Arguably, being in a rock and roll band is one of the most difficult expressions of love and friendship. This applies to both current and former members of the band. It relates to persons in a one-on-one relationship since the extended time together and creative differences frequently produce significant friction. It also applies to those who aren’t, because time away on the road or in the studio can put a strain on any relationship. In this case, Robert Plant felt the burden on two fronts.
Led Zeppelin were no strangers to reaching new heights throughout their careers. Their playing style and individual brilliance, combined with flawless harmony, made it simple for fans to connect with the band. It meant they were a commercial success in terms of record sales. Their live performances were even more sought after, having played to some of the largest crowds in history.
In 1975, the band released Physical Graffiti. It was a complete success, featuring some of their most experimental tracks, receiving high praise from fans and critics, and selling well. The band intended to maintain the same enthusiasm when recording their follow-up album Presence, but tensions began to mount.
Before beginning the recording process, Robert Plant was involved in a serious vehicle accident with his wife and children while on holiday in Rhodes. Although not as severely as Plant and his wife, the situation harmed his children. Plant was in such severe shape that doctors weren’t sure he’d be able to walk again. He spent the majority of the time recording Presence in a wheelchair.
It was not the best moment for Plant to be recording an album because he was undergoing rehabilitation. Moreover, the recording dragged him away from his family. This was because the tax ramifications of making the album in England would be prohibitively expensive. As a result, the band shipped Led Zeppelin to California to record Presence, greatly irritating the vocalist.
Page had always preferred real passion in his lyrics. He does not mince words. As a result, it was easy to figure out who he was talking to. He expressed his dislike for fellow bandmate Jimmy Page and their manager Peter Grant.
Even though the song ‘Hots on for Nowhere‘ sounds upbeat and enjoyable, the lyrics reveal a heartbroken and angry Robert Plant who misses his family. He goes on to say, “I was burned in the heat of the moment. No, it could been the heat of the day. Realizing my wasted time, dear fellows, I turned away.
In this case, the heat of the moment alludes to the vehicle accident, whereas the heat of the day refers to the scorching weather on Rhodes. Frustrated by the effort he’d poured into Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant felt the band was wasting his time. He contributed to their success. He goes even more on the point in the chorus, proclaiming, “Now I’ve got friends who will give me their shoulder / When I should happen to fall / I’ve got friends who will give me fuck all.”
While being a rock star may appear to be the ideal existence, there is an underlying issue that is rarely discussed. When musicians perform, they often long to be home with their loved ones for comfort. Plant felt this way while recording Presence. He channeled his rage in the only way he knew how which strangely resulted in a song that only increased the band’s popularity.
