Jason Bonham honoured Led Zeppelin in Vancouver with a full performance of Physical Graffiti to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary album.
A Tribute Years in the Making
VANCOUVER – On Sunday, August 31, Jason Bonham and his acclaimed tribute project, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (JBLZE), brought a landmark celebration to the Orpheum Theatre. The son of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham led the band through a complete live performance of the 1975 double album Physical Graffiti, marking its 50th anniversary.
Why Vancouver Was Chosen
The Orpheum show served as one of the final stops of the “Celebrating 50 Years of Physical Graffiti” tour, a series Bonham says will not be repeated after this year. “This is very special for us… once we finish the final leg, it’s done, we won’t do it again,” Bonham told the audience from behind his drum kit.
How the Performance Unfolded
Across two hours, JBLZE performed all 15 tracks from the record, including deep cuts rarely heard live such as Down By The Seaside, Ten Years Gone, and Trampled Under Foot. To keep the energy high, Bonham explained the band intentionally avoided playing the songs in album order, ensuring fans stayed engaged throughout the show.
Stories Beyond the Music
Between songs, Bonham shared personal anecdotes about growing up with his legendary father and stories of Zeppelin’s creative process. He recalled his father’s influence, the band’s famed jam sessions, and even moments of humour, such as John Bonham being handed a tambourine during acoustic sets to keep him awake.
A Legacy Honoured
For Bonham, the tour is more than a tribute—it’s an act of gratitude. Reflecting on his father’s passing in 1980, he admitted he never had the chance to tell him how much he admired his talent. “This is the best way I know how to pay homage to him and say thanks, thanks for the music,” Bonham said.
A Memorable Finale
The evening closed with Kashmir, a powerful rendition that encapsulated the spirit of Physical Graffiti. Before leaving the stage, JBLZE added fan favourites Whole Lotta Love and Rock and Roll, opting for no encore—a deliberate artistic choice.
This Vancouver performance not only celebrated a milestone in rock history but also reinforced Jason Bonham’s role as both a skilled musician and custodian of Led Zeppelin’s enduring legacy.
