Rock

Led Zeppelin wasn't all about groin-centric rock and squeezing lemons until the juice squirted out, you know

Led Zeppelin wasn't all about groin-centric rock and squeezing lemons until the juice squirted out, you know. Crucially, both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (right) were as inspired by traditional English folk music (Fairport Convention, Bert Jansch) as they were by the blues (Willie Dixon, et al). Hence part of the reason for erstwhile Led Zep lead singer Robert Plant's latest musical project - Priory of Brion.

The band began unadvertised touring in the British Midlands, singing loose, semi-acoustic R&B/folk material, covering Neil Young songs and the like. Plant's tremendous voice still shines - marvel as he stretches out the vowels in most everything he sings in the trademark style that made him one of the best rock vocalists in the world. He plays one support date today with Van Morrison in Cork. Then it's two headline shows at Dublin's HQ Hall of Fame on Monday and Tuesday.

Shouting for Stairway To Heaven might just be a waste of breath.

Tony Clayton-Lea

Tony Clayton-Lea

Tony Clayton-Lea is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in popular culture