When Robert Plant paid Salt Lake City a rare visit last Thursday (October 8, Abravanel Hall) — seven years since he’d last done so — it was worth taking in the widely diverse crowd that’d gathered in his name just before the houselights dimmed. And why shouldn’t they came from all walks of life, right? Led Zeppelin is an institution — a time-tested radio staple, an example of supergroup perfection — and its fanbase knows few bounds or stereotypes. Some were there to tap into their yesteryear memories, while others knew this was as close as they’d ever get to a legend that won’t be replicated. As for Plant himself? He was there largely to enjoy the evening, which included singing gospel tunes (“Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down”), offering up a surprise harmonica solo, and even easing into some of his greatest hits.
Yes, there were reimagined Zeppelin tunes tucked into the set, and tastefully so. Not carbon copies of the rock opuses most once were, but slowed-down interpretations. The version they’ve been playing on tour of “Ramble On” saunters. It has an accordion in it, and shared vocals. They took on “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Going To California” and passed with flying colors. It helps that Plant still sounds much the way we remember him, if not a little gentler, a bit softer. He’s earned the privilege to sing his songs exactly as he chooses to, too.
Considering who he is now — and, yes, who he was then — it’s an unexpected joy seeing how gracious Plant is with his band. While he could have been the only one in the spotlight the entire performance, he made a point of slinking into the shadows, whether it was to sit a song out while Suzi Dian sang “Orphan Girl” or to allow the other players to shine while he played double sets of maracas. He surrounds himself with superstars; they’re worth showing off.
It was common to lose time throughout the concert and get caught basking in what was unfolding. We were seeing a legend at play, wholly in his element, taking risks, revisiting music he’s sung for decades, and being elevated by all who surrounded him. And other times, gratitude came instantly; it was easy to be the first one up in a standing ovation, respect and admiration earned at once. Robert Plant and Saving Grace played over 90 minutes and it didn’t feel like quite enough. It’s been days since it all happened and the memory is still bright.
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