1998. That’s when I was first introduced to what I now refer to as my love affair with Robert Plant. I was in 9th grade and becoming fast friends with one of my favorite people to this day, my friend Alex. At that point, I was still listening to garbage like Limp Bizkit and Korn (I’m still apologizing to my parents). Alex introduced me to Led Zeppelin (I mean really introduced me – forced me to listen to songs other than Stairway to Heaven, which I still to this day claim is their worst single). The love affair took off. I immediately raided my Dad’s 4-disc Zeppelin box set and bonded with Black Dog, When the Levee Breaks, Since I’ve Been Loving You, The Lemon Song, and others. But I always painstakingly avoided Stairway to Heaven (No Stairway! Denied!).
I turned away from Jonathan Davis and never looked back.
I can’t remember when I decided Robert Plant was my rock god. My parents bought me The Song Remains the Same for Christmas or a birthday around the time I graduated from high school and I watched it repeatedly, lamenting I was never able to see them in concert before the split.
Led Zeppelin are regarded as one of the first heavy metal bands, but I think they transcend the genre. My favorites are the more blues and folk tracks, which was the impetus for my love of Sonny Boy Williamson and Muddy Waters (which I also have my Dad to thank for) and I’ve often tried to answer the “Well, what’s your favorite?” question. The fact is, I have no idea. I can’t tell you just one. They’re like my crack. My Pringles. They’re my “if you could only listen to one artist while stranded on a desert island” answer.
I’ve always joked with Oscar about our “get out of jail free” cards. His is Heidi Klum, I imagine, but I think mine would be Robert Plant (yes, all 60+ years of him).
So now I’m curious – who’s your “if you could only listen to one artist while stranded on a desert island” answer? And if you’re feeling extra saucy, who’s your “get out of jail free” card?
(Image from here.)
*Side note – it took me forever to try and decide on a title for this entry. So I gave up and geeked out.
i mean… as stereotypical as this is, i’d have to say the beatles. and as for my “get out of jail”… if i could only pick one? hmmm… let’s keep it simple and say clive owen. yum.
Has Oscar been derelict in his duty? Surely he has made you listen to Screeching Weasels’ I Hate Led Zeppelin?
Lyrics as follows:
robert plant is a slimy fuck
john bonham man, he really sucked
those greedy fuckers, those phoney shits
they made their money off idiots
i hate led zeppelin
12 dollar concerts were all the rage
they bought cocaine for jimmy Paige
“stairway to heaven” makes me see red
bonzo’s buried, only three more left
i hate led zeppelin As to the get out of free jail card… some of us don’t need one. Some of us aren’t easily tricked into relationships.
Alex is trying to get me divorced.
Alex (Oscar’s friend, clearly):
Yes – he’s shared that song with me. I’m not so much a fan of Screeching Weasel. For reasons other than this song.
And I want to fight you right now. Bring it, fatty.
Consider it brought.
Really? An ad hominem attack this early into it.
I feel I should point out that if you get your way, you’re going to be the fatty soon. Fatty, you better learn the Truffle Shuffle.
PS, I hope it’s a boy!
My favorite rock band. Great choice there. I won’t comment on the get out of jail free card choice.
did someone really bring up screeching weasel when talking about led zeppelin? thats like comparing a geo metro to a vintage corvette.