Concert review: Robert Plant w/ Rosie Flores | 09.18.26, The Pageant (with photo gallery)

Photo of Robert Plant by Laura Jerele

I was beyond thrilled to be able to cover the absolute legend that is Robert Plant. In his long career, he has not played this city that much, and I’m quite glad St. Louis got a tour stop! In fact, this Pageant show kicked off the “Up the Sharp End” US tour at The Pageant.

Let me state the obvious: Plant’s voice is pretty much otherworldly, with just as much strength as ever, and he knows exactly how to work it properly. He truly sounded emotional, his performance feeling as if he has not been doing this for a while over 50 years. He is just a natural behind the mic, calm and relaxed, but never bored or contrived. Comfortable with standing and singing, as if he has nothing to prove, but knowing that people want so much from him. His ease made the show seem even more intimate and special. He talked to the crowd a lot and kept calling it “Saint Lou-eee” in his charming British accent which made everyone smile every single time he said it! Plant is not a solo act, he’s backed by the band Saving Grace, which is described as his folk-leaning band (I’ll go with that), and Suzi Dian, who is a powerhouse in her own right with vocals and, yes, accordion!

The songs that he performs now are beautiful, and almost defy categorization. The band blended a multitude of sounds that felt at times heavily middle eastern with a world beat influence, while others were more softened and a bit folksy. Everything sounded rich and full, but without an overbearing volume. Each one sounded lush and transcendent. 

And of course, fans there for this sold-out show were definitely hoping for a Led Zeppelin song or two. Not one to disappoint, Plant gave an incredible version of “Ramble On” early in the set that didn’t feel dialed back, and when his voice kicked in to those memorable parts of the song that you’ve heard more on the radio than you’ve ever heard in person, well, it was definitely a holy shit moment. Later in the set, a version of “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” was simply beyond words. BEYOND. I love that it is not lost on him how important these songs are to the fans and that he gives a bit of his musical past in these shows where he is otherwise very much in his musical present.

Rosie Flores opened the show with an alt-country-meets-punk/rockabilly set that was highly entertaining, and her songs were easy to get into and start your toes tapping. She also has a lengthy career of touring, recording, and performing and, like Plant, seems very comfortable being on stage as if there’s no other place for her to be. She played some incredible guitar licks definitely felt retro in the way that they were not overplayed. I loved her cocky style, her beautiful voice, and simplicity. Women do, in fact, ROCK!

It was incredible to be in a room that size with a legend that big. Even better that he didn’t make it feel like that, and he gave one hell of a fine and brilliant performance for ‘Saint Louie.’ This was one for the books, indeed. | Laura Jerele

Robert Plant setlist:
Down to the Sea
Win My Train Fare Home
Ramble On
As I Roved Out
Higher Rock
There Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Let the Four Winds Blow
Orphan Girl
Friends
Calling to You
The Cuckoo
For the Turnstiles
Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You

Encore:
The Rain Song
Everybody’s Song