place in British music and for their legions of fans. There are, not surprisingly, several cover bands around but if there is a better one than Whole Lotta Led I certainly don’t know of them. I have seen Whole Lotta Led quite a few times now and, in my view, one of their great strengths is that they continually update and change their set list. They have been together for 22 years now and quite deliberately do not attempt to be lookalikes. The sound of Led Zeppelin is what they are passionate about and, in that department, they’ve got it nailed. I think even the most fervent Led fan would not be disappointed.

Opening tonight with “Good Times Bad Times” followed by the wonderful “What Is And What Should Never Be” they included what might be described as a citrus pairing in the first half in the form of “The Lemon Song” and “Tangerine”, the latter being possibly one of the lesser known tracks from Led Zeppelin III.

A phenomenal rendition of “Kashmir” ended the first set and sent the packed audience to the bar very happy.

The second half was full of highlights as Whole Lotta Led are currently touring to celebrate 50 years of Led Zep. “In My Time Of Dying” was there, plus “Ramble On”, Black Dog” and, of course, Stairway To Heaven” while “Whole Lotta Love” neatly morphed into a thundering rendition of “Communications Breakdown” and back again. They finished, appropriately, with “Thank You” and for the enthusiastically demanded encore, ” Rock And Roll”.

Led Zep’s musical legacy is very definitely in safe hands with Whole Lotta Led. A great show which fully deserved the rapturous applause it received.

The Town Hall, Hungerford 10/11.8.18

I have seen Whole Lotta Led before but Friday’s show was a rare unplugged performance. It is often said that there is nowhere to hide in unplugged shows and that they will expose any weaknesses in the performer. Whole Lotta Led proved beyond any doubt that their passion for the music of Led Zeppelin and their musicianship is more than equal to the task. They were quite simply superb and the audience of over 100 responded enthusiastically.

Opening with a brilliant rendition of “What Is And What Should Never Be” from Led Zeppelin II followed by an epic version of “Ramble On” from the same album they instantly established their musical credentials and wowed the audience. “Gallows Pole” and “Misty Mountain Hop” were both incredible while “Black Dog” deservedly received a rapturous reception. If there is a better Led Zeppelin tribute out there I have never seen them!

Slowing the pace with the beautiful “Battle Of Evermore” (which originally featured a duet between Robert Plant and Sandy Denny) the band brought guest vocalist Samantha onstage. The track also featured some amazing mandolin work.

Favourites like “Kashmir” and “You Shook Me” along with lesser know songs like “Down By The Seaside” worked wonderfully in unplugged mode and the evening I’m sure gained Whole Lotta Led many new followers, a good many of whom were eager to see the full electric show on Saturday.

With a substantially different set list the electric show acted as a fantastic contrast which highlighted the versatility and musical ability of the band. After 22 years together they have established themselves as the leading Zeppelin tribute! Extensive touring has honed their act and, again they received a great reception from the audience. Dancing and “headbanging” were the order of the day and tracks like “Rock And Roll” and “Dazed And Confused” deservedly evoked a great audience response.

Any Led Zeppelin fan could not fail to be impressed and entertained as Whole Lotta Led tore through classics like “Communications Breakdown”, “Immigrant Song” and, of course, “Whole Lotta Love”.

These two shows were a fabulous way to kick start what I hope will be an ongoing roster of live music shows at Hungerford Town Hall.

The Zephyr Lounge, Leamington Spa 11.3.17

Just over a year after the bands debut Zephyr Lounge show Whole Lotta Led bought their Zep magic back to the venue, unfortunately vocalist Lee was suffering with a cold which although it must have affected his performance (like the whole band I am pretty sure he is a perfectionist when it comes to the music/performance) for me it did not hinder the show at all.

Again the performance weighed in at well over two hours but unlike last year supplied in one mega set and I was impressed by the number of changes bringing in the likes of ‘Celebration Day’ and the rarely heard ‘Royal Orleans’.

Of course the absolute classic Zeppelin knockouts were kept in place so still room for my standout number from last year ‘Ramble On’ where once more I (along with many others I am sure) looked on in amazement at the amazing drumming and work rate of Charles.

Other must haves in the set present and correct a magical ‘Stairway To Heaven’, the Eastern promise of the mighty ‘Kashmir’, ‘Black Dog’ (a real test for Lee on the vocals) and lead guitarist Nicks showpiece ‘Dazed and Confused’.

A special mention must go to a jaw dropping ‘When the Levee Breaks’ for its thunderous drum work, bluesy harmonica and top slide lead guitar and a simply beautiful ‘The Rain Song’.

One encore this evening and no surprise as a large dose of incendiary drumming introduced the mighty ‘Rock and Roll’.

Great show again lads and maybe see you here next year and on another note I am impressed by a few of the changes to the Zephyr since my last visit with the improved stage lighting and stage in general.

Corn Exchange, Hertford 21.1.17

“Whole Lotta Led are Brilliant!!!!!
If this review seems to be biased, well it is!!!!!

I have seen Whole Lotta Led many times over the past few years and they NEVER, EVER disappoint. They are simply genius!!!

I’m never going to get to see the real Led Zeppelin (shame) but as far as I’m concerned, Whole Lotta Led are so, so close to the real Led Zeppelin that I always come away from there gigs totally satisfied and with that massive buzz you get as you walk away from an arena having just seen one of your favourite bands. I love the intimacy of seeing them regularly in small venues, up close and loud. I saw them on a bigger stage at the Brixworth Festival last summer – pure brilliance!! I’m already looking forward to seeing them again in Leamington Spa in March 2017.

I can fully recommend seeing this band. You won’t be disappointed!!!!”

 The Zephyr Lounge, Leamington Spa 13.2.16

A late in the day change from the spacious Assembly to it’s smaller sister the Zephyr Lounge did nothing to hinder this full blooded tribute to the mighty Zeppelin and 2 1/2 hours of the bands most iconic tunes and a few rarities was the order of the day.

This is one of the most impressive tribute acts I have ever witnessed a 5 piece outfit (who’s counting when they were this good !) who concentrated on the music rather than going down the look-a-like route and who are this year celebrating their 20th anniversary.

The line-up included upfront impressive vocalist Lee doing full justice to Mr Plants impressive range and a great story teller to boot, Nick on lead guitar very much the rock god pulling off all the mighty Page riffs and solos with his huge rack of guitars and aircraft control like pedal set-up while at the back Charles gave a momentous Bonham like performance on the sticks, the line up was completed by Geoff on bass and Martin supplying keyboards and at times second guitar.

After a mood enhancing montage intro tape the surprise opener was a stirring ‘In the Evening’ and other first half rarities included a groove filled ‘Night Flight’ and a raucous ‘Custard Pie’.

Blues fans were kept happy early doors with a down ‘n’ dirty ‘You Shook Me’ (fab harmonica by Lee) and an epic ‘In my Time of Dying’ and my personal highlight of set 1 was a magical ‘Ramble On’.

From the start of the second set the audience seemed to have swelled and definitely had made their way closer to the stage and were more ready to rock and this set was chock full of stone cold classics.

On the punchy, full throttle rock side ‘Misty Mountain Hop’, ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Living Loving Maid’ had the first few rows boogieing and head banging and the epics returned with spellbinding performances of ‘Dazed and Confused’, a momentous ‘Kashmir’ and with the addition of the iconic double neck guitar a crowd pleasing ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

All that was needed was a strong finish and the encore was just that with the audience rocking up a storm to the one-two punch of ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Rock and Roll’.

A night to remember for Zeppelin fans performed by Zeppelin fans who just happen to be top rate performers.

The Garage, Highbury 23.1.16

Tribute n. thing said or done or given as a mark of respect or affection.

Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury 5.12.15

Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth 28.3.15

Review by Kelly Lupton

Mr Kyps, Poole 27.2.15

Whole Lotta Led floated down to Mr Kyps and demonstrated why they are such a highly regarded tribute band, kicking off with Good Times, Bad Times (the first Zep album opener) and Houses of the Holy before navigating through the power of pile-drivers like Whole Lotta Love and The Rover, and the delicateness and dynamics of Since I’ve Been Loving You and Thank You amongst other favourites.
Two original members (Nick and Geoff) from the nineties remain, and the now five-piece band (with more keyboard tracks than in their early days) all totally deliver on everything from the thunderous voyage that is Immigrant Song to the clever pop of All My Love, and singer Lee DOES reach all those high notes! As for drummer Charlie – the heart of the band who has nailed the Bonham sound – well, what a player!

The show highlight for me was The Song Remains The Same: it was absolutely superb and surely one of the very best tracks Jimmy Page ever penned – originally as an instrumental that Robert Plant subsequently added suitable lyrics to.
I think only really diehard fans would have been able to recognise one obscure acoustic led track, mid-set (Tangerine), that caught me out… there goes my Mastermind challenge… but it might have made someone’s day!

Led Zeppelin left us such a a fabulous catalogue of songs, and Whole Lotta Led gave us great versions of many faves such as When The Levee Breaks, How Many More Times, Your Time Is Gonna Come, and, of course Kashmir and Stairway To Heaven, topped by a fabulous encore of Black Dog and then Rock and Roll… and they sure did that.

Percy did a great job on the sound desk, as usual, and a good sized crowd were rewarded with the band offering to return again later in the year… that went down as favourably as the preceding 2 hours plus of exciting music. Icing on the cake then!
Thanks to everyone concerned – excellent stuff!

Review by Neil Nicholson

Central Studio, Basingstoke 17.1.15

My mate very generously gave us a couple of complimentary tickets he was given for the
Whole Lotta Led Basingstoke gig 17/1/2015.
I have never been to see a tribute band, and was sceptical from the outset, but I trusted my mates recommendation.
Within the first minute of the first set I knew it was going to be a brilliant night – the sort where you don’t look at your watch, at all!
It is so obvious that every member of the band love the music of Led Zeppelin as much as I do – better still, they can all play really well, in fact, some of them have to rate amongst the best musicians I have ever heard. Not only do they work well as a band playing great music together, they all bring something extra and personal to the show.
Not just a great straight reproduction of the music we all know so well, but a great show with a few subtle personal twists that really added to the show. The organ classical toccata & fugue that segued into ‘Your Time Is Gonna Come’, a brilliant drum solo session in ‘Black Dog’ and the absolutely inspired lead guitar in ‘Stairway To Heaven’, hypnotic, solid bass and great vocals. Totally brilliant – the whole band.
So, if you’re sitting reading this, wondering about seeing Whole Lotta Led, don’t. Buy some tickets, go see them – you won’t be disappointed.

Nice one guys – keep doing it please.

Review by Paul Roberts

Playhouse, Harlow 25.7.13

I will never get to see Led Zeppelin live, so I was looking for a good tribute band to get my
‘Zeppelin fix’!  Friends had recommended Whole Lotta Led, so I went to see them at Harlow last night.
WOW – what a band!!  Every single note was spot on.  The band bought the whole experience of
Led Zeppelin as a live band to the audience without trying to imitate them.
Thank you so much guys.
Even if you have a slight interest in Led Zeppelin go and see this band, you will have a great night.
I can’t wait to see them at Harlow again.

Review by Chris Wright

Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames 19.7.12

Whole Lotta Led are dedicated to recreating the classic studio and live albums of the legendary Led Zeppelin. They’re very much concerned with the quality of the sound rather than original appearances.

Three excellent new musicians have recently joined the original and highly talented band members Nick Ferris (Lead Guitar/Acoustic Guitar/Theramin) and Geoff Hunt (Bass Guitar and Mandolin). They are Lee Pryor (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar & Harmonica), David Wykeham-George (Keyboards/2nd Guitar) and Charlie Hart (Drums).

Whole Lotta Led have an astonishing level of musicianship and enthusiasm. Impressively hard working, they’ve now played over 1,000 live shows and reveal a natural love of this innovative fusion of blues, rock and folk. They keep these powerful and mysterious sounds as fresh and alive as when I first met them in the 90s browsing Zeppelin music stalls in London. They’re an amazing band with integrity and a deep passion for the music they play. If you haven’t seen them, you’ll probably be surprised at how good they are.

Set list: Good Times Bad Times, Misty Mountain Hop, Since I’ve Been Loving You, You Shook Me, Thank You, Your Time Is Gonne Come, Ramble On, What Is And What Should Never Be, Black Dog, Going To California, The Battle Of Evermore, That’s The Way, No Quarter, Moby Dick, Stairway To Heaven, Immigrant Song, Kashmir, Whole Lotta Love, Rock & Roll.

Review by Anthony Weightman

The Brook, Southampton 27.7.12

I saw Whole Lotta Led earlier this year at The Brook with the old line-up and I was suitable impressed to want to come and them play again.
When booking the tickets I saw that there had been a change in the line-up, my thoughts were ‘fingers crossed’ this could be even better.
I have seen the other top rated Led Zep tribute band, who are good, so there was lots of anticipation on what the evenings performance was going to be like. . . .
I persuaded two old buddies to come along with me (they have both been to original Zeppelin concerts).

The Brook 21:00 hrs on 27/07/12.

What a concert. A stunning performance that made me pleased to be there.
The new line-up has raised the level of quality in Whole Lotta Led performance of Led Zeppelin music.
Both my friends and I were suitably impressed.
I could not exhaust enough superlatives to emphasise how much I enjoyed the occasion. Suffice to say I will go and see you play again.

The Band Members.
Nick Ferris – Lead Guitar. The consummate guitarist, a master of Led Zep music.
Geoff Hunt – Bass Guitar. A solid bass player that is totally part the music being performed, equally impressive when playing the mandolin.
Lee Pryor – Singer (guitarist). Great vocals, built a good rapport with the audience, a crowd pleaser.
David Wykerham-George – Guitar / Keyboard. A superb addition in both guitar and keyboard. It works well.
Charlie Hart – Drums. Outstanding, compliments the Led Zep music line-up perfectly.

I look forward to seeing you guys the next time you are at ‘The Brook’.

Keep up the GOOD work.

Review by David Hucklebridge

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon 7.7.12

Allegedly Keith Richards once asked Jimmy Page why he did not take on another guitarist as he was the most overworked guitarist in the music industry. JP replied that it would ruin the format of the band.

At the Brycheiniog Theatre, Brecon on Saturday night (7th July) Whole Lotta Led proved that JP may have not been quite correct with that assumption.

The introduction of David Wykeham-George on second guitar and keyboards was a masterstroke and added depth and a different dimension to the band.

Kashmir and No Quarter were fantastic and near perfect. Whole Lotta Love, despite the Theramin technical glitch, was outstanding with that pulsating depth of the extra guitar.

Not forgetting the other new members….Lee Pryor was brilliant and I bet even Robert Plant wished he could sing that good at Lee’s age. Sorry no insult intended.

Last but not least…..Charlie Hart….a chip off the old Bonham block. What a power drummer.

PS..put up your prices.. you’re worth another tenner !!

Review by Brian Preece

Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 30.6.12

Saw you for the first time last Saturday in Wolverhampton – my wife took me for my birthday. I’m a big Zeppelin fan who was unfortunately a few years too young to catch them live during their last UK tour in 1979 – I have seen “Fred Zeppelin” a Midlands based tribute band at least 10 times so I was curious to see an alternative.

Well when you first came on stage I was surprised to see a mixture of old and young – which wasn’t a bad thing as I prefer tribute bands who try to replicate the music not the looks. What impressed me from the start was the attention to detail on the songs – the big advantage Whole Lotta Led had was having the fifth member who could play keyboards and double up on guitar. This meant that some of the more keyboard orientated songs such as ‘No Quarter’ or ‘You’reTtime Is Gonna Come’ could be tackled but also the keyboard added that extra quality to songs like ‘Stairway’ (with the subtle recorder sound in the intro), ‘Kashmir’ and even ‘Rock And Roll’. We all know Page’s penchant for double/triple tracking guitars so that extra guitar really made a difference to tracks such as ‘Black Dog’ where the second guitar doubled up.

When I first saw the drummer I was skeptical thinking he looked a bit young for the job (but that could have been in comparison to the other members J). I was completely blown away by his talent – the ‘Moby Dick’ sounded amazing and using four sticks (on ‘Four Sticks’) was a nice attention to detail.

As a guitarist myself I thought Nick had captured Jimmy’s sound down to a tee. His lead playing was spot on and I like the fact he had a bit of showmanship too. He used a range of guitars as well – some because of alternate tunings but others simply for the authenticity (the twin neck SG for Stairway) and having a theramin was a great touch. Having a bass player who plays the mandolin also allows the band to play the accoustic numbers that other bands have struggled on – I would love to see you play the Earls Court accoustic set when you come back this way again.

Last but not least I thought the vocalist Lee was great – he didn’t duck away from any of the higher notes and he really put a shift in that night. I know he went a lit bit faint at one point (I think it was that long note in ‘Kashmir’ that did it) but that shows the effort that he was putting in.

All in all a great show. I’m sure that the gig will be a sell out next time – you never know Mr. Plant himself may be watching from the back as he still lives just up the road!

Review by John Knight

Drill Hall, Lincoln 25.11.2011

We all have moments that will stay in our hearts and minds for ever. For many fans one of them will be the first moment that they heard or saw (or if they were very lucky, both at once) their heroes. A certain Nick Ferris first saw Led Zeppelin an incredible 42 years ago at the Bath Blues Festival and his fate was sealed! Other fans were first entranced during Led Zeppelin’s small clubs tour to promote their fourth, now legendary, album in 1971. Nick and some of these other fans met at Lincoln Drill Hall on 25th November – exactly forty years after Led Zeppelin appeared in the tiny Percy Gee building on the University of Leicester’s campus. And the Drill Hall celebrated in style. Nick brought his wonderful tribute band, ‘Whole Lotta Led’, formed with musical partner Geoff Hunt in 1996, and treated the crowd to another unforgettable evening including a complete, almost note-perfect, run through of the very fourth album which so inspired us all those moons ago.

This band are all huge Led Zeppelin fans and it shows. Not for them the ‘lookalike’ route of many of their competitors. Their aim is to produce the sound and the experience of a Led Zeppelin gig as near as possible to the real thing. So, no silly wigs or attempts at body doubles – they are quoted as saying that they feel that this would ‘distract from what they are trying to achieve, which is to play some of the best music ever written’. But there was always more to Led Zeppelin gigs than their exceptional music. The sheer joy and exuberance. The intensity and the intimacy. The rapport between band and fan – to the extent, on occasion, of each fan feeling that the band were performing to them, and to them alone. To have a true Led Zeppelin experience these elements are also vital. And the Drill Hall audience were not disappointed.

Whole Lotta Led are: Nick Ferris (lead electric guitar, acoustic guitar and Theramin), Geoff Hunt (bass, mandolin and keyboard), Lee Addison (vocals and harmonica) and Graham Twist (drums and backing vocals). They also have a ‘fifth’ member Ricky Stivrins, their road manager, who ensures that everything runs like clockwork.

Nick saw Led Zeppelin an amazing four times and still loves to reminisce with fellow fans (and, rather impressively, makes the time to do so at the interval). He is an incredible musician in his own right and has an exceptional collection of guitars, which are displayed onstage before the gig begins. His dedication to producing a performance to remember for Led Zeppelin fans has extended to his purchase of a Gibson Twin Neck for the performance of ‘Stairway to Heaven’, a Gibson Les Paul Standard ’59 (Jimmy Page signature model) and of course the Theramin for ‘Whole Lotta Love’. Not to mention his own unique selection of rock postures and poses which he employs to good effect to the delight of the fans.

Geoff, bassist and multi-instrumentalist, saw Led Zeppelin play live in 1973 and enjoys reliving the time when he was lucky to meet his guitar hero Jimmy Page. (Geoff was originally a guitarist and switched to bass when he joined Nick’s band). During the set he switches effortlessly between instruments: the bass, mandolin (on ‘The Battle of Evermore’ and ‘Going to California’) and keyboard (recorder part in ‘Stairway to Heaven’). A consummate professional, he is irritated by any perceived inaccuracies in the performance, and anxious that the fans should have the best experience possible. They do.

Lee is the closest some of the audience have seen to ‘the spirit of Robert’ in a Led Zeppelin tribute singer. He is passionate about Led Zeppelin’s music and the roots of it, particularly the Blues. His joy in performing is tangible and he plays a mean harmonica too – memorably at the Drill Hall on ‘When the Levee Breaks’. Too young to have seen Led Zeppelin perform live, he soaks up tales from the older fans like a sponge! A relatively new addition to the band, which recently played their 1200th gig at Swansea, he has nevertheless been with the current line-up for eleven glorious years.

The drummer, Graham, is gaining a bit of a reputation for the power and versatility of his performance, most notably in his showcase of John Bonham’s ‘Moby Dick’. Like Nick he has picked his kit carefully, even down to the Zildjian gong. He also provides backing vocals – which extend to the harmonies on ‘The Battle of Evermore’. A gentle, self-effacing drum tutor off stage, his favourite Led Zeppelin song is ‘For Your Life’.

The set at the Drill Hall was perfectly chosen by the band to give maximum enjoyment to the assembled fans and to enable them to demonstrate their fantastic musicianship and immense pleasure in the music they were performing. The singer, Lee, early in the set made a point of telling the audience how very special Led Zeppelin were to him and the rest of the band. Their band is a way of showing their love and respect for the irreplaceable Led Zeppelin and their music. Apart from the complete, and chronological, performance of Led Zeppelin’s fourth album (which, of course, included the ultimate crowd-pleasers ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘Rock and Roll’) in the second half of the show, they included a good mix of classics from other albums in the first half, such as ‘Dazed and Confused’ (from ‘Led Zeppelin’) and ‘Houses of the Holy’ (from ‘Physical Graffiti’). Each member of the band had the opportunity to showcase his own special talent with, most notably, Lee’s harmonica on ‘When the Levee Breaks’, Geoff’s mandolin on ‘The Battle of Evermore’, Nick’s guitar licks on ‘Dazed and Confused’ and, of course, the now legendary Graham on ‘Moby Dick’!

It was a great night for reliving old memories and making new friends and there was even space for a decent amount of air guitar too.

A great band, tribute or not. Catch them while you can. You won’t be disappointed.

Set List:-
Good Times Bad Times
Houses of the Holy
Ramble On
Babe I’m Gonna Leave you
You Shook Me
Dazed and Confused
Moby Dick
In My Time of Dying
—-Interval—-
The Led Zep IV set:
Black Dog
Rock and Roll
The Battle of Evermore
Stairway to Heaven
Misty Mountain Hop
Four Sticks
Going to California
When the Levee Breaks
Encores:
Immigrant Song
Whole Lotta Love (with segment of We’re Gonna Groove)

Review by Liz Hames, The Lemon Tree fanzine. 15.12.11