Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review with pictures
"Remember the biggest island in Europe – Burnt Tree," were the bizarre final words on stage from Robert Plant as his sell-out UK tour came to a close in Birmingham last night.
Plagued by sound problems in the early stages the 69-year-old West Bromwich-born singer remained in good humour throughout last night's triumphant concert in Symphony Hall.
Taking to the stage with New World from his 11th solo album Carry Fire and Turn it Up from 2014's Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar, the band was forced to halt proceedings while the PA was sorted out.
Plant took the opportunity to fill in telling the audience: "It's seven years since I stood on this platform and I don't feel and different."
He regaled fans with memories of his childhood in the Black Country in Great Bridge and Park Lane East,Tipton, and how his grandfather played in a brass band there.
"My dad used to look for coppers in Tipton Park where now you can collect syringes," he joked.
He recalled Palethorpes and a quiz night in Tividale when a question was what is the largest island in Europe.
"The answer is Burnt Tree Island as a matter of fact," he claimed with a wink.
With the technical hitch resolved,The Sensational Space Shifters quickly shifted back into top form delivering May Queen from the new album with Plant prowling the stage with tambourine.
His voice was in fine form as he delivered the expected wails and moans in a set which took in a wide range of musical styles.
Folk support Seth Lakeman, who delivered a great one-man opening set, joined the band for many of the songs on fiddle.
Plant promised songs old and "some written on papyrus" and he delivered several Led Zeppelin songs including That's The Way and many covers including a glorious version of Richard Thompson's House of Cards.
He spoke fondly of his musical education in the 1960s at Birmingham's old Whiskey a Go Go club waching amazing American artists before delivering Leadbelly's Gallows Pole.
Justin Adams was in fantastic form on guitar on the Arabic-tinged Carry Fire with fellow guitarist Liam Tyson delivering subtle playing throughout the night, especially on the Zeppelin songs as the set finished with Little Maggie, Fixin' to Die and Misty Mountain Hop.
The night ended with a three-song encore of What Is and What Should Never Be, Bluebirds of the Mountains and finally, bringing the fans to their feet, a folk-tinged blast through the Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love.
