New Year’s Eve 2024 featured unforgettable musical moments across the U.S., with performances from stars like Jelly Roll and Alanis Morissette. However, one of the night’s most electrifying highlights came from Billy Joel. Taking the stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Joel delighted fans with a mix of his timeless classics and some hidden gems. The standout moment? When he invited drummer Jason Bonham to join him for a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”
“Not Your Usual Piano Tune”: Billy Joel Welcomes Jason Bonham
Jason Bonham, the son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, has made a name for himself in the world of rock. Starting his drumming career at just five years old, Jason has played alongside the surviving members of Led Zeppelin and leads his own tribute act, Led Zeppelin Evening. On New Year’s Eve, his band kicked off the night before Bonham joined Joel onstage for an epic collaboration.
Midway through the show, Joel introduced Bonham, saying, “We’ve got a special guest coming up next. We love playing this song—especially with him. Give it up for Jason Bonham!” The crowd erupted as Bonham appeared, and Joel playfully added, “You’ll all recognize this one. It’s definitely not a piano song.”
With that, they launched into a blistering version of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 anthem “Whole Lotta Love,” sending waves of excitement through the audience. The song, known for its iconic guitar riff and powerful vocals, became a gold-certified hit and remains a cornerstone of rock history.
Carrying On a Legendary Legacy
Jason Bonham’s performance wasn’t just about rock ‘n’ roll—it was also a heartfelt tribute to his late father, John Bonham, who passed away in 1980 at the age of 32. To honor his father’s memory, Jason launched the Led Zeppelin Experience in 2009, later renaming it Led Zeppelin Evening. The project was initially meant to be a limited run but grew into an ongoing tribute, driven by the passion of fans.
Reflecting on the journey, Jason once shared, “This was my way of celebrating the music I love while paying tribute to my dad.” He added, “For many of you, he was Bonzo, the legend. For me, he was just Dad.”
The collaboration between Billy Joel and Jason Bonham was not just a New Year’s Eve performance—it was a powerful homage to rock history, bridging generations and celebrating the enduring influence of Led Zeppelin’s music.