Why Robert Plant Once Scolded Lenny Kravitz
Robert Plant in an interview - q on cbc / YouTube
In the swirling world of rock ‘n’ roll, it’s not uncommon for legendary figures to cross paths – sometimes even clashing in a mixture of egos and ideologies. For Lenny Kravitz, an encounter in 1993 with rock icon Robert Plant led to an instance he might have found humiliating at the time but ultimately described as “beautiful.”
An Unexpected Lesson
Back in the early ’90s, Kravitz was on tour, a time of high excitement and opportunity to share the stage with one of his musical heroes. “Led Zeppelin means everything to me, Robert means everything to me, as a voice, as a writer, as a force,” he shared in his sincere recollection during an interchange with Classic Rock magazine. It was a meeting of mutual respect, with Plant standing as an idolized figure for the younger musician. They established a camaraderie, yet as familiarity grew, so did the potential for candid, no-holds-barred exchanges.
A particular incident during a soundcheck set the stage for an unexpected lesson. Kravitz, a stickler for sonic perfection, found himself discontented with the auditory ambiance of that evening’s stage. His dissatisfaction did not go unnoticed, sparking a reaction from Plant that Kravitz was not prepared for. Revisiting the memory, Kravitz recounted how Plant confronted him pointedly:
“I was doing a soundcheck, and I guess I was in a bit of a mood because I didn’t like the way the stage sounded that night, and Robert ripped into me and tore me apart, basically saying: ‘The fuck is wrong with you? You’re in the middle of this great success, you have this music, you’re having a great run and you should be enjoying every moment. Let go, relax!’”
Plant’s outburst came across as a mix of brotherly chiding and paternal advice, his sharp tones packed with the weight of experience. In that moment, Kravitz was made to see an unacknowledged truth; his preoccupation with perfection was tampering with his ability to savor the zenith of his career.
Confessing these feelings later, Kravitz acknowledged the impact the incident had on him:
“It freaked me out and I was a little embarrassed. Here was one my heroes telling me what a bitch I’m being.”
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The Transformative Power of Humbling Advice
Despite his initial shock, Kravitz could not ignore the wisdom in Plant’s abrupt intervention. Acknowledging his own over-seriousness, he realized Plant’s words were less about insult and more about a much-needed reality check. The confrontation shook Kravitz, but also enlightened him.
“But it was the most beautiful thing,” he reflected, the sense of gratitude clear in his voice. “[Robert] is a real guy and he saw me in this wonderful place that he’s been, and he said: ‘You better fucking wake up and enjoy this and have fun.’ And that turned me around.”
The event not only snapped Kravitz out of his funk but also solidified a friendship based on genuine care and respect.
As it often happens in the realm of music and life, Kravitz realized that the moments we find humiliating can also be revelatory. They can crack open our hard shell and expose us to fundamental truths, forcing us to confront our misplaced priorities.
Kravitz’s recount of that day shows the strength in vulnerability, where even a globally recognized artist can still benefit from the guidance of those who have traveled the road before. Plant’s stern words served as a wake-up call, urging Kravitz to fully embrace the ride at the apex of his career.
The essence of their shared experience resonates with any striving individual – there comes a time when one has to step back, reassess, and possibly shed the chains of perfectionism. This counsel, stemming from Plant’s hard-earned wisdom imparted to Kravitz, now serves as an anecdote for us all: sometimes, even at the height of our careers, we need someone to tell us to loosen up and revel in the moment.
