Challenges in the Life of Robert Plant in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Robert Plant's life and career.

Robert Plant is an English singer and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. His career spans from 1968 to the present, including a successful solo career and collaborations with artists like Alison Krauss. Plant is celebrated for his powerful, wide-ranging voice, raw stage presence, and flamboyant persona, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest rock singers of all time.

Sections (5)

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

1975: Car Crash in Rhodes

In 1975, Robert Plant and his wife Maureen were seriously injured in a car crash in Rhodes, Greece, affecting the production of Led Zeppelin's seventh album "Presence" and leading to the cancellation of tour dates.

July 1977: Death of Son Karac

In July 1977, Robert Plant's son Karac died at the age of five while Plant was on tour with Led Zeppelin in the United States, leading Plant to retreat and question his future.

1977: Death of Son, Karac Pendragon

In 1977, during Led Zeppelin's US tour, Robert Plant's five-year-old son, Karac Pendragon, tragically died of a stomach illness, deeply impacting Plant's life in 1977.

July 1985: Led Zeppelin Reunion at Live Aid

On 13 July 1985, Robert Plant performed with living members of Led Zeppelin at Live Aid, with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums. This performance in July 1985 marked a reunion, albeit with mixed feelings from Plant.

May 1988: Led Zeppelin Reunion at Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary

On 15 May 1988, Plant performed with living members of Led Zeppelin for Atlantic Records' 40th Anniversary. Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham, played drums at this reunion in May 1988.

1998: Release of "Walking into Clarksdale"

In 1998, Page and Plant recorded their only post-Zeppelin album of original material with the album "Walking into Clarksdale", which led Plant to return to his solo career after a world tour due to its commercial failure.

December 2007: Led Zeppelin Reunion at 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. Following this event, Plant declined a $200 million offer to tour with Led Zeppelin in December 2007.

January 2008: Plant's Statement on Touring with Led Zeppelin

In a January 2008 interview, Robert Plant stated he did not want to "tour like a bunch of bored old men following the Rolling Stones around," expressing his reluctance towards a full Led Zeppelin tour in January 2008.

July 2014: Plant's Response to Page's Frustration over Led Zeppelin Reunion

On 30 July 2014, NME reported that Plant was "slightly disappointed and baffled" by Page's frustration over the delayed Led Zeppelin reunion plans. Plant offered Page to write acoustically with him, expressing interest in working together again in an unplugged way in July 2014.

2014: Disagreement on Led Zeppelin Reunion

In Spring 2014, Jimmy Page expressed his desire for another Led Zeppelin reunion show. Plant replied that "the chances of it happening [were] zero". Page then stated that he was "fed up" with Plant's refusal to play and that Plant was "just playing games" in 2014.

March 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Announcement and Cancellation

In March 2020, Saving Grace announced a US tour scheduled for May 2020. However, the tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a setback for Robert Plant's band in March 2020.