Would You Watch a Led Zeppelin Semi-Reunion Tour?
Imagine if iconic guitarists Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, along with drummer Jason Bonham, decided to tour without Robert Plant, and instead had another singer? Would you be interested in seeing such a Led Zeppelin semi-reunion tour?
No, not while Plant is still alive, of course. If I had the opportunity to see a Led Zeppelin performance, I wouldn't miss it. Led Zeppelin is that kind of band; they can never replace the magic without their original members. That's why it was the right call for the band to conclude their journey when John Bonham passed away.
Previous Attempts: Steven Tyler and Myles Kennedy
They did try with Steven Tyler, but that didn't work out. And when Myles Kennedy was brought in, it still didn't quite fit. What gives? Astonishingly, Steven Tyler even stated that the band wouldn't be called Led Zeppelin under those circumstances.
Alternative Outcomes
But what if a suitable replacement was found and the band was renamed? I would be interested in attending such a performance. The key would be a different lead singer with unique skills who could reinterpret Led Zeppelin's classics in a fresh way. If they could get an unknown singer who brings a new perspective and a different talent set than Robert's, it could prove to be a worthwhle experience.
Of course, it sounds intriguing, but it would likely not be as captivating as seeing Led Zeppelin with Plant, given the band's history and the undeniable chemistry between the members. Considering some potential candidates like Paul Rodgers, Rod Stewart, or Steve Marriott, all of whom were actually considered when the band was forming and had good blues singing talents, would be interesting options.
Past Experiences and Reactions
When Jimmy Page toured solo in the 90s with Paul Rodgers, it was a commendable effort, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I found it lacked the excitement and passion of a full Led Zeppelin performance. In 2007, a one-off Led Zeppelin show in the O2 with Jason Bonham (the son of John Bonham) was a thrilling experience. The band visibly had the drive and talent that could make up for the absence of Robert Plant, but the performance was not their crowning achievement. The Live Aid and Atlantic anniversary shows were better, but still fell short.
The 2007 O2 gig was a remarkable performance, but the band saw it as an opportunity to embark on a major tour and make money. Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham were indeed willing to tour again, but there was a short audition process with a new singer. Despite the audition, the fit never felt right. Robert Plant's contribution to the band's magic is undeniable, and his absence from any potential reunion would make it less appealing.
As for interviews, Robert Plant has been questioned about the possibility of touring again, but his response has always been firmly in the past. It's a given now that Led Zeppelin, as an entity without Plant, will no longer be a reality.