LED ZEPPELIN - WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVAL APPEARANCE?

'I told Pagey one or two people would be here, but he said he doubted that very much' Robert Plant, Knebworth August 4th 1979 ...

Friday 8 March 2019

CODA - THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE

 Over the decades I've seen many a tribute band, from Limehouse Lizzy to AB/CD and Dread Zeppelin. Almost 30 years later the tribute scene is as thriving and relevant as ever. When bands cease to be, there is a demand for their music, their presence and their live experience. And of all the artists to have trodden the boards, none has the live reputation or is equally as missed and demanded as Led Zeppelin.

Those of you that know me know I'm a furtive and intense fan. I revel in the detail, the minutiae. Led Zeppelin were a four piece, they changed music forever. If you're gonna do Zep, it's gonna take a lot of talent, love and attention to that detail.

And this is where Coda come in. On the eve of my next live experience with the band, I'm drawn to express my thoughts about them and the tribute they so accurately and lovingly celebrate. Going back in time there have been some fine bands - Simply Led, Boot Led Zeppelin and The Rubber Plants all stood out almost two decades ago as I remember seeing them from close quarters.

It was last September I first saw Coda, and have seen six shows so far including all 3 2019 shows - very soon to be 4!. The second show I saw last October was their nothing short of triumphant 50th Anniversary Celebration of Zeppelin's Marquee Debut on the 18th of the month. Legendary and esteemed journalist Chris Welch witnessed the first set and wrote a glowing review of the occasion.

Equally legendary Zeppelin author and old friend Dave Lewis was also in attendance, and we both enjoyed the night immensely. The crowd loved it too, feverishly and wildly. One thing that really strikes me about Coda is, like Zeppelin, different songs stand out on different nights There's one pertinent and obvious reason for this - they're a live band. Some nights are better than others, sometimes it works, sometimes not quite! At O'Neills Bar on October 18th 'How Many More Times', 'Communication Breakdown' and 'Since I've Been Loving You' are etched on my brain. At Southend it was 'I Can't Quit You Baby',  'Kashmir' and the encore stomp of 'Black Dog' that resonated strongest.
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Fast forward to Milton Keynes on January 18th 'Dazed And Confused', 'The Song Remains The Same/Rain Song' (played by Coda for the first time that night) and a celebratory 'Stairway' were highlights  The Next night at the White Rock in Hastings I remember 'Ramble On', 'Thank You' and a wonderful 'The Battle Of Evermore'. For authenticity Coda invited the wonderful and highly talented Jessica Lee Morgan to be their Sandy Denny for the evening.

The show at Lewes two weeks later was exceptional, with a really enthusiastic crowd that loved every minute. 'Moby Dick' grew a huge cheer as did the final numbers 'Kashmir' and 'Stairway' and the multiple encores.

The reason I've described and eulogized on the shows I've seen is simple. Coda don't pretend to be Led Zeppelin, they celebrate Led Zeppelin. They've researched and rehearsed and managed to achieve that rare and joyous quality that makes you indulge and rejoice in the music of Led Zeppelin. Chris Welch talked of being transported back to 1968 during the opening songs on October 18th. I know what he means.

Visually the show moves from the early Marquee and Royal Albert Hall era with appropriate stage wear and equipment. For the second set the Madison Square and Earls Court era's are faithfully represented. The songs vary, including a great acoustic set, and more are being readied all the time. As musicians they are all outstanding. And they understand what being a tribute is all about, and play with joy, enthusiasm and humour. At the White Rock Rob led the audience into a brief rendition of 'I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside', which incidentally Jonesy did at a show in Baltimore in July 1973!

Peter, Adam, Rob and Simon all work extremely hard to bring the music of Led Zeppelin to life in a celebratory way that makes you smile. With some great gigs coming up, even more exciting times are ahead. I've not been this enthusiastic about a tribute band for almost 20 years, but don't take my word for it. Check them out yourself!


Find out more about Coda at -

www.codaledzeppelintributeband.co.uk
www.facebook.com/codaledzeppelintributeband
Twitter @CodaZeppelin
Instagram CODA_Led Zeppelin Tribute
email codaledzeppelintributeband@gmail.com