Robert Plant, the legendary singer for Led Zeppelin, contributed to some of the most iconic rock songs ever written. He has revealed over the years which songs from the band’s renowned discography hold the greatest personal significance for him. These ten instances demonstrate why Plant was and will remain Led Zeppelin’s best frontman.
“Immigrant Song” – Epic Live Performance from 1972
The legendary live performance of “Immigrant Song” in 1972
Co-written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, this hard-hitting rock hymn was inspired by Viking conquests, and Plant’s live performance gave you the impression that you were actually there. On stage, his explosive energy and piercing screams were pure rock rage.
Live from Celebration Day in “Kashmir”
One of the most memorable performances in the last few years was this one. They were even nominated for Grammys in 2014 for Best Rock Performance for “Kashmir” and Best Rock Album, which they won with pride.
Plant’s Love for “In My Time of Dying”
Robert Plant mentioned “In My Time of Dying” as one of his favorite songs in an interview with Tony Bacon in 1980. “The slide works on ‘In My Time of Dying,’ which goes on and on [laughs], but it’s a great ramshackle blues slide. Directly from the top.” He was shocked to hear a similar slide guitar on Let’s Active’s 1986 track from Big Plans for Everybody, played by Jimmy Page. “I couldn’t believe it! I was like, what? No other. I thought only Rick Rubin did things like that,” he joked.
Epic Performance of “The Ocean” at Madison Square Garden (1973)
Even dressing like a woman after a night out was something Robert Plant could pull off with ease. When Led Zeppelin performed “The Ocean” at Madison Square Garden in 1973, his charisma and self-assurance were evident, demonstrating once more why he was the quintessential rock frontman.
Robert Plant’s Unusual Pre-Show Ritual: Ironing
Unbelievably, Robert Plant has a penchant for ironing! He incorporates it into his pre-show routine and keeps a board in his dressing room since he loves it so much. It helps him get “in the right frame of mind” before taking the stage, he said.
“All My Love”: An Emotional Tribute to His Son
“All My Love” is one of Robert Plant’s most poignant songs, and it was featured on Led Zeppelin’s 1979 album “In Through the Out Door.” He wrote it as a memorial to his son Karac, who unfortunately died of a stomach ailment in 1977 when he was just five years old.
The Impact of a Rock Legend Over Time
Few people can compare to the impact that Robert Plant, often known as “The Golden God,” had on rock music. One of the most iconic images in rock history was shaped in part by his blazing stage presence and distinctive flair.
Honored by the Crown
Robert Plant was appointed a Commander of the British Empire in 2008, one of Britain’s highest accolades. In a special event at Buckingham Palace, Prince Charles gave him the medal in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music.
Using Rock Legend as ID
Robert Plant didn’t have identification when the cashier asked for it when he attempted to pay with a check for beach shoes. He quickly thought of a way to prove his identity and took a CD of Led Zeppelin’s debut album from his car.
A Message on a Cover
In reality, Robert Plant’s personal collection was the source of the well-known artwork of the man carrying firewood on the cover of Led Zeppelin IV. He discovered it in a Reading antique store. Jimmy Page claims that the picture was intended to serve as a reminder to people to treat the Earth with care and respect rather than to take advantage of it.