Michael Anthony Joins Jason Bonham for Shocking Van Halen Live Jam

Rock fans got a massive surprise when two heavy hitters shared the stage for an unscripted moment of pure guitar-driven chaos. Former Van Halen bass player Michael Anthony made an unexpected guest appearance during a concert by Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, teaming up with the famous drummer to blast out the iconic 1978 hit "Runnin' With The Devil." The surprise jam was more than just a fun celebrity cameo—it was a historic first for the production. For sixteen straight years, Bonham’s touring tribute project had maintained a strict rule: only music originally recorded by Led Zeppelin would ever be played on stage. That streak officially ended the moment Anthony stepped up to the microphone with his bass guitar in hand.

Why did Jason Bonham break his setlist rule?

Bonham’s show has always served as a dedicated homage to the catalog created by his late father, John Bonham, and the rest of the legendary British rock quartet. Breaking standard protocol required something truly special, and jamming with a hall-of-fame bass player like Anthony clearly fit the bill. The crowd erupted as the group launched into the instantly recognizable opening notes of the classic track. Anthony delivered his signature energetic presence, slamming down deep bass tones and belting out those famous high-register backing vocals that defined Van Halen's early era. Concert footage from the venue shows the musicians beaming as they breezed through the track, showing off the effortless chemistry that comes from years of performing together.

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Have Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham played together before?

The two rock veterans are hardly strangers to sharing a stage. They previously joined forces alongside former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar in the supergroup The Circle, touring extensively and playing tracks from across their respective histories. That longstanding musical friendship made the spontaneous crossover feel natural, even if it shocked hardcore Zeppelin purists in attendance. By bringing a piece of Van Halen history to a Led Zeppelin tribute, Anthony and Bonham gave concertgoers a once-in-a-lifetime rock mashup. It remains unclear whether Bonham intends to open the floor to more guest non-Zeppelin jams in the future, but this particular performance easily stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the project's history.