Following the announcement just days ago that Robert Plant will be leading the epic lineup for next year’s Byron Bay Bluesfest, it’s been revealed that the Led Zeppelin frontman has been collaborating with forthcoming Meredith headliners Primal Scream on their new studio album, due for a 2013 release.
It’s not an unusual move for Plant who is a known collaborator working with his backing band The Strange Sensation since 2007, recording a series of blues and folk versions of well known material, as well as songs by Led Zeppelin. As well as recording two albums with bluegrass singer Alison Krauss, winning multiple Grammys for their work.
Plant has also worked with Primal Scream previously, contributing a harmonica solo to the track “The Lord Is My Shotgun” on their seventh studio album Evil Heat.
In an effort to stay creative without forming a new band or writing a new album, he’s partnered up with the band yet again, with an appreciation for their approach to nostalgia, telling Mojo Magazine, “I sang a bit on the Primals’ stuff because I think their references on looking back on the glorious past and the way they bring them into the contemporary world are fantastic.”
Although it’s his first new collaboration for a while, there are certainly no signs of him slowing down as he’s constantly looking for new ideas and approaches, he says. “Everything we did back in those days and everything I have done since has been based on a fresh approach… That’s how I see everything: What can I be a part of that’s exciting? And if anybody’s got any ideas then I’m always up for it.”
His new collaboration comes at a busy time for his body of work, with Jimmy Page revealing he’s remastering the entire Led Zeppelin catalogue and the recent screening of the legendary band’s new concert film Celebration Day.
Meanwhile, the iconic frontman is due down under in April as part of the impressive lineup of Byron Bay’s Bluesfest – along with the likes of Iggy Pop, Ben Harper, Rodriguez, and Jimmy Cliff; while Primal Scream will be here in December for Meredith Music Festival.
Attendees may even get their first taste of the Scottish band’s new material at this year’s festival, amongst a festival bill that features internationals like Spiritualized and Grimes, as well as Australia’s own Sunnyboys, Tame Impala, and Regurgitator.
