Led Zeppelin tribute coming to historic Alberta theatre

By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 24, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDjsibbet@lethbridgeherald.com

The appropriately named Led Zeppelin tribute band, Heavy Airship, will be rocking the oldest theatre in southern Alberta at the end of this month.

The Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod has been operational since 1912, seeing its fair share of performances over the decades. However, one of the most well-known rock bands is set to be immortalized in the halls of the theatre via a tribute band.

Margaret Ann Bianco, director of the Empress Theatre, says this event offers a blast from the past for those wishing to see a new version of the historic English band.

“Tribute shows are always a huge success at the Empress,” said Bianco. “People just love to come out and listen to the popular music that they listened to in their day.”

Led Zeppelin originally formed in London in 1968 as an evolution of the 1963-born Yardbirds.

Bianco says the experience at the Empress Theatre is also unrivaled, with unique features to really elevate the experience for attendees.

“We’ve got neon lights on the ceiling that an owner, Dan Boyle, (installed) in 1930 for his wife because they were her flowers and I think just being part of the history, we’ve got a resident ghost that often shows up,” said Bianco. “I think that, because of the age of the theatre, we’re still very old school.”

She says the ambiance and methods of operation will enable guests to transport themselves back in time to the 1930s, while maintaining modern comforts from the 2020s and listening to a tribute for a band from the 1960s and 70s. This unique blend of history, Bianco says, will create an unforgettable experience for visitors.

In a news release from the Empress Theatre on Monday morning, it is noted this tribute band is not new to the industry, bringing the luxury of experience to Fort Macleod.

“(From) Nelson, British Columbia, Heavy Airship has a decade of performing experience at sold-out Canadian venues, delivering high-energy, higher volume and technically mind-bending performances.”

Tickets for this Saturday’s show are available at https://www.macleodempress.com/ or at the box office.