ROBERT PLANT, ALISON KRAUSS & THE EAGLES WOW BST-HYDE PARK

BST Hyde Park- Sunday 26th June 2022

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss:

Plant and Kraus were immediately met with a roar from the crowd the moment they stepped out onto the sunny stage in London’s beautiful Hyde Park. Although the opening of the set was strong, it was the 5th number that really got the crowd going: Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll”. Based on the volume of the applause, cheers, and singing from the crowd, there were a huge number of Zeppelin fans in the audience, which you would of course expect from any Robert Plant show, but Alison Krauss’ vocals gave a refreshing spin to many of the well-known tracks.

As a bluegrass artist, Krauss inevitably doesn’t have the same following that Plant has built up over the years, however, anyone who has seen the pair on their current tour will certainly never question her ability nor her credentials. In addition to being an incredible lead vocalist, Krauss showed off her musicianship on “Please Read The Letter” with a perfectly executed, and very emotive violin solo.

“The Battle of Evermore” was a personal highlight- you could feel the music sending chills through the crowd, with both singers showcasing their powerful vocals in the climax of the song.

The set culminated with a haunting rendition of “When The Levee Breaks”, leaving the audience in awe of the musicianship they had just witnessed. We all know that Robert Plant is a golden God, but there is no question that Krauss matches his ability, and that this is a musical partnership made in rock n’ roll/country heaven.

Set List:
1. Rich Woman
2. Can’t Let Go
3. Fortune Teller
4. Trouble With My Lover
5. Rock And Roll
6. The Price Of Love
7. Please Read The Letter
8. High And Lonesome
9. It Don’t Bother Me
10. Quattro (World Drifts In)
11. Gone Gone Gone
12. The Battle Of Evermore
13. When The Levee Breaks

 

The Eagles:

Don Henley promised an evening of escapism, and that’s exactly what the Eagles delivered. He announced from stage:
“Our mission tonight is to give you a two hour vacation” (speaking of recent political affairs), and that’s exactly how it felt.

From start to finish, the vocal harmonies and guitar solos were impeccable. I could not fault a single performance from any of the musicians who graced the stage that night. Don Henley’s voice is really worth mentioning, as it has somehow barely aged at all in his 52 year career.

A fantastic addition to the lineup was Deacon Frey, 29 year old son of the late Glen Frey, who took a guest spot on lead vocals and acoustic guitar for “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and his father’s much loved hit “Take It Easy”.

Joe Walsh took the spotlight with his gritty vocals and riotous guitar playing during “Life’s Been Good” and “Rocky Mountain Way”. His unmistakable guitar tone and carefree attitude transported you to a chaotic Californian setting, and an insight into the turbulent predicaments by virtue of fame and fortune.

Towards the end of the set during “Those Shoes”, large crowds veered in the direction of the bar and restrooms, much to my surprise as I was transfixed with that particular performance of the 1979 track. Perhaps they felt the more sombre and cynical tone of that song didn’t match the atmosphere they were hoping for on a sunny Sunday evening in the park, which would explain why they then rushed back into the crowds the moment they heard the intro of Henley’s “The Boys of Summer”. It was particularly touching that they dedicated the feel-good song to late Foo-Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

The Eagles saved some of their greatest hits to the very end of the set, including “Life In The Fast Lane”. With its instantly recognisable guitar riff and funky vibe, everyone was on their feet dancing and joining in with the chorus gang vocals.

“Hotel California” and “Desperado” were (expectedly) favourites amongst the audience, with the entire crowd singing along to every lyric. The set concluded with a joyous rendition of “Already Gone”, culminating an evening that will be long remembered by every attendee.

“In case we don’t pass this way again, I want to thank you all for embracing these songs, taking them into your hearts and your homes. We appreciate it- it’s been a hell of a ride!”

– Don Henley

Set List:
1. Seven Bridges Road
2. One Of These Nights
3. New Kid In Town
4. Witchy Woman
5. Take It To The Limit
6. Lyin’ Eyes
7. In The City
8. I Can’t Tell You Why
9. Victim Of Love
10. Tequila Sunrise
11. Best Of My Love
12. Peaceful Easy Feeling (guest: Deacon Frey)
13. Take It Easy (guest: Deacon Frey)
14. Life’s Been Good
15. Those Shoes
16. Boys Of Summer
17. Funk #49
18. Heartache Tonight
19. Life In The Fast Lane
20. Hotel California
21. Rocky Mountain Way
22. Desperado
23. Already Gone (guests: Deacon Frey, John McEnroe and Patty Smyth)

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Written by Sophie Aurélia Young