After 12 years of being a part of the legendary Led Zeppelin, the band faced a tragic end with the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. With Led Zeppelin disbanded, lead singer Robert Plant reluctantly started his solo career. But this transition wasn’t easy for him, and he faced challenges that almost derailed his musical journey.
Struggling to Find His Way
Starting his solo career after the loss of his bandmate, Plant found himself in uncharted territory. He spoke openly about this challenging time, saying, “After John passed away and there was no Led Zeppelin, there had to be a way to go.” He admitted to feeling lost, having been part of a wild musical adventure until then.
To find his footing, Plant teamed up with other musicians like Phil Collins. Their collaborations provided Plant with support and creative inspiration, helping him shape his solo path. He emphasized the personal aspect of working with others, stating, “It’s a very intimate thing to do. It’s hard for anybody to expose themselves musically.”
A Surprising Misstep
Despite early success with Collins, Plant faced a setback with his third solo album, “Shaken ‘n’ Stirred.” One of the album’s songs, ‘Too Loud,’ didn’t resonate well with audiences. Plant had been influenced by Talking Heads, and the song reflected this new wave of inspiration. Unfortunately, the song’s strange style didn’t connect with his rock-loving fans.
A Humorous Attempt
Plant later admitted that ‘Too Loud’ was intended to be funny, but audiences didn’t see it that way. He recalled, “It’s a funny song, it’s supposed to be funny.” Yet, the response was far from laughter, with listeners criticizing the song on radio stations. Plant’s love for Talking Heads led him astray, veering too much into unfamiliar musical territories.
Despite the setback, Plant’s career wasn’t ruined. He managed to recover with his album “Now and Zen” in 1988, which showcased a sound closer to Led Zeppelin’s classic style. The experience taught him the importance of staying true to his musical roots while exploring new avenues.