The Honeydrippers formed in the 1980s, deriving their name from the nickname of American blues singer Roosevelt “The Honeydripper”  Sykes. Former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant formed the group in 1981 to satisfy his long-time goal of playing in a rock band with a heavy rhythm and blues influence. Formed originally in Worcestershire, the band went on to record an EP in the US. In addition to Plant, the band was composed of fellow former Led Zeppelin member Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck (a former Yardbirds member like Page) and other friends and well-known studio musicians including Mile Rogers and Paul Shaffer. The band released only one recording, an EP entitled The Honeydrippers: Volume One, in November 1984.

In this conversation with Mal Reding, Robert talks about his love of blues, working with Jimmy Page and growing up in post-war Britain.

Photo by Phil King