Live Review: Robert Plant - Bluesfest, Byron Bay Saturday 30th March

Review: Bluesfest Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters 

As the last notes of the gospel group Blind Boys From Alabama rang out through the Mojo tent on a warm Saturday Night, a sudden feeling of pure ecstaticness ran through the audience like a current. The long wait for many fans was nearly coming to an end. Gracing the stage would be none other the Golden God of Rock Robert Plant himself. Whether you were a Hard core Led Zeppelin fan, a fan of Rock music in general, or a hipster that  thinks Stairway to Heaven is “so deep and meaningful”.  It didn’t matter, for everyone was ready to experience their own slice of Rock history right before their eyes. Even when the banner rolled down (featuring Plant in his 1970’s prime) an immediate yet powerful cheer runs through the Mojo tent. When Robert Plant finally took the stage everyone was in awe, witnessing a rock God in true shape and form.

Coming out dressed in casual wear yet still bearing the iconic golden locks, Plant seemed completely at home on stage. Starting off with the epic folk rock classic “Friends” from Zeppelin III, it was clear that Robert Plant no longer looked back with distain for his Zeppelin days (ala Band of Joy) and instead was ready to embrace the past yet look toward the future. Surprisingly it was the second song in (a non Zeppelin track by the way), that seemed to Rock the hardest. Tin Pan Alley began as a pseudo Psychedelic/Blues  fusion yet reached a riff heavy bridge which got the whole audience smiling from ear to ear (at least I was).

After the crowd calmed down a bit, we were all waiting for the next taste of Rock glory. After  a sombre rendition of “Another Tribe”. Plant began playing what almost no one in crowd (except those who actually  do research before going to  a gig)  could recognize until the line “Hey hey mama” was sung with the same fierceness and provocateur as Plants Zeppelin days. However “Black Dog” was given a new makeover  filled with African instruments, synths and an ensemble of percussion instruments (picture the breakdown in Whole lotta love going on for 6 minutes). Although some fans were clearly disappointed, overheard one groaning “what the F*ck is this!?” a fair question. But it was a bold move for Robert Plant to tinker with his Classics, and it gave a genuine sense that Robert Plant loves what he does and is in it all for the music.

“Spoonful” was yet another cover of a Blues standard, which actually to Plants credit actually made his music live up to the title of the festival (Paul Simon and Iggy Pop = Blues?). Then  came a faithful redition of “Going To California” another of Zeppelin IV. A highlight of many of Plants shows, the song showcased how strong of a voice Plant still has. The next trip down Zeppelin memory lane came in the form of the classic rock staples “Heartbreaker” and “Four Sticks”. Unlike the drastic changes to Black Dog, “Heartbreaker” and “Four Sticks”  sounded like the song had just been slowed down and given a more prominent blues feel. Jimmy Page is the pivotal key on the actual record, however Plant manages to still deliver the song, yet gaining the admiration for his voice. The song was the most Poignant song of the night. Jimmy Page was not there, John Paul Jones was not there, and Bonzo was not there. This was Robert Plant taking complete ownership of his material, and he plays it perfectly.

Finally the time came for the big finale, a final treat for those die hard Zeppelin fans. “Whole Lotta Love” reinforced the bond that Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin and Rock itself has had with the Blues.. Yet the song was played with the same classic Guitar riff and was finally a Zeppelin song that had some real crunch to it. The crowd had regained the same awe that was present at the beginning of the show. Of course an encore was inevitable,  Bron Y Aur  Stomp was a faithful rendition that fitted perfectly into the feel of the night. “Rock and Roll” was the most integral part of the show, watching Robert Plant completely own the stage, twirling the mike stand showcased that the Golden God was still with us. The song gave everyone in the audience to sing along to the famous “lonely, lonely time” line with Robert Plant himself. Then as Rock and Roll broke down into a swirl of many genres, everyone was captured on Plants every last word. After thanking his audience Robert Plant left the stage.

As the crowd exited the Mojo tent, a sense of pride and pleasure had passed through all of us. Robert Plant delivered the Led Zeppelin material everyone wanted to hear, yet could play around artistically with each of the tracks. Watching Robert Plant gave me the answer as to why Zeppelin will never reform for a tour. Robert Plant gets up to the microphone and can sing Zeppelin tracks and escapes the pressure of taking on the Rock God title once again. Robert Plant seemed to have such a personal connection to almost his musicians and his audience, it was through his love of music that drew everyone together. Hardly any of the older generation of musicians can have the distinction of artistic freedom without disappointing his audience. Yet Robert Plants love for music and his flawless ease on stage and on his songs provide further evidence that Plant is a legend with or without Led Zeppelin.

9.5/10