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Lez Zeppelin
Lez Zeppelin
Lez Zeppelin
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Lez Zeppelin is an all-female tribute act, performing the work of Led Zeppelin.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]
The band onstage
Lez Zeppelin performing in Indianapolis in 2006
The band onstage
Lez Zeppelin performing in Falls Church, Virginia in 2009

In June 2005, Chuck Klosterman wrote an article for Spin that featured Lez Zeppelin as a leading protagonist in a trend of all-female hard rock "tribute" bands. He referred to the group as "the most powerful all-female band in rock history" and described the rise of bands like Lez Zeppelin as a "kind of multilayered cultural phenomenon."[3] Stories about the group appeared in The Times, whose journalist called the band "the best new band I’ve seen all year, no question;" Reuters and CNN.com.,[4] which ran a front page feature that called the group so "electrifying" they are "driving club audiences to a frenzy."

In April 2007, after touring in the US and Europe the band released its first album, Lez Zeppelin, which was produced by Eddie Kramer, former recording engineer on several Led Zeppelin albums. In the wake of this release, the band was invited to festivals including the Download Festival in the UK; Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Germany; and the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans.

The announcement in February 2008, that Led Zeppelin would take the stage at the Bonnaroo Festival, was an incorrect report by some news organizations since it was Lez Zeppelin which was due to perform.[5]

Throughout 2008, the group continued to tour in the U.S. and in the late fall made its first visit to Japan to promote the release of its debut record. In March 2009, Lez Zeppelin played a benefit concert in Mumbai, India.[6] In 2010, the band headed back into the studio to record a second album and released their re-recording of Led Zeppelin I.

The band continued to tour and had several line-up changes in the 2010s. In late 2019, the band released its EP The Island of Skyros.

Members

[edit]
  • Steph Paynes – guitars, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, theremin
  • Joan Chew – bass, backing vocals, keyboards
  • Dana Athens - Vocals
  • Hilary Blaze - Drums, gong

Former members

  • Kris Bradley – vocals[7]
  • Lisa Brigantino – bass, mandolin, keyboards
  • Shannon Conley – lead vocals, tambourine
  • Gus Morgan (formerly Helen Destroy) – drums
  • Jessica Fagre – keyboards[7]
  • Brooke Gengras – bass
  • Wendy Kidd – drums
  • Sarah McLellan – vocals
  • Megan Thomas – bass, keyboards
  • Leesa Harrington-Squyres – drums, backing vocals, gong
  • Marlain Angelides – lead vocals, tambourine, harmonica

Albums

[edit]

2007: Lez Zeppelin

[edit]
Lez Zeppelin
Studio album by
Lez Zeppelin
Released2007
Recorded2007
GenreHard rock, blues rock
Length38:30
LabelEmanation
ProducerEddie Kramer
The band onstage
Lez Zeppelin in 2007, with Sarah McLellan on vocals

In late 2007, the band (then consisting of Steph Paynes, Sarah McLellan on vocals, Helen Destroy on drums and Lisa Brigantino on bass and keyboards) recorded its first album containing six Led Zeppelin selections (one song from each of the first six albums) and two originals. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City with producer/engineer Eddie Kramer, best known for his work with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, and was mastered by George Marino, who digitally remastered all of the original Led Zeppelin recordings with Jimmy Page. Released on Emanation Records, the album is distributed by Redeye Distribution,[8] and was also released and distributed in Japan by the Avex Music Group. Reviewing the release for AllMusic Guide, Alex Henderson wrote that the album is "worthwhile" and that the musicians "should not be dismissed as a mere novelty act"; the editorial team gave the release 3.5 out of five stars.[9]

  1. "Whole Lotta Love" – 5:44
  2. "The Ocean" – 4:36
  3. "On the Rocks" – 2:14
  4. "Since I've Been Loving You" – 7:58
  5. "Rock 'n Roll" – 3:52
  6. "Winter Sun" – 2:41
  7. "Communication Breakdown" – 2:43
  8. "Kashmir" – 8:42

2010: Lez Zeppelin I

[edit]
Lez Zeppelin I
Studio album by
Lez Zeppelin
Released2010
Recorded2010
GenreHard rock, blues rock
Length38:30
LabelPie
ProducerPerry Margouleff, William Wittman
The band onstage
The 2012 line-up of the band

In 2010, the group (consisting of Steph Paynes, Leesa Harrington-Squyres, Megan Thomas, and Shannon Conley) returned to the studio to record a second album with producers Perry Margouleff and William Wittman that serves as a replication of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut. The album was recorded at Pie Studios in Glen Cove, New York, using all of the same analog gear and recording techniques, as well as the same vintage equipment used by Led in 1968.[10] Released on Pie Records, the album is distributed by Redeye Distribution in the U.S. and was also released and distributed in Japan by the Avex Music Group. AllMusic Guide gave this album three out of five stars, with reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine writing that the tone and musicianship are correct but "ultimately it’s not much more than excellent advertising for their live gigs".[11]

Track listing

  1. "Good Times Bad Times" (Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham)
  2. "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" (Anne Bredon/Jimmy Page, Robert Plant)
  3. "You Shook Me" (Willie Dixon, J.B. Lenoir)
  4. "Dazed and Confused" (Jimmy Page, inspired by Jake Holmes)
  5. "Your Time Is Gonna Come" (Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones)
  6. "Black Mountain Side" (Jimmy Page)
  7. "Communication Breakdown" (Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham)
  8. "I Can't Quit You Baby" (Willie Dixon)
  9. "How Many More Times" (Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham)

2019: The Island of Skyros

[edit]

In 2015, the band released the "Mystic Snowman" single, which is a Christmas-themed re-write of "Stairway to Heaven" with "Frosty the Snowman". The band followed it with their 2019 album recorded with a string section.[12]

  1. "Battle of Evermore" – 5:46
  2. "Achilles Last Stand" – 9:53
  3. "Rain Song" – 7:40
  4. "Immigrant Song" – 2:22
  5. "Friends" – 4:18
  6. "In the Light" – 9:24

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lez Zeppelin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lez Zeppelin is an American all-female rock band dedicated to performing the music of the British rock group Led Zeppelin, formed in 2004 in by guitarist Steph Paynes as the first female rock act to tribute the iconic band. The quartet, known for their high-energy live performances that capture the sensuality and power of Led Zeppelin's sound, has earned widespread critical acclaim as one of the premier tribute acts in the genre. Current members include founder Steph Paynes on guitar, Dana Athens on vocals, Hillary Blaze on drums, and Joan Chew on bass and keyboards. Past vocalists have included Shannon Conley and Marlain Angelides, reflecting lineup evolutions over two decades of touring. Lez Zeppelin's notable achievements include headline performances at major venues such as Madison Square Garden (twice), Bonnaroo Music Festival, Hellfest, and the Isle of Wight Festival, as well as a high-profile Times Square appearance for 40,000 spectators. They have released two albums: the self-titled Lez Zeppelin (2007), produced by Led Zeppelin's longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, and Lez Zeppelin I (2010), a remake of Led Zeppelin's debut album using period-accurate 1968 recording equipment. The band has been featured on major networks including BBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, MTV, VH1, FOX, SiriusXM, and NPR, with Spin magazine hailing them as "the most powerful all-female band in rock history." In 2013, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page attended one of their London shows and praised the group, stating, "they played the Led Zeppelin music with an extraordinary sensuality and an energy and passion that highlighted their superb musicianship." Additionally, Lez Zeppelin has undertaken humanitarian efforts, such as a benefit concert in India to fund ambulances, and released novelty tracks like the mash-up "Mystic Snowman" blending "Stairway to Heaven" with "Frosty the Snowman." Their albums have been distributed internationally in the US, Japan, and Europe, cementing their status as a groundbreaking force in rock tribute music.

History

Formation and early years

Lez Zeppelin was formed in New York City in 2004 by guitarist Steph Paynes, who sought to create an all-female tribute band dedicated to replicating the music of Led Zeppelin while highlighting the capabilities of women in rock. Paynes, a longtime fan of the band, envisioned the project as a way to perform Zeppelin's complex catalog through a female lens, addressing the underrepresentation of women in hard rock and tribute scenes. Paynes assembled the initial lineup through word-of-mouth recommendations among New York musicians, including early members Brooke Gengras and Wendy Kidd, prioritizing players who could handle the technical demands of Led Zeppelin's riffs, rhythms, and improvisations. Early rehearsals took place in informal NYC spaces, where the band honed their arrangements to capture the original's energy and dynamics, infusing subtle female perspectives into the interpretations without altering the core sound. The band began performing at local New York City venues shortly after forming, starting with small club shows that tested their fidelity to Led Zeppelin's style amid enthusiastic but skeptical crowds. These initial gigs focused on building a tight performance dynamic, emphasizing instrumental precision and vocal power to honor the source material. However, Lez Zeppelin faced significant challenges in gaining traction, including skepticism from audiences and promoters in the male-dominated tribute band circuit, as well as the scarcity of female rock musicians skilled enough to tackle Zeppelin's challenging repertoire. Paynes noted the difficulty in recruiting such talent, underscoring the project's role in challenging gender biases in rock music.

Rise to prominence

Lez Zeppelin's breakthrough came in June 2005 with a feature article in Spin magazine by critic Chuck Klosterman, who spotlighted the band amid a rising trend of all-female hard rock tribute acts and dubbed them "the most powerful all-female band in rock history." This exposure dramatically boosted their visibility, transforming them from a New York City-based underground act into a nationally recognized phenomenon, and paved the way for their first extensive U.S. tours, including high-profile slots at festivals like the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans. Around 2007, the band underwent key lineup adjustments to solidify its sound, with Lisa Brigantino joining on bass and keyboards to channel John Paul Jones's multifaceted role, and Helen Destroy taking over drums in homage to John Bonham's powerhouse style. These changes enhanced their live energy and precision. That same year, they released their self-titled debut album, a milestone that captured their raw interpretations of Led Zeppelin's catalog and marked their entry into recorded music distribution. By the late 2000s, Lez Zeppelin's momentum carried them to early international stages, including tours across in the late 2000s, with their first trip to in 2008 to promote the debut album. In 2009, they headlined a in , , further expanding their reach. This period saw a burgeoning fanbase among dedicated Led Zeppelin enthusiasts, drawn to the band's authentic yet fresh take, as evidenced by sold-out shows and features in outlets like and .

Later career and recent developments

Following the release of their second studio album in , Lez Zeppelin's lineup continued to evolve with several personnel shifts throughout the decade, maintaining Steph Paynes as the core on guitar. Post-, the band adopted a more selective approach to live performances, with only sporadic appearances such as a single show at in 2011 and another at in 2014, followed by a notable hiatus from 2015 to 2022 amid members' other professional commitments. This period of reduced activity allowed the group to focus on studio work, culminating in the November 2019 release of their EP The Island of Skyros through label It Could Be A Record Company. The six-track EP featured original string arrangements—composed specifically for the band's live orchestral performances—of both popular and lesser-known Led Zeppelin songs, such as "Achilles Last Stand," enhanced by a four-piece to add dramatic depth and resonance. In 2025, Lez Zeppelin announced plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti with a series of activities, including a full-scale tour with performances of the album in its entirety at venues such as The State Theatre in November 2025, following their 2024 release of . This initiative underscores the band's ongoing commitment to reinterpreting Led Zeppelin's legacy while maintaining their distinctive all-female perspective and instrumental precision.

Members

Current members

Lez Zeppelin's current lineup as of November 2025 consists of four core members who deliver a faithful yet dynamic to Led Zeppelin's catalog, each bringing specialized skills to emulate the original band's intensity and innovation. The band maintains an all-female quartet format, with members contributing to the group's signature sound through precise instrumentation and vocal prowess. Steph Paynes serves as the founder, lead guitarist, backing vocalist, player, and , having established Lez Zeppelin in 2004 in . A veteran of the NYC rock scene with a background as a rock journalist, Paynes emphasizes Jimmy Page-inspired riffs, incorporating intricate fingerpicking, bow techniques, and effects to replicate the original guitarist's eclectic style across tracks like "Dazed and Confused" and "." Her multi-instrumental approach, including for ethereal elements in songs such as "," underscores the band's commitment to Led Zeppelin's experimental edge. Dana Athens handles lead vocals and harmonica, rejoining the band in early 2025 after a previous stint from 2014 to 2016. A Brooklyn-based influenced by and traditions, Athens captures Robert Plant's soaring range and emotive delivery, navigating high-pitched wails and gritty timbres in performances of "" and "Black Dog." Her rock vocal experience, honed as frontwoman of Jane Lee Hooker, adds a raw, blues-infused authenticity to the tribute, enhancing the band's ability to convey Led Zeppelin's mystical and powerful lyrical themes. Hillary Blaze provides drums, percussion, and , contributing since the early as a long-standing member of . Known for her powerful and precise playing that echoes John Bonham's thunderous style, Blaze delivers the driving grooves and explosive fills central to Led Zeppelin's sound, particularly in extended solos like those in "" and "." With a background in all-female metal bands such as Jaded and Judas Priestess, her technical proficiency and endurance support the band's high-energy live renditions, ensuring rhythmic fidelity to the originals while amplifying the group's rock dynamics. Joan Chew rounds out the lineup on bass, backing vocals, keyboards, and , having been a key contributor since at least 2018. Drawing on her classical training, Chew emulates John Paul Jones's versatility, switching seamlessly between melodic bass lines, keyboard swells in "," and accents in acoustic pieces like "." Her multi-instrumental role provides the harmonic foundation and textural depth that define Led Zeppelin's progressive arrangements, allowing Lez Zeppelin to faithfully recreate the band's blend of , folk, and elements.

Former members

Lez Zeppelin has experienced significant lineup turnover since its formation in , largely due to the rigorous demands of its extensive touring schedule, which has prompted members to pursue solo projects, family priorities, and other musical opportunities. Brooke Gengras served as the original from to 2007, delivering energetic performances that evoked Plant's style during the band's formative years and early shows. She departed to focus on her solo career under the name Brooke X, including work with her band Rider. Wendy Kidd was the founding drummer from 2004 to 2007, providing the powerhouse for the band's debut album and initial live sets. She left after the release of the first record to explore other ventures, including founding her entertainment company and playing with groups like Hooray for Goodbye. Lisa Brigantino played bass, , and keyboards from 2004 to 2009, contributing to the band's first two studio albums and adding layered arrangements to their tribute sound. As an original member, she helped establish the group's instrumental precision before exiting in 2009 to marry and start a family. Helen Destroy (now Gus Morgan) handled drums from 2007 to 2015, infusing live performances with explosive energy reminiscent of and supporting international tours. The musician transitioned out to join other bands like following their coming out as non-binary. Other notable former members include Kris Bradley (vocals, 2010s), who fronted the band during a phase of global touring before shifting to original music and production work; Shannon Conley (lead vocals and tambourine, 2010s), acclaimed for her dynamic stage presence and Plant-inspired delivery, who left to pursue Broadway roles including in Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Sarah McLellan (vocals, 2005–2009), an Australian performer who joined early and completed over 300 shows across 10 countries before departing for acting and other endeavors; Megan Thomas (bass and keyboards, 2010s), who supported the rhythm section in mid-decade recordings and tours; Leesa Harrington Squyres (drums, c. 2015–2024), who provided the rhythm section during the band's mid-career tours before leaving for other opportunities; Marlain Angelides (lead vocals, c. 2016–January 2025), who fronted the band in later years until her departure in early 2025; Jessica Fagre (keyboards, brief stint in the 2010s). These changes reflect the tribute band's evolution while maintaining its commitment to authentic Led Zeppelin interpretations.

Musical style and approach

Tribute methodology

Lez Zeppelin, formed in 2004 as the world's first all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band, commits to note-for-note accuracy in replicating the original band's complex arrangements and powerful sound, while incorporating subtle female vocal interpretations and gender-bending nuances that add a fresh layer to the performances. This approach ensures fidelity to Led Zeppelin's blues-infused essence, with Marlain Angelides channeling Robert Plant's dynamic range and stage presence through meticulous vocal emulation and movement. The band's philosophy emphasizes capturing the raw live energy and audacious spirit of Led Zeppelin's concerts without relying on costumes, visual mimicry, or theatrical gimmicks, prioritizing authentic musicianship to honor the originals' groundbreaking authenticity. Instead, they focus on delivering high-octane, sensual performances that engage audiences through sheer power and passion, as praised by for their "extraordinary energy." This dedication to substance over spectacle has earned them acclaim as a transformative force in rock tribute acts. Song selection balances iconic hits like "" with lesser-known deep cuts such as "," aiming to delight dedicated fans by showcasing the full breadth of Led Zeppelin's catalog and fostering deeper appreciation. Over time, Lez Zeppelin's methodology has evolved from strictly rigid tributes to incorporating subtle original twists, evident in their 2015 single's innovative mash-up "Mystic Snowman," which blends "" with "" for interpretive flair. This progression allows them to maintain reverence while injecting contemporary creativity into their homage.

Instrumentation and arrangements

Lez Zeppelin's guitarist Steph Paynes employs a setup closely modeled after Jimmy Page's iconic gear to replicate the raw, dynamic tone of Led Zeppelin's recordings and live performances. Her primary instrument is a standard Gibson Les Paul with tapered pots for boost and fuzz effects, complemented by a Gibson Les Paul Custom, a Dragon Telecaster for early Zeppelin sounds, a double-neck guitar for multi-instrumental passages, and a Danelectro for specific textures. Paynes amplifies through a vintage Marshall Plexi for its high-volume saturation, though she adapts with a JCM800 on stage for overdrive via dual channels, ensuring the aggressive bite central to Page's style. Effects include a Vox wah pedal set between middle and high positions, a MXR Phase 90, an MXR Blue Box for octave fuzz in solos like "Fool in the Rain," an Echoplex for quarter-note slapback delay, and a KTR boost pedal to compensate for lower volumes in modern venues. She incorporates Page's violin bow technique, sliding and striking the strings to evoke the eerie swells in tracks like "Dazed and Confused," while prioritizing interpretive phrasing, swing, and bluesy feel over exact replication. Drummer Leesa Harrington Squyres emulates John Bonham's thunderous style through a focus on explosive dynamics and percussive power, using a traditional kit augmented by a signature for dramatic crescendos in songs like "." Her approach delivers the solid, groove-heavy foundation of Bonham's playing, as seen in faithful recreations of extended solos such as "," where she maintains the original's relentless energy and precision without modern embellishments. Squyres's setup emphasizes Bonham's emphasis on room-filling volume and subtle , providing the rhythmic drive that underpins Lez Zeppelin's heavy arrangements during live sets. Bassist and keyboardist Joan Chew captures John Paul Jones's versatile role by layering bass lines with keyboard textures, often employing two keyboards and bass pedals to handle simultaneous low-end grooves and melodic overlays in complex tracks. Her Fender-style bass delivers the intricate, walking lines and melodic fills synonymous with Jones, such as in "," while additions provide acoustic sparkle in folk-inflected pieces like the original's "." Chew's multi-instrumental layering extends to backing vocals, reinforcing harmonic depth without altering the core structure. Vocalist Marlain Angelides adapts Robert Plant's soaring range through a blues-rooted delivery that tackles high registers with intensity, as in the piercing wails of "," supported by group harmonies from Chew to evoke Plant's emotive, multi-octave phrasing. Her approach channels Plant's and stage presence, incorporating harmonica for bluesy accents in songs like "Nobody's Fault but Mine," while the band's collective vocal support adds layered textures to anthemic choruses. This multi-vocalist dynamic ensures the arrangements retain Zeppelin's improvisational spirit in live adaptations. In recording, Lez Zeppelin favors analog-style production to preserve the organic grit of Led Zeppelin's era, as demonstrated in their 2010 album Lez Zeppelin I, a track-by-track recreation of Led Zeppelin using vintage microphones, tape machines, and console setups at Pie Studios in Glen Cove, New York. The debut album, produced by Led Zeppelin engineer Eddie Kramer, similarly employed analog techniques to capture unpolished energy and spatial depth, avoiding digital processing for a raw, live-in-the-room essence. These choices emphasize minimal overdubs and natural reverb, mirroring the original band's spontaneous studio ethos while highlighting the quartet's instrumental interplay.

Discography

Studio albums

Lez Zeppelin's debut studio album, the self-titled Lez Zeppelin, was released on July 10, 2007, by the independent label Emanation Records. Recorded primarily in New York City studios including Electric Lady Studios, Integrated Studios, and Stratosphere Sound following the band's rising profile after a 2005 feature in Spin magazine that dubbed them "the most powerful all-female band in rock history," the album captures the group's early energy as a tribute act with a blend of Led Zeppelin covers and original material. It features eight tracks, including faithful renditions of classics like "Whole Lotta Love," "Kashmir," and "Since I've Been Loving You," alongside two band originals: the instrumental "On the Rocks" (written by band members Steph Paynes, Sarah McLellan, Lisa Brigantino, Helen Destroy, and producer Eddie Kramer) and "Winter Sun." The production emphasizes raw, blues-rock intensity, with critic Alex Henderson of AllMusic praising the album as "worthwhile" for the band's credible recreation of Led Zeppelin's sound, highlighting vocalist Shannon Conley's spirited homage. Distributed independently with limited availability, the album highlights the band's commitment to recreating Led Zeppelin's sound while incorporating fresh elements, earning acclaim for its powerful delivery despite the tribute genre's challenges. The band's second studio album, Lez Zeppelin I, arrived on September 7, 2010, via the independent Pie Records label, marking a shift toward a more purist tribute approach. Recorded in an analog studio using vintage equipment akin to that employed by Led Zeppelin for their 1969 debut, the album serves as a direct remake of the original Led Zeppelin LP, featuring nine tracks such as "Good Times Bad Times," "Dazed and Confused," and "Communication Breakdown." This release came amid lineup adjustments in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including changes in personnel that influenced the group's evolving dynamic while maintaining core members like guitarist Steph Paynes. The tighter production and analog warmth evoke a live, immersive feel, prioritizing fidelity to the source material's blues-infused hard rock essence without additional originals. Independent distribution kept it niche, but reviews noted its enhanced cohesion and instrumental precision; for instance, Piercing Metal awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending the band's technical prowess in replicating the debut's raw power. Overall, Lez Zeppelin I solidified the group's reputation for meticulous tribute work, focusing on conceptual homage over innovation. Both albums exemplify Lez Zeppelin's independent ethos, with limited commercial reach but a dedication to high-fidelity recreations of Led Zeppelin's catalog, free from original band involvement.

Extended plays

Lez Zeppelin's sole , The Island of Skyros, was self-released on , 2019, under the band's It Could Be Real Records imprint. This 6-track EP consists entirely of Led Zeppelin covers, including both well-known staples and deeper cuts such as "," "," "Friends," and "," alongside "" and "." Clocking in at approximately 39 minutes, the release captures the band's evolving sound during a period of lineup consistency that followed their earlier full-length albums. The EP's production emphasized experimental arrangements, integrating a four-piece to infuse classical resonance and atmospheric depth into the rock-oriented originals. These string parts, composed specifically for Lez Zeppelin's live string performances, provide a dramatic reinterpretation, particularly enhancing the folk and elements in tracks like "" and "Friends," which draw from Led Zeppelin's acoustic and Eastern-influenced influences. This approach marks a departure from straightforward tributes, allowing the band to explore Zeppelin's more introspective and textural side through orchestral layering rather than pure replication. Released amid the dominance of streaming platforms, The Island of Skyros prioritized digital distribution, making it immediately available on services like and , while physical editions were limited to small runs of CDs and vinyl sold directly through the band's website. The EP served as a creative bridge in the band's , bridging their rock-focused prior works with more ambitious, genre-blending experiments.

Live performances

Early tours and shows

Following their formation in late 2004, Lez Zeppelin began performing live in 2005 after six months of intensive rehearsals, initially focusing on small venues in New York City clubs to hone their sound and build a local following. These early gigs, often in intimate East Coast spots, allowed the band to refine their high-energy interpretations of Led Zeppelin's catalog, drawing initial attention from rock enthusiasts despite the niche appeal of an all-female tribute act. The band's grassroots momentum accelerated after a pivotal June 2005 feature in Spin magazine by Chuck Klosterman, which highlighted Lez Zeppelin as a pioneer in the emerging trend of all-female hard rock tribute bands and dubbed them "the most powerful all-female band in rock history." This exposure led to expanded East Coast tours in 2005–2007, cultivating a dedicated audience through word-of-mouth and consistent performances emphasizing raw power and fidelity to the originals. Key venue milestones during this period included a scheduled appearance at the in November 2005—though canceled due to unforeseen issues—and a confirmed high-profile show there in , where the band delivered a medley showcasing their technical prowess to packed crowds. Early radio appearances further amplified their reach, with airplay on outlets like and SiriusXM helping to bridge club scenes to broader listeners and solidifying their reputation beyond New York. Setlists from these years leaned heavily on material from Led Zeppelin's debut , reflecting the band's commitment to foundational tracks while navigating the era's predominantly male-dominated rock circuits. By 2007–2010, Lez Zeppelin ventured into their first international tours, starting with a European leg that included a slot at the in the UK in June 2007, where they performed to festival-goers amid a lineup of acts. This marked a shift to larger audiences and cross-border logistics, followed by additional legs in and initial forays into , often tied to tribute-themed events that highlighted their unique gender dynamic. A standout moment came in 2008 at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in , where they played to over 20,000 attendees on a main stage, generating widespread media buzz and affirming their crossover appeal. These outings relied predominantly on songs from their 2007 self-titled debut album, allowing the band to showcase studio-recorded arrangements live while adapting to diverse international venues. Throughout this foundational phase, Lez Zeppelin faced logistical challenges inherent to an all-female lineup in the male-heavy rock touring world, including skepticism from promoters, equipment hauling difficulties, and occasional that questioned their authenticity in a genre rooted in traditional . Band founder Steph Paynes noted the "crazy world" of touring logistics and interpersonal dynamics as ongoing hurdles, yet these obstacles fueled their persistence, turning potential barriers into a narrative of that resonated with fans. By , these early efforts had transformed local club buzz into a sustainable international presence, setting for broader recognition.

Major tours and special events

Lez Zeppelin's major live milestones from 2011 to 2018 included headline performances at prominent venues such as in (twice), the Bonnaroo Music Festival, in France, and the Isle of Wight Festival in the UK. They also staged a high-profile appearance in for 40,000 spectators. These events showcased their ability to draw large crowds and earned them acclaim for their faithful yet sensual renditions of Led Zeppelin's music. From 2019 to 2024, Lez Zeppelin conducted selective performances across the and internationally, often tied to promotional efforts for their recorded works, including West Coast runs in and appearances at European festivals such as those in the UK and . These shows typically featured high-energy tributes to Led Zeppelin's catalog, with the band playing to audiences at venues like the Ardmore Music Hall in and various festival stages, emphasizing their all-female interpretation of anthems. The period saw around 20-26 concerts annually in the US, alongside occasional international outings that helped build their reputation among Zeppelin enthusiasts. In 2025, Lez Zeppelin launched a full-scale U.S. tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti, running from November 2025 through January 2026 and comprising over 15 dates primarily on the East Coast and Midwest. The tour features album-deep sets, performing the entirety of with enhanced production elements like specialized lighting and visuals to evoke the original 1975 performances. Key stops include November 8 at The Greenwich Odeum in ; November 14 at The Recher in ; November 15 at State Theatre in , highlighted for its focus on tracks; December 5 at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, ; December 6 at Bearsville Theater in ; December 28 at in ; and a finale on December 31 at the Beacon Theatre in . This tour marks an evolution in their live approach, incorporating more theatrical elements to honor the anniversary while maintaining their signature instrumental precision. Special events during this era include one-off tributes and collaborations with Led Zeppelin fan clubs, such as joint appearances at fan-organized gatherings and holiday specials. For instance, the December 31 Beacon Theatre show doubles as a festive event, blending Physical Graffiti material with seasonal rock staples to engage dedicated followers. These collaborations often involve exclusive meet-and-greets and setlist requests curated with fan input, fostering a sense of community among tribute enthusiasts.

References

  1. https://lezzeppelin.com/pages/press
  2. https://lezzeppelin.com/
  3. https://danadangerathens.com/about
  4. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/features/led-zeppelin-s-jimmy-page-a-whole-lotta-love-from-four-women-8706208.html
  5. https://dailyiowan.com/2009/04/08/stairway-to-zeppelin-with-all-female-tribute-band/
  6. https://dailyiowan.lib.uiowa.edu/DI/2009/di2009-04-08.pdf
  7. https://jakes-take.com/lez-zeppelin-founder-steph-paynes-interview-jimmy-page/
  8. https://www.cegpresents.com/tm-attraction/lez-zeppelin/
  9. https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2007/08/02/Lez-Zeppelin-brings-a-feminine-touch-to-hard-rock-catalog/stories/200708020385
  10. https://music.apple.com/us/album/lez-zeppelin/257371775
  11. https://lezzeppelin.com/pages/band
  12. https://www.goldminemag.com/features/lez-zeppelin-treats-zeppelin-as-the-beethoven-of-its-time/
  13. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/lez-zeppelin
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/14626046-Lez-Zeppelin-The-Island-Of-Skyros
  15. https://lezzeppelin.com/products/island-of-skyros-cd
  16. https://thestatetheatre.freshtix.com/events/lezzeppelinnov15
  17. https://www.last.fm/music/Lez+Zeppelin
  18. https://www.bristoledition.org/blog/2025/10/04/lez-zeppelin-all-female-band-brings-new-depth-appreciation-of-the-power-of-the-original-band-at-downtown-live-tonight-saturday-oct-4/
  19. https://denverentertainmenthub.com/2022/04/13/artist-interview-a-conversation-with-steph-paynes-of-lez-zeppelin/
  20. https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/lez-zeppelins-steph-paynes-this-is-what-it-takes-to-play-and-sound-just-like-jimmy-page
  21. https://americanahighways.org/2025/01/13/show-review-lez-zeppelin-at-cohoes-music-hall/
  22. https://www.therockpit.net/2022/interview-dana-athens-jane-lee-hooker/
  23. https://www.dailygazette.com/nippertown/music/earls-court-cohoes-music-hall/article_6d5ce0fc-19c4-4ae0-b151-ed32767b621f.html
  24. https://www.metaladies.com/bands/jaded/?lang=en
  25. https://www.discogs.com/artist/5083278-Joan-Chew
  26. https://brooklynrail.org/2013/03/music/decoding-lez-zeppelin/
  27. https://www.courant.com/2004/01/15/lez-zeppelin-is-note-perfect/
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCi0yhZgZQ
  29. https://www.last.fm/music/Brooke%2BGengras
  30. https://www.f6s.com/wendykidd
  31. https://tomtommag.com/2010/03/the-kidd-is-alright-an-interview-with-hooray-for-goodbye-and-drummer-wendy-kidd/
  32. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/successful-gay-wedding_b_1325502
  33. https://lisabrigantino.com/bio/
  34. https://www.goldminemag.com/features/lisa-brigantino-gets-the-lez-out/
  35. https://lisabrigantino.bandcamp.com/
  36. https://tomtommag.com/2016/08/destroy-beyond-the-kit-an-interview-with-destroy-part-1/
  37. https://rpmlifeinanalog.com/2014/01/09/whole-lotta-led-all-female-lez-zeppelin-bring-all-their-love-and-some-serious-chops-too/
  38. https://www.producelikeaboss.com/my-story
  39. https://shannonconley.com/
  40. https://www.curvemag.com/blog/bands/getting-down-with-lez-zeppelin/
  41. https://australianwomeninnewyork.org/2023/07/03/faces-of-awny-meet-sarah-mclellan-mee/
  42. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesa-harrington-squyres-04553614
  43. https://washingtonlife.com/2020/01/14/lez-zeppelins-dash-for-the-gates-of-glory/
  44. https://www.marlainangel.com/bio
  45. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2352644651737670&set=a.113315869003904&type=3
  46. https://www.gigbill.com/news/lez-zeppelin-at-the-memo-music-hall/
  47. https://www.discogs.com/master/1653877-Lez-Zeppelin-Mystic-Snowman
  48. https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/the-tvd-interview/in-the-light-lez-zeppelins-metaphysical-physical-graffiti/
  49. https://www.vaildaily.com/news/song-remains-the-same/
  50. https://generationxwire.com/2025/04/30/fifty-years-after-their-heroes-lez-zeppelin-brings-it-on-home/
  51. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGY-SZXyHRl/
  52. https://www.easthamptonstar.com/arts/2025612/hammer-goddess-lez-zeppelin-talkhouse
  53. https://www.dailygazette.com/nippertown/lez-zeppelin-cohoes-review/article_b102cdc2-d284-11ef-90ad-bfd33ec74cfa.html
  54. https://www.rockdnamag.com/post/lez-zeppelin-at-soundcheck-studios
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/2127691-Lez-Zeppelin-Lez-Zeppelin
  56. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lez-zeppelin-mw0000487607
  57. https://genius.com/Lez-zeppelin-on-the-rocks-lyrics/q/writer
  58. https://www.rockdnamag.com/post/lez-zeppelin-at-soundcheck-studios-1
  59. https://www.discogs.com/release/3349046-Lez-Zeppelin-Lez-Zeppelin-I
  60. https://lezzeppelin.com/products/cd-lez-zeppelin-i
  61. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lez-zeppelin-i-mw0002024284
  62. https://www.piercingmetal.com/lez-zeppelin-i-by-lez-zeppelin/
  63. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/lez-zeppelin/lez-zeppelin-i/
  64. https://lezzeppelin.com/pages/music
  65. https://www.discogs.com/master/2287669-Lez-Zeppelin-The-Island-Of-Skyros
  66. https://open.spotify.com/album/3e0dvocCE6sgA7R4vcng1c
  67. https://parade.com/944606/laurawhitmore/led-zeppelin-cover-all-female/
  68. https://lezzeppelin.com/products/island-of-skyros-vinyl
  69. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-island-of-skyros-mw0003345970
  70. https://www.acquiesce.com/news.php
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0uKNTCK4eI
  72. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/lez-zeppelin/2008/great-stage-park-manchester-tn-13d8e145.html
  73. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/headlines/all-female-tribute-bands-fight-sexism-with-rock-and-roll-1.2581546
  74. https://www.songkick.com/artists/224173-lez-zeppelin
  75. https://lezzeppelin.com/pages/on-tour
  76. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQDAK9YjVTp/
  77. https://www.livenation.com/artist/K8vZ9175Xb0/lez-zeppelin-events
  78. https://www.eventticketscenter.com/lez-zeppelin-tickets/15072/c
  79. https://www.bandsintown.com/a/31506-lez-zeppelin
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