dread zeppelin

Biography

Dread Zeppelin is an American reggae rock band formed in 1989 in Sierra Madre, California, renowned for their humorous covers of Led Zeppelin songs performed in a reggae style, sung by a Las Vegas-era Elvis Presley impersonator named Tortelvis (Greg Tortell). The band's core originated from the Pasadena group The Prime Movers, which included guitarist Jah Paul Jo (Joseph 'Severs' Ramsey), bassist Put-Mon (Gary Putman), and drummer Cheese (Curt Lichter). After The Prime Movers disbanded in 1989 following issues with Island Records, Jah Paul Jo conceived Dread Zeppelin as a novelty act, recruiting guitarist Carl Jah (Carl Haasis), Tortelvis, and percussionist Ed Zeppelin (Bryant Fernandez).[1][2][3]

Signed to I.R.S. Records in 1990, Dread Zeppelin achieved commercial success with their debut album Un-Led-Ed, which sold over a million copies and featured reggae versions of Led Zeppelin classics like 'Immigrant Song' and 'Black Dog,' alongside Elvis Presley and Bob Marley covers. They released several follow-up albums including 5,000,000 Tortelvis Fans Can't Be Wrong (1991) and It's Not Unusual (1992) during their I.R.S. tenure, touring extensively worldwide. Lineup changes occurred, with Cheese replaced by Fresh Cheese (Paul Maselli) and shifts in instrumentation; later albums like Hot & Spicy Beanburger (1993) and No Quarter Pounder (1995) appeared on Jah Paul Jo's Birdcage Records after leaving I.R.S.[1][2]

Jah Paul Jo departed shortly after No Quarter Pounder, focusing on Birdcage Records, which released works by artists like Stan Ridgway and Ron Asheton; he passed away on December 29, 2014, after years of poor health. Gary Putman (Put-Mon) remains the only constant member, performing on every record and show. The band toured through 2014 and last performed live on April 2, 2016, leaving a legacy as reggae rock innovators blending hard rock, reggae, and comedy.[1][2][4]

Fun Facts

• The band supposedly met Tortelvis when he rammed his milk float into the back of their car, leading to his recruitment as the 300-pound Elvis impersonator.[2]
• Jah Paul Jo chose his stage name as an homage to Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones.[1]
• Their debut Un-Led-Ed sold over a million copies, blending Led Zeppelin covers with reggae and humor.[1][2]
• Gary Putman (Put-Mon) is the sole member to appear on every Dread Zeppelin record and play every live show.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Paul Jones - Stylistic homage as stage name inspiration (Dread Zeppelin formation and Led Zeppelin covers) [1989 onward]

Key Collaborators

• Tortelvis (Greg Tortell) - Lead vocalist (Elvis impersonator) (All albums including Un-Led-Ed (1990)) [1989-2016]
• Put-Mon (Gary Putman) - Bassist, guitarist, vocals; only constant member (Every album and live show) [1989-present]
• Carl Jah (Carl Haasis) - Guitarist; founding member from Prime Movers (Un-Led-Ed (1990)) [1989-2012]
• Jah Paul Jo (Joseph Ramsey) - Guitarist, founder, producer; from Prime Movers (Early albums like Un-Led-Ed, 5,000,000 Tortelvis Fans Can't Be Wrong) [1989-1995]
• Cheese (Curt Lichter) - Drummer; founding member from Prime Movers (Un-Led-Ed (1990)) [1989-1990]
• Stan Ridgway - Artist on Birdcage Records (founded by Jah Paul Jo) (Black Diamond) [1990s]
• Ron Asheton - Artist on Birdcage Records; toured Europe with Jah Paul Jo (Thin Slim And None/Flunkie (1996)) [1996]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia