Brit pop singer Lily Allen has revealed that she would love to make a country album, if only she can get clearance to work in the US.
Allen, 24, who was denied entry into the U.S. in 2007 after she was arrested on allegations of assault following a scuffle with a photographer in the U.K., is [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Alison Krauss’
Lily Allen wants to make country album
December 11th, 2009 |
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Lily Allen wants to make country album
December 11th, 2009 |
No Comments
Brit pop singer Lily Allen has revealed that she would love to make a country album, if only she can get clearance to work in the US.
Allen, 24, who was denied entry into the U.S. in 2007 after she was arrested on allegations of assault following a scuffle with a photographer in the U.K., is [...]
Williams, Krauss, Tedeschi & More at Janis Joplin Tribute
November 17th, 2009 |
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LUCINDA WILLIAMS DEBUTS SONG AT ROCK HALL’S AMERICAN MUSIC MASTERS JOPLIN TRIBUTE
 Lucinda Williams |
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University celebrated Janis Joplin during the 14th annual American Music Masters series, entitled Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin, Sunday night to a near-capacity audience at the State Theater in Playhouse Square. The concert lineup consisted of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ray Benson, Guy Clark, Roky Erickson, Nick Gravenites, Nona Hendryx, Bettye LaVette, Country Joe McDonald, Bob Neuwirth, Powell St. John, Susan Tedeschi, Lucinda Williams, Carolyn Wonderland, and Santana co-founders Gregg Rolie and Michael Carrabello.
Artists performed heartfelt and rousing tributes throughout the nearly three hour concert culminating with Lucinda Williams debuting a yet-to-be titled song written in honor of Janis.
The evening’s tribute, through photographs, video and song, wove a narrative of Joplin’s life and groundbreaking art that broke down barriers for women in rock and roll. Highlights included Bettye LaVette’s soulful take on “Piece of My Heart,” which she recorded in 1969, Susan Tedeschi’s powerful interpretation of “Kozmic Blues,” Guy Clark’s poignant “She Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” Nick Gravenites’ “Buried Alive in the Blues” – a song Joplin was due to record the week that she died – and Bob Neuwirth’s inviting the Joplin Family onstage to join him to sing “Mercedes Benz.”
Terry Stewart, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum presented Joplin’s brother and sister, Michael and Laura with an American Music Masters Award to close the show.
Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music Of Janis Joplin Setlist:
House Band
“Combination of the Two”
Ray Benson
“Silver Threads and Golden Needles”
Guy Clark
“Trouble in Mind”
“She Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”
Roky Erickson
“You’re Gonna Miss Me”
“Oh My Soul”
Country Joe McDonald
“Easy Rider”
“Janis”
Powell St. John
“Bye Bye Baby”
Carolyn Wonderland
“Down on Me”
Nick Gravenites
“Buried Alive in the Blues”
Gregg Rolie And Michael Carabello
“No One to Depend On”
“Evil Ways”
Susan Tedeschi
“Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)”
“Kozmic Blues”
“Tell Mama”
Nona Hendryx
“Nightbird”
“Move Over”
Bettye LaVette
“A Woman Left Lonely”
“Piece of My Heart”
Bob Neuwirth
“Good Intentions”
“Mercedes Benz”
Lucinda Williams
“Me and Bobby McGee”
“Ball and Chain”
Debuted Yet-to-be titled song
Please visit the official Rock Hall site for additional information about the concert, the weeklong series of events, and for more information about Janis Joplin.
About the American Music Masters Series
The American Music Masters series, a co-production of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University, celebrates the lives and careers of artists who changed the shape and sound of American culture. Drawing together experts, artists, fans and friends, the series provide new perspectives on the most beloved and influential musicians of the past century.
The tribute concert brings together a diverse mix of artists and musical style and, as a result, many magical moments have taken place over the years. In 2004, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss performed onstage together for the first time to honor Lead Belly. This year the pair was awarded the highest honors of Album of the Year for Raising Sand and Record of the Year for “Please Read the Letter” at the 51st annual Grammy awards. Honoree Jerry Lee Lewis, who was not scheduled to perform at the 2007 concert, was moved to take the stage at the end of the show. Lewis tenderly played the piano and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. At the first American Music Masters tribute concert, Bruce Springsteen set the bar high and performed in honor of Woody Guthrie. The most star-studded and unique performance by a trio was Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, and Elvis Costello paying tribute to Sam Cooke in 2005. Last year, a 93-year-old Les Paul took the stage with his trio and then led an epic jam with some of rock and roll’s greatest guitarists, from Jennifer Batten to Slash.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass | 10.02-10.04 | S.F.
October 8th, 2009 |
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Words by: Sam Martin | Images by: Dave Vann
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival :: 10.02 – 10.04 :: Golden Gate Park :: San Francisco, CA
 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2009 |
Golden Gate Park played host to the 9th Annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, and the lineup, crowds and camaraderie did not disappoint.
There was a sixth stage added this year, the Towers of Gold Stage, and although Speedway Meadow was pushed to its capacity, it didn’t seem to bother the estimated 500,000 that turned out for this year’s extravaganza. The event felt well organized and with 80 top-notch bands performing for free all weekend, there was hardly anything one could really complain about.
Financed by billionaire investment banker and amateur banjoist Warren Hellman, this year was the largest by far and has already been touted as a success. Which leaves one to ask, “Where can it go from here?” Hellman, a bluegrass enthusiast and lover of music who started this Festival in 2001, made his money as the founder and chairman of San Francisco-based Hellman and Friedman LLC, a private equity investment firm. So, what makes him so far removed from his peers? With his nickname, The Hillbilly Millionaire, his band, The Wronglers, and his passion for bluegrass, he most surely stands out from his associates. This being said, it hasn’t always been such an eclectic festival. Yes, from the onset it’s been subsidized by Hellman and it has always been a bluegrass festival, but it wasn’t until 2003 that the “Hardly” was added to the name of the festival and artists from almost every genre were invited.
Friday, 10.02
Friday the meadow was filled with a variety of fans, not to mention the lucky middle school students from the local district that got to spend their afternoon in the park watching music. Speaking with a few students who seemed ecstatic to be at such a large festival, they were amazed that it was free to the public. Of course, MC Hammer playing “Can’t Touch This” probably went over their heads, and although his time as a headliner has past, that did little to diminish his performance, and the fact that he’s been included in the festival the past couple of years shows the diversity in artists that get to play.
The highlight of Friday was John Prine, who played in the afternoon as a notable chill picked up out of the West as festivalgoers dug into their packs for sweatshirts and blankets. Prine, never one to stick to just singing, interspersed songs with commentary, though he nailed hits such as “Angel From Montgomery.” The evening was dazzling, with a feel of autumn in the air as Prine and his formally dressed band exited the stage. It almost felt like the perfect note to leave on, but it was worth waiting around to hear a few songs from Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. With an ear-to-ear grin, Lovett never disappoints, and as a live artist he rocks and rolls, playing off the crowd and did so until darkness brought the day to a close.
Saturday, 10.03
 Steve Martin :: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2009 |
Saturday started with a bang at the Star Stage with Great American Taxi, a bluegrass/country-rock mix featuring Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon. It was exciting to hear the way they approached their songs. They strayed from the typical bluegrass routine and jammed out a few tunes with amazing banjo and bass rhythms.
Next stop, back to the Towers of Gold Stage, as I planned my day around a tight schedule and an increasingly crowded park. With the wind now starting to shift from a mild breeze to whirlwinds and dust storms, Buddy Miller was on the agenda. As Miller made his appearance, the music was sweet and melodic but almost too much so, and then to much fanfare and surprise Buddy’s old boss Emmylou Harris came out, looking stunning as usual. She was not expected to perform until Sunday afternoon, so this came as a nice surprise. Speaking of nice surprises, an amazing appearance by Robert Plant, who played last year with Alison Krauss, came as a total shock, and they covered Hank Snow’s “I’m Moving On” – an electric moment for sure.
Another great band that some overlooked was Okkervil River, an indie rock act from Austin, Texas. Their chemistry onstage was so moving that after their set I was ready to buy a few of their albums, Black Sheep Boy and Golden Opportunities being what was recommended. They amassed a nice crowd at the Towers Stage as the wind continued to whip and wallop the meadow as the audience loosened up for a day of dancing, clapping, and cheering.
Steve Martin could fit in with almost any bluegrass outfit of his choosing. A little known secret about the well-known actor and comedian is that music and the banjo have always been his first love. He has, of course, incorporated this into his stand-up routines, but his humor takes nothing away from his raw talent as a musician, and he absolutely rocks onstage! The Steep Canyon Rangers, the band that he has played with more and more lately, are incredible. Martin was captivating and never one to shy away from humorous commentary, but the music, while slightly drowned out by the wind’s howl, still hit hard. The percussive beats that flowed from his banjo were mesmerizing and made one wish this show could have gone on forever.
As Saturday morning turned into Saturday afternoon, the crowd of 300,000 was making itself known, cramming onto hillsides, on top of portable bathrooms, and into trees. Nick Lowe performed on the Star Stage, which was less than impressive, most likely because by this time the sound was suffering due to the wind and din of a very large crowd. As I departed I could make out “Cruel To Be Kind,” but it was time head to the Banjo Stage for Gillian Welch. Happily settled in front of the stage, where the acoustics were great for this entire set, Welch displayed her beautiful voice and rhythm guitar licks. The wind seemed to die down completely as she bellowed out “Wrecking Ball.”
Sunday, 10.04
 Emmylou Harris :: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2009 |
Sunday was the day I was most looking forward to. The day started windy but not bothersome, and it wasn’t too crowded as I made my way to the Rooster Stage to see Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3. They had me at the sound check. His Americana musical influences came through strongly on songs like “The Falling” and the rocking “Give It To The Soft Boys,” with his voice mixing well with The Venus 3. Hitchcock played many of the newer songs off of his latest album, Goodnight Oslo, and though his show was more Americana, being a British born singer-songwriter, he teamed up well with Peter Buck (R.E.M.) in his recent work to create an Americana-Indie hybrid that was lovely. An awesome start to a long wind swept day.
At this point it was off to the Star Stage to catch The Chieftains, an Irish band that has been playing their traditional Irish folk music and upbeat rhythms for over 40 years. This got me thinking about how much Irish folk music has influenced bluegrass in America. Leaving the Star Stage, it was back to the Banjo Stage to see the honorable Earl Scruggs. If it wasn’t for people like Scruggs we would not be having this festival, and for someone born in 1924 he brought it to the stage at full steam! The connection he shared with the crowd as they cheered him on was overwhelming, and I felt honored to see him perform again. I hope he returns next year. What a living legend!
Regretfully, I missed the amazing piano work of Allen Toussaint, but when there are 80 bands to choose from you can only catch so many. However, I struck up a conversation with a couple from New Orleans who had seen Toussaint and would not stop talking about how beautifully he played. You can’t see it all and if you happen to get stuck in one of those amazing moments like I did with Earl Scruggs, then you’ve gotta go with the flow. The night ended with a gorgeous set by Emmylou Harris, another Hardly Strictly Bluegrass staple, and then a long set that went past twilight from Old Crow Medicine Show.
Other great sets included Neko Case and Aimee Mann, not to mention a much talked about “White Room” cover by Robert Earl Keen.
What I came away with, besides three days of diverse and terrific music, was a feeling of community that was lacking at other festivals in Golden Gate Park this past year. People seemed happy to just be there. Maybe it was the lack of a price tag or the intimate, grassy area that was shared by so many. Whatever it was, I’m Hardly ready to see it go, this weekend in San Francisco was strictly a pleasure.
Continue reading for more pics from Hardly Strictly ’09…
Saturday, 10.03
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 Steve Martin with Steep Canyon Rangers
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 Dar Williams, Allison Moorer, Steve Earle, Tom Morello Song Circle
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 Steve Earle
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 Tom Morello
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 Nick Lowe
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 Boz Scaggs
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 James Cotton
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 Richie Havens
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 Gillian Welch & Emmylou Harris
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 Gillian Welch
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 David Rawlings, Gillian Welch & Emmylou Harris
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Continue reading for more pics from Hardly Strictly ’09…
Sunday, 10.04
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 Booker T.
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 Booker T. & The DBTs
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 Mike Cooley – Booker T. & The DBTs
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 Del McCoury Band
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 Earl Scruggs
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 Doc Watson
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 Billy Bragg
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 Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Revue
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 Aimee Mann
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 Booker T. with Galactic
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 Malo
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 Mavis Staples
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 Mavis Staples
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 Amadou & Mariam
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JamBase | San Francisco
Go See Live Music!
Assembly of Dust: Required Listening
July 30th, 2009 |
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By: Court Scott
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Though certainly excited at the prospect of a new disc from Assembly of Dust (AoD), I was both dubious and curious upon learning the recording, Some Assembly Required (released July 21 on Rock Ridge Music) (JamBase review here), has at least one guest musician on each of the album’s 13 tracks. Other bands, including Galactic and Keller Williams have done similar projects with From the Corner to the Block and Dream, respectively, and were met with mild skepticism by critics and fans alike.
A flurry of thoughts: This is only AoD’s second studio album; is it too soon to take on a project like this? The band’s last release was 2007′s Recollection (JamBase review here), and prior to that, a live recording called The Honest Hour in 2004. Would the new album be focused enough to sound like the band, or will each guest’s bold signature sound overwhelm the quartet? Also, if a band’s sound and songs are their brand, does hosting a guest per track detract from their image, their message? And if I’m honest, in my cold, dark heart I wondered, “Is this a marketing ploy to sell more units?” To gain insight into the band’s writing, recording and thinking processes, AoD’s main songwriter and vocalist Reid Genauer and drummer Andy Herrick were each good enough to drop me a line and share their impressions with me.
Initially formed as a quintet in 2002, but now short one keyboardist and down to four members, AoD got together after Genauer departed from Strangefolk. Fans and critics alike have heralded AoD, who are respected for their consonant, tuneful songwriting bolstered by meaningful, smart lyricism. AoD, I agree, are poised to crossover to the mainstream and recorded over two years, the songs on Some Assembly Required stoke and utterly reaffirm that opinion. Seven of the 13 tracks have been made available on the band’s website since early June. Released each Tuesday leading up to the release date, the band used this approach to reward fans and give an audio teaser to casual or unfamiliar listeners.
Musically, AoD has drawn comparisons to The Beatles and The Band, which no doubt is due in great part to the songwriting duo of Genauer and former keyboardist and current co-producer Nate Wilson‘s shared understanding of songcraft and appreciation for the history of American roots music. Many of the songs had been marinating for years, explains Genauer, most having been written by himself, some with the help of Wilson. The bulk of the material was about three years old, but a 16-year-old Genauer wrote the oldest 20 years ago. “It was written when I still dreamed of being in a band. It was THE first song I wrote that moved out of the first position on a guitar neck.” As far as the song selections on Some Assembly Required go, each track is a perfect snapshot from lives intertwined, varying from the frustratingly mundane to unabashedly proud to achingly devastating, all clever ruminations paired with well arranged, sparsely orchestrated, home-baked, hooky tunes.
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The collection of songs on Some Assembly Required were primarily unreleased, and were more therapeutically written than purposefully so. “It wasn’t about writing songs for a specific album,” says Genauer. “We just had some songs recorded, some we played in a live setting, and some were just sitting in a bucket in a dark corner. Generally, those songs are the ones we worked with.” Herrick tells me the album was recorded over four days in late summer of 2008. Genauer notes with a hint of pride that as he wrote the songs he became more comfortable “trying on” different characters, writing from different point of view. “[The songs] are time capsules that reflect a specific process and times in my life, some are autobiographical some are from other perspectives. There are different characters I interact with.”
Having an abundance of material allowed for a new freedom in the studio, according to Genauer, because in addition to the songs themselves, they had greater time to create and tinker with arrangements and production. “This time we had time to write as we [went]. Sometimes we would create while the mics [were] running,” explains Herrick about his time in the studio with Genauer, guitarist Adam Terrell and bassist John Leccese. Where the material on previous AoD albums had been “road tested,” played and recorded in live rotation and allowed to shape-shift over time, this album came into its own in the studio.
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Genauer likened the alternate, unhurried approach to grocery shopping. “Sometimes you just buy the same things day in and day out. But some days you crave different flavors, textures, or tastes,” he says. “We went into the studio with that in mind.” Further, because each song and its parts was able to distill better and in using songs that hadn’t been played live, AoD didn’t have to “untangle or un-bake” songs that fans had already become familiar with. Instead, the band was able to infuse the tracks they decided would be on the album with other creative input and different genetics in the form of multiple guests.
The entire list of guests is comprised of musicians Genauer has long respected and with whom he’s hoped to work in some capacity. Even the album’s title is a play not only on the band’s name but a nod that each track is an assembly of musicians. The resulting roster boasts some of the finest players in their generation. Richie Havens, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Mike Gordon, John Scofield, Martin Sexton and more each add their signature sound in a supporting capacity.
Continue reading for more on AoD…
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Photo by: C. Taylor Crothers
“It was awesome,” says Herrick of recording with the various guests. “[Each musician made their respective piece] stronger, added more of a flavor than affected the overall taste of the track,” he continued, unaware that Genauer, too, fancied discussing the project in culinary terms.
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Most of the songs were written and their structure didn’t deviate radically from the original by the time they were recorded, Genauer says. “The songs are skeletons [when we go into the studio], and the band delivered the flesh and muscle to the songs.” Herrick continues, “Reid and Nate would make rough tapes which demonstrated the direction and feel they wanted songs to take, because they know what they want. I think one that ended up different was ‘Leadbelly’ [with Jerry Douglas and Alison Krauss]. Some songs had several slightly different versions at the end of the day, but we always record [different] versions to support the story Reid tells. We [the rest of the band] use texture and feel to best support his words.”
Both Herrick and Genauer used the word “satisfying” often, almost as much as they used the word “pride,” and this being at peace with the songs and the recording comes across on the album. The resulting disc opens strong with “All That I Am Now,” a wide-open, anthemic stomp with Genauer sharing vocal and guitar duties with ’60s icon and Woodstock opening act Richie Havens. The clarity and power of Genauer’s voice is reflected and complimented by the overall grand, reverby tones and texture of the song. The third track, “Cold Coffee,” featuring David Grisman’s plaintive mandolin, is met by Genauer’s soft articulation of heartache, depression and self-doubt, making this coupling perfect. Similarly, “Second Song” with Keller Williams is AoD’s answer to John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane” or Steve Miller’s “The Joker,” a short story about dreams, realities and a lack of resources stacked against poppy, rolling melodies. Bela Fleck’s rollicking, distinctive plucking on “Edges” make it a standout, with the banjo’s phrasing saying as much as any words.
If a band’s sound and songs are unique, then their sound and their words are as big a part of their brand as, say, their trademarked logo, name or live reputation. It is what makes a band almost instantly identifiable, so I was intrigued about how AoD would maintain their signature sound with so many guests.
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“I tried to select instrumentalists who were complimentary to each song, someone who could change the texture,” Genauer says. “I had to think about who would make sense, who I aspired to play with and who had similar musical aesthetics. It was possible to imagine but impossible to know what they’d add.”
Genauer calls the experiences in the studio “extremely poignant and meaningful” because his heroes became his colleagues. It is an endorsement and affirmation of the personal risks taken by Genauer.
A majority of the songs sound and feel natural with soft, acoustic stringed instruments, but it is the weighted delivery of both “Pedal Down,” a rangy, loose-limbed Southern rocker featuring Cincinnati’s Brothers Gabbard of the Buffalo Killers and the straightforward chugging rock of “Arc of the Sun,” about the birth of Genauer’s son, that add an edge to the album. Though “Arc” has been played live and is not necessarily new to fans, the album version is anchored by Mike Gordon and his swirling, fuzzed-out bass solo. Also featured on “High Brow,” another rockin’ track is moe.‘s Al Schnier who helps inflate the band into something more aggressive and edgy, a sound that completely works.
How this all shakes out live, without the benefit of the guests, is something fans are curious to see and hear. When I asked Genauer if he was concerned about the lack of the guests during a live performance he replied, “Sometimes it’s harder to recreate songs in the studio because the energy and excitement in a live setting can’t be recreated. In this case the guests are that x-factor, and they created the energy usually created by the audience. The audience will do the same without guests, and also, the songs may grow and evolve. I look forward to what they become.”
AoD will be touring throughout the summer and through the end of October, gaining momentum and working to build on their already solid assembly. While I was initially concerned that each guest would overwhelm the band, in retrospect I would have liked AoD to augment their guest’s signature sounds a little more – boost them in the mix, extend a solo – but each guest did exactly what the band hoped they would do and that is what matters. They added a slightly foreign accent on an otherwise unmistakable voice and accomplish this without pretense. The strong writing and subtle arrangements definitely make this masterful Assembly of tunes Required listening.
Assembly of Dust tour dates available here, Reid Genauer solo dates here.
JamBase | Dusty
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Michelle Obama Haircut — Michelle Obama Short Hair Picture
July 22nd, 2009 |
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First Lady Michelle Obama debuted a new haircut as she and President Obama enjoyed a country music concert — featuring Charley Pride, Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, and Union Station — in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Michelle Obama Shows Off New ‘Do At White House’s Country Music Concert (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
July 22nd, 2009 |
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WASHINGTON — The White House went a little bit country Tuesday.
“Now, I know folks think I’m a city boy, but I do appreciate listening to country music,” President Barack Obama said to guests gathered in the East Room for a performance by co…
Daniel Menaker: The Public Theater’s Presentation of “Twelfth Night”
July 14th, 2009 |
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The Public Theater’s presentation of “Twelfth Night,” starring Anne Hathaway and Raul Esparza, has closed. What a superbly home-grown triumph this has been!
Robert Plant awarded CBE
July 13th, 2009 |
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The former Led Zep frontman has been made a Commander of the British Empire. In your face Jimmy Page OBE!
Robert Plant was honoured as a CBE by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday, letting the former Led Zeppelin singer finally one-up guitarist Jimmy Page.
While Page is a member of the Order of the British Empire, Plant now outranks him with his new title of Commander of the British Empire.
Plant didn’t seem to think this really mattered. “If we can remember each other’s phone number at this time in life it’s a miracle,” he said. “We’re still good friends, we both enjoy a rather dark sense of humour that comes, I think, from being on the wrong side of the tracks for all those wild years.”
Led Zeppelin have not played together since their one-off O2 Arena gig in December 2007. Though Page had tried to reunite the group for a tour with bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham’s son, Plant declined to join them. Instead, he is concentrating on an ongoing collaboration with American singer Alison Krauss.
Asked if a Led Zeppelin reunion may still be on the horizon, Plant pretended to be hard of hearing. “Sometimes I go a bit deaf in either ear, especially when people are talking nonsense,” he said.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Robert Plant awarded CBE
July 13th, 2009 |
No Comments
The former Led Zep frontman has been made a Commander of the British Empire. In your face Jimmy Page OBE!
Robert Plant was honoured as a CBE by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday, letting the former Led Zeppelin singer finally one-up guitarist Jimmy Page.
While Page is a member of the Order of the British Empire, Plant now outranks him with his new title of Commander of the British Empire.
Plant didn’t seem to think this really mattered. “If we can remember each other’s phone number at this time in life it’s a miracle,” he said. “We’re still good friends, we both enjoy a rather dark sense of humour that comes, I think, from being on the wrong side of the tracks for all those wild years.”
Led Zeppelin have not played together since their one-off O2 Arena gig in December 2007. Though Page had tried to reunite the group for a tour with bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham’s son, Plant declined to join them. Instead, he is concentrating on an ongoing collaboration with American singer Alison Krauss.
Asked if a Led Zeppelin reunion may still be on the horizon, Plant pretended to be hard of hearing. “Sometimes I go a bit deaf in either ear, especially when people are talking nonsense,” he said.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Robert Plant awarded CBE
July 13th, 2009 |
No Comments
The former Led Zep frontman has been made a Commander of the British Empire. In your face Jimmy Page OBE!
Robert Plant was honoured as a CBE by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday, letting the former Led Zeppelin singer finally one-up guitarist Jimmy Page.
While Page is a member of the Order of the British Empire, Plant now outranks him with his new title of Commander of the British Empire.
Plant didn’t seem to think this really mattered. “If we can remember each other’s phone number at this time in life it’s a miracle,” he said. “We’re still good friends, we both enjoy a rather dark sense of humour that comes, I think, from being on the wrong side of the tracks for all those wild years.”
Led Zeppelin have not played together since their one-off O2 Arena gig in December 2007. Though Page had tried to reunite the group for a tour with bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham’s son, Plant declined to join them. Instead, he is concentrating on an ongoing collaboration with American singer Alison Krauss.
Asked if a Led Zeppelin reunion may still be on the horizon, Plant pretended to be hard of hearing. “Sometimes I go a bit deaf in either ear, especially when people are talking nonsense,” he said.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds