Paris Le Grand Rex Theatre
Set-List:
Reviews:
After seeing Robert in Belgium, we travel to France to catch him this evening on stage in Paris. Tonight’s venue is the intimate art deco theatre Le Grand Rex right in the heart of the French capital. An air of excitement buzzes around the venue as people queue for tour t-shirts and fans mingle at the street cafes along Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle. And as Robert and Alison walk out onto the tiny stage to a rapturous reception, it quickly becomes apparent that tonight’s sold out crowd seems less concerned about whether there’ll be a Zep reunion and instead are just genuinely appreciative of the music coming from the stage.
Robert, speaking in fluent French to the audience, is even looser tonight and treats the crowd to an outstanding show. Highlights from Paris included a ragged and desolate Nothin’, the reborn, chugging steam-train version on In The Mood and a fiery Fortune Teller, complete with spooky backing vocals from Alison. The Parisian crowd love it.
And there’s more. With Robert kicking his mic stand high in the air, the audience are also treated to a truly rousing Black Country Woman and an absolutely soaring version of Battle Of Evermore, complete with thundering finale. Watch out if you’ve yet to see this tour, this version is a real show-stopper.
But as great as Robert was tonight, and he was superb, standout tracks equally came from Alison and in particular her bewitching Sister Rosetta, and the earthy and authentic Green Pastures. I said it in my Brussels review and I’ll say it again tonight; her voice is astonishing.
The warm, hymn-like Long Journey Home closes the set tonight and as Robert held Alison’s hand and waved to the cheering Parisian crowd, the person to my left turned to me and said ‘C’est fantastique!!!’
And this is Robert Plant in 2008. Playing live in front of fans, discovering new music and taking risks. Explorer. Golden God. Maverick. This is who he is.
I have just one personal request…
More, please.
Krys Jantzen, London
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