Pain In The Pisser?

This is Robert Plant, looking just as confused as he does dazed. Fortunately thanks to some changes in work scheduling I can cover Mr. Plant's upcoming Toronto show with his Band of Joy. But a recent article (which will be published soon) in Rolling Stone has him yet again tossing more dirt on the post-2007 idea of his previous band reforming.

Plant is never one to be at a loss for words, but to describe a possible reformation or reunion tour with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones as "A pain in the pisser" is somewhat odd. How can you put both things in some semblance of pain comparison. Granted, there is still probably a four-alarm burn every time Mr. Plant goes to the lavatory, but to deem a sold-out world tour teeming with Zeppelin hits to be painful is a bit much.

Plant has always gone to the beat of his own drum, and this is no different, and he should be commended for taking such musical risks (and having them more often than not pay off). But a simple "no thank you" or "no comment" might have done more to extinguish any controversy surrounding the rampant speculation that followed the London 02 Arena date. A pain in the pisser is at best odd, at worst does little to fan any flames.

Regardless, I still get to see Mr. Plant, which is the third time I have seen him in concert, the first being a solo tour with his outfit Strange Sensation and the second time being with Alison Krauss, Buddy Miller and others during their brief but memorable project. Miller, Patty Griffin and others are reportedly on board as his band of joy, which should be, er, joyful.