Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening only plays Led Zeppelin. On Saturday, in Costa Mesa, the group made an exception for Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, who came to sing “Runnin’ With the Devil.” “We’ve never done anything like this in sixteen years of concerts”blurted Bonham.
As its name suggests, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening devotes its concerts to the Led Zeppelin catalog alone. The group, however, made a unique exception on Saturday: Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joined them at the end of the set at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California, for “Runnin’ With the Devil.”
Who is “Mr. Jimmy”
The “Mr. Jimmy” in question is James Dylan, singer of the tribute band — formerly Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience — since its formation in 2010. Dylan provided original vocals for David Lee Roth, but left the chorus to Anthony, just like on the 1978 recording and on countless concerts since.
In an interview given to WECB in 2025, Hagar recognized that Bonham had been “a little disappointed”but explained that everything was due to the schedule. “He has put as much blame on himself as me, with everything he does”he said. “He’s in Europe with Black Country Communion and company. He can’t be there for the rehearsals, nor for the residency in Las Vegas. He could have returned the same day from the residence. No, no, no, no, no. More time needs to be devoted to this group. »
Where to see Michael Anthony play Van Halen
Whatever the bitterness of 2024, there was nothing but affection on the stage at the Pacific Amphitheater between Anthony and Bonham. The drummer will be on tour with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening until September 6. No point, however, in hoping to hear Van Halen there: that only happens when a member of the group goes on stage. Otherwise, it’s one hundred percent Zeppelin.
To hear Anthony play Van Halen classics, you’ll have to turn to Sammy Hagar and the Best of All Worlds Band, who are performing five concerts at Park MGM in Las Vegas between September 18 and 26. Oddly enough, they still haven’t released “Runnin’ With the Devil.” On the other hand, you will undoubtedly hear “Panama”, “Right Now”, “5150”, “Poundcake”, “Jump” and too many others to mention here. The closest thing today to a true Van Halen experience — even if no one on stage is named Van Halen.
