Went to Riverbend again for a fun summer evening of ‘the Jason Bonham Led Zep Experience’ and Peter Frampton’s Final Tour. Went with my TA, Jordan Stanley, a good eastern Kentucky gentleman who likes classic rock, like yours truly. The show started at 7.30, and we left shortly before the Frampton encores at 10.10. A good time was had by all. Here are some shots….
Who’s that guy in the Tie Dye Led Zep T shirt?
For those not in the know, Jason Bonham is the son of John Bonham, who died some years back. John was the extraordinary drummer for Led Zepplin. Basically the show was about 50 minutes of classic Zep— the vocalist was quite good, a good meme of Robert Plant and the lead guitarist was also quite good. There was a problem with the balance— too much miking of the drums, and too little of the vocalist particularly at the beginning of the concert. We Rambled On and had Good Times and Bad Times and of course a Whole Lotta Love, and finished on a Stairway to Heaven. Very well done.
The Peter Frampton half of the show was totally different. less gigantic amps, more musicianship, nice stories by Peter about his influences and albums. Who knew he’d been living in Cinci for a long time. Here are some of the early days shots…..
One of the things I had not fully grasped is what a superb guitar player Frampton is…. with all his Gibsons. 
He told a sad but funny story about the green drum kit you see in the background. Peter had bought that for his original drummer near the beginning of his career. His drummer died some time ago, and then a friend told him the drum kit was on sale on EBAY! So he bought it again for this final tour. The concert itself consisted of some hits (Show ME the Way, of course, and Lines on my Face), but 3 new songs from his all blues CD, and some surprises— like Black Hole Sun (who saw that coming) and Signed, Sealed Delivered, I’m Yours (thank you Stevie). Peter is quite a charming guy, and smiles alot despite suffering from a neurological disease that will soon deprive him of the ability to play his guitar. Very sad. The Shriners were there raising money to cure the disease, and giving away one of Peter’s guitars to a lucky member of those who made a donation. A good time was had by both of us.
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