Ugly American Werewolf in London: Robert Plant Live

·55 min·5 clips

Robert Plant, now in his late 70s, is touring with Saving Grace, mixing Led Zeppelin classics with centuries-old folk songs.

The episode begins with hosts Mac B. and Gary Action Jackson introducing the Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast and recapping recent interviews with Suzy Quatro and Steve Kilby. Mac B. shares his personal experience attending Robert Plant's concert in Louisville, marking his fifth time seeing the singer. He explains that Plant, now 77, tours with the band Saving Grace, performing songs from their 2025 album, reworked solo and Led Zeppelin classics, and traditional folk covers. The hosts note Plant's vocal evolution, as he no longer hits high notes but collaborates with female singer Susie Diane, similar to past partnerships with Alison Krauss and Patty Griffin. They describe the concert venue, the Louisville Palace, and detail the six-piece band's instrumentation, including cello, banjo, and acoustic guitars. Anecdotes about loud, disruptive fans seated nearby add a relatable concert-going challenge. The setlist analysis covers tracks like 'Ramble On,' 'Four Sticks,' and 'In the Mood,' highlighting Plant's eclectic mix of eras, from 18th-century traditions to 1980s solo work. The hosts discuss Plant's career longevity, crediting Phil Collins for encouraging his solo work in the 1980s, and reflect on the aging audience and bringing younger generations to the show. They conclude by urging listeners to see Plant live while possible, despite his departure from hard rock expectations.

As heard by us

Robert Plant's current voice anchors a thoughtful live discussion of his Zeppelin-era legacy.

Robert Plant's present-day stage life gives the episode its center: a singer working with the voice he has now, not chasing the towering screams tied to his 1970s legend. Mac B.

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Why you'd press play

Hear Robert Plant framed through the show his voice wants now.

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