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Tribute Band of the Week
Black Dog covers Zeppelin
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Every week, Encore will highlight a tribute band with an upcoming show in New York City. Today’s installment: Black Dog.
What’s left to say about Led Zeppelin that hasn’t already been said? Simply put, they’re one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all-time. Instead of worrying about recording hit singles, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham made albums; in fact, they didn’t even release singles in the U.K., preferring people to hear all of Physical Graffiti, not just “Kashmir.”
And while they may never reunite—which might be just as well, considering their last show together, minus the deceased John Bonham, at the O2 in London—there is a band out there that makes you feel you’re seeing Zeppelin during their glory years. That band would be Black Dog, who are playing this Saturday, September 4, at The Mercury Lounge. Tickets can be purchased here.
Black Dog—made up of vocalist Rob Malave, guitarist Dan Toto, bassist Jeff Mott, drummer Frank Sellick and Lizzy Mott and Paul Armento on rhythm and keys—is definitely New York’s finest Zeppelin tribute band, and quite possibly the best out there altogether. Encore had the opportunity to speak with Malave before their show.
When did you first begin listening to Led Zeppelin?
We all started listening to Zeppelin in grade school. They were simply the best of the best.
How did Black Dog the band come about?
I had a previous Zeppelin band called Four Sticks, and when that band opened for Sabbracadabra, a Black Sabbath tribute with members of the current lineup, we became friends and started playing together. Subsequently, Four Sticks broke up and the guys said they would do Zeppelin with me!
Why did you choose to name the band “Black Dog,” besides it obviously being the name of one of their songs?
Our former drummer chose the name and we had already developed a following with it. We didn’t want to change it just because we kicked his dumb ass out. I’m sure his only thought process was the name of the song.
Do you watch videos to mimic Plant’s on-stage mannerisms?
I watch the videos out of love for everything Zeppelin did, even the mistakes they made while playing onstage. I guess I steal some mannerisms because it’s just the coolest thing to do when you’re singing those songs. Plus, the girls dig it.
Have you ever had any interactions with anyone from Zeppelin?
Still waiting for that dream to come true. I saw Plant walk out of Madison Square Garden after one of his solo gigs, but the chicks were acting like idiots and he wouldn’t stick around. With good reason, he quickly jumped into his awaiting limo.
Any mud shark-esque shenanigans with Black Dog while on the road?
None of your business!
Favorite Zeppelin album?
Probably Physical Graffiti or Houses of the Holy.
Favorite song?
I love playing “Kashmir,” “In the Light” and “The Lemon Song.”
Least favorite song?
Hate playing “The Rover” or “Fool in the Rain.” Fucking hard to sing!