As the years have passed, the golden age of hard rock grows more distant in the rear view mirror. The desire to hear and experience live music from this era is always present. Many times, these cravings are fulfilled with a band that specializes in recreating the live music of a specific artist. In other words, a live music tribute experience.
There’s live music tribute experiences and then there’s live music tribute experiences that are on a whole different and elevated level. The latter can refer to and best describes ZOSO, an ultimate Led Zeppelin live music experience.
ZOSO is not just a run of the mill gathering of weekend warriors. They are so much more and have been churning out the Zeppelin live music experience for three decades.
Photo by Brian McLean
The band is in the midst of their 30th Anniversary Tour that includes stops in Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston and other major markets. The summer dates see the band playing shows on both coasts.
The band is not anchored solely to North America. ZOSO has graced stages all around the globe with 4,800 shows to their credit.
Formed in 1995 by vocalist Matt Jernigan and multi instrumentalist Adam Sandling, both who have a deep rooted passion for the music of Led Zeppelin.
Jernigan takes on the role of Robert Plant leaves nothing left to the imagination of those in attendance. He skillfully handles all duties with ease, whether in mannerisms, dress and especially in vocal duties.
As for Sandling, he steps in the role of John Paul Jones, easily performing all things related to the bass, keyboards and mandolin. It gives the ZOSO experience added depth.
As expected, one can hear the common and best-known hits but ZOSO dives into the catalog pulling out deeper tracks.
Supplying the rhythmic foundation for the ZOSO experience falls to Bevan Davies who’s in his tenth year portraying John Bonham.
The newest addition to the ZOSO roster occurred earlier in 2025. Enter 24-year-old guitarist Holston Rainero who handles duties related to Jimmy Page. The guitarist reached out to the ZOSO camp when word of a vacancy for the role of Page was made known.
With a never give up attitude, Rainero uploaded videos of his playing classic Zeppelin songs. The ZOSO camp took notice and recognized talent. His efforts paid off.
Photo by Brian McLean
Photo by Brian McLean
For ZOSO’s set at the Tannahill Music Complex in Fort Worth, the band kicked things off with “Custard Pie,” followed by “Good Times” and the “Lemon Song.” The sound and mannerisms on stage were spot on. There was no opening act. Just two hours of classic Zeppelin music.
Photo by Brian McLean
Photo by Brian McLean
Photo by Brian McLean
First timers to the experience quickly picked up on the band’s level of authenticity. The veterans of the ZOSO crowd already knew.
Fans were treated to standards such as “Immigrant Song,” “Kashmir,” “Dancing Days,” “Moby Dick” and the obvious “Stairway to Heaven.” Slowing the tempo down, several songs were played acoustically with Jernigan, Sandling and his mandolin and Rainero on the acoustic guitar.
A surprise inclusion of the set included “Hots on for Nowhere” from Presence.
The ZOSO presentation from start to finish ran as smooth as a show should. That’s anticipated with 30 years under the belt. No wasted time, just four musicians delivering an enjoyable and authentic Led Zeppelin musical experience.
ZOSO is an outing younger music loving fans of their generations should be experience. It’s a grand introduction to the Zeppelin’s creations. There’s just something about feeling those songs live and ZOSO gives justice to each song they perform.
For more information or upcoming tour dates, visit the band’s website at www.zosoontour.com The band currently has dates posted for shows through December 20, 2025.
