Watch: Robert Plant Jumps In at U.K.’s Cropredy Festival with John Bonham’s Sister
via IOW70 / YouTube
Fans at Fairport Convention’s annual Cropredy Festival on August 9 got more than they bargained for when Deborah Bonham, sister of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, took the stage with her band. Midway through their set, they welcomed a rock legend: Led Zeppelin’s own Robert Plant. The crowd erupted as Plant joined for the final two songs of the night.
Together, they launched into spirited renditions of two Zeppelin classics — “Thank You” and “Ramble On.” The collaboration brought an electric sense of nostalgia to the festival, bridging decades of musical history in just a few minutes. For those in attendance, it was a rare and intimate moment, seeing Plant perform alongside someone who shares such a deep personal and musical connection to the Zeppelin legacy.
Before starting “Thank You,” Plant playfully recounted a lighthearted exchange he’d had earlier in the day. When a friend asked how old he was when writing the song with Jimmy Page, he jokingly replied, “12?” Then, in a cheeky nod to Prince, he began with the words “Dearly beloved” as the organ intro played, drawing laughs before the crowd settled into the performance.
Friends and Familiar Faces on Stage
The guest appearances didn’t stop with Plant. Longtime Fairport Convention bassist Dave Pegg joined in on mandolin, adding a folk twist to the Zeppelin numbers. Pegg’s connection with Plant goes back decades, having played together in Band of Joy in 1967. Plant warmly recalled the old days, teasing Pegg about his once-long hair and describing him as a “mean mother—-er” who still had plenty of fire.
Also sharing the stage were members of Plant’s current project, Saving Grace — singer Suzy Dian and guitarist Tony Kelsey. Their contributions gave the songs a fresh edge while respecting the originals’ classic arrangements. This blending of musicians from different eras and projects created a uniquely rich sound.
The performance of “Thank You” was tender and soulful, drawing applause that lasted well beyond the final note. “Ramble On” followed as the encore, closing the set with an energetic burst that had festival-goers singing along to every word.
A Long History with Cropredy and Deborah Bonham
The Cropredy Festival, founded by Fairport Convention in 1976, has long been a staple in the U.K.’s folk and rock calendar. Held in the small village of Cropredy, about 75 miles north of London, the event has hosted countless musical greats — and Robert Plant is no stranger to its stage. His appearances over the years have only added to the festival’s lore.
Plant’s collaborations with Deborah Bonham are also far from new. They’ve shared the stage multiple times, with the most recent before Cropredy taking place on February 2, 2024, in Blackpool. Each reunion is warmly received by fans who relish seeing two figures so closely tied to Led Zeppelin’s history making music together again.
These moments are more than just special guest spots; they serve as living reminders of the friendships and musical bonds forged in one of rock’s most influential bands. Every time Plant and Bonham share a stage, it’s a blend of personal history and public celebration.
Plant’s Next Chapter with Saving Grace
Away from festival appearances, Plant is focusing on his latest project, Saving Grace. The band’s self-titled debut album is set for release on September 26, featuring a mix of original work and covers, including a rendition of Low’s 2005 track “Everybody’s Song.” The advance single has already given fans a taste of the group’s atmospheric sound.
To support the album, Plant and Saving Grace will embark on their first North American tour this fall. The 14-date run kicks off October 30 in Wheeling, West Virginia, and wraps up November 22 in Los Angeles. The tour marks a new chapter in Plant’s career, bringing his latest work to audiences far beyond the U.K.
Before that, the band will celebrate the album’s release with two intimate shows in London on September 28 at the Circuit nightclub. These smaller performances — scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. — will give fans an up-close experience of Plant’s newest musical endeavor, even as he continues to honor the legacy of Led Zeppelin on special occasions like Cropredy.
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