In an exclusive new interview with Rolling Stone, Robert Plant reflected on the experience of singing ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for what he intimates might be the final time, describing the performance as ‘cathartic.’
Last year marked a significant 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 sang ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at a charity event in Oxfordshire.
A Cathartic Moment On Stage
The gig, organized by former Duran Duran and The Power Station guitarist Andy Taylor, was aimed at raising funds for The Cancer Platform charity. When asked about how it felt to perform the iconic song once more, Plant responded:
“It was cathartic.”
Navigating The Emotions Of A Legacy
The singer talked about the emotional complexity surrounding ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ a song that has followed him throughout his career. Plant mentioned that the Led Zeppelin hit was particularly important for him since it reminded him of the time he had with Jimmy, John, and Bonzo. He added:
“People go, ‘Oh, that’s good. He never was going to do that.’ But I didn’t really do it! I just blurted it out. ‘Cause it’s such an important song to me for where I was at the time and where I was with Jimmy and with John and Bonzo. So, on that night, it was what it was. It was a trial by fire, but I felt better at the end than at the beginning.”
Plant’s Growing Disconnect With ‘Stairway To Heaven’
This song has been a source of ambivalence for Plant, who has often expressed a complicated relationship with it over the years. Despite its success and popularity, the rocker has admitted to feeling disconnected from ‘Stairway to Heaven’ as the years have passed. He told the Los Angeles Times the following in 1988:
“I’d break out in hives if I had to sing it every show. I wrote those lyrics and found that song to be of some importance and consequence in 1971, but 17 years later, I don’t know. It’s just not for me. No more ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for me.”
In 2022, the vocalist also mentioned feeling overwhelmed whenever he listened to the hit track. Speaking with Rolling Stone, he shared that the song holds deep meaning for him, connecting to a time when the world was dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and political corruption.
Beyond his reflections on ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ Plant is looking forward to new musical ventures. He is set to embark on a North American tour with Alison Krauss. The duo has scheduled 28 dates across the continent for their Can’t Let Go Tour, which is set to take place in June, August, and September.
