Robert Plant and The Band of Joy, Usher Hall Edinburgh, Monday  October 18th 2010.

Photo Lorraine Robertson

Set List

Monkey

House of Cards

Please Read the Letter

Misty Mountain Hop

Rich Woman

Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go (Buddy Miller) Robert on harmonica

Tangerine

Move Up (Robert said “Patty’s going to rock the joint” and did)

Satan

Central 209 (Robert on washboard!)

Angel Dance

Houses Of The Holy

Down To The Sea

Tall Cool One

Gallows Pole

ENCORE

Harm’s Swift Way

Rock n Roll (Robert then said “February 17th 1970…I was ‘ere”…he said he’s been on Google!

A Very Cellular Song (Incredible String Band)..pretty emotional stuff .)

The gig….

A hot steaming beautifully decorated large mug of perhaps tea was laid carefully down in front of the upright set list on a pedestal with lights…excitement as I knew who that mug was for and boy did I have a fantastic seat ! Lights dimmed and……wow…

Robert came on stage with his Band of Joy dressed casually in blue jeans and a blue same coloured pattern shirt, bearded and hair really long and blond, and typically Plant like. He appeared confident, really happy and ready to rock with his new band.

The first song was Monkey, one of my favourites on the new album and it sounded even better played live and was a great start to a show which didn’t fail to deliver…..we had Zep numbers prefaced by Robert saying “And now to the days of oblivion”…and were treated to Tangerine which was so very beautifully done. Being so close I was able to pass him a little gift of heather  I was delighted when he was onstage and actually said “Hello….lucky heather?” to me and took it out of my hand.

Gallows Pole  was not as rocking as heard on Unledded/No Quarter for example,but given a much more mellow treatment and in keeping with the new set up. Down to the Sea also went down really well as did Please Read The Letter which was nicely done with Patty doing an admirable job. I wish she had smiled a little more during the show but nearer the end of the show she did seem to look more relaxed.

Robert’s voice was strong, tender, melodic and completely beautiful…better with age!!

The Band of Joy is composed of so many exceptional musicians and Robert took a slightly back seat at some points to let them shine ..typical of the man who is clearly enjoying this adventure, has no need to prove anything to himself or the world and is enjoying himself…long may he continue to do so as we are loving every second of this trip!

I must mention the terrific support act…

Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara

What an exceptional blend of rock and  African music. Justin said they would get heavy and they sure did and I and the appreciative audience could have listened to them for much much longer. Juldeh is an amazing musician and singer playing the riti to perfection..he can really rock it out!! The audience was enthralled with their exciting sounds and Justin and Juldeh made many new fans I’m completely convinced of that!

Lorraine Robertson