Last night I drove to Sheffield to see a tribute group. Now, I was under the impression that tribute groups became tribute groups because they like the music of the group they’re paying the tribute to, and because they want to be able to play like them. I saw Freeway once, and they did exactly that, they were great. They didn’t play the music absolutely note for note, which was a very good thing, but they were true to it, and they were very true to the spirit of it. They didn’t particularly try to look like the group, though they made clear reference through their clothes and movements, but it wasn’t a pantomime; it was a performance, and a very good one at that. Simon Kirke joined them for a few numbers, and that made it really special. However, the group last night…
Tried to look like, and imitate the mannerisms of, Led Zeppelin. I’ve seen LZ, and although I know where Letz Zep were coming from, it was a parody, not a reference
Played the songs in the wrong rhythms, making them sound pedestrian and tired
Failed to play in tune with each other and in time with each other
The bass guitarist omitted the vertiginous bass-line that underlies Heartbreaker (their second number), so their interpretations sounded hollow and effete. This was the pattern for all their songs: minimalist interpretation, the sort of thing you might do if you’re just starting out with an instrument, “Led Zeppelin simplified, a guide for four-year-olds”
The lead guitarist played around one in every eight notes when interpreting the fast Jimmy Page solos. What’s the point in that?
The drummer omitted some of the most distinctive drum patterns in many of the songs. Having said this, he was probably the best player of the lot. That’s not saying much
The singer was simply embarrassing to look at. Now I know that Robert Plant didn’t always sing as well as one would hope, and he indulged in falsetto and crow imitations from time to time, but it worked. This singer didn’t even try
The whole performance was characterised by a flippant attitude that told me that they didn’t give a damn about the music they were playing, and certainly had no respect for either the musicians they were making a living from or for their fans.
I gave it a good chance, but I couldn’t stay for the whole performance. That’s only the third time I’ve left in disgust during a performance. The first time was when I was fifteen and we were taken to see something completely gross and pointless in the local theatre; the second time was during an extremely unfunny comedy sketch; and the third time was last night.
Tell you what though: it made me appreciate Led Zep even more than I already did, and I didn’t think that was possible.
Tonight, to celebrate, I shall cook a posh meal and listen to some heavy blues by candlelight. And I’ll bake some pears in red wine for afters. Fruit is good for you, baby! I’m telling you the absolute truth.
I like this lonely blog. It’s nice having somewhere to write things that are true without upsetting people by saying them. It’s like having a ruff book again. Volume 4784, or something like that. My dog is tired. Nevertheless, she’s going to be bathed. She’s a dirty dog. Life is jiùst too two to moo.
I’m hungry.
Pears in wine
Tried to look like, and imitate the mannerisms of, Led Zeppelin. I’ve seen LZ, and although I know where Letz Zep were coming from, it was a parody, not a reference
Played the songs in the wrong rhythms, making them sound pedestrian and tired
Failed to play in tune with each other and in time with each other
The bass guitarist omitted the vertiginous bass-line that underlies Heartbreaker (their second number), so their interpretations sounded hollow and effete. This was the pattern for all their songs: minimalist interpretation, the sort of thing you might do if you’re just starting out with an instrument, “Led Zeppelin simplified, a guide for four-year-olds”
The lead guitarist played around one in every eight notes when interpreting the fast Jimmy Page solos. What’s the point in that?
The drummer omitted some of the most distinctive drum patterns in many of the songs. Having said this, he was probably the best player of the lot. That’s not saying much
The singer was simply embarrassing to look at. Now I know that Robert Plant didn’t always sing as well as one would hope, and he indulged in falsetto and crow imitations from time to time, but it worked. This singer didn’t even try
The whole performance was characterised by a flippant attitude that told me that they didn’t give a damn about the music they were playing, and certainly had no respect for either the musicians they were making a living from or for their fans.
I gave it a good chance, but I couldn’t stay for the whole performance. That’s only the third time I’ve left in disgust during a performance. The first time was when I was fifteen and we were taken to see something completely gross and pointless in the local theatre; the second time was during an extremely unfunny comedy sketch; and the third time was last night.
Tell you what though: it made me appreciate Led Zep even more than I already did, and I didn’t think that was possible.
Tonight, to celebrate, I shall cook a posh meal and listen to some heavy blues by candlelight. And I’ll bake some pears in red wine for afters. Fruit is good for you, baby! I’m telling you the absolute truth.
I like this lonely blog. It’s nice having somewhere to write things that are true without upsetting people by saying them. It’s like having a ruff book again. Volume 4784, or something like that. My dog is tired. Nevertheless, she’s going to be bathed. She’s a dirty dog. Life is jiùst too two to moo.
I’m hungry.
Pears in wine
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