Robert Plant reflects on how his son's death changed his connection to Led Zeppelin

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, singer Robert Plant reflected on how the death of his five-year-old son, Karac, in 1977 fundamentally altered his relationship with Led Zeppelin. Karac passed away from an acute gastrointestinal infection while the band was on tour in the United States, leading Plant to cancel the remainder of the tour to return to England.

Plant stated that following the tragedy, he “didn’t need the group,” noting that the lifestyle of waiting backstage for hours no longer held meaning for him. He expressed a desire to be with his family rather than maintaining the rigors of rock stardom. The loss was also reflected in the band’s music, specifically in the song “All My Love,” which Plant wrote in honor of his son.

Plant also touched upon the eventual disbandment of Led Zeppelin following the 1980 death of drummer John Bonham. He described Bonham as a sensitive individual who felt torn between his dedication to the band and his desire to be with his family.