I don’t have heroes

Well, maybe a couple - my dad and grandad in the main. Apart from them, I’ve never been one for getting star-struck, but this one did make me go, “Fuck, that’s Robert Plant.”

I was sat in the car with my good friend Kieron, waiting to get backstage access to Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2025, when a car backed in front of us. The window was down and, large as life, there’s Robert Plant. I nudged Kieron and subtly pointed. “Err…Fuck, that’s Robert Plant, mate.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised, we were there to video an interview with John Bonham’s sister, Deborah, so there was a logical connection. But still… WTF.

Prior to Deborah’s band taking the stage, we actually found ourselves included in the little group chat with Robert (I feel like I’m on first-name terms now). He was telling stories that included buying a really shit car to collect his son from his expensive private school, and asking why there was a defibrillator in the loo.

I digress.

Deborah’s band go on and are performing a great set, tight, and the crowd love it. A whisper goes round the crew that Robert may do a couple of numbers. The band start Ramble On and then he appears, stage right, edging towards the mic in the middle of the stage.

It’s a pivotal moment. He’s 77. Led Zep are one of my favourite bands, and Ramble On is one of my all-time favourite Led Zeppelin tracks. It could all be ruined in the next few bars.

But no.

He hits the timing perfectly and a wonderful version floats out from the stage. It’s just stunning.

At this point I need to remind you: I have no heroes. Got that? But a tide of emotion wells up in me and I know I’m crying, overcome by the moment and the sheer beauty of it. I’m a pro though, so I’m hidden behind my camera taking pics, trying to compose myself.

I glance at my friend to see if he’s spotted my emotional state and there he is, sat on the barrier, also crying. The other photographer is also crying. It’s truly an amazing thing.

But wait, I’ve got super-pass status. I can get up on stage as well. FUCK. I want a second camera, I’ve only got a long lens in hand, and I really want a wide shot, but I can’t leave the moment. I run up to the stage and smash a couple of shots out.

Then they start Thank You, another superb favourite track. It’s like Christmas.

And then it was over. He thanked the band and made his way to the back of the stage.

He was backstage, so I spoke to him and told him, “Hi. I never get star-struck, but you just made me cry with that performance.” He’s heard it all before, but asks, “When were you born?”
“’68,” I say.
“Ah, you knew Led Zeppelin the second time around, then.”

True!

What a day.