Celebration Day by Led Zeppelin

On December 10 2007, Led Zeppelin, undoubtedly one of the most influential bands of all time, reunited for the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert. Ertegun, who died months before (incidentally due to injuries sustained at a Rolling Stones concert) was the founder of Atlantic Records, the label which housed the band when it dominated the 1970s music scene. Celebration Day, released in a CD/DVD package, documents this historic performance at the O2 Arena in London.

This wasn’t the first time that Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones played together since the band broke up in 1980 (because of the death of their drummer, John Bonham). They previously reunited in two concerts, but these performances were criticized for being uninspired.

Fast forward to 2007, the drum intro of Good Times, Bad Times reverberates throughout the O2. The cheers from the audience grow louder in anticipation. The lights turn on, and Plant sings the opening verse (In the days of my youth/I was told how it means to be a man). The song choice to open their long-awaited concert was fitting: it’s the first song on their first album.

It becomes very evident that age hasn’t taken its toll on him, as well as the other members. Although the song was performed one step lower, Plant still sung at the level he did during his prime. The gum-chewing Page looked calm while evoking a classy Englishman aura, but at the same time, you can feel his intense guitar playing. Jones, mostly stoic during the whole concert, showed that he can still provide groovy rhythmic bass lines with utmost seriousness. Taking the reigns behind the drum stand is Bonham’s son, Jason, who pretty much echoes his father and also delivered a flawless performance throughout the night.

After a rousing applause from the audience after Good Times, the band immediately segued to Lord of the Rings-inspired Ramble On, then to the heavy guitar-laden Black Dog. They then perform their bluesy version of the gospel song In My Time of Dying. In a surprising but welcome move, the band played For Your Life live for the first time in their career.

Trampled Under Foot unleashed the funk persona of the band. The band delivered with Jones’ quick hands intertwined with Page’s slick riffs, Bonham’s emphatic drum playing, and Plant’s suave stage presence.  Nobody’s Fault But Mine featured a blues-infused performance by the band. In No Quarter, Jones owns the performance with his psychedelic keyboard arrangement. The band returned to blues with Since I’ve Been Loving You.

Page showed his guitar prowess in Dazed and Confused. The performance also featured him playing guitar with a violin bow (consistent with their past performances). Page dazzled the audience with his improvised guitar solo with varying tempos. It sure reminded everyone why he’s one of the best guitarists of all time.

The band’s performance of Stairway to Heaven did not disappoint. With Jones providing a relaxed keyboard performance, Page complemented this with his smooth guitar playing. However, Page’s solo is noticeably shorter than their previous performances. The Song Remains The Same lifted the mellow mood with its fast and engaging intro.

Kashmir was the strongest performance of the whole concert. Jones was once again at the keyboard, dishing out middle eastern melodies. Page delivered a powerful performance, consistently matching with Jones’. Plant belted vocals reminiscent of his performances during the 70s. Bonham did his father justice by providing heavy but precise drumming. Led Zeppelin triumphed in proving that they can still perform at the level they were known for.

The band did two encores. On the first, they performed Whole Lotta Love. They finished the concert with Rock and Roll, an apt ending to a memorable night.

Celebration Day isn’t just for Led Zeppelin  fans, it’s also for first time rock listeners, since the band’s music continues to be relevant up to the present. It’s not only a celebration of the band’s music, but also a celebration of what true rock was.