How Mark Tremonti and Brian Johnson Jammed Led Zeppelin at a Baseball Star’s Wedding
Many guests at a certain wedding could hardly believe what they saw. Alter Bridge and Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti once joined legendary AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson to perform a Led Zeppelin classic — in the most unexpected setting imaginable.
An Unlikely Meeting at Johnny Damon’s Wedding
In an interview with Metal Hammer, Tremonti revealed that he and Johnson crossed paths during the wedding of former baseball player Johnny Damon in Florida in 2004. The guitarist recalled their friendship and how the event turned into an impromptu rock show.
“Johnny’s a famous baseball player in the States: he lives in my neighbourhood and he’s a friend of mine,” Tremonti said. “He invited us to his wedding, and Brian Johnson was there. Somebody said, ‘You should go up to Brian and see if he wants to jam. Go take over the wedding band’s gear!’”
The Invitation and Rock ‘n’ Roll Response
Tremonti didn’t hesitate to approach the iconic singer and propose the spontaneous collaboration.
“He was getting a drink, and I walked up behind him like, ‘Hi, Brian; I’m Mark, I’m a guitar player. Do you want to go onstage and jam some songs?’ He grabbed his junk and went, ‘Yeah, mate!’ Immediately. No second thought about it!”
Covering Led Zeppelin Instead of AC/DC
The pair ended up performing three songs together. Tremonti clearly remembers the first one they played — Led Zeppelin’s Rock And Roll from the band’s 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV.
“We didn’t play a single AC/DC song,” Tremonti noted. “Then others joined in, and I think I played two more songs.”
Author’s Summary
When Mark Tremonti unexpectedly joined Brian Johnson at Johnny Damon’s wedding, their surprise Led Zeppelin jam became an unforgettable rock moment born purely from spontaneity.