Robert Plant live at Bowery Ballroom in New York

Posted by The G on September 13, 2010 under G Reviews | 7 Comments to Read

Photos by G.

This review could really be summed up in two words: Robert Plant!  For those that were not one of the lucky 500 people to cram into the Bowery Ballroom in New York for a special one-off show by Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, I’ll do my best to fill you in on this legendary night.  I arrived at the venue and stood like a fool in the rain to try and meet Robert Plant, one of my all time personal gods. Unfortunately, he didn’t stop to acknowledge us either on the way in or the way out.  Disappointing yes, but understandable coming from someone who has had to sign autographs for over 40 years.

The doors opened at 7:30 and Robert Plant and the Band of Joy hit the stage just after 9 pm.  I stood front row, center stage (my usual spot), but tonight this spot was extra magical.  I was inches from where Robert Plant’s lyric book was and for the entire show, I was less than 2 feet away from him.  During the concert, my brain would suddenly shout out – “you are close enough to reach out and touch the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, a band whose music has shaped your life.”  Needless to say, I broke into tears many times during the night.

Robert Plant looked great and sounded amazing!  He also was more than happy to share the spotlight with his band, that included singer Patty Griffin.  The Band of Joy played songs from their self-titled album, 2 of my favorite tracks off “Raising Sand,” Plant’s Grammy winning album with Alison Krauss, (“Please Read the Letter” and “Rich Woman,”) and they also reinterpreted 4 Led Zeppelin songs (“Misty Mountain Hop,” “Houses of the Holy,” “Gallows Pole,” and “Rock and Roll.”) The arrangements were amazing and as soon as I have the opportunity, I’ll be uploading them.  Never fear, they are all in high definition and they are in such stellar quality, they will be worth the wait, so stay tuned!  Needless to say, the crowd lost their minds for the entire show, but all hell broke loose when the Zeppelin tracks were unleashed.  Elvis Presely has often been called the king of rock and roll, but I think he needs to hand over his crown to Robert Plant ASAP!  This is a night that I’ll never forget.  Thanks to the band for providing me endless joy.

See more pictures as well as the set list, after the jump.

The set list was:

Monkey / House of Cards / Please Read the Letter / Misty Mountain Hop / Rich Woman / Trouble / 12 Gates to the City / Kings Horses / Satisfied Mind /Move Up / Satan / Central Two O Nine / Angel Dance / Houses of the Holy / Down to the Sea / Tall Cool One / Gallows Pole.

Encore:

Harms Swift Way / Rock and Roll / Goodnight.