Symphonic Zeppelin tramples the Palladium underfoot
ZEPPELIN SYMPHONIC
London Palladium - 25th November 2022
Images and Words by Andy Rawll
This was a hugely impressive orchestral celebration of an iconic songbook, hosted by Planet Rock. With arrangements that complemented rather than overpowered the on-stage rock band, led by master guitarist Andy G Jones, the dynamic breadth of the source material was maintained, as the sonic depth of the music was enhanced.
As with last year's debut, the show featured a core quartet of elite voices (Peter Eldridge, Mollie Marriott, Jesse Smith and Nathan James) each of whom brought their own personality to their chosen songs, without deviating too far from the originals.
Peter's muscular howl was a perfect match for 'No Quarter', while Mollie's enchanting 'Since I've been loving you' was a delight. Jesse invoked his youthful zeal on 'Communication Breakdown' and 'The Immigrant Song', while Nathan's thunderous roar enveloped the Palladium with a scene-stealing 'Kashmir'.
Fresh from her October support slot with Don McLean on the same stage, special guest Elles Bailey returned to a flood of applause to find that the levee was no longer dry and now at breaking point, with her powerfully soulful take on that 'Four Sticks' favourite.
Reprising his role as supersub at last year's show, acclaimed blues-rock solo artist Kris Barras closed the first half, firing rabid riffs and biting lead lines with 'Black Dog'. He then returned during stoppage time at the coda of the second half to elevate 'Stairway' to the heavens with his ferocious yet melodic technique that channeled Page in his prime.
All five singers returned to the stage for a deserved encore as 'Rock n roll' segued into 'Whole lotta love', flanked by the twin guitar attack of Barras and Jones. The appreciative, but previously static crowd finally rose to its feet for what had been a fitting and fullsome celebration.
