by We’re always on the lookout for fairs, festivals, events, shows, and concerts that might be occurring on or near our route during our travels. Jennifer will check local event calendars to see what special events or performances might be happening when we’re in an area, including live music shows for a group of bands and performers on our “wish list.”
So when Jen asked if I wanted to make a slight detour on our travels to see ZOSO in Norfolk, Va., I enthusiastically assented to a change in plans.
ZOSO is a Led Zeppelin tribute band; but even better, the Los Angeles Times declared that ZOSO stands “head and shoulders above all other Led Zeppelin tributes.” First formed in the mid 1990s, the four-piece band has performed more than 4500 times in 28 years, muscling out performances of classics like “Kashmir,” “Trampled Under Foot,” and “Stairway to Heaven” that other six-piece outfits can’t come close to matching.
But my interest in ZOSO is not all about Led Zeppelin fan worship. Since 2021, the Jimmy Page guitar role in ZOSO has been deftly handled by a college classmate of mine, James Volpe Rotondi.
I’ve been following James’ career for many years–his Roto’s Magic Act CD Into the Unknown is an intricately-layered confection of original rock described as being inspired by David Bowie and Gram Parsons–as well as my all-time favorite band, XTC.
Rotondi certainly has the musical chops necessary to rise to the challenge of emulating Jimmy Page. James has played with Humble Pie and Air, was a Senior Editor at Guitar World magazine, is a truth-seeking multiple instrumentalist, composer, artist, writer, and explorer of the world.
So it was a no-brainer to add ZOSO to our list of “bands to see live” if we ever got the chance during our #vanlife adventures.
After a few clicks we had our tickets to see ZOSO at The NorVa in Norfolk.
The show was loud and rockin’ and energetic and loads of fun. I swear that Rotondi’s guitar was smoking at one point, so viscerally was he shredding it!
The other three members of ZOSO — Matt Jernigan, whose flowing blonde hair, bare chest and multi-octave vocal range evoked Robert Plant to a “t”; Adam Sandling as John Paul Jones must have been playing several instruments at once so seamless was his changes between electric bass, keyboards, and mandolin; and drummer Bevan Davies keep the beats grooving in true John Bonham style.
Before the show, Jen commented that these guys must have a lot of chutzpah to take on Led Zeppelin live on stage. As the concert progressed, she admitted that they were certainly well-suited to the challenge.
After the show, the band members came out and visited with concertgoers, signing autographs and taking pictures. We watched the band interact with dozens and dozens of adoring ZOSO fans. After the crowds thinned, we said hello to James, who, as I introduced myself, pulled my last name seemingly out of the ether and gave me a big hug in recognition. We chatted pleasantly for a few minutes before the band’s manager had us wrap it up.
ZOSO plays more than 200 shows a year, so check their website to see when they’re playing near you.
