Robert Plant performed Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway To Heaven’ after fan donated “six-figure sum” for charity

nme.com:

Robert Plant’s first performance of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway To Heaven’ in 16 years was prompted by a fan’s “six-figure” charity donation, according to new reports.The performance of the iconic 1971 track – from the band’s ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ album – took place during a charity concert last Saturday night (October 21).Organised by former Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, the show was held at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire and raised funds for The Cancer Platform.

It also saw the legendary rock frontman perform Led Zeppelin’s ‘Thank You’ and ‘Black Dog’.Now, according to a new interview with former Reef and current Goldray guitarist Kenwyn House – who played alongside Plant at the gig – the performance of ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was prompted by a six-figure charity donation.“Someone bid a huge amount of money for him to sing this song,” he told Led Zeppelin News. “There is a good circle of karma around it.

That raised a six-figure sum for the charity, that one song.”Recalling how he was surprised to see the song in the setlist, he added: “It was a combination between über excitement and terrifying… I literally only had four days to learn everything.”“When Robert Plant walked into the room and I had to play ‘Stairway To Heaven’ with him for the first time in a small enclosed environment, that was probably the most pressured professional situation I have ever, ever come across,” House continued. “I’m in a small room with my hero playing the most famous of his songs.”The alleged donation has not yet been confirmed by Taylor or any of the other organisers at the event.

Similarly, the specific amount and person responsible remain unknown. However, footage of the performance quickly spread online.