News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The music of Led Zeppelin will thunder and roar across downtown Sisters on Saturday night as Hardtails Bar & Grill hosts Valhalla, a tribute to one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music.
Vocalist Larry Smith told The Nugget, "We have the privilege and honor to do probably the best band that ever existed."
Recreating the potent sound of Led Zeppelin is no easy task. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham each brought unique elements to a mix that combined heavy blues, British folk music, and a touch of psychedelia that dominated both radio and massive venues through the 1970s.
Valhalla pays tribute to the powerful music of Led Zeppelin at Hardtails Bar & Grill on Saturday, August 3.
Smith said that he discovered at about age 12 that his voice matched up with that of Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant.
"I have a copy-cat voice of Robert Plant - which is not a bad thing to have," he said.
The creative guitar of Jimmy Page was foundational to the sound, and Andrew Matthews recreates the legendary riffs and runs.
"He's an amazing guitarist, and he's only 21," Smith said. "He's got the soul of a thousand-year-old man."
Drummer John Bonham, whose untimely detain in 1979 ended Led Zeppelin's run, was also essential to the sound, with power and a unique playing style that Smith describes as being just a fraction behind the beat, making the sound big. Valhalla drummer Ritchie Roth understands how to recreate that feel.
John Paul Jones, who played bass and keyboards, was often under appreciated as a key element of the Led Zeppelin sound. Allen Stores fills that understated but vital role.
The ultimate goal is to pay homage to an iconic rock band - and to entertain. Smith and the rest of Valhalla bring their own musical talent to bear to immerse themselves in music they love. They work hard to make their shows a full rock experience, and not just a run through reproductions of studio albums.
"In the real scheme of things, we're just actors who are playing a role that was already created for us," he said.
Showtime is at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. For tickets, visit: https://bendticket.com/events/valhalla-a-tribute-to-led-zeppelin-8-3-2024/tickets.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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