Goose Celebrates John Bonham’s Birthday With ‘Moby Dick’ Cover

Goose recently made a notable stop in Spokane, Washington, during their Everything Must Go Tour, taking the opportunity to honor Led Zeppelin’s iconic drummer John Bonham with a rendition of “Moby Dick”. Bonham, known for his influential style and prowess, would have been celebrating his 77th birthday. Goose’s drummer, Cotter Ellis, showcased an impeccable homage by performing the drum-centric piece while donning a John Bonham t-shirt. This performance was significant as it marked the debut of “Moby Dick” in Goose’s setlists, with Ellis’s execution capturing the essence of Bonham’s fiery spirit. This musical tribute was a fitting recognition of Bonham’s everlasting influence on the drumming community and the rock genre at large.

The night at Spokane Pavilion unfolded spectacularly, beginning with a flawless execution of “Drive” into “All I Need,” and then “How It Ends,” showcasing Goose’s ability to weave intricate improvisations into their performances. The band’s dynamic use of improvisation throughout the show highlighted the musical synergies between band members, particularly the interplay between guitarist Rick Mitarotonda and multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach. This cohesive interaction held the crowd in rapt attention, evident in how they smoothly transitioned between varied musical styles and energy levels during the set.

The first set was marked by a multi-genre layer of music, advancing through reggae-infused “Doc Brown” and the dual parts of “Seekers On The Ridge.” They continued to dazzle the audience with a cover of Sergio Mendes’ “Mas Que Nada,” infused with jam-rich teases of “When The Saints Go Marching In.” The culminating performance of “Animal” ended the first set on a high note, drawing the audience into Goose’s unique blend of jam band rock and funk. This set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the night.

Commencing the second set was an extended version of “Arrow,” which integrated Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights” and transitioned back into “Arrow,” displaying Goose’s dexterity in song weaving. The band then dived that performance energy into the title track from their latest album, Everything Must Go, which saw bassist Trevor Weekz advancing the band’s sound with engaging bass lines and Anspach taking a lead role on vocals in “Red Bird.” Midway through the second set, Weekz delivered a spoken word performance, reading “Frogs” by Remo Perini, momentarily shifting the night’s thematic course.

Ellis’ drumming spotlight came during the tribute to Bonham, the impactful “Moby Dick.” Originally featured on Led Zeppelin’s 1969 LP, Led Zeppelin II, the track is legendary for its extended drum solos, creating a challenging canvas for any performer. Ellis’s interpretation did not merely match the technical prowess associated with Bonham but also infused his personal style, making the performance a memorable highlight of Goose’s tour.

To round off the show, the band played a “Tumble” encore, which propelled the night to its end with a final burst of vivacious energy. Goose’s show in Spokane was noted as not being the most “jammy” of their tour but stood out for its significant energy exchange and the milestone of debuting a pivotal cover piece.