Robert Plant performed Led Zeppelin's “Stairway to Heaven'' for the first time in 16 years thanks to a “six-figure'' charitable donation from a fan, according to a new report.
A performance of the iconic 1971 song from the band's album Led Zeppelin IV took place at a charity concert last Saturday night (October 21).
The show, hosted by former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, was held at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire and raised money for the Cancer Platform. The legendary rock frontman was also seen performing Led Zeppelin's “Thank You” and “Black Dog.”
Now, a new interview with former Leaf and current Goldray guitarist Kenwyn House (who played with Plant at the gig) says the performance of “Stairway to Heaven” was facilitated by a six-figure charitable donation. .
“Someone bid him a huge amount of money to sing this song,” he said. led zeppelin news. “There's a virtuous cycle of karma around it. That one song raised six figures for charity.”
Recalling his surprise when he saw the song on the setlist, he added: “It was a very exciting and scary combination… We literally only had four days to learn everything.”
“When Robert Plant walked into the room and I had to play 'Stairway to Heaven' with him for the first time in a small, enclosed environment, it was probably the most pressure I've ever encountered. “It was a stressful professional situation,” House continued. “I'm in a small room with my hero playing his most famous songs.”
The alleged donations have not yet been confirmed by Taylor or other organizers of the event. Similarly, the exact amount and who is responsible remain unclear. However, footage of the performance quickly spread online. Check above.
Plant last performed the world-famous song in public in 2007 at London's O2 Arena, later singing ” celebration day concert film. But just recently, he explained that he has since distanced himself from the song because he no longer “resonates” with it (via chat).
Alternate location for Saturday Charity Live – Dubbed An evening with Andy Taylor and special guests – Other performers included Ella Henderson, Wham!’s Andrew Ridgeley, former Pink Floyd bassist Guy Pratt, comedian Katherine Ryan, and renowned drummer David Palmer.
This was not the first charity concert held in support of the Cancer Awareness Trust this year. Back in August, Duran Duran also held a one-time show at the Guild Theater in Menlo Park, California, to raise money for the organization.
Held as a memorial to the guitarist, who left the band in 2006 and revealed his own prostate cancer diagnosis last year, the gig was a tribute to the special treatment that fights cancer and allows patients like Taylor to prolong their lives. Funds were raised to support the development of the law.
In other Robert Plant news, earlier this year Robert Plant declared it was Phil Collins' “positive energy” that was the “driving force” that got his solo career off the ground.
“After John [Bonham, Led Zeppelin drummer] passed away and Led Zeppelin didn't exist, so there had to be a way to go. “I struggled a lot until I was 32,” he explained.
“Phil Collins in particular was a driving force and had such positive energy on the first record…he came on tour with me after that and basically said, 'Robert, for so many years. The man sitting behind you was my hero…I'll do whatever I can to help you get back into fighting shape, I'm here. ”
