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Robert Plant - Official Statement


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He didn't find out about it in the media,but as for discussing it as mates.....well that's part of the issue, sadly.

Why the rift?

My guess (and it is in fact a guess with noting to go on but snippets heard in the media) would be that the rift has to do with doing a tour. Jimmy seemed to suggest in Japan many months ago that something might happen after the RP/AK tour was over. He wasn't giving the answer you all have heard in the past few months that "a reunion takes all four members".

If the source of the tension is a reunion tour, why?

Did Jimmy speak out of turn in Japan and upset Robert by suggesting that Zeppelin might be back, hurting the RP/AK tour, or "committing" Robert to something to which he had never agreed ?

Did Robert agree to tour and change his mind? Or lead the others down the garden path only to be non-committal?

Is it a business issue (i.e. how the pot would be divided on a tour or new album?)

Or do they just have personal issues with each other?

Maybe nobody can answer these questions, but knowing might shed some light on Robert's decision.

It is one thing if Robert just doesn't want to play the music anymore, but this notion that they are angry at each other throws a whole wrench into the mix. A while back I posted an article claiming that there was a rift between Jimmy and Robert, but the general consensus around here was that it was BS. Now it seems that whether or not the article was factually correct, if Knebby's words can be taken at face value (which I have come to learn they usually can), there may well be some issue, beyond the music, that is keeping this thing from happening. In a strange way, it does offer some (remote) hope that the problems could be resolved.

I will gladly pay for a mediator if need be... :D

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Plants mention at the 02 show of -bringing jason in... sounded something like a formal welcome, or recognition of the band reforming. How serious that was...who knows?

Robert held the door open a crack for future Zep activity. I think that's beyond dispute regardless of any attempt on his part to cover his tracks. One can post many interview quotes to that extent. There has been a change of heart on his part for one reason or another. I think politically he doesn't want to disclose what changed his mind.

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... and I'ld like to add that he personally told me (when he signed a couple of records) that he's a "great fan of led zeppelin" ... of course.

It's just that he has this attitude like he's on the oustide looking in, like he's just another fan like you or I, that Led Zeppelin is now detached from himself, and when he has to be 'Percy', it's role-playing. He seems to look at Zep as a fragile heirloom that he doesn't want to disturb in any way.

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Robert held the door open a crack for future Zep activity. I think that's beyond dispute regardless of any attempt on his part to cover his tracks. One can post many interview quotes to that extent. There has been a change of heart on his part for one reason or another. I think politically he doesn't want to disclose what changed his mind.

I disagree actually. I don't think he was EVER prepared to do more than one night - that's all he ever said he would be doing.

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why cant you understand ?

it's something he done years ago, why would the world's best boxer, who's retired in his early thirties make a come back a few years later, when he's still clearly got it in him.

because he's done it already. in addition i think robert may have very painful memories of his time with zep. he lost his son and best friend, almost lost his wife too.

i think it's great that they haven't sold out and done a "police" tour.

zep have their artistic integrity intact.

I think what people are trying to say is that he is much better than joining up with a bluegrass singer and releasing a mediocre album with her...........sorry thats me being honest in my opinion........(now im gonna duck for cover too)

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I can understand Robert's "been there, done that" view of reviving Led Zeppelin for a current world tour. As a working musician and a creative mind, regurgitating past work for the sake of nostalgia would not be a satisfying prospect. Yet, I think he is not quite appreciating the situation for what it is.

Rock music is an art form, no ifs, ands or buts. It is a creative and significant force in the art of the 20th century. Led Zeppelin was one of the defining agents for this genre. Their contribution was unique. Their creations timeless. It is no stretch to say that their place in the creative output of human kind is at an elevation equal to that of the greatest artists who have ever lived - Bach, Mozart, Robert Johnson, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Elvis, the Beatles - key contributors to the human experience. That is the place Led Zeppelin holds. They are legends in music while they are yet alive.

Robert is perhaps viewing a Led Zeppelin reunion as a cheap play to commercialism, or simply treading a path of the past when he has moved on to entirely new creative forms of music. What he seems not to understand is his place in music history and his rare opportunity to solidify his work in the now, for both fans who saw Zep at their height and those who admire his work with Zep as heroic, legendary foundation of the genre and weren't even alive when the boys were together and had no oportunity to listen to the creators of the music perform it as it needs to be heard.

What would Robert have given to meet and listen to Robert Johnson when he was a young British lad developing his musical abilities? While artists can certainly justify their work as personal and proprietary, once their music has reached the level of a major contribution to knowledge and humanity, it ceases to be simply something they own in and of themselves. It enters the domain of human endeavor and belongs to the ages.

Led Zeppelin will be listened to and appreciated as long as Western Civilization continues to exist. Their music has achieved this place in history. Bonzo doesn't have the opportunity to share his creativity with us any longer. But, his son does have the opportunity to light the way of his father. Robert, Jimmy and John Paul Jones have the opportunity to share their musical souls in person with literally hundreds of thousands of live human beings who recognize and appreciate the magnitude of the musical accomplishment of Led Zeppelin - here , now, and with recording technology for the future. They all should do this now, for they can. Who knows what tomorrow will bring and maybe the opportunity will cease to exist for the surviving members of the greatest rock and roll band of all time.

Hey there well put, just my thoughts exactly.

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He didn't find out about it in the media,but as for discussing it as mates.....well that's part of the issue, sadly.

Why the rift?

do they just have personal issues with each other?

if Knebby's words can be taken at face value (which I have come to learn they usually can),

Handy with mechanical openers?

zsvbrn.jpg

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The disappointment for many people is obviously immense, and they are expressing it here. A lot of anger as well. As for myself, however, I no longer expected anything else; I never believed that later story in The Sun about Robert having decided to join them after all. And while from a certain perspective I can understand that people feel disappointed, or even angry, I still wonder: What's the point getting angry just now? Really?

Now, I have been critical of several of Robert's statements. On one occasion people convinced me I was wrong about it, but as for the rest I still think I was right criticize these statements; and there was no reason to be silent about it. But this statement is completely different. I simply feel grateful to Robert for making it, because he really didn't have to. There have been so many unfounded reunion rumors, and whatever Jimmy and the others will be doing, it isn't a project Robert is involved in. But he took the time to tell us anyway. That's him just responding to fans of Led Zeppelin, and he deserves to be thanked for it.

I was a 15 year old Icelandic kid when John Bonham died. I remember hearing about it at school; I had already been a fan for years then. And it really meant I wouldn't be seeing the band. Well, whatever happens with one's favorite band, life still goes on.

Again I was extremely disappointed when I realized I wouldn't be able to see them at the O2. I never really talked about it much on these forums, because in the end that was really a private thing. It really would have been pointless whining. It was one of these many occasions in life when you had to just remind yourself of old Stoic adages, and perhaps read a few lines in Epictetus's Enchiridion; always a good idea anyway! You can master your will, and it's important for you to do so. Reconcile yourself to things as they are and as they have to be; be active where you can, but don't waste your energy. And so on.

Nathan! I can understand that you feel disappointed now that it has become clear it isn't happening. But that really is something for you to deal with. It's not Robert's fault. You decide you love this band. You decide that your love for this band is important for you. You decide you want to see them. And it is for you also to accept that you won't be seeing them. Robert is not pissing on your dream. He had a decision to make: Would he join this band again now, or wouldn't he? Your dream isn't all-important, Nathan, and it certainly doesn't move other people to do things.

Others in the fan community feel angry at Robert because he kind of left it open until now, thus getting a lot of attention for his own project with T-Bone Burnett and Alison Krauss, etc. Well, that's one way of seeing it. But is this really something you can hold against him? It was always clear that we would get some news at around this time. He has decided now, that's all. And we should remember that he didn't even have to make that statement now.

I presume that if you see Robert as a selfish person - which of course you can, even on these forums - you're always bound to interpret his words and actions less than generously, because you have actually presupposed that he is at heart somebody who doesn't care about others. I don't know the man. But as a fan I have gradually formed some ideas about his personality (which is inevitable really) and I just don't see him as a selfish person. It doesn't add up to me. He strikes me as someone who really cares about people. I do think he has a huge ego, but that's not the same thing at all. It can be less than admirable in some instances, sure. But ego is also ambition, and as such a very positive thing.

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Knebby, you're Stephen Stills sig reference reminds me how great those Page solos are on Stills's Right By You release. I wore out the album and cassette in 1984. Jimmy the session man nails it.

Yeah - it was a wonderful album.

BTW I lost the PM you sent last week. Been meaning to reply but can't find it! Glad to know you are all doing ok!

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Sam, thank you for sharing Robert's official statement with us.

Many thanks to Robert for taking time out of his tour to made this statement. For those of us who were there to experience Zep's glory days, in our hearts, Robert will always be "that guy", the "Golden God".

B)

Indeed. For some of us who missed them then, too.

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I disagree actually. I don't think he was EVER prepared to do more than one night - that's all he ever said he would be doing.

The poster does have a point though. I remember seeing an interview clip somewhere on this board from a Knicks game where he was flat out asked if there would be a reunion and he said something to the effect that "you never know what's around the corner". Of course you could take that as him not saying yes but a simple "No." would've put it right to bed months ago. It's not like he felt like he was on the spot by being asked, he's been getting asked for 20+ years and I don't believe he's ever actually said no. He really didn't say no the other day. If you take his statement at face value, he never said "there will never be another reunion and I shall never work with those chaps again." So the door is still really being left open. Until he truly puts the nail in the coffin, people will continue to speculate and theorize.

And no, Jimmy didn't commit to anything when asked about it in Japan but I think he was being led to believe by "someone" that there would be at least discussions but not until Plant's tour was over or he would never have said what he did. He would have most likely said it was a one-off and that he planned to release some solo work.

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Robert held the door open a crack for future Zep activity. I think that's beyond dispute regardless of any attempt on his part to cover his tracks. One can post many interview quotes to that extent. There has been a change of heart on his part for one reason or another. I think politically he doesn't want to disclose what changed his mind.

I think all he stated was that it would have to be for the right reason as the 02 was for them to put on another concert.

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The I presume that if you see Robert as a selfish person - which of course you can, even on these forums - you're always bound to interpret his words and actions less than generously, because you have actually presupposed that he is at heart somebody who doesn't care about others.

I dont really know how someone can say he is "selfish" since we are all in a sense and not doing the Zeppelin things means alot less money for him if that is the only thing he cared about

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Nathan! I can understand that you feel disappointed now that it has become clear it isn't happening. But that really is something for you to deal with. It's not Robert's fault. You decide you love this band. You decide that your love for this band is important for you. You decide you want to see them. And it is for you also to accept that you won't be seeing them. Robert is not pissing on your dream. He had a decision to make: Would he join this band again now, or wouldn't he? Your dream isn't all-important, Nathan, and it certainly doesn't move other people to do things.

Oh believe me, Otto. I don't have any illusions that my "dream" means anything to anyone else. I'm quite aware that I'm being selfish and I admitted as much. I'm quite aware that by making the statement that Robert "shit on my dream," as it were, is extremely childish and immature. I get that, and I won't say otherwise. I won't defend myself as far as that.

However, it is simply how I feel. I can not deny how I feel because it may upset others. I can not deny how I feel in respect to Plant's feelings. And I can not deny how I feel despite how it may come across to others.

So the fact is, I simply don't care if I'm being selfish, childish, and immature. I get that I am. Really. I get it. But it's simply how I feel and there's no changing that.

But you know what? In the next few days (maybe a week or so), I'll be over it so far that I'll perform a back-flip God himself would be in awe of. Hell, I might even end up defending Plant to the still-angry people right alongside the rest of you, making you really wonder what the fuck is wrong with me.

I'm quite aware of my feelings and how they run and how they come across to others and I just never cared. It's who I am and who I'll always be.

Right now, I'm pissed at Plant and I got nothing but bad things to say about him. Who knows where my feelings will be next week? My feelings are almost schizophrenic (and no, I'm not schizo). Right now I'm being childish and immature and selfish and I'm fully aware of it. It'll also blow over with time.

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The disappointment for many people is obviously immense, and they are expressing it here. A lot of anger as well. As for myself, however, I no longer expected anything else; I never believed that later story in The Sun about Robert having decided to join them after all. And while from a certain perspective I can understand that people feel disappointed, or even angry, I still wonder: What's the point getting angry just now? Really?

Now, I have been critical of several of Robert's statements. On one occasion people convinced me I was wrong about it, but as for the rest I still think I was right criticize these statements; and there was no reason to be silent about it. But this statement is completely different. I simply feel grateful to Robert for making it, because he really didn't have to. There have been so many unfounded reunion rumors, and whatever Jimmy and the others will be doing, it isn't a project Robert is involved in. But he took the time to tell us anyway. That's him just responding to fans of Led Zeppelin, and he deserves to be thanked for it.

I was a 15 year old Icelandic kid when John Bonham died. I remember hearing about it at school; I had already been a fan for years then. And it really meant I wouldn't be seeing the band. Well, whatever happens with one's favorite band, life still goes on.

Again I was extremely disappointed when I realized I wouldn't be able to see them at the O2. I never really talked about it much on these forums, because in the end that was really a private thing. It really would have been pointless whining. It was one of these many occasions in life when you had to just remind yourself of old Stoic adages, and perhaps read a few lines in Epictetus's Enchiridion; always a good idea anyway! You can master your will, and it's important for you to do so. Reconcile yourself to things as they are and as they have to be; be active where you can, but don't waste your energy. And so on.

Nathan! I can understand that you feel disappointed now that it has become clear it isn't happening. But that really is something for you to deal with. It's not Robert's fault. You decide you love this band. You decide that your love for this band is important for you. You decide you want to see them. And it is for you also to accept that you won't be seeing them. Robert is not pissing on your dream. He had a decision to make: Would he join this band again now, or wouldn't he? Your dream isn't all-important, Nathan, and it certainly doesn't move other people to do things.

Others in the fan community feel angry at Robert because he kind of left it open until now, thus getting a lot of attention for his own project with T-Bone Burnett and Alison Krauss, etc. Well, that's one way of seeing it. But is this really something you can hold against him? It was always clear that we would get some news at around this time. He has decided now, that's all. And we should remember that he didn't even have to make that statement now.

I presume that if you see Robert as a selfish person - which of course you can, even on these forums - you're always bound to interpret his words and actions less than generously, because you have actually presupposed that he is at heart somebody who doesn't care about others. I don't know the man. But as a fan I have gradually formed some ideas about his personality (which is inevitable really) and I just don't see him as a selfish person. It doesn't add up to me. He strikes me as someone who really cares about people. I do think he has a huge ego, but that's not the same thing at all. It can be less than admirable in some instances, sure. But ego is also ambition, and as such a very positive thing.

Excellent post Otto. And I don't think Plant doesn't care about others. (No comment on the ego thing, as you say, ego sometimes helps people accomplish amazing things.)

I'm just not going to behave as though he's done us all a favor. He milked it for what it was worth, that's just a fact. Maybe if he'd stop singing Zeppelin songs I'd believe he's over it, but, he keeps right on. He doesn't get to have it both ways, with me.

You point out he didn't have to say anything, and of course if he doesn't care two figs about how fans feel, no, he didn't. In two week's time he'd have looked a right ass if he was still quiet on the topic, though.

You ask, why hold this against him now? I'd ask, why now does he have to imply fans' interest in Led Zeppelin is "ridiculous?" Why is the level of interest frustrating at all, when it could so easily have been addressed before?

But worse, I think, is the attempt at directing us to the victims of Hurrican Ike. Thank you, Mr. Plant, for making it clear that Led Zeppelin is not as important as people losing their homes in a natural disaster - as though we can't help people, and get succor from listening to music at the same time. As though none of us has helped, already.

The condescension is stunning. I'm glad he's moving on.

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You ask, why hold this against him now? I'd ask, why now does he have to imply fans' interest in Led Zeppelin is "ridiculous?" Why is the level of interest frustrating at all, when it could so easily have been addressed before?

“It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to

rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Robert Plant said.

Where did he, for heaven's sake, adress "frustrating and ridiculous" to fans' interest?

Did you read this too fast or is my English too poor to understand this?

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Where did he, for heaven's sake, adress "frustrating and ridiculous" to fans' interest?

Did you read this too fast or is my English too poor to understand this?

Exactly...some people are misunderstanding his qoute. He doesn't mean Zeppelin "fans" are frustrating and ridiculous, he meant the "Sun's press relaese" continuing to make headlines is frustrating and ridiculous. Which obviously it was - to all of us now.

Robert should have put the Sun in position of blame - specifically.

Also, the Sun should issue a retraction of their statements with an apology.

BTW, It's time for Robert to put aside any further use of Zeppelin classics in his stage show so long as he has cut further ties to the band. It's only proper, you can't have it both ways no matter how he re-packages Black Dog, WLL, etc.

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Excellent post Otto. And I don't think Plant doesn't care about others. (No comment on the ego thing, as you say, ego sometimes helps people accomplish amazing things.)

I'm just not going to behave as though he's done us all a favor. He milked it for what it was worth, that's just a fact. Maybe if he'd stop singing Zeppelin songs I'd believe he's over it, but, he keeps right on. He doesn't get to have it both ways, with me.

You point out he didn't have to say anything, and of course if he doesn't care two figs about how fans feel, no, he didn't. In two week's time he'd have looked a right ass if he was still quiet on the topic, though.

You ask, why hold this against him now? I'd ask, why now does he have to imply fans' interest in Led Zeppelin is "ridiculous?" Why is the level of interest frustrating at all, when it could so easily have been addressed before?

I thought the same at first. Whilst I don't believe he's directed the 'ridiculous/frustating' comment at the fans, I do believe he could've been a bit more subtle in his use of words. Many fans may interpret it that way.

Led Zeppelin are still a massive band, so why is it so ridiculous, that after their first concert in 19 years, people were still talking about it 9 months later? And it wasn't like it was a constant barrage of questioning, certainly before O2, at least. Unless you're a Zeppelin fan (or the Sun), you're gonna be completely oblivious to all this, aren't you?

I believe the only frustration he feels is that he's not able to completely sever the ties he's bound to. And, especially for the whole Plant/Krauss thing, I don't suppose I can blame him for that. Led Zeppelin will always be the only thing he'll be consistantly and constantly linked to. For a solo artist I imagine it'd go down like a cup of cold sick.

But it's not ridiculous to want more. But, then, I also respect that (to coin a Dragon's Den phrase) he's out, and respect that he addressed the issue early.

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This is an official statement from Robert, which I've posted on his website.

-Sam

---

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are currently touring the USA on the last leg of their 'Raising Sand' tour. They played a benefit concert in Oklahoma City for victims of Hurricane Ike last Friday; Austin,Texas last Saturday and tomorrow they play Portland, Oregon before finishing the tour in Saratoga, California on October 5th.

After those dates, Robert has no intention whatsoever of touring with anyone for at least the next two years. Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin. Anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be buying bogus tickets.

“It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to

rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward,” Robert Plant said.

“I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects,” he added.

I've heard that Jimmy, JPJ, & Jason plan to tour with or without Plant. The word is that they've been rehearsing with an American singer (David Coverdale perhaps), and the jams have been promising. It wouldn't be the same without Robert obviously, but any incarnation is better than none, as long as Page is a part of it.

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I've heard that Jimmy, JPJ, & Jason plan to tour with or without Plant. The word is that they've been rehearsing with an American singer (David Coverdale perhaps), and the jams have been promising. It wouldn't be the same without Robert obviously, but any incarnation is better than none, as long as Page is a part of it.

Hate to say this, but this has already been discussed at length on this forum. The threads are easy to find. Happy reading!

Oh and BTW - David Coverdale is English.

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I thought the same at first. Whilst I don't believe he's directed the 'ridiculous/frustating' comment at the fans, I do believe he could've been a bit more subtle in his use of words. Many fans may interpret it that way.

No offence to you, but I really don't get how. He says it is frustrating and ridiculous for the story to arise now. The story came through the press - not fans. Its completely clear and I would have thought anyone who - like you - may have got the wrong impression on a quick first read would easily correct that upon a second look.

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