Fairport Convention, Robert Plant - The Battle Of Evermore

Robert Plant and Kristina Donahue guest with Fairport Convention to perform Led Zeppelin's "The Battle Of Evermore" at Cropredy 2008.
This was played as tribute to Sandy Denny on the 30th Anniversary of her death.

[@ChosenHandle117]

'Singing with Sandy Denny was never as serious at that!' Classic.... RIP Sandy and Bonzo, x

[@RobertCooper-eb9kq]

Just listened to Crazy Man Michael, brought tears to my eyes, miss you Sandy.

[@lawrencesimmons5093]

Sandy Denny's voice was an absolute treasure and there has never been anything like it since.

[@beverlytrader9363]

So true 👍

[@raymondpierotti8414]

I love Sandy, but listen to this and say what you just said kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH6cdXyHp5ekf7c

[@lawrencesimmons5093]

@@raymondpierotti8414 Sorry but compared to Sandy's silken tones, that voice is a stiletto clean through to the brain. Or are you just joking with me?

[@raymondpierotti8414]

@@lawrencesimmons5093 By stiletto I presume you.mean she can sing about a serious topic at a faster tempo. Sandy was a fine singer, but she could never get out of her serious folkie rut. This is why listening to Fotheringay is like having a mudslide descend upon you. Perhaps this is simply a matter of taste, but Sandy could not work with musicians who wanted to work at. faster (or at least more variable) paces, which may be why she and Richard Thompson had conflicts. To me good musicians are not stuck in ruts, and i think Sandy was, which is why so much of her music sounds the same, i.e. beautifully executed but dull, and every time she worked with Fairport she dragged them down to her pace. All I can say, is look at Sandy's life. She made a huge mess of it, and i still don't really understand why, but the reason we are "celebrating the 30th anniversary of her death" is because she could not function well, and she seems to have been quite stubborn. Keep in mind, RT's elegy to her was "Did she jump or was she pushed?" That one of her closest colleagues could write that about her, speaks volumes. RT and Ronee Blakely are still productive musicians, whereas all we have of Sandy is memories.

[@lawrencesimmons5093]

@@raymondpierotti8414 You maybe need a hearing test. You fail to appreciate Denny's vocal character and mistake your chosen vocalist as worthy of comparison yet the sample you posted is shrill, grating and a brutal contrast to Sandy Denny's gentle refined and unique ululating intonation. Grace Slick surpasses your example in all respects; for tone, control, range and emotional clout.

[@peterbacon9038]

I was there when this was done and trust me it was awesome

[@phoenixrising1799]

So envious of you.❤✌😍

[@recoveryracquets]

I'm still Jealous

[@scofflawphredduhr6867]

I...unfortunately...wasn’t there. (But I wish I was.

[@angelablackthorne3026]

🍀 Lucky Man, good on You!

[@angelablackthorne3026]

"Bring it back..."

[@argelbargel7680]

Nice mention of the Strawbs, a tremendously underappreciated band.

[@glennhfriedman4571]

Not underappreciated just weren't handled properly .

[@theseustoo]

The introduction to this song pays a lovely tribute to the unforgettable and inimitable Sandy Denny... The only thing that's missing from this song is Sandy herself... Miss you Sandy! Love you forever! 🥲

[@scotty6124]

The fact the Robert Plant continues to play this song is a gift to us all.

[@joseandrade632]

This is an unpretentious version, properly sung and played, beautifully handled. Thumbs (very) up!

[@chrisgreene2623]

I was thinking that but you said it better

[@mthomas1973]

The girl is a little out of tune,.sorry.

[@gabyvansant4533]

NO NO NO!!! Not even close to Sandy Denny! Jee, how far from the vivid,driven voice of Sandy and than this soft, caracterless piece of ...nothing!

[@user-ys1pd1mw8d]

Sorry Roberts out of tune this time on this song. I know I'll get backlash for this, but Roberts voice is GONE. This sucks. Of course when he sung it with Sandy, it was perfect.

[@gabyvansant4533]

@@user-ys1pd1mw8d And that is the plain truth!!! Crazy, isn't it, that you are just not allowed to critisize folk like Robert Plant. But everyone who listens to the original version have t admit: UGLY!!!! Both Robert and that girl.

[@Mersey59]

I saw Sandy sing. This lady does a great job , live at Cropredy. What a challenge, so leave it! What a challenge, well met!

[@josefinagarza241]

Is this Allison Krause? Or someone else?

[@andrewcutts7416]

Far too many critical comments on here. This was sung for us at the festival, and just happened to be recorded by someone. Don't forget that this was recorded out in the field, and not straight from the desk. Everyone loved it, and fair play to Kristina.

[@sexobscura]

Phenomenal

[@dplzkc6713]

Great, just great

[@Colin4763]

This brought back a few memories

[@BubbaZen10]

Everyone's a critic. And half these "critics" weren't even around when this came out, and their fun in life is shitting on everything. I'm just glad to see after all these years Zep and the members are still such a favorite for trolls. 'Cause they know how passionate the fans are.

[@jordanfamilynz]

@@BubbaZen10ex

[@sexobscura]

*The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath*

[@simtekukltd5022]

I was privileged to see this live performance 15 years ago at Cropredy and I had goose pimples watching it.❤

[@sepharothgal67]

I met Robert Plant backstage after the 'Sandy montage'..... he is a really nice guy but has such an iconic presence, I think Kristina did amazingly well to sing live with one of rocks biggest legends! What a great festival! One I shall never forget. :-)

[@rossmcgarry8055]

Kristina is a great singer and her version of this song is fabulous!!!!! Well done Kristina!!!

[@Smailien]

Damn, Robert Plants voice has endured the years very well.

[@lindamattioli7943]

Amazing just love him/spirit

[@edenbrough5101]

His hair, too.

[@barhippy]

I was at the gig and Kristina was ACE!! it's more than a little imposing playing a song of this magnitude in a tribute to a singer whose legend is nothing less than extraordinary, with a band as immense as fairport and joined by the man who wrote it, even in spite of all this Kristina displayed an amazing vocal performance, unique instead of mimicking. You are wrong basically.

[@manuman27]

I was there, I agree with you 100%

[@bumperu]

When I was 17 and listened to The Beatles I sang along. When I listened to The Rolling Stones I felt like a bad boy, but when I listened to Led Zeppelin I felt like GOD!!!!!!!

[@brianmccall452]

Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby!

[@rastaferion]

Great. Sorry but I think I'm going to have to borrow your line. Outstanding.

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

Please tell me , O GOD, how can I get from a bad boy into a singalonger?

[@scottpodgorski4102]

Zepplin sucks. Seriously. Plant was just a howling banshee. GWAR!

[@stellaomega6680]

Truth!

[@mataibenaharon1848]

What a song. Blessing to everyone who comes from love and chooses to do good ❤ Love from Israel-Palestine

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

We ❤ you both

[@peterwooster5832]

I found this while testing a new set of headphones. First I found and played the original LZ Battle of Evermore. I'm really a Sandy Denny fan, not a Zep fan, but Battle of Evermore is one of my favorite songs from that era and Kristina is wonderful. I'm sure if Sandy was still with us she would have welcomed Kristina.

[@teresawaller1208]

If anyone out there was at this concert they were blessed. Anyone sitting in their room being ugly is just that. It is not easy to perform live. It will never sound like the studio recording. They are doing a tribute to music and a person, are you?

[@meerforelle61]

What a beautifull version of this classic song with a a classic band

[@thomasmantellwilliam]

Beautiful song beautifully sung and performed

[@PrincipledNaturalLaw]

Thank you for the epic music musicians & singers ❤🙏

[@you30076]

People are more interested in ripping on her singing, yet no one points out Robert Plant messing up the lyrics at the beginning of the song. It's sad we lost a talent like Sandy Denny so soon, but I am glad to hear any version of this song with Plant on lead and a decent accompaniment.

[@patb5266]

How can anyone bash this? Some seem to be expecting to hear the album version, silly. This is fantastic!!

[@kenthomas4668]

"Get the Led out" does the album version live. DO NOT MISS THEM WHEN THEY COME AROUND!

[@williamlaing1]

I think it's a masterly performance, very special. Captures not only the classic composition, but adds the atmosphere of the occasion. I'm in awe.

[@pietop55]

It's always a great pleasure to listen to Mr Plant and whom ever he sings with!!! Thank you so very much!

[@artysanmobile]

This has always been one of my favorite Led Zeppelin recordings. Its sheer beauty just penetrated my heart and mind as a young musician and songwriter on its release. Sandy Denny’s performance on it is simply transcendent. It is a bit of music history preserved in amber due to Led Zeppelin’s inability to perform it later due to Sandy’s loss.

[@heliotropezzz333]

Cropredy is a very nice festival. Near to a picture postcard village with canal boats, traditional old pubs, and morris dancers.

[@virginiamiller127]

Kristina had a very challenging time on this as Sandy Denny was from the old English Folk scene, and she and Robert made magic. Think she tried to underplay it, and just a little weaving worked out OK. Mandolin and Robert's harmonies were the strength of this one. Nice intro, and notice the love of this particular song.

[@tallerblackhouse2102]

This was just lovely. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulcheeseman1437]

Just fell on this and really enjoyed this version. Don't compare it to the original, enjoy it for what it is, a treat arranged by the convention.

[@phoenixrising1799]

Exactly ❤😍👍

[@MrStephenDando]

Definitely - it was fantastic to be there - just such a lot of fun and, as you say, a treat for the fans.

[@quowoman]

What a fantastic bit of footage. Thank you so much for sharing. :)

[@jmaekelae613]

Thanks for sharing this (way back)! I was in the audience, one of my fondest memories from Cropredy along with catching Peggy's hat at my first festival in 2002.

[@dannystanhope7952]

B E A utiful! LOVE the mandolin! And the singing is wonderful, too! ;-}

[@robhargis6980]

I think it's awesome, screw all the haters. See if they could perform live!

[@richardduddy1176]

REAL MUSIC NOT COMPUTER GENERATED CRAP

[@gutmensch9339]

Imagine you hear it here and now!

[@kandahman]

wow so happy to hear this for the first time. the singing is phenomenal. I always loved this song

[@petebraven1522]

What a lovely tribute to Sandy,.. beautiful. sadly gone way too soon.

[@phoenixrising1799]

Yes, alcohol abuse only 31 years old. 😪🥀

[@trudie770]

The Battle of Evermore was on Led Zepplin IV, released in 1971. It was the 3rd track on the first side.

[@chrislong3938]

This is truly special! Thanks!

[@pattimartin7250]

I love it. Carry on, the music the effort, the dedication...and her own unique voice. Loved it. Of course it isn't the same...sheesh. but it is, as good as it gets. 40 years later.

[@danielpestana6257]

Old but gold. Amazing version of Zep!

[@michaelrosel1951]

Simply magnificent, I never tire of this terrific composition.

[@brimirocks]

Argh! I was there and it was AWESOME. Long live Cropredy!

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

A master. Accompanied buy a very talented woman. This was awesome

[@marcstreiff6067]

I wonder as to how many here commenting are actual musicians who play in a live settings in a venue that is often difficult to control. Live is very different from a controlled studio environment. I think this performance is good and you can criticize all you want, but a live performance stands on its own, that includes highs and lows and as such it is what it is. When I sing and play it is never the perfect setting I envisioned but in hindsight I have to be content with it and always strive for a better take in the next live setting. For those who have never been out there with just your voice and a guitar, you have zero idea of how it works and the constant adaptations you must make in order for that song to be delivered as well as that moment allows. ...

[@jamessilberschlag1705]

Totally that. You constantly adjust to the setting as you go. Sometimes sh_tty, sometimes sublime, usually middling to good. But the show goes on ...

[@MarkkuKoljonenwTinja]

Exactly! Thats the part where feelings and emotions comes up! In studio or "studio-live" you never caught that special interaction with audience! And thats what's special in live acts! by Markku

[@DaveKeenertheking]

that would be me although i suck so does this

[@julesakers3051]

.....which is the magic of live performance. If people want certainty and predictability, just stay home and play your CDs. Live music, with its imperfections, forever!!

[@joferazzo42]

Hey man I gotta disagree. A lot of time the energy of the stage and crowd pumps adrenaline for me, and helps me hit notes and play to my fullest, whereas the studio can take away from that

[@aufuentecilla8085]

It's a tribute to Sandy. Why bash her , she is singingn her heart out. She is no sandy but she is brilliant. To all haters pls. Show respect. And as for Percy , no doubt he still great and still charismatic as ever. Defenitely, the voice is back.

[@LuxPhysics]

One can sing their heart out and still be terrible. This singer is terrible.

[@roberteckley6491]

@@LuxPhysics No, the sound of the recording deteriorates. She showed enough at the beginning of the song to suggest she is a fine singer.

[@frannieo1707]

Didn't know this existed. Thank-you.

[@Jagdmesser]

My friends, that's just beautiful! Tears in my eyes...

[@johncalaway4446]

I have't heard from Fairport Convention since about 1975. It's great to see them.

[@giogiove]

sublime...fantastico...magia pura. grazie per questo video gianni

[@Fastlane05]

One of my all time favorite Led Zeppelin songs. Love it!

[@designerlarry]

Thanks for sharing this. Great camera work and the sound is pretty good as well. And the performance- awesome!

[@markdirigible9062]

wow - a great live performance

[@lazymandoplayer]

Kudos for the camera work given it was chilly, wet and we'd all been there for about 11 hours by this point - this will be a cherished memory for some years I suspect

[@idiotglee]

ty for posting

[@PlanetJ32]

This was BEAUTIFUL!

[@theivory1]

That was great. And it sparked a memory of Percy's Song. I haven't heard that one in a long long time, until today.

[@mellingmichael777]

She did a real nice job, as did the others.

[@JonahJojoTheMan]

In this version of The Battle Of Evermore Robert is excellent and Kristina Donahue basically correct. Nothing beyond, nothing short of. That 1971 recording is unique. Eternal longing, Sandy. R.I.P. 😞

[@norbertenderle8092]

Faboulos and Charming,Thanks fou Upload 💪😇❤️

[@aandybandy11]

brilliant thanks so much cant wait for cropredy 09

[@clouds882]

thank u, i m enjoying this....robert ages well...great tribute to sandy...miss her still..all the good ones die too soon..

[@JeffJefferyUK]

Some of the comments on here...sheesh! Get a grip, people. This is a live performance by a band featuring only one person who was there in the original recording (and who had aged 37 years). If you want to hear Battle Of Evermore like the original, play the original.

[@bid84]

Jeff Jeffery Well said, some people haven’t a clue.

[@mike-ue4wy]

There you o, buddy. Nailed it.

[@tonymurphy6227]

Cropredy, the best festval in England, get there in '21 you won't be disappointed.

[@jeanniecampbell1374]

what ever shape or form still love Robert performing .

[@Ndlanding]

That was great! I must say that, dispite being a Fairport fan, I had no idea about the Sandy Denny connection with LZ. Well, it was another great example of mixing traditional and modern music and instruments, and was pretty heavy too!

[@BadHammers1]

"This song reflects i suppose more... more than anything else, an evening in England some 700 years ago. Just about the time that me & Bonzo got married."

[@Random-rt5ec]

Wow that was great listening. Really enjoyed Kristina's vocals

[@hannazyra9908]

Enjoyed this version and it's subtleties and vocals and instrumentals.

[@belindacarter6872]

The Demi-God Robert Plant - what a gift Incredible song - a masterpiece & a favorite

[@SteamboatWilley]

One of my favourite songs ever, by two of my favourite artists (Led Zep and Fairport) about one of my favourite books (Lord of the Rings).

[@elainegoliszeski276]

This was fantastic. And Robert looked great!

[@Queenfloofles]

I've really enjoyed listening to the Fairport take on this song.

[@hotdoggravy]

sounds great, her voice is smooth as glass

[@SaucyCinna]

I found this a great performance, what are you guys talking about!?!

[@rachel8865]

it's amazing to remember. I miss those days.

[@sendanor]

Wow....this performance chills me to the bone. I have to say that Kristina gives this song a chill of its own..a very ageless ethereal feel, amazing..I am also surprised by the still great voice of Robert Plant, I have always thought that performing live was not his greatest talent but I hear that I have to change my views..

[@akristen4971]

A dozen years later and still as powerful as then…

[@p.m.j.schellekens550]

Yep Sir Rober Plant is realy the best - what a heavenly expressive voice ! Thanks for sharing this interesting performance!

[@timothygrayson]

Perhaps the most beautiful song ever composed by Zeppelin. Emotive and profound it says so much about warfare.

[@sandrahaley257]

Beautiful. All eyes on Robert Plant. Stunning.

[@simonthompson789]

The people who criticized Donahue years ago are probably cringing today; her performance here is stellar. Alison Krauss has a similar voice, and I don't think anyone is going to criticize Plant and Krauss these days.

[@clivet3846]

Sending a shiver down my spine, and I've seen Bob and Led Zep several times. Would have loved to have seen this.

[@gardensofthegods]

Please tell me why her voice deliberately dips down instead of going up when she says the word dragon and it throws the whole song off and it really bothered me a lot

[@pierre-de-standing]

@@gardensofthegods Having listened to the original, I'm not sure that Sandy's singing ascends on the word dragon, but stays the same. I'm sure if it bothered Plant, he might have suggested that Kristina altered what she sang. In any event, the note she sang was not dissonant.

[@pierre-andreiff]

@@pierre-de-standing Very interesting comment.

[@74Husky]

Having seen Fairport Convention live a number of times, they are outstanding. Hard to classify them as per genre of music only to classify them as amazing.

[@russhouldin5774]

A lovely tribute to the fabulous Sandy Denny

[@redraidr12]

Whoever says she does a bad job didn't actually watch the whole video. It's pretty damn good.

[@Chalkerfan]

Pure class. Thanks farnishk.

[@birchward]

a wonderfull night / gig !

[@kathete]

I'm soooo damned jealous, my daughter was there but not me. What an experience. Brilliant

[@andrewlabat9963]

One of my favorite Zeppelin songs..

[@RockHistoryTube]

Great cover!!!!

[@deaddoc]

Be sure not to miss the 1994 Unledded DVD that backed up the cd album. They do this and other songs backed up by a traditional Egyptian band and a wonderful Egyptian vocalist. DON"T MISS IT!

[@alisagarelava4007]

Ужас . LZ и Сенди Денни лучшие

[@rastaferion]

I think that they sound great and I f'n love the bass. Takes guts to get up there and try to live up to...

[@DSpeir-pi6tm]

I would like to hear every single one of the jackasses criticizing this performance try to sing it . Not one of them could, I'm certain of that !!!

[@morehmeir9906]

Its not hard to sing tbh

[@albertleffler962]

Dspeir good for you!

[@no1nestandsalone387]

Dspeir shes shit and I can actually sing it better than her!

[@ReggiePostlethwaite]

​@@no1nestandsalone387 yeah, that's why nobody knows you: because you're a talented singer 😆 STFU, ASS.

[@ReggiePostlethwaite]

curiously, the two haters in this thread are so ignorant they're unable to use apostrophes... 🙄

[@keithbate9405]

I can't ever listen to this great song without thinking of the late great Sandy Denny who left us far too soon . At least what she did with FC and Forthingay is set in stone. Kristina did good in my opinion.

[@noddyguevara]

I was there, but didnt film it as i just knew mine would be rubbish ! well done to you farnishk for this and puttin it on !

[@xylotone0110]

Great stuff . Plants voice is just strong . It hasnt weakeodned in all these decades . And Kristina Donahue is wonderful --------

[@DarkFruit]

Beautiful, her voice is not as strong as Sandy's, but at least she made the performance possible and tried her best. :)

[@jamesreinolds3968]

No one sings this track like Sandy,she was unique!

[@somepig2k]

Lovely...just feckin lovely

[@marinman39]

Always a beautiful song. My favorite version is a live version by Heart (or really by Ann and Nancy Wilson), it truly roars, it can be found on video here. But full respects to Robert for still singing it well 40 years after the original, and for writing such great lyrics. .

[@jimzeleny7213]

Heart plays it in a minor key. Totally ruins it.

[@neilrobson3064]

A great rendition of a fantastic song….