Robert Plant Concert Review

“Angry Guy” Reviews: Robert Plant – Surf Ballroom – Clear lake Iowa – September 23 2019

The Surf Ballroom!? Do they do much surfing in Iowa? I haven’t seen a drop of water since I got here. Where the fuck am I? How did I get here? I decided I would take a nice leisurely bus ride from NYC to Iowa and see the country. We made a left in NYC and kept going. It was a 16 hour ride from hell. An Indian guy sat next to me picking his toes with a meat thermometer the entire ride, and that was the highlight. 

I finally made it to Iowa and checked into my room at “The Bed Bug Inn”. It was very nice for $6 per day. 

I am excited, I am here to see Robert Plant! The Golden God! Led Zeppelin! I first saw Robert with Led Zeppelin 42 years ago at MSG in NYC. It was a life changing event for a small child. Now here I am in Iowa, a million miles and a lifetime of disappointments behind me. I digress.

As I wait for the show to begin I down 9 beers and 3 shots of Jack Daniels. I’m feeling good. Then there he is! My hero, Robert Plant is right in front of me! King Robert! Women are swooning, men are fainting. 

Robert sounded good as he ran through some great Led Zeppelin songs, and solo songs. Even the new songs off his latest album were good. Good for me to go to the bathroom during. 

All in all it was a great show and worth the 16 hour trip. Robert discussed the Surf Ballroom history. This was the last place Buddy Holly, & Richie Valens played before they died in that plane crash. Sure glad I am taking the bus now. Plant mentioned how he stole the song “Boogie with Stu” from Richie Valens. It was all fun and games until Plant pulled a groin muscle trying to hit the high notes on “Immigrant Song”.