Watch Steve Vai Join Zepparella to Perform Led Zeppelin Classics
Zepparella's set at this year's Malibu Guitar Festival got an extra boost courtesy of Steve Vai, who joined the Led Zeppelin tribute band for a special performance.
As Zepparella guitarist Gretchen Menn told Guitar World in advance of the May 18-21 festival, the band members were thrilled to take the stage with Vai. "Once in a while, we’ll have someone sit in with us for songs like 'When the Levee Breaks' and 'Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You.' This show will be different because we’re going to be playing with a bunch of different people," pointed out Menn. "Initially, we thought we were going to be the house band and play other people’s stuff. But Steve Vai said, 'Let’s play some Zeppelin!' Can he be any more awesome?"
Admitting she was "trying not to be completely freaked out about" the prospect of playing with Vai, Menn said, "Steve’s a guitar god, and it’s an incredible honor. When you’re 15, it’s something you never dream of. It all comes from a positive space."
Zepparella's set, just one part of a festival lineup that also included appearances by Doors vet Robby Krieger, Mick Fleetwood and a host of other artists, found the band revisiting a handful of Zeppelin numbers — including "Whole Lotta Love," which you can check out above, and "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," which is available for your viewing pleasure below. The group remains on the road throughout the summer in support of its most recent release, last year's Live at Sweetwater. Visit their official site for details.
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