Robert Plant and Jimmy Page Revive a Forgotten Classic, “Hey Hey What Can I Do” and the Echo of a Legendary Band
The live performance of “Hey Hey What Can I Do” featuring Robert Plant and Jimmy Page offers audiences a compelling reminder of the enduring musical legacy of Led Zeppelin. The video captures two of rock music’s most influential figures revisiting a song that holds a unique place in the band’s catalog and in the history of classic rock.
“Hey Hey What Can I Do” was originally recorded in 1970 during the sessions for the band’s third studio project. The song was released on 5 November 1970 as the B side of the single “Immigrant Song,” a rare instance in which Led Zeppelin issued a non album track on a single release.
At the time, the group was already one of the most powerful forces in rock music. The band’s lineup included Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and mandolin, and John Bonham on drums. Together they created a sound that blended blues, hard rock, and acoustic influences, helping redefine the possibilities of modern rock performance.
Musically, “Hey Hey What Can I Do” stands apart from many of the band’s heavier songs. Instead of thunderous electric riffs, the recording is built around acoustic guitars and a relaxed rhythmic groove. The arrangement includes acoustic six string and twelve string guitars from Page, mandolin played by John Paul Jones, and Bonham’s restrained drumming that supports the song’s gentle country rock atmosphere.
Despite its quality, the track remained relatively obscure for many years. Because it was released only as the B side of a single, it did not appear on a Led Zeppelin studio album during the band’s active years. Later it was rediscovered by fans and eventually included in compilation releases and box sets beginning in the early nineteen nineties.
The song’s story did not end with its original release. Decades later, Plant and Page revived the track in their collaborative concerts, bringing it to audiences who had rarely heard it performed live. Their performances highlight the chemistry that defined Led Zeppelin’s golden era while presenting the music in a slightly more reflective and mature style.
In the live video, the interaction between Plant and Page demonstrates the deep musical partnership that shaped some of rock’s most influential recordings. Plant’s expressive vocals carry the narrative of the song while Page’s acoustic guitar lines maintain the relaxed and melodic character that makes the track distinctive within the Led Zeppelin repertoire.
More than fifty years after it was first recorded, “Hey Hey What Can I Do” continues to resonate with listeners. The performance stands as both a tribute to the band’s history and a reminder that even lesser known songs from legendary artists can reveal the depth and creativity of their musical legacy.