A weeknight with frigid January air would normally result in a ghost town-like facade in Newark, Ohio. On this night, however, an anxious crowd descended upon the historic Midland Theatre to catch Get The Led Out as the band made its “annual” tour stop at the venue. Dubbed as “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” the band was making its 14th appearance at the Midland to another sold out crowd eager to relive in some way moments of the past that Led Zeppelin’s music created for them.

A few of the fans in attendance were seeing the band for the first time. The majority, however, gave a resounding cheer to band leader and vocalist, Paul Sinclair’s mid set inquiry about “Repeat Offenders,” a moniker given to those fans having seen the band multiple times.

There’s something intoxicating about a GTLO show that is hard to place a finger on. I, too, am a repeat offender having seen the band perform now four times. My initial indoctrination was as the house photographer for the Midland, but I’d be lying if I told you my subsequent attendance was merely to take pictures. The band’s ability to recreate not only Led Zeppelin’s music, but to take the listener back to moments in time where they heard the songs; to rekindle those memories, is truly art.

The Midland Theatre, nestled on the main square of Newark, Ohio hosts its share of concerts and other performances endeavoring to make the arts accessible to all. GTLO has always had a strong following in the middle of the country, and the Midland has been a favorite stop for the band in large part due to the crowd’s overwhelming response. The age range was broad. Clearly, fans of Led Zeppelin who remember seeing them perform, are on the older end of that spectrum. There was, however, a contingent of Target-Zeppelin-T-shirt clad younger fan in attendance as well. A testament, no doubt, to the longevity of the Zeppelin’s music. From the dry ice fog-laden opener “In The Evening” to the raucous ending of “Whole Lotta Love,” the audience was treated to a spectacular 150 minutes of hits representing regular radio play to vault.

All six members of GTLO will tell you they are fans of Zeppelin’s music first, taking seriously their craft to share this music with others. Sinclair jokes on stage why it takes six musicians to play Led Zeppelin’s music, that of a band that consisted of only four. In seriousness though, he touts, “to be true to the music you hear on the records in a live format, it just takes more people.” If you pay attention, there is clearly a give and take among the musicians on stage. They each support one another in remarkable ways to give life to the sound that Zeppelin created back in the day.

Joining Sinclair on stage are guitarist, Tommy Zamp; guitarist and mandolin player, Paul Hammond; and Eddie Kurek on keyboards, guitar, and vocals. Providing the backbone of the bands sound are two relative newcomers; Derek Smith on drums and Seth Chrisman on bass.

The band has a long 2025 tour schedule ahead meandering from Ohio to the east coast and then snaking their way back through the Midwest before dipping south for an eventual couple of weeks in Florida, just in time for the Spring Break crowds to let their hair down. Be sure to check the band’s schedule to find the date they will be in your vicinity and make it a priority to experience the sound, light, and spectacle of a GTLO performance in 2025.

Are you a “Repeat Offender?” Share your experience in the comments!