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This is one of those legendary concerts whose recorded counterparts are as thrilling as they are frustrating. Live at the Greek, originally released in 2000, was born out of a rather unexpected joining of forces: the great Jimmy Page and the incredible Black Crowes. The album’s powerful, intense rock sound bears testimony to an extraordinary performance where the guitarist lets loose with a group at the top of their game. On paper, Led Zeppelin’s hard rock side may not seem compatible with the Black Crowes’ fiery, soul-tinged Southern rock, however we can’t forget how these two groups, albeit from different times, are both united by the blues. With this in mind, they’re a match made in heaven.
This holy union’s strength lies in their playing perfectly to each musician’s strong suit. While Page has a grand old time laying down his guitar wherever he wants, the band supports him with their incredible timing and raw, unbridled sound at full blast. The only thing remaining is the singing, which brings another pleasant surprise to the album. Chris Robinson will never be Robert Plant, and he has never pretended to be; he respects Zeppelin’s heritage, honoring the band’s lyrics and melodies while still putting his own spin on them. He remains totally himself without ever trying to imitate the original singer, leaving room for the Black Crowes’ trademark sound even when tackling the most legendary songs in Zeppelin’s repertoire. Although Live at the Greek was an instant classic, it still felt minorly unfinished upon its original release in 2000. For purely contractual reasons, the record initially favoured Led Zeppelin’s discography, with a few blues classics thrown in here and there (as well as “Oh Well” by Fleetwood Mac) but no mention of any Crowes’ songs.
25 years on, and there’s no need to be frustrated any more. Not only has Live at the Greek been reissued, remixed and remastered, but it also features no fewer than 16 additional tracks (alongside the 20 included on the original album), including many sorely missed Black Crowes hits. With the classics “Remedy,” “She Talks to Angels” and a cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” that launched the Robinson brothers’ career, the party is finally in full swing. There are even recordings of the soundcheck, just for the fun of comparing them with what was played on stage just a few hours later. This reissue ultimately gives rightfully deserved recognition to these musicians who were such an integral part of this concert, holding their own alongside the English guitar legend. We would love to have seen this pairing again, if only for a single studio album, but history had other plans. Live at the Greek (25th Anniversary Edition) is the definitive version of this concert - don’t hesitate in getting your hands on it. © Guillaume Ley/Qobuz