If it’s true that the best art provokes strong emotions in viewers, then Led Zeppelin sets the standard for contemporary music. The band’s detractors brandish insults like “overblown,” “inflated,” and “the musical equivalent of Warhammer.” The people who adore them assert that John Bonham, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant are the best four-piece talent combinations ever formed. They believe that somehow, they have outperformed the sum of their talents.
In all honesty, within the chaos of their sound lie aspects of both extremes, regardless of your personal feelings towards them. Even frontman Robert Plant acknowledges that despite all the amazing details that overcome the “pompous” distractions. Such as the Fellowship defeating the Goblins of Moria. There are moments when things veer dangerously close to the guileless fantasy of a high-class incel. With a neckbeard dusted with Cheeto dust.
“It doesn’t sound like The Who from those early heavy metal years,” said Pete Townshend. One of The Who’s furious protests against their brand. With Live at Leeds (1970), [our first live album], we kind of invented heavy metal. Many bands have imitated us, most notably Led Zeppelin, renowned for their heavy lead guitar, bass, and drums.
“I don’t like a single thing that they have done, and I hate the fact that I’m ever even slightly compared to them,” the guitarist angrily declared in closing. I’ve simply never been fond of them.
“It’s a real problem to me because as people, I think they are great guys,” he said humorously. simply didn’t enjoy the band.
Even though that sounds harsh, it appears that on one specific song, Plant finds himself oddly in agreement. Indeed, Plant despises “Stairway to Heaven“—the song that, according to Jimmy Page, encapsulates the “essence” of the band. Plant was ahead of the curve in criticizing the anthem that many believe to be the band’s opus. Guitar stores now prohibit the riff, considering it forbidden.
“No one can blame you for that because it was so pompous,” Plant said to Q in 1988, acknowledging that he understood the criticisms. Upon the song’s release, he discussed the lyrics in an ethereal way. He said, “I still interpret the song differently depending on the day, even though I wrote the lyrics.” However, over time, he would add, “Lyrically, now, I can’t relate to it, because it was so long ago.” I would never again intend to write in such an abstract manner.
This is the primary reason for his dissatisfaction with the track. In 2018, he made his feelings clear, noting: “It’s a product of its time. If I had taken part in creating the music, I might have viewed it as a brilliant musical work with a distinct identity and personality. It even accelerates in a way that echoes certain sophisticated compositions.” This aspect has kept Page appreciative of the song—it mirrors the classical music influences he aimed to incorporate more accurately than any other Led Zeppelin track.
However, as Plant pointed out, “That’s not entirely in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. My role was to craft lyrics and deliver a vocal performance about destiny and uniquely British, somewhat abstract thoughts from the perspective of a 23-year-old. It resonated during an era dominated by young men of a similar age.”
Despite appearing to respect the song, an incident suggests Plant’s aversion might be more intense. In a notable act of self-criticism in 2002, Plant donated $10,000 to a radio station with the stipulation that they cease playing the song altogether.
Plant recounted to NPR in 2002 how he became a significant supporter of KBOO after being captivated by its unique programming blend of melancholic doo-wop music outtakes and a distinctively dry DJ. Moved by a fundraising plea during which the station vowed to stop playing “Stairway to Heaven” in exchange for donations, Plant immediately contributed, becoming one of their most substantial donors.
Despite Plant’s substantial donation to halt its airplay, “Stairway to Heaven” has proven to be an enormous financial success for the band, selling over one million copies without ever being released as a single. Additionally, it remains their top-streamed song on Spotify, nearing one billion plays. Although Plant might consider the song’s grandeur excessive, it’s likely he can’t help but feel a sense of pride, possibly even humming the tune as he enjoys a breezy day on a Bahamian beach, nodding in tribute to Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist.
