Ep 4. Robert Plant
- October 15, 2016
Robert Plant, the legendary lead singer of Led Zeppelin, takes the stage in this electrifying episode of Austin City Limits season 42. Fans of classic rock will be thrilled to see the iconic singer perform a mix of old favorites and new material in his typically dynamic style.
The episode kicks off with "The Lemon Song," a classic Led Zeppelin track featuring Plant's signature growl and bluesy vocal style. The energy is palpable as the audience sings along and Plant and his band deliver a tight, explosive performance.
Throughout the hour-long set, Plant rolls out a mix of classic and contemporary material, showcasing the range and depth of his career. One highlight is "Little Maggie," a track from his 2014 album Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar. The song showcases Plant's ongoing interest in world music, blending elements of Appalachia, Africa, and the Middle East into a vibrant, foot-stomping sound.
Another standout is "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You," a haunting love ballad that was famously covered by Led Zeppelin early in their career. Plant's rendition is soulful and heartfelt, showing off his range as a performer and his ability to connect with an audience.
As the show progresses, Plant also dips into his solo material, including "In the Mood," a funky, danceable track from his 1983 album The Principle of Moments. His band is tight and on point throughout, with guitarist Liam Tyson and keyboardist John Baggott providing tight rhythms and virtuosic solos.
One of the most surprising moments of the episode comes when Plant introduces his duet partner, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. Hynde joins him on stage to perform a medley of hits, including Zeppelin's "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and their own hit "I'll Stand By You." The chemistry between the two singers is palpable, and the audience can't help but sing along.
Of course, Plant doesn't neglect his Led Zeppelin roots entirely. He closes the show with a rousing rendition of "Whole Lotta Love," the iconic anthem that has been thrilling audiences for decades. Plant's voice is as powerful as ever as he belts out the immortal lines: "You need coolin', baby, I'm not foolin'."
Throughout the episode, the camera work and sound quality are top-notch, capturing every nuance of Plant's dynamic performance. The audience is clearly having a blast, clapping, dancing, and cheering along with every beat. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest rock legends of all time.
In short, fans of Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin, and classic rock owe it to themselves to check out this unforgettable episode of Austin City Limits season 42. With its killer setlist, superb musicianship, and electrifying energy, it's a show that will leave you breathless from start to finish.
