The biggest band in rock finally returned to the stage last night, at London's O2 Arena. Now the dust has settled, what did the country's music critics make of this historic occasion?
"A momentous event...and some of it was truly awe inspiring - 'Kashmir' was utterly incredible. This writer was happy at the inclusion of the likes of 'Trampled Under Foot' and 'Misty Mountain Hop', less heralded tunes which have stood the test of time." Alan Woodhouse, NME
"When Page strikes up the riff to Kashmir (Duh-duh-duh! Duh-duh-duh!) you remember why this band have earned such a passionate following." Jon Kelly, BBC
"Events that have so much resting on them rarely unfold with such an air of assurance. The three original members of the band and Jason Bonham, the drumming son of John Bonham, seemed relieved to be relinquishing the burden of anticipation. Their heaviosity has always been the cornerstone of their reputation but it was astonishing to see how funky they could be for a rock band." Pete Paphides, The Times
"Key to tonight's set is the manner in which Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones refer to Jason throughout the set. Initially, you mistake it as attempts to urge him on. Then, as the show progresses you realise that Bonham Jr, like his father before him, is immensely capable of keeping Zeppelin's engine room pumping, allowing Page and Jones the backdrop against which to jam and walk that live high-wire with untempered impunity." Phil Alexander, MOJO Magazine
"The first song, 'Good Times, Bad Times', dispelled all fears. The familiar old sinew and swagger were still there, singer Robert Plant's voice seeming untouched by age, guitarist Jimmy Page, his hair now almost white, firing off little solos that were a taste of things to come, John Paul Jones's bass twisting and driving, Jason Bonham's drums crisp and powerful." David Cheal, The Telegraph
And here's that set list in full:
'Good Times Bad Times'
'Ramble On'
'Black Dog'
'In My Time Of Dying'
'For Your Life'
'Trampled Underfoot'
'Nobodys Fault But Mine'
'No Quarter'
'Since I've Been Loving You'
'Dazed and Confused'
'Stairway To Heaven'
'The Song Remains The Same'
'Misty Mountain Hop'
'Kashmir'
(encore)
'Whole Lotta Love'
(encore)
Rock And Roll'
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