History of Robert Plant in Timeline

Robert Plant is a renowned English singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence contributed significantly to the band's massive success. After Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Plant embarked on a successful solo career, exploring various musical styles and collaborating with artists like Alison Krauss. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time.

August 1948: Robert Plant is Born

Robert Anthony Plant was born in August 1948 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.

1967: Moby Grape Debut

Moby Grape released their self-titled debut album in 1967, which Robert Plant, an admirer of the band, would have been familiar with.

1967: Plant Works Construction and Retail

While pursuing his music career, Plant worked for Wimpey construction and Woolworth's retail in 1967.

November 1968: Marriage to Maureen Wilson

In November 1968, Robert Plant married Maureen Wilson.

1968: Led Zeppelin Forms

After a brief stint as The New Yardbirds, the band solidified their lineup as Led Zeppelin in 1968 with Robert Plant as lead singer.

1968: Plant Joins The Yardbirds

In 1968, Plant was invited by Jimmy Page and Peter Grant to join The Yardbirds.

1968: Plant and Page's First Meeting

Jimmy Page, seeking a lead singer for his new band, met Robert Plant in 1968 after being referred to one of Plant's performances.

1969: Led Zeppelin's Debut Album

Led Zeppelin's self-titled debut album was released in 1969.

1969: Plant Begins Songwriting with Led Zeppelin

Plant's songwriting contributions to Led Zeppelin began during the making of their second album in 1969.

1969: Oar Released

Skip Spence, co-founder of Moby Grape, released his only solo album, "Oar", in 1969.

1970: "Stairway to Heaven" Lyrics Written

Robert Plant penned the lyrics to "Stairway to Heaven" in 1970 during the song's recording at Headley Grange.

1972: Birth of Son, Karac Pendragon

Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson welcomed their son, Karac Pendragon, in 1972.

1973: Plant's Welsh Influence

Plant's fascination with Welsh culture deepened in 1973 when he bought a sheep farm in Wales, immersing himself in the region's mythology and language.

1975: Plant Injured in Car Crash

Robert Plant and his wife were seriously injured in a car crash in Rhodes, Greece, in 1975, impacting the production of Led Zeppelin's album "Presence."

July 1977: Plant's Son Karac Dies

Tragedy struck in July 1977 when Plant's son, Karac, died at the age of five.

1977: Death of Son, Karac Pendragon

Tragically, in 1977, Robert Plant's five-year-old son, Karac Pendragon, passed away from a stomach illness.

1979: Birth of Son, Logan Romero

Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson's son, Logan Romero, was born in 1979.

December 1980: Led Zeppelin Disbands

Following the death of drummer John Bonham, Led Zeppelin disbanded in December 1980.

1980: Plant's Solo Career Begins

After Led Zeppelin's dissolution in 1980, Plant embarked on a successful solo career.

1980: Led Zeppelin Disbands

Following the death of drummer John Bonham, Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980.

1982: "Pictures at Eleven" Released

Plant released his debut solo album, "Pictures at Eleven," in 1982, achieving top-ten chart success.

August 1983: Divorce from Maureen Wilson

Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson divorced in August 1983.

1983: "The Principle of Moments" Released

Plant released his second solo album, "The Principle of Moments," in 1983, also reaching the top ten on the charts.

1984: The Honeydrippers Form

Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck formed the short-lived supergroup The Honeydrippers in 1984, achieving success with their EP "The Honeydrippers: Volume One".

July 1985: Live Aid Performance with Led Zeppelin

In July 1985, Robert Plant reunited with Led Zeppelin for a performance at Live Aid, joined by Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums.

1985: Shaken 'n' Stirred Released

Robert Plant released his third solo album, "Shaken 'n' Stirred", in 1985.

1986: Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert

Robert Plant performed at the Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert alongside other notable musicians from the Midlands region in 1986.

May 1988: Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Concert

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page reunited as Led Zeppelin for a performance at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert on May 15, 1988.

May 1988: Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Performance with Led Zeppelin

Robert Plant performed with Led Zeppelin at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary event in May 1988, where Jason Bonham, son of John Bonham, played the drums.

1988: "Now and Zen" Achieves Platinum Success

Plant's solo album "Now and Zen" (1988) achieved 3x Platinum certification, becoming his best-selling solo release.

1988: Collaboration with Phil Johnstone Begins

Robert Plant began a songwriting partnership with keyboardist and songwriter Phil Johnstone, resulting in the album "Now and Zen".

1988: Now and Zen Released

Robert Plant released his fourth solo album, "Now and Zen", in 1988.

1990: Silver Clef Award Winners Concert with Jimmy Page

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page performed together at the 1990 Silver Clef Award Winners Concert in Knebworth, with part of their performance released on a live album and video.

1990: Manic Nirvana Released

Robert Plant and Phil Johnstone released their second collaborative album, "Manic Nirvana", in 1990.

1990: Knebworth Silver Clef Award

Robert Plant was honored with the Knebworth Silver Clef Award in 1990.

1991: Birth of Son, Jesse Lee

Robert Plant and Shirley Wilson, his ex-wife's sister, had a son, Jesse Lee, in 1991.

1992: The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

Robert Plant shared the stage with Queen at Wembley Stadium for "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert" in 1992, supporting AIDS awareness.

1993: Relationship with Najma Akhtar

Robert Plant began dating British singer Najma Akhtar in 1993.

1993: Fate of Nations and Glastonbury Performance

Robert Plant released "Fate of Nations", his third album with Phil Johnstone, in 1993, and delivered a well-received performance at the Glastonbury Festival the same year.

1993: Fate of Nations Released

Robert Plant released his fifth solo album, "Fate of Nations", in 1993.

1994: Plant Expresses Childhood Elvis Inspiration

During a 1994 interview on the "Denton" talk show, Plant shared his childhood aspiration to emulate Elvis Presley.

1994: "Unledded" Tour Reflection

During his "Unledded" tour with Jimmy Page in 1994, Robert Plant reflected humorously on his theatrical stage presence during his time with Led Zeppelin.

1994: Page and Plant Reunite

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant officially reunited as a musical duo, releasing the album "No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded" in 1994.

1994: Page and Plant Explore Welsh Influences

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant revisited their shared interest in Welsh influences on their 1994 reunion album, "No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded."

1995: Page and Plant Tour

Following the release of "No Quarter", Page and Plant embarked on a highly successful tour in 1995, including a performance at the Glastonbury Festival.

1995: Led Zeppelin's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and Robert Plant performed a medley of blues songs with other members and guests, including Neil Young.

1995: Led Zeppelin Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Led Zeppelin, including Robert Plant, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

1995: End of Relationship with Najma Akhtar

Robert Plant's relationship with Najma Akhtar ended in 1995.

1998: Walking into Clarksdale Released

Page and Plant released their only album of original material since Led Zeppelin, "Walking into Clarksdale", in 1998.

1998: Page and Plant Partnership Ends

Page and Plant's musical partnership came to an end in 1998.

1998: Page and Plant Win Grammy Award

The reunion project Page and Plant won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for their song "Most High" in 1998.

1999: Tribute to Skip Spence

Robert Plant contributed to the tribute album "More Oar: A Tribute to the Skip Spence Album" in 1999, honoring the terminally ill musician.

1999: Priory of Brion Formation

Robert Plant formed the folk-rock band Priory of Brion in mid-1999, performing at small venues until the end of 2000.

2000: Priory of Brion Tours Europe

Priory of Brion toured extensively across Europe, playing around one hundred concerts in small clubs and festivals in 2000.

2001: Final Collaboration with Page

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page reunited briefly in the summer of 2001 to record a cover of "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It" for a Sun Records tribute album and to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival, marking their last collaboration outside of Led Zeppelin.

2001: Collaboration with Afro Celt Sound System

Robert Plant collaborated with Afro Celt Sound System on their album "Volume 3: Further in Time", featuring a duet with Welsh folksinger Julie Murphy on the song "Life Begin Again" in 2001.

2002: Welsh Influences on "Dreamland"

Plant's 2002 solo album, "Dreamland," notably showcased his enduring fascination with Welsh mythology and music.

2002: Dreamland Released

Robert Plant, with his newly formed band Strange Sensation, released "Dreamland", an album of blues and folk covers, in 2002.

2003: Grammy Nominations

Robert Plant received two Grammy nominations for his work on "Dreamland" in 2003.

2003: Performance at Festival au Desert

Robert Plant, alongside Justin Adams of Strange Sensation, performed at the Festival au Desert in Essakane, Mali in 2003.

September 2004: Contribution to Owain Glyndŵr Statue

In September 2004, a bronze statue of Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr was unveiled at Pennal Church, financed in part by a donation from Robert Plant, reflecting his interest in Welsh history.

September 2005: Soundstage Performance with Strange Sensation

Robert Plant and his band Strange Sensation performed at the Soundstage studios in Chicago on September 16, 2005.

2005: Mighty ReArranger Released

Robert Plant and Strange Sensation released their second album, "Mighty ReArranger", featuring original songs, in 2005.

2005: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as members of Led Zeppelin in 2005.

June 2006: Benefit Concert for Arthur Lee

Robert Plant headlined a benefit concert for Arthur Lee at New York's Beacon Theatre in June 2006, performing a mix of Arthur Lee & Love and Led Zeppelin songs.

October 2006: Release of "Soundstage: Robert Plant and Strange Sensation" DVD

A DVD of Robert Plant and Strange Sensation's Soundstage performance, filmed in Chicago the previous year, was released in October 2006.

November 2006: Release of "Nine Lives" Box Set

Robert Plant released "Nine Lives", an expansive box set of his solo work, in November 2006, featuring re-released albums with additional B-sides, demos, and live cuts.

2006: Named "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time"

Hit Parader magazine named Robert Plant the "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time" in 2006.

2006: Ranked No. 1 on Hit Parader's "100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time"

Hit Parader magazine recognized Robert Plant as the No. 1 vocalist on their "100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time" list in 2006.

2006: Grammy Nominations

Robert Plant received two Grammy nominations for "Mighty ReArranger" in 2006.

2006: Polar Music Prize

Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones were awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2006.

October 2007: Release of "Raising Sand" with Alison Krauss

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss released their collaborative album "Raising Sand" on October 23, 2007.

December 2007: Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert with Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin, including Robert Plant, reunited for a full two-hour set at the Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert in December 2007, with Jason Bonham on drums.

2007: Collaboration with Alison Krauss Begins

Plant began a successful collaboration with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss in 2007.

2007: Included in Q Magazine Lists

Q magazine included Robert Plant in their "Artists of the Century" list and ranked him No. 8 on their "100 Greatest Singers" list in 2007.

2007: "Please Read the Letter" Re-recorded

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss re-recorded the song "Please Read the Letter", originally from "Walking into Clarksdale", for their 2007 album, which won a Grammy Award.

2007: Contribution to Fats Domino Tribute Album

Robert Plant contributed two tracks to the Fats Domino tribute album "Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino" in 2007.

January 2008: Declining Led Zeppelin Tour Offer

Despite a lucrative offer of $200 million for a Led Zeppelin tour, Robert Plant publicly declined in January 2008, expressing his disinterest in a reunion tour.

February 2008: Grammy Win for "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)"

"Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)", a track from "Raising Sand", won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in February 2008.

March 2008: "Raising Sand" Certified Platinum

"Raising Sand" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss was certified platinum in March 2008.

April 2008: Tour with Alison Krauss and Bluegrass Performances

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss embarked on a tour in April 2008, performing music from "Raising Sand" and other roots music. Plant also made appearances at bluegrass festivals.

July 2008: "Raising Sand" Nominated for Mercury Prize

"Raising Sand" was nominated for the Mercury Prize in July 2008.

2008: Ranked No. 15 on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time"

Rolling Stone magazine placed Robert Plant at No. 15 on their prestigious "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" list in 2008.

2008: Plant Ranked Among 100 Greatest Singers

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Robert Plant among the 100 greatest singers of all time in 2008.

February 2009: "Raising Sand" Wins Five Grammy Awards

"Raising Sand" won five Grammy Awards in February 2009, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

April 2009: Performance at World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival

Robert Plant, Justin Adams, and Juldeh Camara performed at the World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival in Abu Dhabi in April 2009.

July 2009: Appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Robert Plant was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to music in July 2009.

August 2009: Vice-President of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

Robert Plant was appointed as the vice-president of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club in August 2009.

2009: "Raising Sand" Wins Album of the Year Grammy

"Raising Sand," Plant's collaborative album with Alison Krauss, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2009.

2009: Voted "the greatest voice in rock"

In 2009, a Planet Rock radio station poll voted Robert Plant as "the greatest voice in rock."

2009: Voted "Greatest Voice in Rock" and Received Q Awards

Robert Plant was voted the "greatest voice in rock" in a Planet Rock poll and received the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at the Q Awards in 2009.

July 2010: Formation of Band of Joy and US Tour

Robert Plant formed a new band called Band of Joy and embarked on a US tour in July 2010.

August 2010: Interview with Express & Star

Robert Plant gave an interview to the Express & Star in August 2010, reminiscing about his lifelong connection with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.

September 2010: Named One of NPR's "50 Great Voices"

In September 2010, Robert Plant was recognized as one of the "50 Great Voices" globally by National Public Radio (NPR).

September 2010: Performance at Bowery Ballroom

Robert Plant and Band of Joy played a one-off show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City in September 2010.

September 2010: Release of "Band of Joy" Album

The self-titled album "Band of Joy" was released on September 13, 2010.

2010: "Robert Plant: By Myself" Documentary Release

BBC Two aired a documentary titled "Robert Plant: By Myself" in 2010, featuring Robert Plant reflecting on his career with Led Zeppelin and his solo projects.

2010: Band of Joy Revived

Plant revived his early band, Band of Joy, in 2010.

August 2011: Final Performance with Band of Joy

Robert Plant and Band of Joy played their final scheduled show together at the Big Chill Festival in Herefordshire, England on August 7, 2011.

September 2011: Performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Robert Plant and Band of Joy performed at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on September 30, 2011.

September 2011: Performance with Crown Vic at El Cosmic Trans-Pecos Festival

Robert Plant performed with a band called Crown Vic at the El Cosmic Trans-Pecos Festival in Marfa, TX in September 2011.

October 2011: Duet with Alfie Boe on "Song to the Siren"

Robert Plant duetted with Alfie Boe on a rendition of "Song to the Siren" for Boe's album "Alfie", released in October 2011.

2011: European and North American Tours with Band of Joy

Robert Plant and Band of Joy toured Europe in Autumn 2010 and North America in 2011.

2011: Voted Greatest Lead Singer

Robert Plant was voted the greatest lead singer in a 2011 readers' poll.

2011: "Band of Joy" Receives Grammy Nominations

The album "Band of Joy" and Plant's performance of "Silver Rider" on the album received Grammy nominations in 2011.

May 2012: Debut of Sensational Space Shifters

Robert Plant's new band, the Sensational Space Shifters, debuted at an intimate gig in Gloucester, England in May 2012.

July 2012: Relationship with Patty Griffin

Robert Plant revealed his relationship with American singer Patty Griffin in July 2012, stating they were residing in Texas.

July 2012: Release of "Sensational Space Shifters (Live in London July '12)"

The Sensational Space Shifters released a live album recorded in London in July 2012.

August 2012: Performance at Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival

The Sensational Space Shifters performed at the Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi in August 2012.

2012: Sensational Space Shifters Formed

Plant formed a new band called the Sensational Space Shifters in 2012.

February 2013: Hinting at Possible Led Zeppelin Reunion

In February 2013, Robert Plant hinted at a possible Led Zeppelin reunion in 2014, suggesting it depended on Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

2013: Contribution to Bath Music Venue

In 2013, Robert Plant participated in a community effort to financially support and preserve the Bell Inn, a music venue in Bath.

June 2014: Glastonbury Extravaganza Performance

In June 2014, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, featuring a lineup of notable musicians, performed at the Glastonbury Extravaganza.

July 2014: Public Dispute Over Led Zeppelin Reunion

July 2014 saw a public disagreement between Robert Plant and Jimmy Page regarding a Led Zeppelin reunion, with Plant expressing a preference for acoustic collaborations instead.

August 2014: Breakup with Patty Griffin

Robert Plant and Patty Griffin ended their relationship in August 2014.

August 2014: North American Tour Announcement

Robert Plant announced a 7-date North American tour with the Sensational Space Shifters in August 2014, spanning from September to October.

October 2014: Release of "Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar"

Robert Plant's tenth solo album, "Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar," his first studio collaboration with the Sensational Space Shifters, was released in October 2014.

2014: Potential for Led Zeppelin Activity

Robert Plant suggested that any potential Led Zeppelin activities in 2014 were contingent on the decisions of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

2014: Conflicting Stances on a Led Zeppelin Reunion

While Jimmy Page expressed enthusiasm for another Led Zeppelin reunion show, Robert Plant countered that the possibility was "zero." Page then voiced frustration over Plant's reluctance to tour, highlighting his own eagerness to perform.

April 2015: Lead Belly at 125 Tribute Concert

In April 2015, Robert Plant headlined "Lead Belly at 125," a tribute concert for Lead Belly at the Kennedy Center, where he performed alongside Alison Krauss, Viktor Krauss, and Buddy Miller.

September 2015: New Album Hint at Hammerstein Ballroom

During a concert in September 2015 at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom, Plant hinted at future plans for recording a new album with the Sensational Space Shifters.

March 2016: Release of "Blanket of Night" and Refugee Support

Robert Plant's cover of "Blanket of Night" was featured on "The Long Road" compilation LP released in March 2016, raising awareness for refugees. He later joined the Lampedusa Concerts for Refugees tour in October, supporting education programs for refugees.

October 2017: Release of "Carry Fire"

In October 2017, Robert Plant released "Carry Fire," his eleventh solo album and his second one with the Sensational Space Shifters.

June 2018: John Blease Joins the Sensational Space Shifters

John Blease joined Robert Plant's band, the Sensational Space Shifters, replacing Dave Smith as the drummer in June 2018.

July 2018: Awarded the Silver Clef Integro Outstanding Award

Robert Plant was honored with the Silver Clef Integro Outstanding Award by the music charity Nordoff Robbins in July 2018.

2018: AMA Lifetime Achievement Award

Robert Plant was honored with the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Americana Honors & Awards in 2018.

February 2019: Formation of Saving Grace and Support Shows

Forming the acoustic band Saving Grace in 2019, Robert Plant performed support slots for Fairport Convention and Seth Lakeman in February of that year.

March 2019: Performance at LOVE ROCKS NYC

Robert Plant participated in the Third Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre in March 2019, sharing the stage with numerous renowned artists to support God's Love We Deliver.

June 2019: Secret Solstice Festival Performance

Robert Plant was the headlining act on the Sunday night of Iceland's Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavík in June 2019.

2019: Remastered "Fate of Nations" Release for Record Store Day

A remastered version of "Fate of Nations" was released through Plant's Es Paranza label for Record Store Day in 2019, with proceeds donated to Greenpeace.

2019: Plant and Krauss Reunite

Plant and Alison Krauss reunited for another collaborative project in 2019.

2019: Last Performance of Saving Grace before Hiatus

Prior to their July 2021 show in Worthing, Robert Plant's band Saving Grace had last performed in 2019 before going on a hiatus.

March 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Announcement and Cancellation

Saving Grace, Robert Plant's acoustic band, planned a US tour for May 2020, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Cancellation of Saving Grace US Tour

The US tour for Robert Plant's band Saving Grace, planned for May 2020, was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Donation for COVID-19 Medical Supplies

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Robert Plant made a financial contribution to support the production of medical scrubs for local hospitals in Kidderminster, England.

July 2021: First Post-Pandemic Show with Saving Grace

In July 2021, Robert Plant returned to the stage after the pandemic, performing in Worthing, England with his band Saving Grace, marking their first performance since 2019. Following this, they continued with their rescheduled UK tour.

2021: Release of "Raise the Roof" with Alison Krauss

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss released their second collaborative album, "Raise the Roof", in 2021, followed by a livestreamed performance from Nashville.