Robert Plant has dusted off a Led Zeppelin anthem, performing ‘Immigrant Song’ live for the first time in almost 25 years.
Back in October of 1970, Led Zeppelin unleashed their third self-titled album, bursting at the seams with classic tracks. While Led Zeppelin III undoubtedly took on a bit more of a folk-rock style, the record kicked off with one of the group’s most powerful songs ever; ‘Immigrant Song’.
Featuring a blistering piece of guitarwork from Jimmy Page, a pounding bass line from John Paul Jones, and some stunning percussion from John Bonham, the only thing that makes this track better is the iconic vocals of Robert Plant.
With lyrics that reference Valhalla and war, the track quickly became one of the most legendary tracks in the band’s catalogue. However, if you’d been hoping to see Plant perform the track live at one of his solo shows, you would have been left wanting. Now, it seems like that has all changed.
First inspired by Led Zeppelin’s 1970 trip to Iceland, ‘Immigrant Song’ was performed live less than a week later, and would become a staple of their live sets for some time.
However, even after the band’s break-up, the tune scored a moderate airing at some of Robert Plant’s solo shows. Although, following a performance in Japan back in 1996, ‘Immigrant Song’ was dropped from the setlist, with not even Led Zeppelin’s 2007 reunion performance bringing it back.
Now, as Led Zeppelin News reports, Robert Plant’s recent performance in Iceland once again inspired him – this time, to bring ‘Immigrant Song’ back.
Check out Robert Plant performing ‘Immigrant Song’:
Performing at the Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavík, Iceland on June 23rd, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters closed out their 13-song set with the classic Led Zeppelin track.
With the tune being transposed down a bit to accomodate Plant’s voice, it doesn’t quite sound how you’d expect it to, with the rocker not quite hitting those soaring vocals, which likely explains tune’s absence from live sets over the years.
Despite this, the rest of the track is just what fans have come to expect from the icon, as he delivers a fresh take on a classic anthem with his trademark style and voice.
In related news, Robert Plant launched his Digging Deep podcast earlier in June, which focuses on “the moments, people and places that have inspired some of his most treasured music.”
Check out ‘Immigrant Song’ by Led Zeppelin:
