In a memorable twist during their live performance, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening paid homage to the legends by adding a special guest to the lineup: Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony. The surprise collaboration took place at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California, as they united on the classic track “Runnin’ With the Devil.”
Breaking the Mold
As Bonham noted to the audience, “We have never done anything like this in the 16 years of doing this show.” Michael Anthony took the stage with a nod to the past, stating, “Jason wanted to do something old. Mr. Jimmy said yeah, let’s do it. So let’s do it.” The “Mr. Jimmy” refers to James Dylan, who has been the lead vocalist for the tribute group since its inception in 2010.
A Legendary Mix
Dylan, who typically tackles Robert Plant’s soaring vocal lines, tag-teamed with Anthony, allowing him to sing the iconic hook, a role he originally performed on the Van Halen album in 1978. After their rendition, Anthony quipped, “I’m ready to get the Led out,” setting the stage for a powerful rendition of “Rock and Roll,” where both vocalists alternated lead duties.
History in the Making
This isn’t the first time Bonham and Anthony have shared the spotlight. They have previously performed together as part of Sammy Hagar and the Circle, along with guitarist Vic Johnson. Their connection deepened during the 2024 “Best of All Worlds” tour, which spotlighted the Van Halen catalog and marked a return for Hagar to songs he hadn’t performed in two decades.
However, during that tour, Bonham had to step away to care for his mother, and veteran drummer Kenny Aronoff filled in on remarkably short notice. When Bonham sought to return, Hagar opted to continue with Aronoff, leaving Bonham with mixed emotions. He reflected, “I was a little shocked, I must say. I’d be lying to you if I wasn’t a little sad, because we were on fire at the end of the tour.”
Onward Together
Despite any past tensions, the camaraderie was evident on stage during the special evening. Anthony and Bonham are slated to continue touring with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening until September 6, but fans can expect only Led Zeppelin songs in their performances unless a Van Halen member joins them on stage.
A Van Halen Experience Awaits
For those eager to hear Anthony play more Van Halen classics, Hagar and the Best of All Worlds Band have a series of five shows lined up at Park MGM in Las Vegas from September 18 to September 26. Although they haven’t yet performed “Runnin’ With the Devil” in this set, fans can anticipate tracks like “Panama,” “Right Now,” and “Jump,” offering the closest experience to Van Halen performances today, even without a member bearing the Van Halen surname.
