Robert Plant, the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, once reflected on the band’s iconic reunion concert at the O2 Arena in 2007, describing the experience as “too heavy” for him. Overwhelmed by the moment, he chose to slip away afterward for a few quiet drinks on his own.
The possibility of another Led Zeppelin reunion has sparked endless speculation among fans and even within the band. However, Plant has made it clear that he is not interested in reuniting. Despite the monumental success of the O2 concert, he expressed dissatisfaction with the experience, revealing that it didn’t bring him the fulfillment many expected.
This memorable concert served as a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, who had passed away that year. Ertegun played a crucial role in the band’s rise, and it was fitting for Led Zeppelin to honor him through this special performance.
The anticipation for the reunion was immense, with millions eager to secure one of the limited 20,000 tickets. Approximately 20 million fans vied for a chance to attend, showcasing the band’s enduring popularity.
While the O2 performance cemented Led Zeppelin’s legacy, Plant wasn’t keen on using it as a springboard for a full reunion. He believed that embarking on a world tour could tarnish the magic of that night, allowing the band to end on a high note instead.
In a 2012 interview with Mojo, Plant opened up about his discomfort during the event. He felt the need to shield himself, spending time in his backstage dressing room. He recounted an encounter after the show with the Gallagher brothers, who praised him. Plant humorously directed them elsewhere, then quickly made his exit.
“I ended up in the Marathon pub in Camden, drank four bottles of Keo lager and half a bottle of vodka, then went to bed. I had to get away from it. I’d done it. I had to go. It was too heavy. Beautiful, but it made me confront my own mortality. Crazy,” he said.
Plant not only distanced himself from the event but also firmly ruled out future reunions. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, he shared his thoughts: “I’ve gone so far somewhere else that I almost can’t relate to it. It’s a bit of a pain in the ass, to be honest. Who cares?”
He continued, “I know people care, but think about it from my perspective—soon, I’m going to need help crossing the street.”
Plant concluded with a poignant reflection on his journey: “You can’t ever really go back. It’s tough enough to repeat something from a year ago, let alone 49 years. I’ve got to keep moving.”
