The lights dimmed, the first drum beat dropped and the stage exploded with intense music. Flashing strobe lights sliced the air into millions of pieces as the band members pranced around stage. Smoke faded in and we were taken back to 1979.

The mystical Get the Led Out performed an awe-inspiring set at Elgin Community College on March 3, 2016.

The six-member band consisted of lead singer Paul Sinclair, electric and acoustic guitar players Paul Hammond, Andrew Lipke and Jimmy Marchiano, bass guitarist, Phil D’Agostino, drummer Adam Ferraioli and Diana DeSantis as the special guest vocalist.

The crowd was a mixed set with a couple of people wearing Zeppelin merchendise. The audience was stagnant at first, but as the night progressed many of the attendants became loose and gave into the music. There were few head nods, and only after album favorites were played did the crowd get rowdy.

Toward the middle of the evening there was whistling and fist pumps in the air. One rowdy audience member yelled “kick ass,” in a moment of silence.

Much of the audience moved to the groovy blues rhythm that Zeppelin was famous for. It was also appreciated when vocalist Sinclair announced the purpose of the band.

“We are not here to impersonate Led Zeppelin, we are fans,” said Sinclair.

The band did not wear any wigs or costumes, which enhanced the live experience and proved their point of not wanting to be impersonators.

Sinclair also encouraged the audience to participate in the singing and the cheering. The band did a good job of executing the complex music Zeppelin produced.

“The concert was incredibly awesome,” said Michiko Kikuchi. “In the very beginning everyone seemed a little bit hesitant to acknowledge the music until the fake smoke came and the lead singer started to connect with the crowd. I really enjoyed the show a lot. I also liked the light show.”

A local St. Charles resident, Tracy Petkus never had witnessed any Led Zeppelin cover band before.

“Get the Led Out certainly did a great job of bringing the set back. It was a wonderful experience to live the music I once cherished in my younger days,” said Petkus.

Even though the band and the audience appeared to be enjoying themselves, this was not a packed event. According to Eileen Moeller, a box office clerk, the event sold fewer than 500 tickets.

“For something of that nature, it’s usually sold out,” said Moeller.

Regardless of the low ticket sales, Get the Led out captured and executed an authentic moment in time of a historic band that will never be forgotten.