Robert Plant’s Emotional Comeback: ‘Stairway To Heaven’ Live After 16 Years

In a truly unexpected and emotionally charged moment, rock legend Robert Plant rekindled the magic of a Led Zeppelin classic by performing “Stairway To Heaven” live for the first time in 16 years. The remarkable event took place at a charity show in the U.K. on Saturday night.

Charity Benefit for Cancer Awareness

The iconic Led Zeppelin frontman chose this special occasion to perform the legendary track. The event was organized by Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, who is currently battling stage 4 prostate cancer. The charity show aimed to raise funds for the Cancer Awareness Trust, making Plant’s contribution even more poignant.

A Poignant Rendition: Robert Plant’s Unique Delivery

Robert Plant’s rendition of “Stairway To Heaven” was not just a return to the stage but a reimagining of the classic hit. The singer altered the delivery of the final verse, injecting fresh emotion into the performance.

An Unforgettable Setlist

Plant’s captivating setlist featured not only “Stairway To Heaven” but also a selection of other Led Zeppelin tracks. He also treated the audience to a medley centered around Donovan’s “Season of the Witch.” The full set can be found in a livestream posted on Facebook, starting at approximately 43 minutes into the video.

Mixed Emotions: Plant’s Relationship with the Iconic Song

While “Stairway To Heaven” is often hailed as one of the greatest classic rock tracks of all time, Robert Plant has had a complex relationship with the song. In the past, he expressed that he “can’t relate” to the lyrics and even attempted to prevent an Oregon radio station from playing it by pledging money.

A Rare Solo Performance

Remarkably, this charity show may mark the first time Robert Plant has performed “Stairway To Heaven” live as a solo artist. He previously played it exclusively with Led Zeppelin, most notably at the band’s 2007 reunion, which took place 16 years ago. He also performed it during a 1994 television appearance with Led Zeppelin bandmate Jimmy Page.

Heartfelt Inspiration: A Performance that Changed Everything

Robert Plant’s perspective on the song appears to have evolved over time, thanks to an unforgettable rendition. The transformation came when Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, accompanied by drummer Jason Bonham (son of the late Zeppelin drummer John Bonham), performed “Stairway To Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012. Plant, sitting in the audience, was moved to tears.

In a reflective moment, Plant expressed his newfound love for the song, saying, “It was a spectacular performance. I’m now a voyeur. I’m not responsible for it anymore… I love the song. It came upon me and stripped away all the years of being a part of all that. It just rubbed it right back to the bone.”

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