Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has made a surprise trip to Cardiff. Plant visited the world’s oldest record shop, Spillers Records, where a special plaque was unveiled to honour his legendary status.
During the visit, the rock legend described Spillers as an “institution” and praised independent record store owners.
He made the visit ahead of Record Store Day 2026 – an annual worldwide celebration of independent venues and record stores. Plant is the latest recipient of its Record Store Legend award.
The Led Zeppelin frontman spent the afternoon in Cardiff’s Victorian Morgan Arcade browsing vinyl racks before being presented with the honour.
The special plaque not only recognises Plant’s contribution to music but his connection to Wales, which has inspired much of his songwriting. The legendary rocker previously revealed that the beautiful Welsh countryside helped inspire his 2017 album, Carry Fire.
A small Welsh cottage hidden away in the hills was famously the setting for Led Zeppelin to write most of their critically-acclaimed third album in 1970. Parts of their hit Stairway To Heaven – one of the most famous songs of all time – were also said to be written at Bron Yr Aur, a remote cottage owned singer Robert Plant’s family.
The owner of Spillers said it was an “honour to be the chosen custodians of his Record Store Legend plaque.” From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
On the significance of Spillers Records, Plant said: “Spillers in an institution, quite a lot of my friends were based either around Rockfield Studios up in Monmouth or in this area. So, there was always a meeting point. Why not pop in here? And then perhaps a pint of Brains?”
He went further to praise independent record store owners and staff, adding: “Decent people keep me excited, and it’s this generation that I’m in now, this era, there are so many people that are interesting and interested in the window’s that we can create.”
The legendary Led Zeppelin frontman with Spillers Records’ owner Ashli Todd -Credit:GPWilson/Record Store Day UK
Ashli Todd, Owner of Spillers Records, said: “Record shops of the world will know first-hand that above all, Robert Plant is a connoisseur of his craft whose appetite for musical discoveries has not waned with the passage of time.
“We could wax lyrical all day about what a passionate record shop supporter Robert Plant is, so suffice to say, it is our honour to be the chosen custodians of his Record Store Legend plaque.”
Plant has joined a long list of legendry custodians to receive Record Store Day’s Record Store Legend award, including Elton John and Johnny Marr. This year’s plaque will sit pride of place in Wales’ capital city.
Spillers Records are one of hundreds of independent stores all over the world that will be celebrating Record Store Day on Saturday, April 18.
Marika Jones, Centre Manager for the Morgan Quarter, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome a huge star to our historic arcades, and for an honour like this to be presented in Spiller Records.”
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