July 5, 2013 – Back in October 2011 we initiated coverage of Michael White’s Discography series at The Sound Academy. 21 months ago the world’s most prolific Led Zeppelin tribute entertainer brought out his new lineup and promised us that we would go on a Zeppelin journey of they highest order. Not only would we get all of Zep’s studio records we would also go on a journey into various bootleg and even as recent as the band’s O2 Celebration Day reunion. To say that this band is insanely good is an understatement and the massive crowds that cram the Sound Academy every month is a testament to both the musical genius of Michael White and the White as well as the eternal longevity of Led Zeppelin. T-Mak World has covered the vast majority of the last 21 shows and today we bring in a guest columnist to recap the night for our faithful readers. Here is our own John Perfetto and his review of this show….
It was sometime around 1983 when I first watched Michael White perform the music of Led Zeppelin. I still remember that night and how everyone was on their feet dancing and signing and just having a good time! fast forward to the present and Michael White and his band have not lost their touch. Last night at the Sound Academy they had everyone on their feet dancing and singing along with them.
Michael White and The White performed Led Zeppelin’s debut album in its entirety to perfection! The band’s chemistry was immediately and spectacularly apparent from the moment they hit the stage. Michael White has one of those voices that was made for classic rock. As soon as the show started and the vocals came in on “Good Times Bad Times” I knew the audience was in for a real treat! Michael did more than just imitate one of classic rock’s greatest vocalists. He took the songs and made them his own.
Guitarist Dano Murray was awesome on guitar and reproduced Jimmy’s memorable riffs after memorable riffs flawlessly and squeezed out some stellar soloing! He went through 10 different guitars throughout the show and his wizardry was evident for all to enjoy.
Drummer Brian Wall stayed really solid on the drums throughout the set. Not only does he blast through the difficult Bonham parts with apparent ease he simply closes his eyes and transcends into a world where rhythm is the only thing that matters. He nailed this show and stood out as a pivotal part of the performance.
Bassist/Keyboardist Davin Goudie was rock steady as well and had the audience mesmerized during No Quarter. Not only is he an incredible bassist, he would sit down and play keys with what seemed like an insane amount of concentration to perfect JPS’s sounds. His musical ability should be applauded and the audience sure did that when White introduced him
This was definitely one of the best shows I’ve seen at the Sound Academy! Anyone who has never experienced Michael White and The White perform is definitely missing out. Their next show in their discography series is scheduled for sometime in August (the exact date is not known yet) . For information, visit The White’s website here.
Michael White and The White should be congratulated for more than just putting on a stunning show, but also for how they give back to their community. Michael White and his mates donate a portion of their merchandise proceeds to schools to support their music programs. Who knows, with Whites’ generosity, other great musicians will someday grace stages across the world playing what is simply the greatest music created to our children’s children. The setlist tonight included Led Zeppelin I in it’s entirety and the best of Houses of The Holy as follows:
Set list:
- “Good Times Bad Times”
- “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
- “You Shook Me”
- “Dazed and Confused”
- “Your Time Is Gonna Come”
- “Black Mountain Side”
- “Communication Breakdown”
- “I Can’t Quit You Baby”
- “How Many More Times”
- “The Song Remains the Same”
- “Over the Hills and Far Away”
- “No Quarter”
- “The Ocean”
Review by John Perfetto, Photos by Steve Mallinson
