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Robert Plant: Of Bustling Hedgerows and Bonzo
Though some notable exceptions existed (chiefly Roger Daltrey as the angry young man turned convoluted libretto interpreter and Jim Morrison as the drunken biker Apache poet, or whatever the fuck), a rock ‘n’ roll frontman prior to 1969 typically fell into one of three categories: cherub-faced art school dropout, pageboy-sporting psychedelic dandy, or leather-clad ‘50s throwback. But, lo, at the close of the peace and love decade, a golden god descended from upon high, and from his thigh was begat a new breed of chiseled and preening rock idols for whom the 1970s and beyond would prove both playground and battlefield.
With flowing flaxen locks and inspiration drawn from Celtic, Norse, and Mississippian mythology, Robert Plant personified what quickly became the standard in rock music: bare-chested carnal howling, bathed in white light and strutting in tumescent pants. It was an archetype ripe for parody, and indeed, many of the pretenders who followed in his wake couldn’t quite make the formula believable, but rabid audiences the world over still can’t get enough of the original.
Despite his cocksure image, however, Plant proves quite demure during this 1983 interview. The humble singer thoughtfully discusses his solo career and the formidable legacy of his former band with humor and candor. Ever the protector of his own mythology, he still doesn’t satisfactorily explain the inclusion of Phil Collins in the studio and tour for The Principle of Moments.
As the reunion to end all reunions approaches, it’s interesting to revisit one of the member’s recollections of the group only years rather than decades after their swansong. While many fans may cling desperately to fantasies of their heroes snorting the whole of Columbia and sucking the marrow from the bones of virgins, as his band’s representative, Robert Plant illustrates what Led Zeppelin really was—a talented collection of English gentleman.
14 Comments
He was THE ROCK GOD of all time, that one………But guess what, TALENTED, too. That is why he in this time, has a new musical direction, and has made “Raising Sand”.
y does it say 1983 in the article but 82 in the link? which one is it?
Robert Plant was the Golden God of Rock music. I never get tired of him!
Hiya mrbagel — the interview did take place in 1983, the audio file was just mislabeled. We’re fixing it right now, but go ahead and listen to Plant, safe in the knowledge that this is indeed a 1983 interview.
plant was good but page was what made the band great
His voice sounded better on record that live, just like Jimmy Page’s overdubbed and processed guitars sounded bigger, badder and spacier on recordings and rather flat and lackluster live. Did anyone see Page when he briefly toured with The Black Crowes about 3 years back? They could play live all the Zep catalog with live multiple guitar tracks and keyboards, the songs sounded full and real and alive, much better than anything Zep did in their own live shows. Unfortunately, the tour was cut short when Page began to experience painful back problems and required medication and physical therapy. What a shame…it was a great tour and there are live recordings of these shows available thru the Black Crowes…
Did anyone see this guy in one of his interviews for his new duet album with Allison Whats-her-name? Oh yeah, Kraus…Good god, his hair (ahem, hair weave) looks just awful…
Java Master – You’re right about the tour with the Crowes, they really pulled the Zeppelin songs off well. Page’s injury left me returning the great tickets I had to two shows. Oh, the disappointment.
Zep would never have been Zep without the four lads. Page didn’t “make” the band, nor did Plant. Bonzo and Jonesy’s musical contributions are still underestimated today!
I saw Zep many times, the last being at Knewbworth in 1979. In the words of Tepper, a Dudley lad “It wor well wuff it”, or, in English, it was well worth it. OK, we had to sit through the likes of Fairport Convention and Chas and bloody Dave, but the climax was well wuff it. The previous night, I and the Dudley lads found a convenient barn in which to kip out of the rain. As we left in the morning, a farmer with a shotgun asked if there were any more “Fuckin Yippies” in the barn. “Hundreds,” I replied. We legged it as he headed for the empty barn…
Please,friends.Go to Youtube and listen to the alternate version of ‘when the levee breaks’.The great Robert Plant at his very best.
I read the interview w/Plant(from’73) just after ” How the West as Won”was released where he says zep as the #1 band was so much better than”whoever”might be #2.What an ego.I mean, Yes was touring “Close to the Edge”@the time and Floyd had “Dark Side”.You can’t tell me,as good as they were,that they were any better than those English contemporaries.
Jtron,
How old are you? What does what Robert Plant said promoting his band (product) have anything to do with what he felt in 1983 or 2009? Are you the same person you were 10 years ago and would you want to be held accountable for every action and word of yours 10 years prior? I sure wouldn’t, and if you can say you would perhaps you should consider relocating to a monastery. It sounds like your the one that is jealous.
Your so clueless. Clearly you’ve never heard a good quality bootleg of early Zeppelin pre 73 and don’t know sh!t about their history. There was nothing lackluster or flat about their shows other than the bad bootlegs and technological limitations that musicians don’t have to deal with today. Plant’s voice changed in 1973, he damaged his larnx and had surgury, which is why he could not sing like he did on Led Zeppelin 1 -4 and why they used so many voice affects recording Houses of the Holy before he had surgery. Although he lost some of his range, he actually became a much better singer as he aged. Go to U Tube if you still have the internet and search for The Nobs.