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Michael White and The White – Led Zeppelin’s In Through The Out Door Review

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Guitars used for In Through The Out Door – Michael White and The White

February 9 2013 – Now that the highly polished and theatrical Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience (review here) came and went from our fair city, Zeppelin aficionados were blessed with yet another installment of Michael White and The White’s discography series. For those unfamiliar with the band not only is it our most reviewed band on T-Mak World but also the world’s most prolific Led Zeppelin tribute show. The  centerpiece of the band is Michael White who at one point in his career got a record contract on Atlantic due to Robert Plant’s actions. The various musicians that compose of The White have varied throughout the years and the current incarnation has been the same for over two years now.

Michael White performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013
The night after the biggest snowstorm Toronto has seen in years was very cold, but inside The Sound Academy things were reaching the boiling level. Tonight was the big test for the band. We have seen them play Black Dog, Dazed and Confused and Whole Lotta Love multiple times and not to underestimate the complexity of these songs, but the band can nail those songs easily and they fit nicely in their comfort zone. Tonight was the night where Michael White and The White had to leave their comfort zone and tackle what musicians generally consider the hardest Zeppelin album to play end to end – In Through The Out Door.

Davin Goudie and Michael White performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013
If you fancy a laugh have a read at Rolling Stone Magazine’s review of Led Zeppelin’s last studio album ever of new material. The insults in this review really highlight how the  “critics” really did have a hate on for Zeppelin at the time. The reason why I bring up this review is because it touches upon why this album is so difficult for tribute bands to play:

Page now appears to have fallen victim to the law of diminishing returns, because “In the Evening” has the only great guitar riff on the entire album. The rest of the songs are based on John Paul Jones’ keyboard work. Though an excellent musician, Jones functions best behind Page, not in front of him.

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Davin Goudie performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013

The album really had Jones working keyboard magic, and most tribute bands have a bassist that can play keys to a few songs. I have not seen a bassist sit down and play In Through The Out Door end to end with keys. Well tonight The White bassists Davin Goudie sat down in front of they keyboards and went through each and every song on In Through The Outdoor. Not only did he play the songs, he nailed them. Clearly the man put in countless hours practicing this piece and the end results really proved it. With all due respect to the other three guys on stage tonight (who were amazing) Goudie was the star and made the night magical for all in attendance with his work on the keys.

Danno Murray performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013

Not to be undermined guitarist Danno Murray used 10 guitars on the 16 song setlist, and was all business even when he was hopping around on stage and twirling around. Clearly he was ON tonight along with Goudie and he knew that the band was on fire tonight.

Brian Wall performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013

The foundation of the band is the dynamic Brian Wall on drums. He is a drumming machine and if you watch him closely he bends his head down, closes his eyes and transcends into Bonham territory each and every show. I was privileged enough to be on side stage beside Wall for a few songs and was dancing to the beats more than I have ever done at any White show. At one point I saw Wall look over and he gave me a quick smile and nod, fully knowing that there was some voodoo going on with the band tonight. So take Goudie’s elevated performance on keys, Murray’s raw guitar wizardry and Wall’s thunderous drums, and you have the best “The White” I have ever seen. 

Michael White performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013

Last but not least the grand wizard – Michael White. White consistently delivers excellent vocals and his on stage charisma is exactly why people flock to The Sound Academy every month. White initiated the show with full confidence in his band and he was flawless in his renditions of all the wonderful songs on the album. “All Of My Love”, “In The Evening”, “Fool In The Rain” and particularly  “Carouselambra” where INCREDIBLE and we truly enjoyed seeing the band step outside of its comfort zone and tackle the Led Zeppelin deep cuts that they do not present very often. There was never any doubt whether Michael White could preform this album and boy did he deliver.

Danno Murray performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013
The setlist for the night was:

In The Evening
Southbound Suarez
Fool In The Rain
Hot Dog
Carouselambra
All of My Love
I’m Gonna Crawl
Black Dog
Ramble On
Dazed & Confused
Immigrant Song
Moby Dick
When The Levee Breaks
Bron-y-aur Stomp

As soon as the 4 guys walked off stage they were all smiling at each other and gave knowing nods among themselves. Not only did they pass their hardest test so far, they knocked it out of the park. 

Michael White performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013
The next show these guys will perform is Coda, and we are very excited to see Wall perform Bonzo’s Montreux – a drum solo song we have not seen him do in a long time. Brian say goodbye to the comfort zone of Moby Dick (which he performs flawlessly) and show the audience that you can nail the Coda drum solo just as impressively.

Davin Goudie performing In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013


Verdict: 5 out of 5! The best Michael White and The White show I have seen in this discography series. Kudos to Davin Goudie for a stellar performance – a performance his mother will be proud of. The guys were at an elevated level this night. 

PS. I could not resist putting up this picture of Davin and myself right before the curtains opened. I do really want to thank Michael for giving T-Mak World full access to the band during all these shows, and we are honored to have the privilege. Cheers Mr. White. – T-Mak

Terry Makedon and Davin Goudie right before  In Through The Out Door – Feb 2013
T-Mak
Author: T-Mak

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  1. I had the privelage of attending the concert on Saturday night. It was amazing!! Davin Goudie you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. I was at the show and I didn't know the keyboardists name. I also didnt know he wasnt a natural keyboardist, but after reading this review I am totally impressed. Great review, and great job by Davin. I want to see him play again next time!