LYNN — For the past 10 years, Get the Led Out has packed Lynn Auditorium with fans eager to celebrate the timeless music of the mighty Led Zep-Lynn. It’s become an anticipated, spirited annual treat, and Friday night the six-piece Philly-based “American Led Zeppelin” demonstrated why they are so beloved here.
They came out like gangbusters, energetically emerging from a dry-ice fog and opening with guitar-powered rockers “Rock and Roll,” “Trampled Under Foot” and “Good Times Bad Times.”
This is one fun, powerhouse outfit.
The audience, too, arrived amped up and ready to party.
Singer Paul Sinclair and company showed they are no mere copycats of the classic British quartet. “We are fans of this band, just like you guys,” he said early in the two-hour-plus show.
Sinclair nails Robert Plant’s vocal histrionics, but his is no mere impersonation. He infuses each song with soul, whether it’s fan favorite “Babe, I’m Going to Leave You” or deep album cuts like “Tangerine” and “Achilles Last Stand,” all of which were unexpected treats Friday night. There’s also a bit of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler swagger and style in his singing.
With stacks of Marshall amps flanking the stage, the triple guitar threat of Paul Hammond, Jimmy Marchiano and Eddie Kurek, who doubled on keyboards, wowed the capacity crowd all night long, with creative, awe-inspiring solos whether playing a full-tilt bluesy rocker like “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)” or a quieter heart-tugger like “Ten Years Gone” or “Thank You.” They displayed mad talent during a mid-set three-song acoustic showcase.
The rhythm section — drummer Adam Ferraioli and bassist Phil D’Agostino — were sensational as well, anchoring each tune surely and steadily as John Bonham and John Paul Jones did during Led Zep’s creative heyday.
The band delivered a killer encore. Sinclair added bluesy harmonica to “Bring It On Home” then demonstrated his vocal skills during the classic “Stairway to Heaven,” which featured stellar guitar work by Marchiano and Hammond (on a crazy six- and 12-string twin-necked axe. “Whole Lotta Love” sent the crowd home happy.
There was a whole lotta love for Get the Led Out at Lynn Auditorium Friday night. Great show guys. Can’t wait to see you again next year.
