Photo by Wes Orshoski
In a new interview, Robert Plant has spurned longstanding, legacy rock bands.
Discussing his upcoming, highly anticipated reunion with Alison Krauss, the former Led Zeppelin frontman said, “The good thing about Alison and I is that we’re a couple of kindred spirits. Most musicians form a band, then they stay in the band until it’s over — 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, whatever it is — and it starts to look sadly decrepit. It’s like people hanging onto a life raft, or staying in a comfortable place.”
Of course, Plant – and Led Zeppelin proper – have not performed live since 2007. Before that they took the stage sparingly, in 1985, 1988 and 1995.
In related news, Plant revealed this past May that upon his death he will share a slew of unreleased material from the band’s heyday.
56 Comments comments associated with this post
Five artists Robert Plant hated – Land of Galleries
March 19, 2023 at 12:03 pm[…] trying new creative directions, he hated those trying to keep their band from their 20s together, explaining: “The good thing about Alison and I is that we’re a couple of kindred spirits. Most musicians […]
saccharinetrust65
September 18, 2021 at 11:44 pmPlant is correct in general; the exciting thing is the “exceptions to the rule” who still deliver thrills despite their advanced years: Richard Thompson, Neil Young, Dylan, Mike Watt, etc.
Also, who actually uses the word “amazing” with no self-awareness that it is the most sickeningly over-used, meaningless, dead word currently in existence? (i.e.- “Steven Tyler is AMAZING…….”) ; please banish this word and consult a thesaurus
james
September 14, 2021 at 11:23 ami have to say that i have seen solo plant since 83 honey drippers show. i have not been impressed as he is like a piece of veal i hope will turn into steak. meaning i am waiting to hear him do lead zep. as far as his comments he should keep them to himself about bands. i will see what i want who is he to judge.
Mirnov
September 8, 2021 at 5:44 pmGo to San Francisco. Visit doody street
Christan King
September 8, 2021 at 12:52 pmPlant keeps slamming on Zep but his greatest work was with them. Nothing he’s done since can remotely compare. Raising Sand was good but all the songs sound the same.
dubs
September 8, 2021 at 10:03 amCan we all just agree, music sux, always has, always will.
RD
September 8, 2021 at 9:54 amHope I die before I get old
Bill
September 8, 2021 at 9:47 amI’d say Rush is the most (only?) notable exception! Period.
deadman
September 8, 2021 at 3:00 amLed Zeppelin was the most over hyped band in the history of rock and roll.
jeton ademaj
September 7, 2021 at 11:20 pmlove the silly drama. Artists can do what they want, including steal and throw shade. hypocrisy is as common as breathing, and no less human. the parade of horrible purity tests never ends, having started long before any of us lived.
Azuri
September 7, 2021 at 10:10 pmWow! Really Dude!? Maybe you need to hear yourself sing, after all you are one of them!🙉
Tim
September 7, 2021 at 9:26 pmSaw Grateful Dead over 100 times with Jerry. True about Johnny Mayer. John, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti have brought an energy to the band that was missing from the previous versions since Jerry. Go see em. Won’t be disappointed
MAGA4LIFE
September 7, 2021 at 6:22 pmHe hasn’t listened to John Mayer and the Grateful Dead.
Mayer saved that band
Tim
September 7, 2021 at 5:11 pmAll bands steal from what came before them. Yes, even Zeppelin, The Beatles and The Stones….gasp. You can trace it all back to the Mississippi Delta and even farther. Everyone is derivative.
Eric Watson
September 7, 2021 at 4:32 pmJambands.com is using fake news headlines for click bait. The headline falsely implies Plant called every single older band universally “decrepit”.
Plant is only commenting how “most” people stay in a band even after the creative spark is gone. It can be any length of time, not just 50 years. In Plant’s comment the band isn’t decrepit, but the act of hanging on to the past “starts to look sadly decrepit”.
“ they stay in the band until it’s over — and it starts to look sadly decrepit. “
Actors know that TV shows don’t stat fresh forever and move on to different projects. Why can’t musicians also move on once their band jumps the shark?
The editor should correct the false headline.
Rando
September 7, 2021 at 4:45 pmJambands.com is not known for journalistic integrity
mb
September 7, 2021 at 9:25 pmYour comment is spot on. Headlines are click bait so they are intentionally controversial. Plant deserves credit for forging ahead over new horizons while most legacy artists simply follow the tried and true. They have that right but I admire artists like Plant and David Byrne. They are fearless!
David
September 7, 2021 at 3:36 pmRobert is projecting
Joe papa
September 7, 2021 at 3:26 pmThe music they play nowadays suks. I will Listen to LZ any day of the week compared to the black keys or imagine dragons these bands you can’t compare them . I DO BELIEVE OZZY NEEDS TO RETIRE.
HarleySCreame
September 7, 2021 at 3:10 pmPlant’s statement has a great deal of truth, but shows some lack of compassion and empathy. Of course it can be a sad spectacle to see a legacy band, in many cases missing multiple original members, recite its old favorites, perhaps with diminished musical abilities but even worse without enthusiasm or feeling. But few of these bands even at the pinnacle of their success made, and held on to, the kind of money Led Zeppelin made. I suspect many bands, especially second-tier acts, genuinely need the income. Even if money isn’t an issue, for many of these musicians, touring and playing in their bands is what they love and is central to their identity. Stopping because of age may be for some (not mentioning any Rolling Stones’ names) a kind of death. As for the audiences, as an older person, I do wish my peers would be more interested in newer music, but I can’t blame them for wanting to relive old times.
Ronald Young
September 7, 2021 at 3:06 pmRobert and band of joy or any other band he was associated with would not have achieved the success of LZ. LZ is what made his career and his fortune. And yes I have most of his other records. Sad he placate the generation that made him great.
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 3:51 pmUh, better ask Google what placate means…
Oldgrouch
September 7, 2021 at 2:45 pmRobert sounds like David Crosby, running his mouth without thinking. Back in the day Led Zep was one of my top five bands, but now I have no interest in hearing anything they play. At the same time, I keep finding stuff that I never listened to back then and now really appreciate. Sorry Robert, but you’re not part of it.
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 2:55 pmYou’re running your mouth without thinking. Led Zep broke up over 40 years go!!! Why are you bringing them up? You sound like you agree with Plant; he’s not interested in that band either. Or these old lame bands that tour with sometimes one original member! Have you listened to the 11 albums he’s made in the last 40 years?
Derek Smalls
September 7, 2021 at 2:42 pmIn other words, other bands are still capable of filling stadiums and arenas, and Robert Plant’s audiences are becoming more “selective.”
Charlie
September 7, 2021 at 2:18 pmI’ve loved LZ, but sadly both Plant and Page have been decrepit since the 1980s. I agree that most of the bands of the early years look and sometimes sound decrepit, but have we looked in the mirror lately? Some old bands still sound pretty good and some don’t, but fans are still filling up the seats so who am I to criticize?
bodhi heeren
September 7, 2021 at 2:04 pmRobert Plant has certainly kept the flame burning and kept pushing forward. And in many ways grown considerably as a vocalist. But no use dissing other bands and artists who have chosen another path.
tic
September 7, 2021 at 1:45 pmRobert Plant is a supreme douchebag. Fuck him. I wouldn’t go see him perform if he paid ME!!!! 🖕🏻 Robert Plant.
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 2:05 pmDon’t worry, he won’t pay you to see him. Why the anger? You know he’s right. It’s nothing but a joke when groups like Styx and REO or worst of all Kiss go and play to 70+ year old people who sit there like they’re watching it in their living room. Pathetic.
Dacvid
September 7, 2021 at 7:56 pmRobert Plant is an old fool and a joke…
Herbal Dave
September 7, 2021 at 1:31 pmDid Robert Plant just call The Rolling Stones decrepit? Better watch it Bob or next time you cross paths with Keef, he’ll squeeze your lemons until they turn purple and leave a skull ring impression in your forehead!
Jaggerrich
September 8, 2021 at 8:34 amLOVE IT! Well said Herbal. Keef Riff-Hard’s skull-ring etched into Plant’s forehead. I love it!
Scott
September 7, 2021 at 1:06 pmA lot of the so-called legacy bands that Robert Plant dismisses exhibit, night after night, a great deal more creativity than he does in trying to recreate the sound for which he is known. They are not only comfortable in their own shoes, but they often invite members of the bands with whom they are sharing the stage to join them, cross-pollinating each other’s material if not playing a cover song for which none are well-known. These usually are not arena bands, though there are exceptions.
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 1:28 pm??? Have you listened to ANY of Plant’s music after L Z? It’s all over the place! He’s talking about bands playing the same old stuff-slower and with worse vocals than you can imagine. They should retire all ready; it’s embarrassing to a musician still trying, which Plant is.
ROGER JOHNSON
September 10, 2021 at 9:47 amYou must not have listened to a lot of Zep. Too bad for you and your crappy, ill- informed attitude. Fortunately most of us enjoyed the band for what it was and still enjoy the music. Learn something about musical influences and who “stole” what from whom in the blues and rock fields. Just remember that Rolling Stone hated the first two Zep albums and once again demonstrated their arrogant, elitist editorial attitude. Now go back to listening to Frank Moreno and Mahogany Rush. Thanks.
Gerard Kinzelmann
September 10, 2021 at 9:43 pmHey Roger, you must not have listened to a lot of Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush. Give him another listen. Also check out Journey’s first 3 albums before Steve Perry joined. You will swear its not the same band.
Uh, yeah....no
September 7, 2021 at 12:44 pmLove Robert Plant. These comments from him do not resonate with me at all.
Mike Byrd
September 7, 2021 at 12:37 pmRobert plant is a decrepit old man who was in a band that stole their music from others without ever giving them the credit. I wouldn’t pay a dime to see him and I sure will never listen to any of his music
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 1:22 pmNo one care what you won’t listen to! You sound like you know very little about L Z. Yes they stole some blues songs-disgraceful. Overall their music was great, though. Go listen to Stxy or REO.
gene
September 7, 2021 at 4:11 pmgo tear down a monument somewhere.with your your brave mask on..
Neal
September 8, 2021 at 11:55 amLol great comment. And burn a few stores while your at it too
Your Momma
September 7, 2021 at 9:10 pmI’m sure that they would be crushed to learn of your opinion.
Ash Adams
September 7, 2021 at 10:22 pmDo you like Clapton ?? Now there is a guy who STOLE a ton of music and took ALL the credit !!
Don't be a dick
September 7, 2021 at 12:31 pmAin’t no time to hate. You do your stuff, let others do their stuff. Casting shade on others is always a bad look.
me
September 7, 2021 at 11:39 amWhat’s sad is watching all of these superstars turn into crabby old men. Robert, as far as I can tell, you still try singing songs that your voice has no range for, you play (with maybe one or two exceptions) the same set night after night and I’m sure the list could go on. While I realize interviewers can sometimes stir the pot with loaded questions, it would be nice to see artists who all thrive on creating their work in their way be left to do what they want… in the end, it’s the dollar that will dictate how far the artist can go. Was I disappointed by Ozzy and DLR vocals when I paid to see Sabbath and VH? Nope… because it was already clear to me their voices were gone when I ponied up the money. I still had a great time at those shows, even if I did cringe a few times. Lift people up… this world needs positive vibes.
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 1:19 pmLift people up as you tear down Plant! He’s right; after 20, 30 years-retire! Especially if you can’t come up with any decent NEW material. Plant’s music has been all over the map! Have you ever listened?? Doubtful.
matt
September 7, 2021 at 1:33 pmyeah all fucking garbage since zep
Patrick J Logan
September 7, 2021 at 1:41 pmI’m betting you’ve never listened to any of his 11 albums. All kinds of different music. but it’s all “garbage”? Keep playing your Styx and Kiss records.
Kathleen Welin
September 7, 2021 at 5:22 pmI doubt you have heard Lullaby’s and the Ceaseless Roar if that’s your opinion. I hadn’t listened to any work done by Plant for decades. I stumbled upon Lullaby’s and the Ceaseless Roar and was totally blown away.
Barbara Garibaldi
September 7, 2021 at 9:08 pmI don’t believe much that I read online but some bands have gotten older and can’t perform like they used to. But not all older bands have lost it. Aerosmith has been around for ages, they are still great, they play great and Steven Tyler is amazing!
Ash
September 7, 2021 at 10:24 pmI lost any respect or interest in Aerosmith when Tyler started doing Gap commercials ! I mean seriously !!
Bill
September 8, 2021 at 9:44 amI’d say Rush is the most (only?) notable exception! Period.
me
September 7, 2021 at 3:52 pmYes, I’ve not only listened but I’ve attended live shows, from the semi-Zep reunion type shows to Kraus/Plant shows… as for tearing him down, I was trying to make a point… there is no need to do it and I never would unless it was to make that SPECIFIC point. Artists are artists and should be able to paint their canvas however they choose w/o some idiot reviewer saying what they should/shouldn’t do. For christ’s sake, isn’t that how Zeppelin began and got their name? What business is it of anyone if any old-timers want to continue to rehash their music. Not everyone was there in the day to see it. I just went to see Dead & Co with my 18 y/o daughter and her boyfriend. I’m sure they’d loved to have been at the Pyramids in the 70’s but it wasn’t to be. And though it was slow, they got to see 3 of the original members of the Grateful Dead (yea, I know Mickey started later but you get my point). I got to see Iron Butterfly in the early 90s… I was born in 65, so I couldn’t see them in their heyday but I’m psyched I got to hear In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida… totally psyched they chose to continue to tour. Art is art, let the fucking artist perform their art… don’t go if you don’t like it and stop bashing it. Should I say that at least half of Plants canon is worse than hearing a bar band cover Zeppelin? No… I shouldn’t, I should just be happy there is music to fill the air.
Neal
September 8, 2021 at 11:52 amIf you want to see did deads songs given amazing life , go see Joe Russo’s almost dead. No there are no members of the dead, but most of the band played with members of the dead. They give the music life and energy. Dead n co.are to slow ,just don’t this mayer is the right fit as good as he is Check jrad out on you tube you’ll love em take it easy!!
Steve Goldston
September 7, 2021 at 2:13 pmGreat comment ME
Todd Sanders
September 13, 2021 at 12:51 pmI love this response! Truth!