Led Zep wannabes climb stairway to heaven
Published 22 September, 2008, 08:50
Russian musicians rocked Moscow’s Green Theatre at the weekend, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the birth of Led Zeppelin – the legendary band credited with creating heavy rock. And although the originals didn't show up, a group of look-alikes did bring an authentic Zep spirit to the occasion.
Boot-Led-Zeppelin tribute band are five rollicking British musicians, who have successfully been impersonating the rock heroes for almost ten years.
Some people criticise them for not creating their own compositions. But the musicians say they've never had any complaints from those who have been to their gigs.
“We're trying to make a whole show, not just music, but also the personalities on stage. We just like wearing girls' clothes and having long hair, so it's perfect, you know,” says Raff Achour, who doubles for Jimmy Page during the shows.
The tribute band was joined on stage by Russian singer Larisa Dolina. Famous for her jazz work, Dolina has also done pop and even opera. But this time she turned her talent to the heavy stuff, and proved she can rock out with the best of them.
Dolina was not the only jazz star at the gig. Saxophonist Igor Butman couldn't miss the Led Zeppelin tribute.
He said: “I grew up with rock music, I didn't forget my love for rock music, I really enjoy this music still and it's a great pleasure – a lot of power, a lot of passion in the music, but it's also melodies and harmony.”
Paying tribute to Led Zeppelin was a must for dozens of Russian rock stars.
To many of them, the band's records brought a taste of freedom and independence during Soviet times. Back in the 70s and 80s Led Zep recordings were hard to get in Russia as they were on a black list of banned music. But it didn’t stop them being coveted by millions.
Saturday’s gig was one of those when all are one and one is all – to be a rock and not to roll.
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