In a harmonious blend of blues, folk, and rock, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have unveiled a live rendition of the classic track “When The Levee Breaks.” This release marks their first collaborative single since their 2021 album, Raise The Roof, and coincides with the commencement of their 2024 “Can’t Let Go” tour, which began on June 2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Originally penned by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929, “When The Levee Breaks” was famously reinterpreted by Led Zeppelin for their 1971 album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV. Plant and Krauss’s version infuses the song with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences, creating a haunting and atmospheric experience. The duo is accompanied by their touring ensemble: guitarist JD McPherson, drummer Jay Bellerose, bassist Dennis Crouch, multi-instrumentalist Viktor Krauss, and string player Stuart Duncan, whose modal fiddle solo adds a distinctive touch to the performance.
Their live performances have been lauded for reimagining classic Led Zeppelin tracks. In addition to “When The Levee Breaks,” their setlists feature renditions of “The Battle of Evermore,” “Rock and Roll,” and a medley including “Gallows Pole” . Plant expressed his appreciation for these adaptations, stating, “I love them and am very proud of them, and to get to change them around and to hear that voice next to me, it allows for an exotic overview of the more dramatic elements”
The “Can’t Let Go” tour spans nearly 40 dates across North America, with performances scheduled through September 1. Notably, Plant and Krauss will join Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour, sharing the stage with artists like Bob Dylan and Celisse.
Fans can stream the live version of “When The Levee Breaks” on various digital platforms, offering a glimpse into the duo’s dynamic collaboration and their ability to breathe new life into timeless classics.
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