Dread Zeppelin: The Reggae-Rock Fusion of Led Zeppelin and Elvis
Imagine the thunderous hard rock of Led Zeppelin blended with the laid-back rhythms of reggae, all fronted by a 300-pound Las Vegas-era Elvis impersonator. This was the surreal and humorous reality of Dread Zeppelin, an American reggae rock band that defied musical conventions from 1989 to 2016. Formed in Sierra Madre, California, the group carved out a unique niche by treating rock history with a wink and a nod, turning stadium anthems into island grooves.
Key Facts
- Origin: Sierra Madre, California, U.S.
- Core Concept: Performing Led Zeppelin songs in a reggae style, sung by an Elvis impersonator.
- Active Years: 1989–2016.
- Notable Labels: I.R.S. Records and Birdcage Records.
- Key Members: Tortelvis (vocals) and Put-Mon (bass/guitar).
- Musical Influence: A blend of hard rock, reggae, and humor.
The Origins: From The Prime Movers to Dread Zeppelin
The foundation of Dread Zeppelin lay in a Pasadena-based group called The Prime Movers. This nucleus consisted of bassist Put-Mon (Gary Putman), drummer Cheese (Curt Lichter), and guitarist Jah Paul Jo (Joseph "Severs" Ramsey). Signed to Island Records in 1986, The Prime Movers found some success in the UK and even had a song featured in Michael Mann's thriller Manhunter.
When The Prime Movers disbanded in 1989, Jah Paul Jo envisioned a new project. The band recruited guitarist Carl Jah (Carl Haasis) and Greg Tortell, a professional Elvis impersonator known as Tortelvis. Legend has it that the band met Tortelvis after he accidentally rammed his milk float into the back of their car. To complete the lineup, former graphic artist Bryant Fernandez joined as percussionist Ed Zeppelin.
While the concept seemed bizarre, it had roots in reality. Led Zeppelin had previously experimented with reggae in their 1973 track "D'yer Mak'er" and often performed Elvis Presley songs in their own live medleys.
Rise to Fame and the I.R.S. Years
The band's first recordings were released on their independent label, Birdcage Records. Their debut single, a reggae take on "Immigrant Song," became an unexpected hit, leading to various colorful vinyl pressings. These early sessions were recorded at the home studio of Dave Stewart of Eurythmics.
In 1990, the band signed with Miles Copeland III's I.R.S. Records. They released Un-Led-Ed, an album of Led Zeppelin covers that brought them significant attention. This was followed by 5,000,000* *Tortelvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, which expanded their repertoire to include Bob Marley covers and original compositions.
The band's experimental streak continued with a planned rock opera titled Albert (based on critic Albert Goldman), which never materialized. Instead, they released It's Not Unusual, an album of disco covers. However, the departure of Tortelvis during rehearsals and the public's lukewarm reception to disco led to a decline in sales, and the band was eventually dropped by I.R.S.
Reunions, Film, and Later Years
Despite the dissolution, the band's cult following remained. In 1993, the Australian rock band INXS—who were fans of the group—invited Dread Zeppelin to be their support act on a US tour. This prompted Tortelvis to return and the band to record Hot & Spicy Beanburger via Birdcage Records.
The 1990s saw the band appearing in the film National Lampoon's Last Resort (1994) and releasing several more albums, including No Quarter Pounder and The Fun Sessions. By 1999, they signed with Cleopatra Records to release De-jah Voodoo (later re-issued as Re-Led-Ed).
From 2000 to 2011, the band operated under their own production company, Cash Cow. They released a variety of projects, including the Christmas album Presents (2002) and the original album Spam Bake (1997), which parodied 1960s Elvis movie soundtracks. Tortelvis also made headlines by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Bank One Ballpark in 2005.
The band continued to tour through 2014, though they suffered a major loss with the death of founding guitarist Jah Paul Jo. Gary Putman remained the sole member to have performed on every record and at every live show. Dread Zeppelin performed their final live show on April 2, 2016.
Dread Zeppelin Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Genre | Reggae Rock / Parody |
| Key Albums | Un-Led-Ed, 5,000,000* *Tortelvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, De-jah Voodoo |
| Major Labels | I.R.S. Records, Birdcage Records, Cleopatra Records |
| Frontman | Tortelvis (Greg Tortell) |
| Final Performance | April 2, 2016 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main concept of Dread Zeppelin?
Dread Zeppelin was a reggae rock band that specialized in performing the songs of Led Zeppelin in a reggae style, featuring a lead singer who was a professional Las Vegas-era Elvis impersonator.
Who were the founding members of the band?
The band was formed by Jah Paul Jo, Put-Mon, and Cheese (formerly of The Prime Movers), along with Carl Jah and Tortelvis.
Did the band record any original music?
Yes. While primarily known for covers, they released original songs on albums such as 5,000,000* *Tortelvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, Spam Bake, and De-jah Voodoo.
Which famous band supported Dread Zeppelin's return in 1993?
The Australian rock band INXS were fans of Dread Zeppelin and invited them to be the support act for their US tour in 1993.
When did Dread Zeppelin stop performing?
The band performed their final live show on April 2, 2016.