Rock and roll coolness has always been a bit subjective. Sure, anyone can don leather pants and strut like a rock star, but there’s a fine line between embodying swagger and looking ridiculous in the spotlight. Robert Plant may have mastered the art of the rock star persona, but even he admits that some of his most iconic moments in Led Zeppelin’s heyday feel a little cringeworthy in hindsight.
That said, Plant, affectionately nicknamed ‘Percy,’ was never going to be considered uncool. Declaring himself a “Golden God” may have been bold, but by Led Zeppelin’s peak, few could argue with his legendary status. Tracks like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Rock and Roll” cemented his place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, exuding confidence and charisma that felt almost untouchable.
Plant’s swagger didn’t disappear over the years, either. While some of his 1980s ventures may have raised eyebrows, his later collaborations, like Raising Sand with Alison Krauss, have showcased a more refined, artistic side. These days, Plant seems less concerned about embodying rock and roll coolness and more focused on creating music that resonates with his artistic vision.
However, during Led Zeppelin’s early days, Plant was still figuring out his style, transitioning from his Band of Joy roots to the hard-rock powerhouse Zeppelin became. Drawing inspiration from artists like Janis Joplin, he channeled raw energy into his performances, often veering into unpredictable, almost manic territory. His stage presence, now iconic, was born of experimentation—and occasionally, awkwardness.
Reflecting on those days, Plant admitted that some of his stage moves haven’t aged well. “I didn’t even know what to do with my arms,” he once said, jokingly comparing himself to Joe Cocker. “If you look at the bits and pieces I used to throw in for my own amusement—it’s a bit corny now. It was referring to Eddie Cochran and Elvis, the previous era of rock and roll. It’s what we feasted on to get riffs, get organized, to become a big band with big riffs.”
While his posturing may have been inspired by Presley’s hip-shaking antics, Plant gave those moves new life. It wasn’t mindless gyration; it was an emotional release, an almost primal attempt to pull raw power out of himself. On tracks like “Immigrant Song,” his stage presence felt unhinged, teetering on the edge of sanity, adding another layer to Zeppelin’s hard-rock mystique.
Even if some of those moments feel a bit “corny” today, Plant’s ability to channel his influences into something new and electrifying elevated him far beyond imitation. By the time Led Zeppelin II hit the shelves, “The Golden God” persona wasn’t just an act—it was fully realized.