Watch Robert Plant Stun U.K. Festival with Surprise Performance Alongside John Bonham’s Sister
via Andrew Newton / YouTube
A Surprise Appearance at Cropredy Festival
The Deborah Bonham Band, led by late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham’s sister, delivered a strong set at Fairport Convention’s annual Cropredy Festival on Saturday, August 9. The audience was treated to an unexpected highlight when Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant stepped on stage to join them.
Plant performed the final two songs of their set—spirited renditions of “Thank You” and “Ramble On,” both Zeppelin classics. Fans captured the moment on video, showing the 76-year-old singer introducing “Thank You” with a lighthearted story from earlier in the day.
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Lighthearted Banter and Memorable Collaborations
“A lady friend said to me in the car today, ‘How old were you when you wrote that with Jimmy [Page]?’” Plant told the crowd. “I said, ‘12?’” As the band began the organ intro, he playfully nodded to Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” saying, “Dearly beloved.”
Joining in for the Zeppelin tracks were longtime Fairport Convention bassist Dave Pegg on mandolin, and two members of Plant’s current side group Saving Grace—singer Suzy Dian and guitarist Tony Kelsey. The combination brought extra texture to the performance.
A Thank You and a Rocking Encore
After a heartfelt performance of “Thank You,” Plant thanked Pegg and recalled their shared history. “He had hair [so long] he used to tuck it into his jeans,” Robert said. “He was a mean mother—-er. Still is.” The camaraderie on stage was clear as the musicians traded smiles and applause.
The set closed with a high-energy version of “Ramble On,” which drew loud cheers from the Cropredy crowd. Plant’s voice, backed by Bonham’s band, carried the song with the same drive that made it a rock staple.
Plant’s History with Cropredy and the Bonham Band
Fairport Convention has hosted the Cropredy Festival since 1976 in the English village of Cropredy, about 75 miles north of London. Plant has appeared at the event several times over the years. Photos from his 2025 appearance are available on the festival’s Facebook page.
He has also been a recurring guest with the Deborah Bonham Band, including a performance on February 2, 2024, in Blackpool, U.K., as reported by the Led Zeppelin News fan site.
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Upcoming Projects and Tours
Plant recently announced his first album with Saving Grace, set for release on September 26. The self-titled collection features a cover of the 2005 Low song “Everybody’s Song” as its advance single.
To support the album, Plant and Saving Grace will launch their first North American tour this fall, beginning October 30 in Wheeling, West Virginia, and ending November 22 in Los Angeles. They also plan two intimate album-release shows on September 28 in London at the Circuit nightclub, with performances at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
