Robert Plant and The Band Of Joy – Gateshead: The Sage
Photo by Caitlin Scullion
Robert Plant & The Band Of Joy –The Sage, Gateshead October 20th 2010
Fabulous evening – I don’t think I’ve seen Robert as relaxed and as comfortable within a band.
Vocally the whole evening was sensational, Robert, as Id expected, maintains an impeccable standard – but the whole band sings and there are wonderful harmonies flying in all over the place. The musicianship was great too throughout and also Robert was more than happy to share the limelight and took to the rear of the stage whilst Buddy,Patty & Darryl all sang solo numbers. Scotts number in particular (A Satisfied Mind) was outstanding and a highlight of the evening
The set: Tall Cool One-Angel Dance-House Of Cards-Please Read The Letter- Misty Mountain Hop-Rich Woman-Twelve Gates To The City (includes flashes of In My Time Of Dying) -Tangerine – Somewhere Trouble Dont Go – A Satisfied Mind – Move Up – Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down -Central 209 – Houses Of The Holy – You Cant Buy My Love – Down To The Sea – Gallows Pole………The encores carried a bit of a curved ball with Another Tribe as the first number followed by Rock and Roll & the splendid Goodnight acapella
Thoroughly enjoyed the evening from start to finish, I confess that whince a bit at the slide guitar within the Zep numbers, I don’t think it quite works but that didn’t detract too much from a great show and outstanding performance by everyone
Michael Scullion Gateshead
The above photo of Robert that captures his halo (!) was taken by my daughter Caitlin – her baptism into the faith!
I was one a few wonderfully lucky people to be in this fantastic concert venue in the front row. I was a little nervous as I hadn’t seen Robert with Alison on his previous tour. I last saw him at JBs on Valentines Day 2007. So long ago. The gig was truly warmed by the appearance of Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara I spoke to Justin in the interval and he was his usual chatty self. Always a pleasure. Robert was a man that was truly enjoying his effect on this audience. He was relaxed and in great humour. He showed this new genre as being a gamble worth taking as the crowd ate from his outstretched hand. The atmosphere was a true state of perfection and I have seldom seen him more at the top of his game. The band were superb and showed why each member is held in such high esteem by Robert. Patti was a silken voiced angel and Buddy was a man as at home at the Sage as he would be in Gateshead working mans club. What next?….
Rick Willis
North Shields
And this from Rick Willis
(No Ratings Yet)
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Went to Brum last night and I echo the words on this forum. I was never a Led Zep fan and there were many there at the Symphony Hall expecting LZ numbers… in the LZ style, all in their LZ t-shirts! Like Robert I’ve moved on and I thought the mix of country, folk, bible-belt, spiritual and blues was tremendous. And what fine musicians they are, especially Buddy Miller; no wonder RP is happy to stand back and let them play.
He’s a local boy, is our Robert, and boy are we proud of him!
Plant played a blinder at the Olympia in Liverpool and as someone who has attended all the solo tours (remember the Ballet shoes at the Empire?)- he hasn’t lost the power,the thing with him is that when he arrives on stage the doubts are banished we are at home to MR Rock Star!
Wonderful version of musical hall favourite ‘Houses of the Holy’ and many a Zepp classic aired,with an exceptional range of styles and nuances and a willingness to stand side stage and let others shine too…
Friends and wives may come and go,but you can always rely on Planty!!
Caught the Liverpool show on Thursday. Great night. Robert was in excellent form – as were the whole band !
Fabulous reports! What a performer Robert is…Edinburgh rocked and I cant wait for Birmingham!! Im proud to be one of his biggest fans and have been since I was 13 years old. I loved the voice first then everything else fell into place !! Edinburgh was relly special for me as I spoke to Robert and he replied!!
I love the pic with the halo…how apt!
Rock on Robert..we love you x
The Gateshead gig was absolutely phenomenal. I was sitting in the fifth row, with the lovely Jacqueline, and it was clear for all to see that Robert was completely relaxed and in his element. The Band Of Joy is precisely that – a band – and each member contributed an essential part to the evening’s proceedings. As the show went on, it took on an almost evangelical fervour … a deeply haunting country/gospel/blues vibe that grew into something truly beautiful. Nice to hear a Band Of Joy “world exclusive” in the shape of the Clarksdale version of “Please Read The Letter”. And full marks to Justin Adams for his excellent opening set that set the tone for the whole evening. An absolute triumph.
I was at this gig and can fully echo what the lads have said above, these could be classed as Robert’s twilight years as a performer, but the man is shining very brightly indeed. Along with the electric proms, and the BBC documentary on his life, the man who only has a CBE is finally being recognised and revered with other rock royalty – and about time too. Jimmy has done a sterling job ensuring that the Zeppelin memory is cemented for future generations. Robert has kept the spirit alive with his music forever changing, never standing still. Concluding, for me this was a better gig than Edinburgh, highlight,Twelve Gates To The City/Wade in the water/In my time of dying. – with the line “Oh what a beautiful city” – very fitting for the Sage and its back drop of the Tyne Bridge. Thanks Robert.
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