Robert Plant Shines with Saving Grace on North American Tour
Last week, Robert Plant, the legendary voice of Led Zeppelin, took the stage at Toronto’s Massey Hall and Boston’s Shubert Theatre, reminding audiences why he remains one of rock’s most adventurous musicians, even at 77. Plant’s latest project, Saving Grace, featuring the talented singer Suzi Dian, delivered a mesmerizing mix of old favorites and fresh material that showcased his ongoing musical evolution.
The show opened with a deeply atmospheric gospel number, “Gospel Plough,” introducing the audience to Dian and guitarist Tony Kelsey. The band’s interplay immediately set the tone for the evening—subtle, yet powerful, with hints of North African rhythms and English folk intricacies woven seamlessly into the arrangements. Following this, the rollicking “Higher Rock,” penned by Martha Scanlan, gave Dian the spotlight, allowing her expressive voice to soar and setting the stage for the evening’s dynamic vocal exchanges.
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Of course, fans who came hoping for Led Zeppelin classics were not disappointed. Early in the set, the band performed a reimagined “Ramble On,” which earned Plant his first standing ovation of the night. Other Zeppelin tracks, including “Four Sticks,” “Black Dog,” and a hauntingly atmospheric “The Rain Song” as the encore, were thoughtfully adapted, highlighting the strengths of this new ensemble without relying solely on nostalgia. Plant’s voice, now more akin to an American troubadour than the high-flying rock god of his youth, retained remarkable power and warmth, blending beautifully with Dian’s vocals.
The majority of the performance, however, celebrated the new Saving Grace album. Tracks like Blind Willie Johnson’s “The Soul of a Man” and traditional folk numbers such as “As I Roved Out” displayed Plant’s continued mastery of roots, blues, Americana, and global influences. Dian and Plant’s harmonies were consistently captivating, and the backing band—drummer Oli Jefferson, strings player Matt Worley, cellist Barney Morse-Brown, and Kelsey on guitar and mandolin—provided a rich, textured foundation that transformed each song into something unique. As Dian described, the group is a “groove machine,” a perfect complement to Plant’s restless musical spirit.
One of the highlights of the evening was the powerful closing of Low’s “Everybody’s Song,” where Plant and Dian held a note in unison, sending the sold-out crowd to its feet. The show was tight, just over 90 minutes, but packed with enough depth, energy, and nuance to remind everyone that Plant’s creative journey is far from over.
With the North American tour continuing through November, stops include Vancouver, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Valley Center, promising more audiences the chance to witness Robert Plant embracing new musical horizons while honoring his storied past. Plant’s performance proves that even after decades at the pinnacle of rock, his desire to explore, evolve, and connect through music remains undiminished.
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