10 Facts About Robert Plant – the “Golden God”
When it comes to legendary frontmen, few can rival Robert Plant for the top spot. The commanding stage presence and incredible vocal range of Led Zeppelin‘s lead vocalist make him stand out from the rest.
While his time with Led Zep cemented his legacy, there’s much more to his story than just being a part of one of the most famous bands. From his love of history to turning down millions for a reunion tour, here are ten facts about the Golden God of Rock and Roll.
1. Declined a $200 million offer to reunite with Led Zeppelin
In 2007, Robert Plant performed with Led Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in London alongside Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham, the son of the late John Bonham. The show was a massive success.
However, despite great popular demand and a juicy $200 million offer by investors for a full-fledged reunion tour, Plant turned down the offer.
Although he has left the door open for future performances, he has repeatedly turned down reunion opportunities in the 2010s, which somewhat strained his relationship with Page and Jones.
2. He wanted to pursue a career as a teacher
After the tragic death of drummer John Bonham-Bonzo and the disbandment of Led Zeppelin, Robert was emotionally shattered and seriously considered stepping away from music altogether.
Devastated by the loss of his close friend, he considered a quieter life in education and applied for a teacher training program and was accepted. However, despite this brief consideration of a more conventional career path, his passion for music ultimately pulled him back, leading to his successful solo career.
‘Big Log’ is a hit from his second solo studio album ‘The Principle of Moments’ (1983).
3. As a kid he wanted to be like Elvis Presley
Like many rockstars of that era, Robert Plant was also fascinated by Elvis Presley from a young age. The rebellious energy and raw vocals of the King of Rock and Roll inspired him to chase his own dreams of being a rockstar.
Later, when he became famous with Led Zeppelin, Plant even had the chance to meet his idol and sat in the front row at his concerts as a guest of honor. A dream come true.
4. Trained to be a chartered accountant
After leaving grammar school, Plant briefly pursued a career in accounting at his father’s insistence. However, he quit after just two weeks – you simply can’t keep a rockstar on a rigid schedule and a boring lifestyle.
At just 16, he left home to attend college and gain more GCE passes while pursuing his true passion – to be a rock and blues musician.
5. Big fan of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club
Robert Plant has been a lifelong supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. a.k.a Wolves. His love for the club began when his father took him to a match as a young child, and his passion for the team never wavered.
Even at the height of his fame, Plant remained loyal to his boyhood club, and in 2009, he was named Wolves‘ third vice-president.
6. Lost his five year old son
In one of the most heartbreaking moments of his life, Plant lost his five-year-old son, Karac, in 1977 due to a sudden stomach illness while Led Zeppelin was on their North American tour. He then understandably canceled shows and retreated from the spotlight.
The tragedy prompted him to write the lyrics to one of Zeppelin‘s most hauntingly beautiful and emotional songs – ‘All My Love‘, which he dedicated to his late son.
7. Plant loves history, especially Welsh
Another passion of Robert Plant is history. He is particularly fascinated with Welsh culture and mythology, and is obsessed with the legendary prince Owain Glyndŵr. He regularly attends meetings on Welsh history and has even donated funds for a bronze statue of the prince.
He is also interested in Romani-British history as he is part Romani on his mother’s side.
8. Wrote the lyrics to most of Led Zeppelin songs
Apart from the first album, Plant wrote or co-wrote the lyrics to most of Led Zeppelin’s songs, often exploring mystical, spiritual, and philosophical themes.
He was heavily inspired by ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J.R.R. Tolkien, mythology, and folklore, creating vivid imagery that can be best heard on classics such as ‘Ramble On’, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, ‘The Battle of Evermore’, ‘Misty Mountain Hop’, and others.
9. Prolific solo artist
Though the Led Zeppelin project made him immortal, Robert Plant never stopped creating and has built an impressive solo career with eleven solo studio albums to his name. Although he briefly considered quitting music after Bonzo‘s untimely death.
In addition to his solo work, he has been part of other groups/projects and collaborated with many other musicians, including the highly acclaimed ‘Raising Sand’ album with Alison Krauss.
10. His singing style and stage presence inspired many rockstars
Robert Plant set the blueprint for rock frontmen with his electrifying and charismatic stage presence combined with his dynamic and powerful voice. His singing and performance style inspired many of rock’s future big names, including some of his contemporaries.
Rock legends like Axl Rose, Geddy Lee, Ann Wilson, Sammy Hagar, Jack White and even Queen‘s Freddie Mercury cite him as a major influence.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, Robert Plant is not only more than just the frontman of Led Zeppelin, but his legacy extends beyond music. His love of history, poetry, mythology, philosophy, and even football, prove his curious and creative spirit.
From heartbreaking loss to defiant reinvention, his story is as compelling as his music.