Robert Plant & Roger Daltrey Rock Forest Hills Stadium

By Michael Perlman

Robert Plant on left with members of the Sensational Space Shifters, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

For the sixth year, the iconic Forest Hills Stadium has attracted a diverse mix of legendary artists and a full house. Classics never die, as proven by two of the season’s earliest concerts. Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters performed with special guest singer, humanitarian, and nine-time Grammy recipient Sheryl Crow and folk singer, songwriter, instrumentalist Seth Lakeman on June 13, followed by Roger Daltrey performing The Who’s “Tommy” with The New York Pops on June 17. 

Full house at Forest Hills Stadium's Roger Daltrey & NY Pops concert, Photo by Michael Perlman

Seth Lakeman, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sheryl Crow, Photo by Michael Perlman

For over 50 years, Robert Plant, the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin, has never lost his wide and powerful vocal range, and is known as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. His charismatic performance features gestures include dancing, jumping, and clapping, making the audience feel energized. His dynamic band, the Sensational Space Shifters, as of 2012, is as sensational as the title implies. His “Carry Fire” tour featured classics such as “The Lemon Song,” “Going To California,” and “Whole Lotta Love,” making the audience go wild, and included newer numbers such as the “The May Queen.” 

Robert Plant, Photo by Michael Perlman

Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, Photo by  Michael Perlman

Forest Hills native Glenn Lurie called it a thrill to attend big name concerts in his hometown. “We must all do what we can to keep the terrific music of the sixties and early seventies alive,” he said. For him, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” was a showstopper. He explained, “When Robert Plant performs Led Zeppelin tunes, it brings me back to reliving my high school days, when Zep's music was just part of the growing up experience of music, playing such a major role in my life. His voice sounds as clear and moving as it did in 1969.”

Sofia Monge, co-owner of Continental Photo, felt it was one of the best concerts ever. She said, “When I heard Robert Plant was performing, I was excited and curious. His voice is powerful as ever, just like in the old Led Zeppelin days, and the man is almost 70 years old. I’ve become an instant fan! It’s nice that he seeks out music from all over the world and has been influenced by it, and he has garnished the amazing Sensational Space Shifters band to create some incredible music.”

Kew Gardens resident Eric Schreiber, a child of the 1970s, considers Led Zeppelin a favorite band of all-time. He said, “Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were one of the most prolific songwriting tandems in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, comparable in magnitude to John Lennon and Paul McCartney. As a solo artist, Plant has really done the delta bluesmen proud.”

Schreiber felt “The Lemon Song” was a great opener, setting the show’s tone. He continued, “’Going To California’ and ‘Gallows Pole’ were tracks from albums I wore out the grooves on while coming of age. ‘In The Mood’ from The Principle of Moments, was a prime selection from his early solo career, which didn't push his vocal cords beyond their comfort zone and sounded good. ‘Bring It On Home’ and ‘Whole Lotta Love’ were the perfect note to close on. I left wanting more, and as we filed towards the exit, the last encore was still playing in my head.”

As for opener Sheryl Crow, Schreiber said, “It was interesting that she had spoken with tennis legend John McEnroe who told her he first played at Forest Hills Stadium when he was nine, but meanwhile, Robert Plant mentioned he had to ask his friends if he had ever played here, since he couldn't remember.” He compared her to Linda Ronstadt and praised her set and band. “She still has the pipes that established her as a multi-platinum act 25 years ago.” 

Roger Daltrey & The Who band members, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey, Photo by Michael Perlman

Spanning over 50 years, singer, musician, and actor Roger Daltrey continues to be a shining rock star, highly regarded for his charisma, powerful vocals, and energetic stage presence. His signature move is swinging a mic by its cord, as evident in the opening. In the mid-1960s, he founded the rock band, The Who, and became the lead singer. The Who took the stadium stage for two nights in 1971, and in 2015 for “The Who Hits 50!” tour. Considered the largest independent pops orchestra countrywide and the sole professional symphonic orchestra specializing in popular music, The New York Pops played Forest Hills for the past 4 years. Daltrey and some regulars of The Who band and The New York Pops united for a Father’s Day engagement of The Who’s “Tommy,” the rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy and his life experiences. 

The New York Pops, Photo by Michael Perlman

Roger Daltrey & The Who band members, Photo by Michael Perlman

His set opened with “Overture” and brought everyone to their feet with classics such as “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me, Feel Me,” and “Tommy Can You Hear Me?” His encore consisted of “Who Are You” and The Who’s signature number, “Baba O’Riley,” which featured a violin solo by virtuoso Katie Jacoby, and a suitable conclusion, “Always Heading Home.” One of Daltrey’s most memorable statements was “’Tommy’ is all of us, and all the characters in ‘Tommy’ are different people in all of us.’ We all have the potential to come out if we are careful. It’s all in there somewhere in the human mix.”

Commuting from Manhattan, Stuart Haber felt the collaboration between Roger Daltrey and The New York Pops initiated an additional depth to the score. He said, “You didn’t need videos above the stage. I saw Roger do the Tommy tour at Nassau Coliseum about six years ago and I saw The Who do it last year at Royal Albert Hall, but the orchestra made so much of the difference, and it felt closer to a Broadway musical than a rock concert.” While the score was outstanding, he considered “Go to The Mirror Boy,” “I’m Free,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as best. “For all the times I heard ‘Baba O’Riley’ live, this was the only time the violin was used, and it was transcendent!” he continued.

Jane Schulyer Carucci of Forest Hills has seen The Who for over 30 years including their 2015 stadium appearance. “The New York Pops added to their music a classical component, which is timeless for the ages. All generations can enjoy this, as I've seen youngins really enjoying the show.”

Robert Schnell wearing The Who coat commutes in style

Forest Hills Gardens concertgoer Robert Schnell proved just that. “The highlight was bringing my 5-year-old daughter Ishanika Gabriele Schnell to her first concert and watching her dance to daddy’s music.” Reminiscing his own childhood, he added, “My brother Rich turned me on to Tommy when I was 10 through the Woodstock album, and finally The Who’s first ‘rock opera’ is performed by an orchestra with the band, which is 49 years in the making!” 

Ivy Hammer and her husband Steve made New York Pops concerts their summer tradition. She extended additional praise to Daltrey. “He’s now 74 and terrific. He moved around the stage easily and sounded the same as in his younger days with his clear and strong voice.” 

Arriving early to the Roger Daltrey & NY Pops concert, ready to rock the night away, Photo by Michael Perlman