January 4th, 2024, Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville: On this electric Thursday night, ZOSO, celebrated as America’s premier Led Zeppelin tribute band, took the stage, promising a revival of rock’s golden era. For over 20 years, ZOSO has masterfully recreated the essence of Led Zeppelin, and tonight was no exception. ZOSO, America’s vanguard of Led Zeppelin’s legacy, took center stage, igniting the Brooklyn Bowl with a fervor reminiscent of rock’s golden age.
My affair with Led Zeppelin began at 14, a year after losing my mother. An uncle gifted me a DVD of their 1973 Madison Square Garden performance. Entranced by Robert Plant’s raw energy, sometimes i’d ditch school, to find myself immersing in that magnetic, rebellious aura. Seeing ZOSO in Nashville was a teenage dream coming to life.
The Brooklyn Bowl buzzed with an electric anticipation. Familiar faces, usually on stage, now stood beside me, hinting at the extraordinary night ahead. As ZOSO took the stage, they were the embodiment of Zeppelin – the allure, the charisma, the undying rock spirit. When the first chords of “Rock and Roll” filled the air, we were collectively spellbound.
Juggling a beer and my camera, I caught the infectious energy. For a moment, I was no longer just a photographer; I was a teenager again, reliving my first encounter with Zeppelin. The band’s resemblance to Zeppelin was uncanny, from Matt Jernigan’s embodiment of Plant to James Volpe Rotondi’s Jimmy Page-like charisma.Here I was, living a dream, photographing ‘Led Zeppelin.’ The moment felt magical, almost like a time warp.
ZOSO’s performance was a testament to their 20-plus years of dedication to recreating the Zeppelin experience. The band’s chemistry and commitment resonated through each note, captivating us with favorites like “Good Time,” “Custard Pie,” “Heartbreaker,” “Immigrant Song,” and the mesmerizing “Kashmir.” Their acoustic set was a serene interlude before soaring into the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” and closing with “Whole Lotta Love.”
As the night rolled on, the crowd’s insatiable hunger for more Zeppelin magic was evident. It wasn’t just a request for another song, but a collective desire to prolong this journey through rock history. By the time the encore rolled in, I had lost count of my beers, yet my energy soared.
ZOSO’s performance is was a revival. As I stepped out into the night, the melodies lingered, a reminder of rock’s timeless allure. This show was a beacon for what’s to come—a year that promises to keep the essence of rock alive and kicking. ZOSO is a bridge to a bygone era, an era that continues to resonate with every strum, every beat, and every rock lover’s heart.
