Some Rock-n-Roll legacies are so enormous, a simple tribute would not do. That is why a band as vital to the history of Rock-n-Roll such as Led Zeppelin deserve a homage to their collective being – from the music, right down to their stage presence and wardrobe. That is where No Quarter comes in, a project that began over 15 years ago on its way to becoming the number 1 Led Zeppelin tribute band in the world.
Taking their name from a song by Led Zeppelin that appears on their 1973 album Houses of the Holy, No Quarter has their act fine tuned to create a magical evening of Led Zeppelin music that fans cannot get enough of. Recently touring Australia in 2018, they are now set to kick off the new year with some killer shows along the East Coast of America, so are you ready to rock? Here to talk about it all, founding guitarist Bryan Christiansen, who portrays Jimmy Page, reflects on the inspiration to start the band, the work he puts into the shows, plus more.
Cryptic Rock – No Quarter has been established over 15 years and have become one of the more well-known Led Zeppelin tribute bands in the world. First, briefly tell us, what inspired the band’s formation and what has the experience been like?
Bryan Christiansen – I was inspired to do a Led Zeppelin tribute after seeing the Beatles tribute Rain perform. I was mesmerized by their attention to detail, and realized if I could put together a tribute to Led Zeppelin, that it would be an experience unlike anything else. The journey from that point on has been nothing short of amazing. We have toured nationally and internationally, and have shared the stage with legends in the music industry.
Cryptic Rock – It sounds like a dream come true! The band not only sounds great, but you put a lot into the stage presentation creating an authentic vibe. How important is that to you, and what has the development of everything surrounding the appearance of No Quarter been like through the years?
Bryan Christiansen – The attention to detail has been the high priority for the suspension of disbelief. We look at our show as a character actor would look at a film role. The little things that stand out add to the authentic visuals. Correct guitars or symbols on the amp, type of shoes or outfit, etc., they are all crucial details.
Cryptic Rock – That certainly shows in the live performances. As a founder of No Quarter, would you say the other musicians involved in the band are very much on the same page as yourself and devoted with the same dedication to bringing it all to life?
Bryan Christiansen – Absolutely! Everyone in the group is on the same page with me regarding their character. It’s an incredible feeling as a guitar player to walk on stage and feel I’m actually looking at and jamming with Led Zeppelin members themselves. It fools me sometimes and is great experience.
Cryptic Rock – That sounds like a really cool experience. You, as lead guitarist, portray Jimmy Page. Have you done extensive studying of Jimmy’s playing style and mannerisms to capture it all on stage?
Bryan Christiansen – Regarding Jimmy Page, I’m still in school. He teaches me something new almost every day.
Cryptic Rock – Well you do a great job paying tribute to his style. The band is out playing some shows to kick off 2019. Some of the shows coming up include Connecticut, Patchogue, Long Island, and New York City too. What is like for you guys to play the New York area, and what can fans expect from these upcoming performances?
Bryan Christiansen – It’s an awesome honor to come to the East Coast and rock with Led Zeppelin fans over here. I hear people on the East Coast like to party, so I’m imagining a great energy level that will blow the roof off places. It’s the fans of Led Zeppelin that really make the show. Looking forward to meeting the fans too, and hear their stories of how they saw Zeppelin back in the day.
Cryptic Rock – The shows should be a blast! Seeing the band has toured internationally, including Australia, do you find people from different corners of the world react differently to the show?
Bryan Christiansen – Touring internationally, I find that fans of Zeppelin all over the world have a deep respect for the music. They love to have a good time, and the night usually goes from high energy to explosive enthusiasm that could power a small city.
Cryptic Rock – There certainly is a passionate love for their music the world over. Obviously you also have a deep love for the music of Led Zeppelin. A question you have probably been asked many times, do you have a favorite album of theirs, and that in mind, is there any material you particularly enjoy playing live?
Bryan Christiansen – My favorite is “Dazed and Confused” live. It’s just an epic jam for Led Zeppelin and the 1973 Madison Square Garden footage is by far my favorite.
Cryptic Rock – Good selections, both have immense amounts of energy. Beyond Led Zeppelin, what are some of your musical influences? Furthermore, have you offered your talents to other projects?
Bryan Christiansen – I love the Beatles. Hendrix, Clapton, and Eric Johnson are huge influences on me. I’m involved in other projects in tribute to Alice In Chains, YES, the Beatles, and Bonnie Raitt.
Cryptic Rock – Awesome! Hopefully we can see these other projects tour all over as well. Last question. On Cryptic Rock, we also cover movies, particularly Horror and Sci-Fi. If you are a fan of these genres, what are some of your favorites and why?
Bryan Christiansen – Movies are my favorite passion besides music. I love all the Marvel movies. I wish DC had their writers but after having said that, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008) is, I feel, the greatest super hero movie ever made. Also, the original Star Wars (1977) and latter episode fan too. Game of Thrones is another series that’s beyond epic. The Harry Potter series rules in my book too.
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