Live Review: Stairway To Heaven: Led Zeppelin Masters

Almost 40 years after the break-up of the legendary outfit, Led Zeppelin Masters are keeping the catalogue alive and taking it to new heights with the help of The Black Dog Orchestra (Sydney Lyric Orchestra).

Jumping right into numbers like Good Times Bad Times and Rock On, the violins and lead guitar achieved a powerful symphony of driving riffs and harmonies. Although cover bands and concerts can be a topic of controversy it is worth noting that Led Zeppelin Masters are not necessarily trying to emulate the original outfit, but are instead adding to the classic rock sound with a classical orchestra, often taking the songs into new musical waters.

Kashmir opened the second half of the set with that driving, climbing riff that had everybody's heads bobbing along. As the track contained violin in the original studio recording, it is perhaps the song that birthed the confluence between orchestra and Zeppelin, which was apparently musical heresy back in '75.

A lengthy keyboard solo and jam with the drummer was illuminated under a blue wash. A pounding rendition of Moby Dick's famous drum solo received a well-deserved standing ovation and thunderous applause.

Stairway To Heaven — with singer Vince Contarino hitting each note Robert Plant could with power and assurance — was supplemented by the flute section that added a bit of extra flavour to the almost-medieval tone of the song. Black Dog closed the set to another standing ovation as the drummer, singer, guitarists and keyboardist walked off stage. The orchestra, however, could not lie and remained seated, waiting for the inevitable encore.

With the crowd now on their feet, fans of all ages danced along to classics Immigrant Song and Whole Lotta Love — further exemplifying the magical marriage of orchestra and rock. While Led Zeppelin Masters don't pretend to be the original band, these guys are note-perfect and then some. Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of the Led Zeppelin's music.