"Plant's latest musical endeavor, Saving Grace, has brought the 77-year-old rock icon a new sense of purpose. The band's name, inspired by how its members became his 'saving grace,' aptly captures Plant's newfound passion for creating and exploring music beyond his Led Zeppelin days.
The project's origins date back to 2018 when Plant met banjo maestro Matt Worley at a pub on the Welsh borders. Their shared musical heritage sparked an idea that would blossom into Saving Grace, accompanied by Worley, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.
Last Wednesday's performance at Chicago's Vic Theatre showcased the band's exceptional comradery and chemistry, with Plant often stepping back to allow his fellow musicians to shine. The evening featured a diverse setlist that included African spirituals, traditional folk songs, and contemporary re-compositions, all woven together by Plant's evocative vocals and Suzi Dian's soaring siren calls.
Worley's husky banjo playing added depth to Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul of a Man," while Plant contributed a knee-slapping harmonica solo that amplified the song's desperation. The energy in the room was palpable, with hoots and standing ovations galore.
Throughout the night, Plant humbly reflected on his past experiences, recalling his early days as a young musician and Led Zeppelin's iconic performances. Despite the band's growth and evolution over time, honoring the past remains an essential part of Plant's creative journey.
Saving Grace's setlist at the Vic Theatre included traditional songs, covers of Led Zeppelin classics, and unexpected mashups like "Gallows Pole" and "Black Dog." The performance was a testament to Plant's continued passion for music and his desire to forge new paths while respecting the heritage that has shaped him over the years."
The project's origins date back to 2018 when Plant met banjo maestro Matt Worley at a pub on the Welsh borders. Their shared musical heritage sparked an idea that would blossom into Saving Grace, accompanied by Worley, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.
Last Wednesday's performance at Chicago's Vic Theatre showcased the band's exceptional comradery and chemistry, with Plant often stepping back to allow his fellow musicians to shine. The evening featured a diverse setlist that included African spirituals, traditional folk songs, and contemporary re-compositions, all woven together by Plant's evocative vocals and Suzi Dian's soaring siren calls.
Worley's husky banjo playing added depth to Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul of a Man," while Plant contributed a knee-slapping harmonica solo that amplified the song's desperation. The energy in the room was palpable, with hoots and standing ovations galore.
Throughout the night, Plant humbly reflected on his past experiences, recalling his early days as a young musician and Led Zeppelin's iconic performances. Despite the band's growth and evolution over time, honoring the past remains an essential part of Plant's creative journey.
Saving Grace's setlist at the Vic Theatre included traditional songs, covers of Led Zeppelin classics, and unexpected mashups like "Gallows Pole" and "Black Dog." The performance was a testament to Plant's continued passion for music and his desire to forge new paths while respecting the heritage that has shaped him over the years."
I think it's absolutely wonderful that Robert Plant is still going strong at 77, exploring new sounds and styles with Saving Grace. His ability to tap into a sense of camaraderie with his bandmates is really something special - it's clear they're all deeply invested in the music. The fact that he's not afraid to step back and let others shine too, it's like you can see him just enjoying the ride, soaking up the energy of the crowd... 
I'm loving this new direction Robert Plant is taking with Saving Grace! It's awesome to see him exploring different sounds and collaborating with talented musicians. That banjo playing in "Soul of a Man" was insane 
! I also loved how he let his fellow band members take the spotlight – it was clear they were all on the same page 
. And can we talk about that harmonica solo? 
It's like he's still got it! I'm intrigued by these mashups too, "Gallows Pole" and "Black Dog" together? Genius 
. The setlist was so eclectic and fun - who wouldn't want to see a mashup of "Gallows Pole" and "Black Dog"? 
Can't wait to see what they do next! 
. And the band's chemistry is just amazing, it's like they've been playing together for years (even though they probably haven't 
the way they're incorporating all these different styles and sounds is really cool. and it's great to see plant being humble about his past accomplishments – like, yeah he's led zeppelin, but now he's just enjoying the ride 
. The way the band works together is pure magic, especially when Plant steps back and lets Matt Worley take over on that banjo 
. I love how humble he is too, talking about his past and honoring the music that made him who he is today. This is the kind of thing that makes me so excited for new music from Robert Plant 
!
! plant's still got that special somethin' that makes u wanna sing along & dance 
. cant wait 2 c what he does next! 
The fact that the name of the band comes from a pub encounter seems a bit forced, doesn't it? And what's up with the diverse setlist? It's like he's trying to appeal to every musical genre under the sun... can't he just stick to one thing? 
Still, I'll give him points for humility and respecting his past – that's gotta count for something. 
u guys won't believe what's happening with Jimmy Page... i just saw this article about Led Zeppelin's guitarist, and it looks like he's having a midlife crisis 
plant's band, Saving Grace, is getting rave reviews but have you seen his age? 77?! 
yeah, he's still rocking out to traditional folk songs and african spirituals... meanwhile, i'm over here worrying about climate change and nuclear war 
and the way he stepped back to let his other musicians shine was super admirable. i loved how they mixed old & new music, it felt like a fresh breath of air 
And Plant's vocals are still giving me chills, even if he does step back sometimes to let his other musicians shine. The setlist was so eclectic and fun, from traditional folk songs to Led Zeppelin covers and mashups... I'm all about it! 
It's clear that saving grace (pun intended) has become a big part of Plant's life, and I'm here for it!