Led Zeppelin Star Reveals They ‘Wouldn’t Sing With Anybody’ Except Stevie Nicks
In the world of rock and roll, the intertwining of musical legends and their collaborations has often resulted in unforgettable moments that define eras. One such instance comes from a surprising but powerful revelation from Led Zeppelin’s frontman Robert Plant, who admitted he would “not sing with anybody” except Stevie Nicks, the iconic Fleetwood Mac singer.
The statement from Plant, who has been revered for his powerhouse vocals, speaks volumes not only about his admiration for Nicks’ unique voice but also the mutual respect between two of rock’s most influential figures. Plant’s candid comment, made during an interview with Interview Magazine, has since sparked discussions among fans and musicians alike, shedding light on a partnership that could have been but never fully materialized.
The Magic of Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks, known for her mystical persona and hauntingly beautiful voice, rose to prominence as one of the defining members of Fleetwood Mac. Her contributions to the band’s Rumours album in 1977, a masterpiece that remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, cemented her place in rock history. Nicks’ vocal style, marked by its distinct raspiness and emotional depth, has always resonated deeply with listeners. Yet, it was her persona — a blend of the ethereal and the real — that has made her a lasting figure in music culture.
Her ability to capture vulnerability and strength through her voice led to Nicks becoming not just a staple in Fleetwood Mac but also a highly respected artist in her own right. It is this same vocal magic that Robert Plant, whose voice has defined some of Led Zeppelin’s greatest songs, admired deeply.
Robert Plant’s Admiration for Nicks
Robert Plant’s admiration for Stevie Nicks is not a recent development. In fact, Plant, who is known for his deeply passionate and often soulful approach to singing, has always appreciated the raw emotional power of Nicks’ voice. In his Interview Magazine conversation, Plant praised Nicks’ vocals, noting that her voice had a distinctive raspiness that added an undeniable character to her performances.
The idea of collaborating with Nicks was something that Plant had envisioned, especially when reflecting on the possibility of bringing her in to sing on one of Led Zeppelin’s albums. In the interview, he mused about how her voice could complement the band’s sound, even if it was just for a single track. However, it was clear that the collaboration, in his mind, was never meant to be a permanent partnership but rather a light-hearted, impromptu effort that would blend their distinctive styles in an exciting way.
Plant further expressed, “I wouldn’t like to go and sing with anybody else at all,” which highlighted not only his respect for Nicks but also his desire to keep musical collaborations meaningful and authentic. For Plant, Nicks represented the perfect counterpart for such a venture — someone whose presence on stage would feel as organic and genuine as his own musical journey.
The Road Not Taken: A Hypothetical Collaboration
While Plant’s admiration for Nicks was clear, the collaboration between the two musical icons never materialized. However, the idea of them working together — even if only briefly — has sparked the imagination of fans who have long dreamt of hearing the combination of Plant’s powerful, high-pitched wail and Nicks’ ethereal, haunting delivery. The thought of the two sharing the same stage or studio is almost mythical, like the concept of combining two legendary forces in rock that could elevate each other to new heights.
It’s important to remember that, while Plant and Nicks never actually recorded together, the mutual respect they had for each other speaks volumes about the camaraderie that existed within the rock world at the time. Despite the challenges of their busy schedules, the demands of their respective bands, and the competitive nature of the rock scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s, there was an undeniable recognition of each other’s artistry.
The Influence of “Destiny”
Nicks herself has always spoken about how she felt that her joining Fleetwood Mac was a moment of “destiny.” Her rise to fame with the band and the subsequent success of Rumours were no accident; they were the result of a deep connection to her own creativity and the magical energy that Fleetwood Mac offered as a collective. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Nicks recounted how her decision to join the band, which came after a phone call from Mick Fleetwood, felt like a life-long dream coming true.
Her journey to Fleetwood Mac not only aligned her with one of the most iconic rock bands of all time but also placed her in the annals of rock history alongside other legendary figures. And yet, it was this same blend of cosmic timing and musical ability that made her a natural fit for the rock and roll landscape, one where collaborations between peers like Robert Plant were not only possible but deeply cherished.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy
What makes this hypothetical collaboration so intriguing is the sense of shared history between Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. Both bands helped shape the landscape of rock music in the ‘70s and beyond, and their influence is still felt today. Plant, known for his work on songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and “Whole Lotta Love,” redefined what it meant to be a rock frontman. Meanwhile, Fleetwood Mac, with Nicks at the forefront, crafted songs like “Landslide,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Dreams,” each of which has become timeless classics. Their influence transcended generations, and the possibility of a collaboration between them remains a tantalizing “what if.”
Though Plant and Nicks never collaborated musically, the mutual admiration they had for each other speaks volumes about their impact on rock music. It is a reminder that the true spirit of rock and roll isn’t always about collaborations or commercial success; sometimes, it’s about respect, admiration, and the acknowledgment of each other’s place in a shared history.
In the end, the absence of a musical union between Robert Plant and Stevie Nicks leaves fans to wonder about what could have been. Yet, what remains is a lasting legacy — one that continues to influence countless musicians, even as the years pass. Through their individual contributions, Plant and Nicks have both become pillars of the rock genre, forever connected by their powerful voices, their iconic bands, and the legacy they helped shape together.
