Robert Plant Reflects on Life After Led Zeppelin and 1977 Tragedy
Robert Plant has opened up about the death of his five-year-old son, Karac, in 1977, remarking that he “didn’t need” Led Zeppelin following the tragedy. Karac passed away from a stomach virus while Plant was on tour in America.
While the iconic rock band ultimately dissolved three years later in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham, Plant seriously considered leaving the group much earlier when he lost his son. Karac was the second oldest of Plant’s four children, preceded by his eldest daughter Carmen and followed by younger sons Logan and Jesse.
Navigating Grief and Touring in 1977
In an interview with The Times, Plant recalled how the loss changed his perspective on the band, even though he initially persisted through the pain in 1977. “Well, there was no map, no instructions to Led Zeppelin, and we just carried on,” Plant recalled.
However, he admitted that his relationship with the band had fundamentally shifted. “I didn’t need the group after losing my boy. These musical romances are great when everything is great,” Plant explained.
He detailed the reality of life on the road during difficult times, noting, “When things go left of centre, who wants to sit backstage for hours and hours with people you’ve been stuck with since 1968? You’re not playing cards, you’re not going to the movies, you’re just waiting. I was always looking to get away.”
Quiet Life in Worcestershire and Leaving Zeppelin Behind
Today, Plant lives a grounded life in the Worcestershire village of Shatterford, far removed from the pressures of global rock superstardom. “Tuesday night is bingo night,” he shared happily.
The singer noted that local fame barely touches him in his village. “I’ve been a quasi big shot for so long that in Worcestershire nobody gives a fuck. The most they say is: ‘All right, Bob? Still doing a bit?’ ‘Well, I won five Grammys with Alison Krauss…’ ‘What’s a Grammy?'”
Aside from a one-off reunion at the 2007 Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert at London’s O2 Arena, Plant remains content to leave Led Zeppelin in the past. “That was always my plan,” he revealed.
Plant’s musical journey continues away from the classic rock machine. He is currently touring the United States with his folk Americana band, Saving Grace, following the release of their latest EP, Saving Grace: All That Glitters, which dropped this October.
Related reading: How Greta Gerwig Finally Persuaded Led Zeppelin to License ‘Stairway to Heaven’, Lionel Richie Cancels Shows After Undergoing Heart Procedure, Rod Stewart Schedules 2027 Tour Dates After Heart Procedure
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