Hey, Phoenix, for some reason Jason Bonham’s touring behind Led Zeppelin’s ‘Physical Graffiti’

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's seminal album "Physical Graffiti." No words that we could string together could ever fully illuminate the significance of the LP, and it continues to set the tone for rock music even some five decades later. In a perfect world, the original lineup might reconvene (perhaps from their respective and stately mansions) and honor this life-affirming record as intended with a massive concert event.

Instead, we'll have to settle for Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.

Yes, if you hadn't already guessed, Jason Bonham is the son of John Bonham, arguably the greatest human to step behind the kit. A skilled enough drummer in his own right, Jason Bonham has something nearing the pedigree to fill his father's mighty boots. He's played with the likes of Airrace and Virginia Wolf; he was hired on by Jimmy Page to play on 1988's "Outrider" record; he joined Page, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant for the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert; and he once again drummed for Led Zeppelin during 2007's Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert.

But, look, the issue here is quite obvious. This tour is the equivalent of a re-dedication of the Sistine Chapel's famed ceiling starring Michelangelo's son, Todd Michelangelo. But maybe you're not as jaded as I am, and you're willing to give Bonham the benefit of the doubt when he brings the show to Celebrity Theatre on Friday, May 23. Press for the 21-date trek says the evening will feature "selections from 'Physical Graffiti' performed alongside numerous other Led Zeppelin classics" in a concert celebration of John Bonham himself. All that is totally cool, but let me counter with one tiny fact: Jason Bonham was 8 years old when "Physical Graffiti" debuted in February 1975.

"This is my favorite Led Zeppelin album of all time," says Jason Bonham in a statement. "Being able to celebrate it the way we are planning on this tour is something I am extremely excited about. I can’t wait for people to come out and see these shows and celebrate this extraordinary record with us. My goal is to play at least 50 shows to commemorate 50 years…And don’t worry there will be plenty of other songs that you also love played that night."

We hope any misgivings are proven wrong during this tour, and Bonham can explore, celebrate and recontextualize this record with genuine passion and intent. He's not only got the pedigree, but a tour that wrapped up last December was deemed fruitful enough to say he's really trying to further Zeppelin's legacy. Even still, let's enjoy the proper "Physical Graffiti" in the meantime.
Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. local time via celebritytheatre.com.

The full list of North American tour dates is below. And for more local concert information, visit the Phoenix New Times concert calendar.

May 3, Wallingford, Conn., Toyota Oakdale Theatre
May 4, Stamford, Conn., Stamford Palace Theatre
May 6, Syracuse, N.Y., Landmark Theatre
May 7, Wheeling, W. Va., Capitol Theatre
May 9, North Kansas City, Mo., VooDoo at Harrah's Kansas City
May 10, Tulsa, Okla., The Cove Margaritaville at River Spirit Casino
May 11, Waukee, Iowa, Vibrant Music Hall
May 13, Milwaukee, Wis., The Riverside Theater
May 15, Nashville, Tenn., Ryman Auditorium
May 16, Robinsonville, Miss., Bluesville at Horseshoe Tunica
May 17, St. Louis, Mo., The Factory at the District
May 19, Austin, Texas, The Paramount Theatre
May 20, Houston, Texas, Bayou Music Center
May 21, Dallas, Texas, Majestic Theatre
May 23, Phoenix, Celebrity Theatre
May 24, Indio, Calif., Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
May 25, Saratoga, Calif., The Mountain Winery
May 28, San Diego, Cali., Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
May 29, Paso Robles, Calif., Vina Robles Amphitheater
May 30, Henderson, Nev., Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino-Backyard Amphitheater
May 31, Los Angeles, Calif., The Greek Theatre