Whole Lotta Led give Brighton some Rock n Roll!

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

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.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

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 – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

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.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Whole Lotta Led: The set

The opening number on the set for tonight was Good Times Bad Times, a track from the first Led Zeppelin album, this was a track rarely played by the originals and so was a great opener for the crowd tonight. Next was The Wanton Song taken from their sixth studio album, 1975’s Physical Graffiti. It was developed from a jam session … Your Time Is Gonna Come was the third instalment tonight. The guys seemed to be enjoying this, and Lee would stop every so often for a chat and some friendly banter. I am not going to give Lees age away here – but his energy and vocals were on point. His range is extraordinary from the slower restrained songs to the all out screamer that is Immigrant Song.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The set continued at some pace and part one of the set ended with the rocker Black Dog. I didn’t know some of the material in the first half, no matter – the crowd did and sang along to every word. I have one vinyl in my collection Led Zep 2 and the box set of Mothership. Misty Mountain Hop and You Shook Me were also in part one. Lee explained that they had longer tonight as the later event in the venue had been cancelled so we all had time to get a beer and get an opportunity to let the taxi company know you were going to be a little late!

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The Set – part 2

Before going any further a huge shout to Nick on guitar duties, an awesome display replicating the original sounds and at times damn near blowing the roof off with the hammering riffs and solos. So, onto part 2 as Celebration Day kicked things off in style, this was from their 1970 album Led Zeppelin III. Brilliantly delivered. The already mentioned Immigrant Song lit the fuse for the crowd who hurled themselves into a frenzy for this one. The drums led us in and that guitar riff blasted out and Lee nailed that opening scream perfectly. The lady behind me trying to sing along made a valiant effort even if it was a bit off key! The bass and drums working perfectly giving a true wall of sound to this one.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

A strike of the gong introduced Dazed and Confused. It became clear very early on in the set that Whole Lotta Led are pretty much the closest you can get to seeing the definitive article. And as the set progressed this opinion was constantly supported. Damn these guys were rocking us hard tonight!  No gimmicks or anything this was five brilliant musicians on a stage. Whole Lotta Led’s intent is just too celebrate the music. The crowd tonight just lapped it up.

Guitarist Nick Ferris did not drop or miss a note all night. Stunning playing. Geoff Hunt on bass and Charlie Hart on drums really hit the mark tonight and kept things pulled in tight, a great slice of team work. Mr Hart had the chance to show his skills during a small drum solo slot. Drum solos aren’t for everyone, but I loved it. I think the bass and drum combination actually rattled a loose filling.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Stairway To Heaven

Stairway To Heaven was up next, the clue was spotted by everyone as Nick strapped himself into his double neck six/twelve string Gibson. The assembled crowd voices almost drowning out the band as the pent up emotions of the last 16 months of pandemic restrictions were unleashed. Nick even managed playing his twin neck guitar above his head. It was a beautiful thing, a beautiful song that worked itself into the familiar crescendo and a huge bang on the gong to close.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The band really stepped up even more now as a look at the watch indicated the end was approaching, and the guys pulled out the big hitters. This was a no holds barred launch into the bigger hits of Led Zep. Kashmir was next with some super keyboards. Next up as the guitar launched into the old theme from Top Of The Pops was – Whole Lotta Love. I had seen the setlist earlier and was intrigued by a song called Theramin, which I didn’t recall. It was actually an indication that Nick launched into a solo Theramin slot! Then it was fired back into Whole Lotta Love.

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Encore!

The crowd were not going to let this gig end tonight! We were all in a great mood as the fabulous atmosphere washed over us all. “Its been a long time” as Rock & Roll closed the show. Perfect! The crowd joining in, the band letting it all go for the last 3 minutes and the wonderful rock n roll keys coming through the sound. It’s all topped off by front man Lee who delivered a splendid rendition of Plant’s vocals again. Now thats how you finish a set! It was the perfect end to an excellent night of rock.

A WHOLE LOTTA VIDEO:

And Finally…

Lee gave a huge shout to Black Rabbit Productions (Well done you guys – another top night!) and also to the folk behind the scene on the lights and sound mix. I heartily agree as the Concorde 2 team again pulled it all together for this. The lighting and the sound was top notch!

Whole Lotta Led – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Whole Lotta Led are the best thing on the circuit when it comes to reliving the music of Led Zeppelin. I understand they may be calling it a day next year, so, even if you are not a huge Led Zep fan these guys are well worth going to see. A great live evening of music. If you never saw the real thing then I reckon Whole Lotta Led gives you an insight into what what we may have missed. Great job guys – and hope to see you next year!

“You’re getting great reviews, I wish you all the best” JIMMY PAGE

Whole Lotta Led are on the WWW here.

Well done to the team at Black Rabbit Productions. A great night and will always give you, bang for buck, a great night out!

Black Rabbit Productions hosted the evening. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb. They have some great gigs lined up. You can find Black Rabbit Productions on the WWW 

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