In a performance that lit up one of the BBC’s most iconic music stages, Robert Plant joined forces with Irish rockabilly powerhouse Imelda May to deliver a riveting rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock And Roll” during a special episode of Later… with Jools Holland. The event, recorded at London’s Eventim Apollo, marked the 30th anniversary celebration of the show, bringing together an ensemble of musical legends for a night of collaboration and reinvention.
Plant, the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, has never been one to rest on nostalgia. Over the years, he has redefined his sound through explorations of Americana, folk, and roots rock. This performance, however, saw him return to his Zeppelin roots—though not in the way fans might have expected. Rather than a faithful recreation of the original 1971 hard rock anthem, Plant and May unveiled a bluesy, big-band take on “Rock And Roll,” reworking it into a jubilant, R&B-inspired celebration.
Backed by Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the song opened with brassy flourishes, rollicking piano riffs, and a rhythm section that swung with infectious joy. Imelda May, known for her dynamic stage presence and commanding voice, brought fierce energy to the duet, trading lines with Plant in a spirited call-and-response that brought the crowd to life. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable—raw, joyful, and deeply rooted in their shared love for rhythm and blues.
In interviews surrounding the performance, Plant revealed that May had asked to perform with him, having long admired his work both within and beyond Led Zeppelin. Their collaboration felt less like a tribute and more like a reinvention, a fresh take on a rock classic that honored its spirit while boldly steering it into new musical territory.
The show’s atmosphere—electric, nostalgic, and celebratory—matched the occasion. As the night unfolded with a series of performances from artists old and new, it was Plant and May’s interpretation of “Rock And Roll” that stood out as a highlight. The performance served as a reminder that great songs can evolve, that legends can still surprise us, and that music, when shared between generations and genres, continues to find new ways to move us.
As the final notes rang out and the audience roared, it became clear that this wasn’t just a cover—it was a statement. Robert Plant isn’t reliving the past; he’s reshaping it. And with collaborators like Imelda May by his side, the future of rock and roll remains just as thrilling.
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