Live Review: Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin Celebration)

Despite the crowded lobby of The State Theatre being populated with the middle aged and elderly, there is a dedicated community of music lovers here to celebrate for its 11^th year in a row the music of Led Zeppelin. With a revolving door of guest lead vocalists, the audience is spoilt for choice. The lights dim and the familiar opening chords for Houses of the Holy ring out in the darkness, and so begins a nostalgic night of celebration for the greatness of Led Zeppelin.

First singer of the night Jimmy Cupples brings the mood right up with his upbeat performance followed by Good Times, Bad Times ­ a song that was first heard in 1969, and I¹m sure making plenty of memories flood back. This is genuine rock and roll from Zeppelin¹s debut album; this gem alone captures the spirit of what it means to be young and alive, even 45 years later!

Simon Meli, the second vocalist of the night is something to behold. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to a young Robert Plant this man has the vocals, the looks and the stage moves down pat and his rendition of Ramble On brings some of the biggest cheers of the night. What Is and What Should Never Be is soulfully taken over by South Australian female vocalist Zkye, and then followed by Amy Findlay (of all-girl rock band Stonefield) who takes on the 11 minute epic - In My Time Of Dying in spectacular fashion.

The night however belongs to vocalist and guitarist Jack Jones who closes out Act One with the wailing belter that is Immigrant Song. Dressed in a bizarre all-black outfit with a kilt and knee-high boots, Jack Jones (also known as Irwin Thomas) deserves special mention for his magnificent performance delivered with such emotional ferocity. Jones performed a phenomenal solo version of Going To California; his voice alone becomes another instrument and is reminiscent of the delicacy of Jeff Buckley¹s voice.

All the musicians create a powerfully immersive atmosphere with their individually nuanced performances and the video screen is a perfect accompaniment to the music itself, adding an extra sensory layer to the whole experience. Simon Meli brings in the Zeppelin funk with Trampled Underfoot, No Quarter, led by Amy Findlay is a spectacular trip through space and Jimmy Cupples bravely delivers what is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time ­ Stairway to Heaven.

Battle of Evermore, an exciting entrant late into the night bleeds into an extended reinterpretation of Kashmir led by the riveting vocals of Jack Jones - and he does not disappoint. The thunderous applause for the encore comes to end the night with ­ you guessed it Whole Lotta Love, as these consummate professionals bring the show to a close, it¹s an amazing tribute and testament that shows why Led Zeppelin are still one of the best.