Robert Plant Pays Tribute to Terry Reid:

“He Was All of Everything”
By Robin Murray | August 7, 2025

Led Zeppelin’s legendary frontman Robert Plant has paid heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and early rock inspiration, Terry Reid, who passed away this week at the age of 75.

In a moving post shared on Instagram, Plant remembered Reid — affectionately known as “Superlungs” — as a powerhouse of talent and charisma who helped shape the course of his own musical journey.

“Terry Reid’s enthusiasm and encouragement were incredible back then … still teenagers we crashed each others’ gigs and crucified ‘Season of the Witch’ time and time again,” Plant wrote. “So much fun. So on it. He was all of everything … such charisma.”

A fixture on the 1960s British rock scene, Terry Reid earned immense respect from his peers — even if widespread mainstream recognition eluded him. Jimmy Page famously sought Reid to front the fledgling New Yardbirds, a band that would soon evolve into Led Zeppelin. Reid, however, declined the offer, instead recommending a young singer from the Midlands — Robert Plant.

“He catapulted me into an intense new world he chose to decline,” Plant continued. “I listen now to his album ‘The River’ and shed a tear for my brother in arms.”

Plant’s touching words reflect the deep personal and musical bond the two artists shared, forged in the small clubs of Britain and through years of mutual admiration. Reid’s raw vocal power, genre-defying spirit, and soulful songwriting left an indelible mark on those who knew him — and inspired generations of musicians in his wake.

Fellow music icon Graham Nash, who produced Reid’s 1976 album Seed of Memory, also paid tribute:

“Finding it hard to put into words how sad I am about the passing of my dear friend Terry,” Nash wrote. “How was it just a few short months ago we were smiling on my bus together? That voice. That guitar playing. That wonderful person we will all miss so dearly.”

Though he turned down one of the biggest opportunities in rock history, Terry Reid’s legacy is undeniable. His work on albums like River and Seed of Memory remains cherished by fans and fellow musicians alike — a testament to an artist who carved his own path with integrity and passion.

Reid’s influence stretches far beyond his recordings. In many ways, his quiet decision to step aside opened the door for Robert Plant — and in turn, helped set the stage for Led Zeppelin to become one of the most iconic bands of all time.

As Plant wrote so simply and powerfully: “He was all of everything.”