The golden voice of rock legend Robert Plant first echoed through Vancouver venues in the late 1960s, beginning a remarkable relationship with the city that continues to this day. His latest musical chapter brings him back to Vancouver with his band Saving Grace for a sold-out performance at the Vogue Theatre.
From Led Zeppelin Opener to Headliner
Plant's Vancouver debut occurred on December 28, 1968, when Led Zeppelin served as an opening act for American heavy rock band Vanilla Fudge. The performance marked the beginning of an era that would see the band quickly ascend to headline status.
By July 26, 1969, Led Zeppelin returned to Vancouver as the main attraction at the PNE Agrodome. Contemporary reviews captured the excitement surrounding the emerging rock gods.
Province Popscene writer Michael Quigley praised Plant's vocal abilities, noting how the singer "soared up and down in contemporary soulful vocal cadenzas" during performances drawn largely from the band's debut album. The review also highlighted guitarist Jimmy Page as "one of the few rock-blues guitar geniuses around."
Evolution of a Rock Icon
While Page retreated from the contemporary music scene after several uninspired post-Zeppelin projects, Plant embarked on a remarkably diverse and productive musical journey.
Now 77, the vocalist remains creatively active and continues to explore new musical territories. His current project, Saving Grace, features vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo-and-string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.
The band's Vancouver performance at the Vogue Theatre on November 19, 2025, has been sold out for weeks. Eager fans can find resale tickets on StubHub starting at $559, with some upper balcony seats reaching $3,332 each. Alternatively, interested listeners can join a waiting list at admitone.com.
Plant's Musical Exploration Continues
Where many musicians of his stature might rest on past glories, Plant has consistently challenged himself and his audience with innovative musical directions.
His post-Zeppelin career includes:
- Grammy-winning collaborations with bluegrass star Allison Krauss
- Explorations with psychedelic folk crew Sensational Shape Shifters
- Work with the Band of Joy
- Current focus on roots and traditional music with Saving Grace
The band's latest single, "Chevrolet," demonstrates Plant's continued musical curiosity. The track adapts Donovan's "Hey Gyp (Dig the Slowness)," which itself was inspired by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy's 1930s Delta blues song "Can I Do It For You."
Saving Grace's repertoire includes songs from diverse artists such as Moby Grape's Bob Mosely, Blind Willie Johnson, Martha Scanlan, Sarah Siskind, and the Low Anthem—far removed from the heavy rock that first brought Plant to Vancouver audiences over five decades ago.
For fans unable to attend the concert, the self-titled Saving Grace feat. Dian debut album remains available for $14.99 at robertplant.com, representing the twelfth recording in Plant's prolific solo career.
