Led Zeppelin’s influence on rock continues to this day, as proven by the influence they had on a diverse range of modern rock bands.
Their innovative approach to composition and live performances impacted many of the bands that followed them, ushering in a new era of rock music.
Led Zeppelin’s brand of rock music included elements of blues, folk, classical, and jazz.
To create a distinct sound, they used distortion, guitars, and sound effects. Their music still sounds relevant and fresh today.
They continue to have an impact on contemporary music, as proven by the fact that numerous artists credit Led Zeppelin as an inspiration for their musical style.
However, their history includes several flops. One of the most noticeable flaws in their catalog is ‘Sick Again‘ from Physical Graffiti, which was released in 1975.
Robert Plant, the band’s frontman, is reported to have composed the song as a way to convey his sympathy for the group of young females he dubbed the “L.A. Queens,” who routinely swarmed to the band’s hotel rooms to solicit “favors.”
Despite his seemingly decent intentions, the lyrics are exceedingly weird and have not held up well over time.
Robert Plant has also clarified his lyrics. In a 1975 interview with Cameron Crowe for Rolling Stone, he said, “If you listen to ‘Sick Again’, a track from Physical Graffiti, the words show I feel a bit sorry for [the girls].”Clutching pages from your youthful dream in the foyer of the Hotel Paradise/Through the carnival of Los Angeles.
Queen, how quickly you master the downhill slope. She’s 12 one minute, then 13, and out of control the next. Such a shame. They no longer have the same style as in 1968.
The lyrics to the song also expressed things that have aged horribly. “From the glass of a rented limousine, I spotted your gorgeous blue eyes. One day, you’ll be sixteen. You said you dug me since you were thirteen, then you giggle and sigh.”
Regardless of the singer’s intentions, “Sick Again” serves as a reminder of the darker side of classic rock, with Plant’s final groans.
It’s awful to think about an adult male waiting for a small girl to reach consenting age. If someone released the song today, they would certainly cancel Led Zeppelin.
