Robert Plant names the “ultimate concert entertainer”
In a list of the greatest frontmen in history, Robert Plant makes the cut every time. As the voice behind Led Zeppelin, Plant’s pipes were not only defining of the band but became defining of an era. When thinking back to the 1960s rock scene, there are few tones as memorable and beloved as his. But when it comes to the whole package of showmanship, he’s willing to hand the crown to someone else.
That’s not to say that Plant wasn’t a captivating performer. His energy on stage was so special that there are certain songs that Jimmy Page, the band’s guitarist, refuses to allow anyone else to sing. Instead, he’d rather do a fully instrumental version of ‘Stairway To Heaven’, knowing no one could compete with the talent and presence that Plant delivers that track with.
Back in their prime, there were few bands that could compete with them. Their songs perfectly toed the line between experimental and hooking, giving them major and broad appeal as the front runners of the rock scene. Their tracks were intense, and Plant matched that, performing with the same crazed power. It made them a must-see act, and it made Plant a performer that generations since have looked up to.
But yet still, Plant wouldn’t consider himself the best of the best when it comes to performance, especially not as he’s got older. Instead, he hands that crowd to Mick Jagger.
“Everybody was amazed at Mick Jagger’s energy, which is great,” Plant said. Having the same experience at a Rolling Stones show as any other audience member, he joined in with the collective awe towards Jagger’s incomparable energy. Still today, he performs a lengthy set of the band’s best hits with the same tireless energy, charisma and joy that he did when he first broke out. He even still does all his signature dance moves as somewhere inside, the 81 year old still seems to be the 20-something boy that first caught the world’s attention.
For Plant it’s not only a testament to Jagger’s talent, but it’s a hopeful sign. “I’m glad to see that somebody even older than me can jump about and be the ultimate concert entertainer,” he continued. Keen to mention that he is, in fact, five years younger than Jagger, he sees the Stones’ leader as a sign that age doesn’t have to slow an artist down. Even as people might expect the band to retire or at least pull back on their strenuous touring schedule and adventurous live sets, they defy that. Instead, the Stones make it clear that they’ll still be putting on the same hi-octane show for as long as their bodies will let them, especially when, as suggested by Plant, it’s what Jagger was put here to do.
