New documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin explores the rise of the iconic rock group, taking them from their first rehearsal to conquering the globe. As the band’s career blossomed, however, it took them away from their families – and left from lasting regrets.
Mercurial frontman Robert Plant may have defined the modern rock god mythos – with his golden hair and stadium-filling voice – but as the 70s drew on, he yearned to fulfil the role of a father. With his young family quickly growing, endless nights on the road took their toll.
Looking back, he came to realise that he hadn’t developed a close enough bond with his young daughter Carmen, to the extent that his child viewed him as a stranger in her life.
“What I recall for the first two years is my daughter not really knowing who I was,” Plant said. “And getting rather agitated when I came back off tour, as she thought I’d come to rob the house.”
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The issue came to a head in 1977 with an intense personal tragedy – the death of his five-year-old son Karac.
The singer told Louder Sound: “In 1977, we lost our son, Karac. He was only five years old. I’d spent so much time trying to be a decent dad, but at the same time, I was really attracted to what I was doing in Zeppelin. So when he bowed out, I just thought: ‘What’s it all worth? What’s that all about?’”
The tragedy reinforced Robert Plant’s steadfast commitment to his family – the band’s touring activities were halted, and Led Zeppelin took over two years to return to the stage. When they did, it would be in England – close to the singer’s home – for a pair of record-shattering shows at Knebworth.
Related: Led Zeppelin’s First Rehearsal – Has The Mystery Been Cracked…?
