Traveling salesman blues: Led Zeppelin singer makes cameo in UK indie comedy

British singer Robert Plant rarely does weird things in public. He makes exceptions for certain projects.

The former Led Zeppelin singer appears in a UK indie movie featuring Doreen. The character originated from a YouTube spoof about social security misuse. Played by Gill Jordan, Doreen is a cultural phenomenon in The Black Country. This West Midlands area is known for coal mines and heavy industry.

Driveway to Heaven

In a clip from the crowdfunded film, Plant plays a traveling salesman. He offers tarmac for Doreen’s driveway. The singer expresses distress when told to leave. He leaves a business card for Black Dog Tarmac Ltd with the slogan “Driveway to Heaven”. Plant exits with a bucket of bitumen, grumbling that there must be an easier way to make ends meet.

Artistic freedom

Plant has an estimated net worth of over $150 million. This provides the Black Country native significant artistic freedom. He frequently declines large offers for Led Zeppelin reunions. This reportedly annoys guitarist Jimmy Page. Plant told Mojo magazine he walked away emotionally exhausted after the 2007 London reunion concert.

Plant dislikes stagnation. His appearance on NPR’s Sound Opinions confirms he prefers to avoid nostalgia. He leaves that to his contemporaries.

Reworking the classics

Plant avoids relying solely on the success of Zeppelin. He still reworks classics on stage with talented collaborators. Critics approve of his recent work. His 2007 record with Alison Krauss and his solo effort “Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar” received positive reviews.