In an exclusive new interview with Rolling Stone, Robert Plant reflected on the experience of singing ‘Stairway to Heaven‘ for what he hopes will be the final time, describing the performance as ‘cathartic.’
Last year was a watershed moment for the Led Zeppelin frontman. For the first time since the band’s performance at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in London’s O2 Arena on December 10, 2007, Plant performed ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at a charity event in Oxfordshire.
A Cathartic Moment On Stage
Andy Taylor, a former Duran Duran and The Power Station guitarist, organized the gig to benefit The Cancer Platform charity. When asked how it felt to perform the iconic song once more, Plant replied, “It was cathartic.”
Navigating The Emotions Of A Legacy
The singer discussed the emotional complexity of ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ a song that has followed him throughout his career. Robert Plant stated that the Led Zeppelin song was especially important to him because it reminded him of his time with Jimmy, John, and Bonzo.
He continued, “People say, ‘Oh, that’s good. He was never going to do that. But I didn’t do it! I blurted it out. Because it’s such an important song to me for where I was at the time, as well as with Jimmy, John, and Bonzo. So, that night, it was as it was. It was a trial by fire, but I felt better at the end than when I started.”
Growing Disconnect of Robert Plant With ‘Stairway To Heaven’
Plant has expressed ambivalence about this song over the years. Despite its success and popularity, the rocker admits to feeling disconnected from ‘Stairway to Heaven’ over the years. He told the Los Angeles Times the following in 1988, “I’d get hives if I had to sing it at every show. I wrote those lyrics in 1971 and thought the song was important and meaningful, but 17 years later, I’m not sure. It’s simply not for me. “No more ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for me.”
In 2022, the vocalist also mentioned feeling overwhelmed while listening to the hit song. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that the song has a special meaning for him, as it recalls a time when the world was dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and political corruption.
Beyond his thoughts on ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ Plant is looking forward to new musical endeavors. He is about to embark on a North American tour with Alison Krause. The duo has scheduled 28 dates across the continent for their Can’t Let Go Tour, which will take place in June, August, and September.
