Robert Plant, The Golden God 70th Anniversary Special
The self-acclaimed Golden God, is one of Rock’s most influential singers and figures ever, with an enduring following that impacts multiple generations of music fans
Robert Plant, The Golden God 70th Anniversary Special
He’s the Golden God, one of Rock’s most influential singers and figures ever with an enduring following that impacts generations of music fans. Responsible for creating the “Rock God” archetype, with a powerful and high pitched vocal range that at times blew PA’s at live concerts, Robert Plant is an icon, an everlasting Rock Super Star that doesn’t misses his days fronting Led Zeppelin, breaking the hearts of millions of fans worldwide who wanted to see the surviving members of the legendary band together again on stage. He was born on August 20, 1948 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England and during the mid 1960’s began an active career in music, gaining a reputation in the London scene for his unique vocals. Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968, by Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham and Robert Plant. Nobody knew the impact the band would have in music and that would rule the 1970’s, also due to the compelling image developed by Robert Plant as the charismatic rock-and-roll front man, similar to his contemporaries that (who also influenced him) The Who singer Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Jim Morrison of the Doors. In 1969 Led Zeppelin released their self titled debut, “Led Zeppelin”, that included already instant classics such as “Communication Breakdown” and “Dazed and Confused”, and the same year they put together their second album, “Led Zeppelin II”, a record that established them as a promising Rock band for years to come. During the 1970’s, Led Zeppelin ruled record sales and sold out stadiums and arenas worldwide, paving the way for Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands, then a rising popular genre. Plant’s unique vocals and stage persona became a brand for Led Zeppelin, with his effeminate but at the same time masculine gestures, with his tight feminine clothes, the long golden curly hair, Plant influenced singers such as Freddie Mercury (who named Plant his biggest influence) and Axl Rose. After the death of John Bonham in 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded, and throughout the rest of the decade they only reunite once, in the now infamous and disastrous 1985 Live Aid performance with Phil Collins on drums. Plant also scored some solo hits including his Phil Phillips cover of “Sea Of Love” and a cover of Roy Brown’s “Rockin’ at Midnight”. He took the decision of never return to his role as Led Zeppelin lead singer, and without Plant, Led Zeppelin simply cannot exist, no matter how good Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are. In 2007 the band played together on one night only concert in London to commemorate the life of music executive Ahmet Ertegun. Musically curious, Plant never limited his vision to Rock or Hard Rock, he has explored new sounds, cultures and life styles, such as Mid Eastern music and American country music. In 2008, Rolling Stone editors ranked him number 15 on their list of the 100 best singers of all time, but in 2011 the readers ranked him as the greatest of all lead singers. Curiously, magazine Hit Parader named Plant No. 1 on their list of the 100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All-Time, a list which included Rob Halford of Judas Priest (#2), Steven Tyler (#3), Freddie Mercury (#6), Geddy Lee (#13) and Paul Stanley (#18), all of whom were influenced by Plant. Plant’s latest band, the Sensational Space Shifters, have been touring successfully since 2012 and released their latest studio album “Carry Fire” in 2017. The Rock icon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Led Zeppelin in 1975, today he turns 70 and we’ve compiled some articles to celebrate it.
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