In 2013, Jason Bonham, the son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, revealed a deeply personal and ambitious dream: to perform alongside his late father using hologram technology. Known for his powerful drumming and emotional tributes to his father, Jason Bonham has long carried the torch of his family’s musical legacy. Through his band, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, he has introduced generations of fans to the iconic sound that made Led Zeppelin one of the most influential rock bands of all time. But Jason’s vision goes beyond simply playing the music—he has imagined bringing his father back to life on stage in a way that only modern technology could allow.
The idea came during an interview in 2013, when Bonham expressed his hope of one day doing a drum duet with a holographic version of John Bonham. The concept was inspired by technological advancements that had already started to reshape the music industry, such as the famous hologram of Tupac Shakur that appeared at the 2012 Coachella music festival. For Jason, it was more than just a gimmick—it was a heartfelt tribute to the man who taught him everything about music and rhythm. “It would be a dream come true to perform with my father again, even if just virtually,” he said at the time.
John Bonham, often referred to as “Bonzo,” passed away in 1980 at the age of 32, marking a devastating end to Led Zeppelin. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history, his thunderous technique and raw energy helped define the band’s sound. For Jason, growing up in the shadow of such a monumental legacy has always been both an inspiration and a challenge. While he has earned respect in his own right as a skilled drummer, he continues to honor his father’s legacy through live performances and tributes.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening is not just a cover band—it’s a living homage. With carefully curated setlists, video montages, and stories about life with his father, Jason has crafted an emotional concert experience. Incorporating a hologram would elevate the tribute to a whole new level, creating a multi-sensory performance that bridges generations. Imagine Jason behind the drum kit, trading licks with a three-dimensional, lifelike projection of John Bonham, synced perfectly to the beat. For fans, it would be a surreal, emotionally powerful moment; for Jason, it would be a reunion.
However, such a project is not without its challenges. Hologram technology remains complex and expensive, requiring precise coordination between audio, video, and live performance. It also raises ethical questions about the use of a deceased artist’s image. Would John Bonham have approved of such a display? Jason has made it clear that his motivation is rooted in love and respect, and any hologram performance would be done with the full blessing of the Bonham family and estate.
While the dream of a drum duet with his father’s hologram has yet to be realized, the idea continues to resonate. It reflects Jason’s ongoing effort to keep his father’s spirit alive—not just through recordings, but in real-time, on stage, in front of thousands. It’s a poignant example of how technology can serve art, memory, and emotion all at once.
Until such a performance comes to life, Jason Bonham will continue to do what he does best—celebrate the legacy of Led Zeppelin and honor his father through the universal language of music. Whether through digital resurrection or live drumming power, the bond between father and son remains unbreakable, forged in rhythm, love, and legacy.