Led Zeppelin Lives On: Nico Suave & the Mothership ft. Cotter Ellis Tear Up DROM, NYC

Nico Suave and The Mothership | Photos by Cameron Shepherd

Straight out of Burlington, VT, Nico Suave & the Mothership have built a reputation for channeling Led Zeppelin with raw power, freedom, and heart. On Saturday, November 22nd, they brought that fire to NYC’s iconic DROM, delivering a Zeppelin experience that felt both nostalgic and uniquely fresh.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Nicole D’Elisa (vocals) and joined by Marshall Dominguez (guitar), Joe Agnello (guitar), Jack Vignone (bass), Paul Lyons (keyboard), and Cotter Ellis of Goose (drums), the band shows a chemistry that only comes from years of playing and growing together. They don’t just cover Zeppelin, they reimagine it, making every show feel completely their own — a fitting continuation of the legacy kept alive by fans of Led Zeppelin around the world.

It was the perfect match for DROM, a venue built on celebrating cultural diversity and artistic expression. Under its massive chandelier, with the crowd packed in and ready for a night of music, you could instantly feel the sense of community DROM is known for.

From the moment the band stepped on stage, the energy surged through the room. Their unspoken communication — the quick glances and shared smiles — showed a chemistry that instantly elevated the whole space. They launched into “How Many More Times,” tearing into the iconic riffs and setting the tone for the night ahead. It pulled people in immediately, and you could feel the room shift as the night kicked off.

A standout moment came in “Custard Pie” and the transition into “The Ocean.” Ellis’s drums started as a steady backbeat, anchoring the band. Gradually, they built into a hypnotic, psychedelic rock groove as the synths and guitars layered on top.

The intensity carried straight into “Whole Lotta Love,” where D’Elisa nailed every groan, scream, and hit. The jam afterward felt cosmic, building and building until it surged back into the main riffs. For a moment, you almost forgot you were seeing a tribute band — they poured everything into it as if it were their own.

Before “Bring It On Home,” D’Elisa pulled out a harmonica, saved by her brother’s roommate, hoping it would do the trick. The crowd laughed at first, but the moment she played the opening note, she nailed it. The harmonica added the rootsy, iconic edge the song demands.

As the jam unfolded, Ellis kicked off the drums, trading beats with Vignone’s bass in a tight groove. D’Elisa layered her harmonica in, while Lyons’s keyboard hits shone before bouncing off the drums, adding texture and driving the intensity higher. Every instrument joined in at full speed, the jam swelling into a climactic moment that showcased their full talent.

They closed the night with an encore of “Communication Breakdown,” still going full force after more than two hours of playing. The crowd never stopped moving.

Setlist