Just In:The classic rock band Robert Plant nearly joined before Led Zeppelin…

When we think of the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, we immediately associate him with the iconic band that redefined rock music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, before Plant became the voice of Led Zeppelin, he was almost a part of another iconic rock band. In a twist of fate, Plant came very close to joining the band that would eventually become one of the most influential rock acts in history, but destiny had other plans. This band, the “Band of Joy,” would play a pivotal role in Plant’s musical journey before he became the lead singer of Led Zeppelin.

The Early Days of Robert Plant

Robert Plant’s early years were filled with a variety of musical influences. Born on August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, England, Plant grew up listening to blues, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll music, which would later shape his vocal style. In his youth, he was involved in various local bands, where he showcased his powerful voice and impressive stage presence. Plant’s early musical education was strongly influenced by the American blues pioneers, such as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson.

His first serious venture into the music world was as a member of the band “The Crawling Kingsnakes,” but his real breakthrough came when he joined “Band of Joy” in 1966. Band of Joy, which had previously been a blues-based group, was evolving into a more progressive rock band. This period marked an important phase in Plant’s development as a vocalist and performer, and it would set the stage for his later success with Led Zeppelin.

The Band of Joy

The Band of Joy was formed in the mid-1960s by drummer John Bonham, a childhood friend of Robert Plant. The group originally played a mix of blues and early rock music, but as time went on, it began to experiment with more progressive sounds. This group, which also included guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones (who would later become members of Led Zeppelin), was one of the early prototypes for what would later evolve into the powerhouse band that would define the rock genre in the 1970s.

Plant was a key member of the Band of Joy, and his dynamic voice and charismatic stage presence quickly made him the focal point of the group. However, despite Plant’s growing talents, the band struggled to find commercial success. The group’s constant lineup changes and lack of consistent direction hindered their ability to gain mainstream recognition. Although Band of Joy played several gigs and had a dedicated local following, they never really caught on in the broader music scene.

During this period, Plant began to form a close bond with Bonham, and the two musicians became fast friends. Their shared love of music and their similar backgrounds made them a powerful duo, and it was clear to both that their musical chemistry was special.

The Opportunity with Led Zeppelin

In 1968, Robert Plant was on the verge of a major breakthrough in his career. That year, legendary guitarist Jimmy Page, fresh from the breakup of The Yardbirds, was putting together a new band, initially called the “New Yardbirds.” Page had already recruited bassist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham for the project. The final piece of the puzzle was the search for a lead singer. Page had been considering a variety of vocalists, but none of them seemed to fit his vision for the band’s sound.

It was during this time that Jimmy Page heard Robert Plant sing. Plant had been recommended to him by his former Yardbirds bandmate, Jeff Beck, who had been impressed with Plant’s voice during his time in the Band of Joy. Plant was invited to audition for the role of lead singer for Page’s new band.

Plant’s audition was a game changer. He immediately impressed Page with his vocal prowess and energy. The chemistry between the two musicians was undeniable. However, before Robert Plant officially joined Led Zeppelin, he was still committed to his role in the Band of Joy.

A Twist of Fate: Leaving Band of Joy

At this pivotal moment, Robert Plant faced a difficult decision. Should he remain with Band of Joy, a band that he had helped shape and which had become a key part of his identity, or should he seize the opportunity to join Page’s new project, which promised to be a bigger platform for his talents?

It was, in part, a combination of ambition and a sense of destiny that pushed Plant to make the leap. His relationship with Bonham was strong, and the two shared a mutual understanding of their musical potential. Bonham himself had been approached by Page, and the possibility of joining forces with him seemed too good to pass up.