Career Timeline of Robert Plant: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Robert Plant, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Robert Plant is an English singer and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. From 1968 to 1980, he fronted the band, contributing to their immense success. Following Led Zeppelin's breakup, Plant embarked on a successful solo career, collaborating with artists like Alison Krauss. He is celebrated as one of rock's greatest vocalists, recognized for his dynamic stage presence, powerful voice, and flamboyant style.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1968: Meeting Jimmy Page

In 1968, Jimmy Page met Robert Plant and was impressed by his singing of "Somebody to Love", leading to Plant joining Page's new band.

Loading Video...

1968: Led Zeppelin Founding

In 1968, Robert Plant became the lead singer of the rock band Led Zeppelin, marking a significant point in his career.

1968: Joining The Yardbirds and Formation of Led Zeppelin

In 1968, Robert Plant was invited to join the Yardbirds by Peter Grant and Jimmy Page. The band then changed its name to Led Zeppelin.

1968: Formation of the New Yardbirds/Led Zeppelin

In 1968, the band initially dubbed the "New Yardbirds" was formed and soon came to be known as Led Zeppelin, starting their journey.

1969: Beginning of Songwriting with Led Zeppelin

Robert Plant began writing song lyrics with Led Zeppelin during the making of Led Zeppelin II in 1969, marking the start of his lyrical contributions.

1970: Writing Lyrics for Stairway to Heaven

In 1970, most of the lyrics of "Stairway to Heaven" from Led Zeppelin IV were written spontaneously by Robert Plant at Headley Grange during the recording of the track.

December 1980: Consideration of Abandoning Music

In December 1980, after Led Zeppelin disbanded, Robert Plant considered abandoning music to become a teacher, but embarked on a successful solo career instead.

1980: Led Zeppelin Dissolution

After Led Zeppelin dissolved in 1980, Robert Plant continued to perform and record on solo and group projects.

1980: Post Led Zeppelin Collaboration with Jimmy Page

Although Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Robert Plant occasionally collaborated with Jimmy Page on various projects through this period.

1984: Formation of The Honeydrippers

In 1984, Robert Plant collaborated with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck to form the short-lived group the Honeydrippers, who had a hit with "Sea of Love".

Loading Video...

July 1985: Live Aid Performance

On 13 July 1985, Robert Plant performed with surviving members of Led Zeppelin for Live Aid, with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums. Plant was unhappy with the performance.

May 1988: Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Performance

On 15 May 1988, Robert Plant performed with surviving members of Led Zeppelin for Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary, with Jason Bonham on drums. Plant was unhappy with the performance.

1988: Co-writing "Now and Zen"

In 1988, Robert Plant co-wrote the solo album Now and Zen with keyboardist/songwriter Phil Johnstone.

1990: Co-writing "Manic Nirvana"

In 1990, Robert Plant co-wrote the solo album Manic Nirvana with keyboardist/songwriter Phil Johnstone.

1990: Silver Clef Award Winners Concert at Knebworth

In 1990, Robert Plant was joined by Jimmy Page at the Silver Clef Award Winners Concert at Knebworth. Some of their set was released on a live album and video.

1990: Knebworth Silver Clef Award

Robert Plant received the Knebworth Silver Clef Award in 1990.

1993: Co-writing "Fate of Nations" and Glastonbury Performance

In 1993, Robert Plant co-wrote the Fate of Nations album with Phil Johnstone and performed at Glastonbury Festival, featuring a mix of songs from the album and Led Zeppelin classics.

1994: Revisiting Influences in "No Quarter"

In 1994, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page revisited their musical influences during their reunion album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded.

1994: Reflection on Led Zeppelin Showmanship

In 1994, during his "Unledded" tour with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant reflected tongue-in-cheek upon his Led Zeppelin showmanship.

1995: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 1995, Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Robert Plant performed a medley of blues numbers and "When the Levee Breaks" with other musicians at the induction show.

1998: End of Page and Plant Performing Act

From 1994 through 1998, Page and Plant became a full-fledged performing act and in 1998, the performing act ended.

September 2004: Donation to Owain Glyndŵr Statue

In September 2004, Robert Plant donated money to the creation of a bronze statue of the Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr at Pennal Church in Wales.

December 2007: Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert

On 10 December 2007, Led Zeppelin performed a full two-hour set at the Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert, with Jason Bonham on drums.

2007: Collaboration with Alison Krauss and Release of "Raising Sand"

In 2007, Robert Plant began a collaboration with Alison Krauss, releasing the album Raising Sand.

2007: Re-recording "Please Read the Letter" with Alison Krauss

In 2007, Robert Plant re-recorded the song "Please Read the Letter" with Alison Krauss, featuring it on their album which later won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Loading Video...

January 2008: Plant's Statement on Touring

In a January 2008 interview, Robert Plant stated that he does not want to "tour like a bunch of bored old men following the Rolling Stones around," further opposing a full Led Zeppelin tour.

2010: Revival of Band of Joy

In 2010, Robert Plant revived the Band of Joy, which shared its name with an early band he performed with in the 1960s.

2012: Formation of The Sensational Space Shifters

In 2012, Robert Plant formed a new band called The Sensational Space Shifters, expanding his musical explorations.

February 2013: Hint at Led Zeppelin Reunion

In February 2013, Robert Plant hinted that he was open to a Led Zeppelin reunion in 2014, stating that he was "not the bad guy" regarding the band's dormancy.

2013: Contribution to The Bell Inn Buyout Scheme

In early 2013, Robert Plant contributed to a community buyout scheme to save the Bath music venue The Bell Inn.

July 2014: Plant's Response to Page's Frustration

On 30 July 2014, it was revealed that Robert Plant was "slightly disappointed and baffled" by Jimmy Page, during an ongoing Led Zeppelin dispute. Plant offered to write acoustically with Page.

2014: Possible Led Zeppelin Reunion

In 2014, Robert Plant suggested that he was open to a Led Zeppelin reunion.

2014: Page Expresses Frustration with Plant's Refusal to Play

In spring 2014, Jimmy Page expressed frustration with Robert Plant's refusal to play more concerts with Led Zeppelin, stating that Plant was "just playing games" and that he was "fed up with it."

July 2018: Silver Cleff Integro Outstanding Award

In July 2018, Robert Plant won the Silver Cleff Integro Outstanding Award, announced by music charity Nordoff Robbins.

February 2019: Formation of Saving Grace and Support Slots

In February 2019, Robert Plant formed a low-key acoustic band called Saving Grace and performed support slots for Fairport Convention and Seth Lakeman.

March 2019: LOVE ROCKS NYC Performance

In March 2019, Robert Plant performed at the Third Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC, a benefit concert for God's Love We Deliver in New York City. The event featured an all-star lineup and was hosted by notable figures.

April 2019: Recording of Saving Grace Album Begins

In April 2019, Robert Plant started recording his first studio record with Saving Grace between April 2019 and January 2025 in the Cotswolds and on the Welsh Borders.

2019: Reunion with Alison Krauss

In 2019, Robert Plant reunited with Alison Krauss, continuing their collaborative musical journey.

2019: Hiatus of Saving Grace

In 2019, Saving Grace went on hiatus until July 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2019: Fate of Nations Remastered Release

In 2019, a remastered version of Robert Plant's album "Fate of Nations" was released via his Es Paranza label as part of Record Store Day, with proceeds going to Greenpeace.

March 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Announcement

In March 2020, Saving Grace announced a US tour scheduled for May 2020. However, the tour was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Cancellation

In May 2020, Saving Grace's announced US tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Donation Towards COVID-19 Medical Supplies

In 2020, Robert Plant donated money towards frontline medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds supported a clothing manufacturer in Kidderminster, England, making scrubs for local hospitals.

July 2021: First Post-Pandemic Show with Saving Grace

On 19 July 2021, Robert Plant appeared onstage for his first post-pandemic show in Worthing, West Sussex, performing with his band Saving Grace for the first time since 2019. He subsequently toured the UK with Saving Grace for rescheduled shows.

January 2025: Recording of Saving Grace Album Ends

In January 2025, Robert Plant ended recording his first studio record with Saving Grace between April 2019 and January 2025 in the Cotswolds and on the Welsh Borders.

July 2025: Saving Grace Album and Summer Concerts Announcement

On 16 July 2025, the upcoming release of "Saving Grace" (credited "with Suzi Dian"), Plant's first studio record with his Saving Grace band mates, was announced for 26 September 2025. Summer concert dates in July 2025 in France and Spain, and a US autumn tour in late October and November 2025 were also announced.

September 2025: Release of Saving Grace Album

On 26 September 2025, Robert Plant's first studio record with his band Saving Grace, titled "Saving Grace (credited 'with Suzi Dian')", will be released via Nonesuch Records.

November 2025: US Autumn Tour

In late October and November 2025, Robert Plant will embark on a US Autumn tour with Saving Grace.

2025: Netflix Series Announcement

On 25 October 2025, Netflix officially confirmed a 4K Ultra HD 16-episode limited series directed and narrated by Robert Plant, titled "Robert Plant: Roots and Resonance", chronicling his journey from his beginnings to global stardom.

Loading Video...