Mothership – Led Zeppelin lives on

Aug 13 2011 – Toronto is a very fortunate city. It is a mandatory stop for any touring music group – many have started or ended their tours here, and the biggest names on the planet usually give concerts on multiple nights. On top of that it is also a hot spot for cover bands that dutifully recreate the sounds of the originals. Toronto is the home base of Michael White, front man of the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute band “Michael White and the White” (Michael is one talented dude – he was the original lead singer of Motley Crue, invented tribute bands, and has played over 4000 shows to move than 3 million fans!). With that said, anyone daring to play a Led Zeppelin tribute show in TO has to deal with the ominous shadow of The White lurking. I have seen The White dozens of times, but they have really slowed down over the last 3 years and even their website is gone. Anyways….

On a warm August evening 4 guys from Ottawa come to town and take the stage at the (about 1/4 full) Opera House. The first thing one notices is that Mothership recreates the look of Led Zeppelin in their early to mid 70’s heyday. Similar style of clothing and similar hair (thanks to some hilarious wigs); they even include details such as Bonzo’s headband. When they first appear, I wonder whether they are going to be gimmicky? or is it gonna rock? As the smoke machine fills the stage and the thunderous onslaught of Led Zeppelin begins, the first wails of the Robert Plant clone are belted out, that question was undeniably answered. These guys rock, or should I say ROCK!! Incredible and faithful recreation of the best band the planet has ever known. “Robert” blew me away with his vocals and stage presence, “Jimmy” nailed the solos and handled the guitar like magic, “Jonesey” rocked the bass and the organ, and “Bonzo” filled those massive shoes on the drums.

After the gig, the band met with their audience, beers in hands and smiles etched on their faces. I congratulated Richard (Robert) who told me this was only their fifth time doing this. WHAT???? They knew what we all knew – Micheal White’s challenge has come to town!

VERDICT: Keep your eyes out for Mothership and don’t think twice about going to see them. The song indeed does remain the same.