Billy Joel celebrated the new year in a spectacular fashion by teaming up with Jason Bonham for an electrifying performance of Led Zeppelin’s iconic track “Whole Lotta Love.” This collaboration not only showcased Joel’s enduring talent but also highlighted Bonham’s dynamic drumming style, paying homage to rock history.

Performing live at Long Island’s UBS Arena on December 31, Joel delivered an unforgettable end-of-year concert experience filled with numerous highlights. The evening was particularly memorable as it kicked off with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, setting the stage for an extended set where Joel played a mix of beloved classics and some lesser-known gems from his extensive discography. This combination of popular hits and deep cuts ensured that fans experienced a night filled with nostalgia and excitement.

Among the rare tracks performed was the seldom-heard “A Room of Our Own,” originally released in 1982, which delighted longtime fans. Even more elusive was the 1974 gem “Souvenir,” which marked only its 13th performance in a span of four decades. This inclusion not only pleased dedicated followers but also showcased Joel’s commitment to honoring his rich musical legacy.

One of the standout moments of the evening was when Billy Joel momentarily shifted his spotlight to welcome Jason Bonham and his band onto the stage. This collaboration led to a powerful performance of the classic rock anthem “Whole Lotta Love,” originally released in 1969. The audience erupted with excitement as Joel introduced Bonham, emphasizing the joy of performing alongside such a legendary drummer.

As Joel addressed the crowd, he shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration: “We’re going to bring a guest onstage and do this next song. We have fun playing this, especially with this guy. Please welcome Jason Bonham. You all know this song. It’s not a piano song.” His playful banter set the tone for an exhilarating performance that celebrated both the music and the moment.

During the performance, Bonham took charge on the drums, delivering a powerful rendition of the track that his father, John Bonham, famously helped to immortalize over five decades ago. While Joel took a step back vocally, his longtime guitarist and vocalist Mike DelGuidice stepped into the spotlight, singing lead on this electrifying rock classic, which brought a fresh energy to the stage.

Although hearing Joel perform “Whole Lotta Love” is not uncommon—he previously included it in his New Year’s Eve celebrations at the same venue—it still felt like a seamless addition to the night’s lineup. The concert also featured other classics, such as The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” and Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla,” which filled the moments leading up to the midnight countdown with an exhilarating atmosphere.

The evening served as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable year for Billy Joel. Not only did he wrap up his record-breaking ten-year residency at Madison Square Garden, grossing an astounding $266.7 million from 1.9 million ticket sales over 104 shows, but he also released “Turn the Lights Back On,” marking his first new lyrical single in nearly two decades. This combination of achievements solidified Joel’s status as a music legend.