Building on the success of its past two sessions, Lockn’ Festival attracted thousands once again this year to its jam-band focused shindig in the fields of Arrington, Va. Featuring the talents of home-grown acts like Lord Nelson as well as the likes of Carlos Santana, storm clouds shaded a parade of artists with all manners of songs to share.
Likely many of the thousands were drawn to this year’s lineup by the presence of a member of rock’s old guard, an aristocrat of the industry, Robert Plant. The former Led Zeppelin singer took the stage Saturday evening surrounded by his current backing group, the Sensational Space Shifters.
The audience swelled in anticipation of the set, and Plant arrived to the cheers of the masses eager for the sounds of classics. The people got what they came for.
The Sensational Space Shifters and their frontman brought on a slew of covers punctuated by Led Zeppelin staples, and the presence of “Whole Lotta Love” and others showcased Plant as any longtime fan knows him: full of energy and enraptured by his music.
Despite all the years that have passed since Zeppelin first shook the world with its heavy versions of British folk and American blues, Plant still managed to shake the muddy ground outside Arrington as “Trampled Underfoot” reverberated through the humid air. Plant raised his hands in unison with the audience and let them take the lead on the chorus of “Black Dog.” All present witnessed his ability to connect with people is as strong as ever.
Plant was very much at the center of the band’s presentation and indulged the audience in the history of the covers and the source material of the set while knowing music is living history — it can tell stories like nothing else.
Less of Zeppelin’s famous back-and-forth rapport between band members was present, and though the band clearly has chemistry, Plant’s singing is very much the Space Shifters’ driving force.
His influence makes the old records shine even more by taking them in new directions, as with the “Whole Lotta Love” medley performed in Arrington. Rather than brandishing a violin bow on a guitar, the lyrics danced around the hum of an African one-string fiddle. The passion for sounds unique to regions and people outside of their home country lives on, with Plant’s new ensemble giving special attention.
After the band made a quick exit, keeping in time with Lockn’s efficient two-stage operation, the spell broke and many shuffled away. The sunset granted festival-goers a fantastic view, as well as a chance to experience one of the only ways to get semi-authentic Led out in a live setting. So much of Plant’s offering was classic Led Zeppelin that in spite of all his resistance to actual reunions, watching that sun descend left one wondering what the future holds for a musician with so much of his past still living around him.
Here’s hoping the sun rises with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (not the basketball arena) standing beside him on-stage.
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