Robert Plant keeps exploring

In the interests of my ego and your entertainment, I'm working on repurposing some of the entertainment journalism I did in the 1990s. Most of these articles were originally published in the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune, and none are otherwise available in electronic form, as far as I know. Seems like fans might like a glance back at what their musical heroes were thinking back when.

This interview with former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant originally ran in October 1993.

Don't accuse Robert Plant of settling down. After more than 25 years as one of the most revered singers in rock 'n' roll, half of them at the helm of the phenomenally successful Led Zeppelin, the shaggy vocalist bristles at the suggestion that he's earned the mantle of respectability.

"I think I'll leave the elder statesman of rock role to Rod Stewart," says the 45-year-old Plant, who performs tonight at Shoreline Amphitheater and Tuesday at Concord Pavilion. "Sure, I have been around for a while, but I feel as dynamic and excited as ever, and I think the music shows it."

Still, the singer's current album, "Fate of Nations," is one of his most polished efforts to date. Plant takes another step in his transformation from rock's reigning ban­shee to a sophisticated crooner, displaying new subtlety and finesse in his singing as he ca­resses tender numbers such as "I Believe" and a reading of Tim Hardin's "If I Were a Carpenter."

"This album may be more gen­teel, but there's a lot of passion," the singer says. "That's what it's always been about, using my voice as best I can to express passion. .

"I don't think you have to be loud to do that. This album isn't thrash metal, but it's got a lot of power and energy."

Plant's refined vocal style on "Nations" is accompanied by a broad instrumental pallet that leans toward the acoustic. Hot shot classical violinist Nigel Kennedy appears on the album, as do an assortment of players handling Irish, Indian and Middle Eastern instruments.

"I've always had projects that don't require synthesizers and all that junk, and I decided to go with that direction," he says. "I just had a hurdy-gurdy (an old English form flute) made for me - absolutely beautiful Instrument.

Who let the dogs out?

Still, don't expect a polite recital if you check him out in concert. His band rocks with a vengeance, the singer says, adding that he can more than hold his own.

"When I sing 'Whole Lotta Love,' I'm told packs of dogs congregate around the stage, I'm hitting such high notes," he says with a laugh.

Yes, Plant still includes a few Zeppelin songs in his set. The singer says he's come to grips with the huge shadow cast by the band -- "More of specter, really" -- enough to enjoy kicking out a few of the old tunes.

As far as the long-awaited Zep reunion however, Plant ad­amantly remains the fly in the ointment. Guitarist Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones reportedly are willing to regroup for an ex­tended megabucks tour, but Plant has refused to consider a reunion, except for two one-off dates: 1985's Live Aid and a 1988 Atlantic Records anniversary bash.

"Led Zeppelin could re-form tomorrow, but the motives would be questionable, the execution would be questionable, the outcome would be questionable," says Plant.

"The band was a marvelous, monstrous thing. It will always be there, but I'd like it to be there with dignity."

Plant also firmly refuses to analyze his own songs, whether older Zep tunes or newer material such as "I Believe," a meditation on loss that could as easily reference the 1986death of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham as the demise of Plant's son, Karac, some 15 years ago.

"Some of the things I've written have been pretty clear, but overall, I think songs need some ambiguity," he says. "A good song encourages people to paint their own images in their minds.

"If everyone knew what 'Stairway to Heaven' was about, it wouldn't be the wretch it's be­come."

Plant also declines to discuss the legendary excesses of the Zep­pelin days, when he and his bandmates reportedly lived in an endless haze of drugs, booze and sex. "Legend is legend," is all he will say.