The acclaimed all-female Led Zeppelin “she-incarnation” Lez Zeppelin will perform Friday, Jan. 24, at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont, celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Song Remains the Same.
The current tour features a full live performance of Led Zeppelin’s iconic 1976 concert soundtrack, promising a high-energy night rooted in authenticity, musicianship, and improvisation.
A Full Performance of a Rock Landmark
The Song Remains the Same remains one of the most definitive documents of Led Zeppelin’s live power.
For many fans, it was the first—and for years, the only—visual record of the band at its peak. Lez Zeppelin’s setlist draws directly from that film and album, delivering a sequence of classics that flows with momentum and intensity.
While the core performance stays true to the soundtrack, the band leaves room for improvisation, a hallmark of both Led Zeppelin’s legacy and Lez Zeppelin’s live shows.
Fans may even be treated to additional favorites depending on the night. As founder and guitarist Steph Paynes notes, the music is alive on stage—never rigid, never mechanical.
Not a Tribute Band, but a “She-Incarnation”
Founded in 2004, Lez Zeppelin resists the label of cover or tribute band. Paynes describes the group as a “she-incarnation,” a term coined by Psychology Today that reflects the band’s philosophy.
Rather than imitation, Lez Zeppelin inhabits the music, approaching it much like classical musicians interpret canonical works. The goal is not to replicate every note, but to honor the spirit, dynamics, and improvisational freedom that defined Led Zeppelin’s sound.
“Led Zeppelin is the classical music of our time,” Paynes has said, emphasizing that the band’s approach allows space for individual expression while remaining faithful to the original compositions.
Why Led Zeppelin’s Music Endures
According to Paynes, Led Zeppelin’s lasting appeal lies in its depth and diversity.
The band blended blues, folk, psychedelia, and hard rock, creating music defined by contrast—light and shade, restraint and explosion. Often mislabeled as heavy metal,
Led Zeppelin’s catalog is far broader, marked by dynamics and compositional sophistication that continue to challenge and inspire musicians decades later.
That complexity is central to Lez Zeppelin’s mission. Each performance balances technical precision with the freedom to “release into the music,” producing shows that feel raw, immediate, and explosive.
From Passion Project to International Success
Lez Zeppelin began as a passion-driven project, born from Paynes’ desire to challenge herself and play music she loved.
What started as a creative outlet quickly evolved into an international touring act, fueled by powerful performances and the novelty—at the time—of an all-female group delivering Led Zeppelin’s music with authority and authenticity.
Audiences responded not only to the musicianship, but to the visible joy and commitment on stage. That connection has sustained the band for more than two decades.
Channeling Jimmy Page—Without Imitation
Paynes’ guitar journey differs markedly from Jimmy Page’s. With roots in jazz, folk, and psychedelic rock, she came to Led Zeppelin’s music through study rather than lifelong immersion.
That distance, she believes, helped her hear nuances others miss—particularly Page’s rhythmic feel and tendency to play behind the beat.
By combining jazz sensibilities with deep analysis of Page’s influences, Paynes brings a distinctive yet respectful interpretation to the role, capturing the essence of the music without impersonation.
Live in Oakmont
Lez Zeppelin’s Jan. 24 stop at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont will feature local act Neutral Loss as the opener. For longtime fans and first-time listeners alike, the show offers a rare chance to experience The Song Remains the Same performed in full, reimagined with energy, precision, and reverence.
FAQ
When is Lez Zeppelin performing in Oakmont?
Lez Zeppelin will perform on Friday, Jan. 24, at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont.
What is special about this tour?
The tour marks the 50th anniversary of The Song Remains the Same and features a full live performance of Led Zeppelin’s 1976 soundtrack.
Is Lez Zeppelin a tribute or cover band?
No. The band describes itself as a “she-incarnation,” focusing on interpretation and musicianship rather than imitation.
Who founded Lez Zeppelin?
The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Steph Paynes.
Will the show include improvisation?
Yes. Improvisation is a core element of Lez Zeppelin’s performances, reflecting the spirit of Led Zeppelin’s live shows.
Who is opening the Oakmont show?
Local band Neutral Loss will open the concert at The Oaks Theater.
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