Tragic news: Robert Plant, a rock legend, has been diagnosed with cancer…
Robert Plant would undoubtedly rank among the greatest in rock history even if all he ever accomplished was lead vocals for Led Zeppelin. But Plant’s long, prosperous, and remarkably restless solo career has long since dispelled any ideas that during that group’s legendary period, he was just a pretty-boy frontman following guitarist Jimmy Page’s lead (as a cursory glance at their songwriting credits demonstrates).
Robert Plant took a moment to reflect on a late-night trip along a Mississippi highway and the hypnotic effect of an AM radio broadcast, during the middle of his witty and humorous performance at the Capitol Theater here on Thursday night. He was laying the groundwork for the dark new song “Turn It Up,” which expands on this idea. However, his remarks possessed a testimony-like quality, akin to a nonreligious tale of salvation.
Mr. Plant, 66, has long assumed the persona of a scavenger and wanderer; he is the kind of artist who can repurpose a variety of abandoned materials. For a significant portion of the past 35 years, or so, since Led Zeppelin’s demise, his musical endeavors have alluded to the allure of curiosity and a resolve to remake and be remakes.
Turn It Up’s lyrics seem to acknowledge the dangers of his entrenched image in popular culture, while simultaneously giving a reference to it. “The path remains the same,” he purrs, wryly parodying the title of a Led Zeppelin hymn. With Mr. Plant continuing to garner media attention for turning down a full-fledged reunion with his former band, the restless undertone of the song also functions as a demonstration of self-awareness.
This was the first night of a tour in support of his stirring new album, “lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar” (Nonesuch), which blends Celtic and African music with American blues and folk styles in a production manner that is distinctly modern.
