Interview with Jason Ott, Lead Singer of Led Zeppelin Tribute Band 'Dazed and Confused'

Last weekend I saw an amazing Led Zeppelin tribute band called 'Dazed and Confused' rock through an eipic 4-hour set at San Diego's 'Winstons' live music venue, including an awesome acoustic set and a great Whole Lotta Love medly at the end.

I have seen these guys play many times, and while they look nothing like Zep Zeppelin, they really nail the Led Zeppelin sound - in fact the best Led Zeppelin tribute band I have ever heard, and I sure have heard my fare share!

After the show I had the pleasure of interviewing the 'Robert Plant' of the band, the lead singer and founder of 'Dazed and Confused', Jason Ott. Here is what he had to say:

1: How did you first get into Led Zeppelin? What the first song you heard that blew you away?
I originally got into Led Zeppelin after my high school English teacher had us write a book report. I chose "Hammer of the Gods", which inspired me to listed to their music...then I was hoooked. I remember hearing Led Zeppelin III, specifically "That's the Way", and thinking...wow, this music has heart. The album was blasted by critics at the time, but for me, Led Zeppelin III showed that they were not just a bunch of punk ass rockers and they could write stuff that actually would make a difference.

2: How did your Led Zeppelin 'Dazed and Confused' tribute band get started?
Drummer Jeff Smith and I were in a band called Riot House. We played a Led Zeppelin medley in the band and got so many compliments on it, it got me thinking. I eventually moved on from that band and called Jeff up and kind of stole him...sorry guys! We put an ad in the paper and found a guitarist and bassist Andy. That was about 5 years ago. The story behind the Jimmy's...that's an interesting one...not unlike the Spinal Tap drummers. Our first guy was an amazing guitarist, but didn't play well with others and quit early on. We are now on our fourth and current is Joe Walker, who found us through a Craigslist ad. He auditioned and nailed Since I've Been Loving You, Heartbreaker and Black Dog to the note. We were quite impressed with his dedication to accuracy and his overall attitude.

3: Here is a tough one - Led Zeppelin have so many amazing songs - can you pick a personal favorite though, and reasons why?
As mentioned above, "That's the Way" is my favorite. That song just hits me in the pit of my stomach. "How Many More Times" is my favorite song to play live though. It's so rocking and I get to do a primal scream at the end...hehe.

4: Have you ever met Jimmy Page or Robert Plant? And who is your favorite band member and why?
No, never met those guys. It would be amazing if that happens some day. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page are favorites of mine equally...but I am a little biased, being a guitarist and singer. Bonzo and John Paul Jones were amazing musicians as well.

5: There is still talk of a Led Zep reunion... what are your thoughts?
Would they be the same now, especially being so old and with no Bonzo? Do not hold your breath. I have heard that rumor every year for the last 20 years. I don't think it will happen. They did that O2 Arena reunion and I bet that was their official swan song. Plant is of course doing other things - I am a huge fan of the album he did with Alison Krauss though. That was a great album.

6: Do you have any personal favorite bootleg concerts and what is your favorite studio album?
Personally, I'm more of a fan of the studio stuff, but I love how they take Whole Lotta Love and jam 100 song medleys in there (Rich: which they do a great job of recreating in ther show too). And the live improv they do on Dazed and Confused is awesome...the song is 27 minutes long on the Song Remains the Same album!

Thanks Jason for the interview! So the next time any of you are in San Diego, check out their website (http://www.dazedandconfusedband.com) to see where they are planning - they play pretty often all across many San Diego venues, and you will be blown away by them!