Night of heaven for Newbury’s Zeppheads

CODA. Led Zeppelin Tribute

at Arlington Arts,Snelsmore

on Saturday, April 12

Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON

ANOTHER reviewer once described CODA as “not really a cover band, more a reincarnation”. I would endorse that opinion.

There can be no band more representative of the title “classic rock” than Led Zeppelin and their extensive back catalogue is such that it is impossible in any one show to, as the saying goes, please all of the people, all of the time.

Some favourites are bound not to make the set-list. That said, CODA did an incredible job of pleasing the full house at Arlington Arts with a mix of greatest hits and some lesser known album tracks for hardcore Zeppheads.

Opening with Rock And Roll, Black Dog and What Is And What Should Never Be they instantly had the crowd singing along with them and clapping-out the beats.

This opening salvo proved that musically CODA are skilled enough to recreate the feel of a Zepp gig with intricate and powerful lead guitar work and the soaring vocals that so typify the sound that made them one of the biggest rock bands in history.

As super-fans CODA are sensitive to the legends they curate. It is often said of the best tribute bands “if you close your eyes...” With CODA you don't have to close your eyes.

A highlight of the first half was Jessica Lee Morgan (the daughter of Tony Visconti and Mary Hopkin) joining the band to take the Sandy Denny part in the brilliant Battle of Evermore.

Opening the second set with Immigrant Song and Heartbreaker they included Ten Years Gone in a nod to the fact that they will have been together for 10 years in June this year.

Kashmir, a stunning rendition of Stairway To Heaven and Whole Lotta Love with a segue into and out of The Lemon Song ended a phenomenal night of rock.

Two and a half hours of amazing music played with skill and commitment.

Superb.