- - Robert Plant's Forgotten Christmas Performance Resurfaces and the Lineup Is Wild

Rylan FischerDecember 23, 2025 at 11:35 PM

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Photo by Icon and Image on Getty Images

When Led Zeppelin disbanded after the tragic passing of legendary drummer John Bonham,Robert Plant briefly considered quitting music altogether. He had applied for teacher's training to join the Rudolf Steiner education system, a philosophy of teaching across a few schools that focuses on holistic, creative education.

Nevertheless, Plant came back to music in due time. He launched the most successful solo career of the Led Zeppelin members, having a solid output throughout the '80s, and teaming up with Allison Krauss in the 2000s to start his folksier sound he has become known for in his later career years.

One of Plant's key projects in the '80s was a supergroup he formed called The Honeydrippers. The band served as a way for Plant to scratch his rhythm and blues itch. The band had a revolving door of stardom going, including Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. The band never really had a steady lineup, more just a collection of different musicians for different times. One of these times came around Christmas time in 1984, when the Honeydrippers introduced two iconic members for a Christmas special.

Brian Setzer was at the forefront of a rockabilly revival in the '80s with his band Stray Cats, where he proved his guitar talents, all of course tinged with a bit of '50s nostalgia. The sound that the Honeydrippers were going for was a sure fit for him.

Paul Shafferis a name you may not recognize, but you'll certainly know his work. The bulk of his career was spent being the band leader of David Letterman across both Late Night, and Late Show with David Letterman. He also was a key member of the Blues Brothers.

This combination of icons produced particularly rocking Christmas song in this performance, and fans were quick to show their shock towards the lineup of the performance.

"What? Paul Shaffer! Never knew this tidbit!""It's a crime this clip was hidden away in the annals of time! This deserves a radio release and endless years of seasonal plays!"

"Brian Setzer is someone we don’t hear enough about."

Another artifact of the '80s, and another piece of pop culture that proves to be fascinating to this day.

Related: ‘70s Rock Legend Reveals Major Concert News Involving His Folk Band

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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”