Rock and roll is often fraught with conflict rather than joyous artistic expression.
This was especially true during the vibrant rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s, where competition ran high among various artists.
Even legendary bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who were not immune to rivalry, with members Pete Townshend and Robert Plant frequently exchanging jabs.
The Who, established in 1964, emerged from the modernist subculture, aiming to create an angsty voice for youth in popular music.
They became a defining force of the swinging ’60s before transitioning to more ambitious rock operas in their later works.
Conversely, Led Zeppelin formed from the remnants of The Yardbirds, with Jimmy Page assembling a stellar lineup to bring his hard rock vision to life.
Interestingly, it was The Who’s iconic drummer, Keith Moon, who initially suggested the name “Led Zeppelin” during a rehearsal.
Despite their shared history, animosity exists between the two bands, particularly from The Who’s Pete Townshend.
He has claimed in interviews that The Who were pivotal in shaping the sound that later defined heavy metal, stating, “We sort of invented heavy metal with Live at Leeds,” attributing the heavy drums, bass, and lead guitar sound to Led Zeppelin’s influence.
Townshend’s bitterness is evident when he expresses his dislike for Zeppelin.
“I don’t like a single thing that they have done,” he stated, showing resentment toward any comparisons between the two bands.
On the flip side, Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin’s charismatic frontman, has his own grievances regarding The Who.
His discontent primarily revolves around their numerous reunion tours, which he found “dull, obvious, and sad.”
He expressed confusion over The Who continuing without Moon, stating, “I don’t want to be a part of that aspect of entertainment. I’ve played Vegas already.”
Even now, as both bands enjoy legendary status in British rock, the tensions between them linger.
It’s intriguing that their disputes remain largely focused on each other’s music rather than personal conflicts.
As both Townshend and Plant approach their 80s, it remains uncertain whether they will ever reconcile their differences.
