Billy Joel Invites Jason Bonham on Stage for Cover of ‘Whole Lotta Love’

Billy Joel certainly rang in 2025 with a bang, thrilling fans by performing at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, as part of his celebrated New Year's Eve show. The concert featured several powerful guest performances, the most notable being with Jason Bonham, the son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Together, they delivered an electrifying rendition of Led Zeppelin's “Whole Lotta Love,” capturing the audience's imagination and bringing the house down in a memorable musical masterstroke.

Joel's decision to feature Jason Bonham was a nod to the influence of Led Zeppelin's music and an exciting meeting of rock legends from different eras. Joel, a superstar piano man renowned for his timeless hits, took a moment to introduce Bonham with reverence, playfully acknowledging, “You all know this song. It’s not a piano song.” This statement set the stage for Bonham, who sat behind the drum kit to echo his father’s legendary rhythms while Joel’s longtime guitarist, Mike DelGuidice, handled the lead vocals. The collaboration was a highlight of the evening and demonstrated the timeless appeal and versatility of Led Zeppelin’s music.

This New Year's Eve concert was not just about unforgettable collaborations but also featured Joel’s own vast catalog of hits. These included timeless classics like “Piano Man,” “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” and “Uptown Girl,” bringing nostalgia and newer fans together in a shared celebration of his storied career. The setlist was punctuated with other famous covers such as The Rolling Stones' “Start Me Up” and Derek and the Dominos' “Layla,” artfully complementing the robust nature of Joel’s originals and underscoring the thematic flourish of the night.

Bonham, well known for his own band, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening, added to the vibrancy of the night. His enthusiasm for performing songs made famous by his father has been a heartfelt tribute to his legacy and the music that has inspired generations. This event marked yet another chapter in Bonham's ongoing passion for keeping Led Zeppelin’s spirit alive through live performances, an endeavor that fans appreciate and support enthusiastically.

This incredible evening was shared widely, not only by those fortunate enough to be present but also through fan-filmed videos capturing the palpable excitement and emotion. These recordings found their way onto various media platforms, amplifying the concert's reach and enabling a larger audience to experience a piece of this musical history.