ROBERT PLANT STUNS HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM WITH ZEPPELIN CLASSICS

Most fans have lovingly embraced Robert Plant’s out-with-the-old attitude, born from his noted frustration that previous Led Zeppelin reunions were “like sleeping with your ex-wife but not making love.” So thousands soldiered into Hammerstein Ballroom last night expecting an in-with-the-new setlist from his latest album, with the lineup of his aptly-named Sensational Space Shifters being the likeliest twist. You can just imagine how quickly hearts started racing when he suddenly threw us back to 1975 with “Trampled Under Foot.” The reaction was on par with catching the Northern Lights in New York, or finding diamonds in a city gutter.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

For the record, just being physically near Robert Plant is a religious experience. Like a snapshot from another decade, there really were fans weeping hysterically, trembling hands outstretched in an attempt to soak up his sound. Even the soft crackle of his breath near the microphone brought out a storm of squeals. Lost in the euphoria, strangers twirled and held hands with anyone close enough to touch. Some of the younger generation could be seen skyping the show to their dads; phones in the air, dad-filled screens aimed proudly at the stage.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

There’s a god-like elegance to everything Plant does, whether he’s simply nodding in approval during a mandolin solo or murmuring “give it to me now!” to his guitarist. Like his luscious long hair, his vocals are frozen in time and warmly familiar. It’s a separate experience just seeing him briefly step back from the spotlight and close his eyes to listen, engrossed in the music. He left such a lasting impression after every song, they could have sold tickets for the spaces in between.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Plant’s setlist was a generous blend of Zeppelin classics and his newest ceaseless roars. After “Poor Howard” was “Trampled Under Foot,” he blessed us with “Turn It Up,” “Black Dog,” and “Rainbow,” the last of which featured the entire group on hand drums. “Black Country Woman” and “Spoonful” led us into “The Rain Song,” which was indescribably beautiful; perhaps the highlight of the night. He kept the love pouring with “No Place to Go,” “Dazed and Confused,” “The Lemon Song” (which he dedicated to Jack White), “Little Maggie,” and “Crawling King Snake.” The finale was a sultry compilation of “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” “Mona,” and “Whole Lotta Love.”

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

A true rocker, he gave us a true encore – the kind where you’re almost unsure if he’ll really return, so you band together to scream and struggle for the cause. But if there’s anything Robert Plant knows how to do, it’s make us feel good. He returned with a smile and left the ballroom in ecstasy with “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down,” “In My Time of Dying,” and “Rock and Roll.”

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

“We’ll go make another record and then we’ll come see you guys even more,” he promised casually before saying goodnight. As he wandered away, you could feel the crowd trying to capture every moment and carry it home, like fireflies in a jar. This is how music is supposed to feel. Robert Plant makes it impossible to settle for anything less.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

Article: Olivia Isenhart

Photos: Shayne Hanley