Robert Plant and Donovan just gave the world a moment we’ll be talking about forever! At the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival in Ireland, these two legends took the stage together for a mind-blowing, once-in-a-lifetime duet of ‘Season of the Witch.’ The energy? Electric. The vibes? Unreal. A rare, magical night where rock history was made right in front of a lucky crowd—no one saw it coming, and no one will ever forget……Read more
On November 2, 2022, the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival in Ireland became the backdrop for an extraordinary musical collaboration that left the audience in awe. Robert Plant, renowned as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, took the stage with his band, Saving Grace. Midway through the performance, he introduced a special guest: the legendary Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. Together, they delivered a mesmerizing rendition of “Season of the Witch,” a song Donovan originally released in 1966. This unexpected duet electrified the crowd, creating a moment that will be etched in rock history.
The Wexford Spiegeltent Festival, known for its eclectic mix of music, comedy, and theatre, provided an intimate setting for this historic event. The Spiegeltent, a vintage circus tent adorned with mirrors and stained glass, offered a unique ambiance that complemented the magic unfolding on stage. Fans gathered under its ornate canopy were treated to a performance that transcended time, blending the psychedelic folk of the 1960s with contemporary interpretations.
Donovan’s appearance was a surprise to many. Residing in nearby Bunclody, he joined Plant and Saving Grace for a soulful performance of “Season of the Witch.” The synergy between Donovan and Plant was palpable, with Donovan even weaving in lines from his 1969 hit “Goo Goo Barabajagal.” The audience responded with enthusiasm, rising to their feet and dancing as the music filled the Spiegeltent. Donovan later reflected on the experience, describing it as “historic” and noting that the audience “exploded” when he took the stage. He also hinted at a renewed passion for live performance, stating, “It gave me a buzz to perform live again. … Shall we?” citeturn0search4
Robert Plant’s collaboration with Donovan was not entirely unprecedented. Plant has long admired Donovan’s work, often incorporating “Season of the Witch” into his own sets over the past two decades. This performance, however, marked the first time Plant shared the stage with Donovan to perform the song together. The mutual respect between the two artists was evident, as they seamlessly blended their voices and styles, bridging generations of rock and folk music. citeturn0search0
The setlist for the evening showcased the versatility of Saving Grace and their ability to traverse various musical landscapes. Opening with “Gospel Plough,” the band led the audience through a journey that included covers of Bob Dylan, Low, and Moby Grape, among others. Highlights included a rollicking take on “Down to the Sea” from Plant’s “Fate of Nations” album and a delicate rendition of “It’s a Beautiful Day Today.” The addition of Donovan elevated the night to an unforgettable crescendo, leaving an indelible mark on all who were present. citeturn0search4
This collaboration at the Wexford Spiegeltent Festival serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. It was a rare convergence of two iconic artists whose combined influence has shaped the course of rock and folk music. For those fortunate enough to witness it, the performance was more than just a concert; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience where musical history was made. As the final notes resonated through the Spiegeltent, attendees knew they had been part of something truly special—a night where the past and present merged in perfect harmony.
