He may not have been fronting Led Zeppelin in incredibly tight trousers, but Robert Plant’s performance at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday proved he still has what it takes to put on a memorable show.
Opening the night for Plant was an eleven-piece ensemble representing “Playing For Change” – a not-for-profit project that builds music schools for children worldwide.
The “Playing For Change” troupe brought a selection of soul, reggae and blues to Rod Laver Arena and while the set was slightly repetitive, they ended their set on a high, with their cover of “Stand By Me” creating a joyful vibe.
In the country for Bluesfest and a spate of sideshows with his Sensational Space Shifters, Plant appeared out of the dark before launching into the forty-three year old Zeppelin tune “Friends”. However, it was the follow-up, “Another Tribe” from his eighth solo album, Mighty ReArranger, which had things in full swing – its infectious beat coaxing the crowd into a standing ovation.
Yet, this obviously wasn’t enough for Plant, who yelled, “Is that it? After seventeen years? We’re gonna have a good time, so let’s go!”
With over 45 years worth of material to choose from, it was clear that Plant chose crowd pleasers, with the majority of the set consisting of reworked Zeppelin classics.
Said tracks were particularly influenced by the presence of Gambian musician Juldeh Camara, who played several indigenous instruments, such as a single stringed fiddle known as a riti.
Camara’s West African roots had a significant impact on the performances of “Black Dog” and “Ramble On” and whilst this was a welcomed surprise it was also disappointing to see that the original heavy rock vibe was being put aside.
Camara’s talent was first introduced during Plant’s rendition of the famous Howlin’ Wolf blues standard, “Spoonful” earlier in the night and the beautiful sound from Camara’s riti along with added percussion from bodhrans resulted in the tune having an impressive mix of blues, traditional West African and Celtic elements.
The homage to the Mississippi blues scene continued later on with the Bukka White classic “Fixin’ To Die Blues” being introduced by Plant as “a blues tune by a man who spent more time in the nick than out.. But I guess you’re used to that, aren’t you?” referring to Australia’s convict past.
It was moments like this –and when he told an audience member to “Shut up, this is my show” – that the audience got a glimpse at Plant’s dry sense of humour.
“Whole Lotta Love” was an obvious, but welcomed choice for the last song and the crowd erupted as soon as they recognised the famous opening riff courtesy of Liam “Skin” Tyson. The last song before the encore was the set’s highlight and the rendition, which included a subtle hint of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” had Zeppelin fans abuzz, regardless of the fact that it was missing Page, Jones, and Bonham
Returning to a demanding crowd moments after, the band kicked off the seemingly untouched ‘What Is And What Never Should Be” before Plant thanked his loyal audience.
“I know I’ve been here before,” he said referring to his 1996 tour with Page, “But I can’t remember a thing..” he laughed, showing his age.
“Here’s an old English ballad that you probably sang on the ships” he teased before launching into one of Led Zeppelin’s most beloved tracks, “Rock And Roll”, – which finished the set.
It was evident that fans were pleased that Plant’s set heavily consisted of Led Zeppelin hits – with straight-edged, floral wearing mothers in the audience screaming and dancing like it was 1971 again.
Yet, while there was a feeling of awe amongst the arena, there also seemed to be a feeling of disappointment at the fact that Plant and his Sensational Space Shifters had reworked these classics.
However, Plant’s charisma and vocals are as impressive as they were in 1968. Robert Plant could sing anything and still impress – he is a legend after all.
