Robert Plant paid tribute to Terry Reid, the legendary musician who turned down the chance to become Led Zeppelin’s lead singer.
“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 … So much fun. So on it. He was all of everything … such charisma,” Plant, 76, wrote via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, August, 5. “His voice, his range … his songs capturing that carefree era… Superlungs indeed. He catapulted me into an intense new world he chose to decline … I listen now to his album The River and shed a tear for my brother in arms.”
Reid, also known as “Superlungs,” died on Monday, August 4, and his death was confirmed by Cleopatra Records on the same day.
“Terry wasn’t just a legend – he was a true original. His voice had that rare magic that could shake a room or break your heart in a single note,” the statement read. “But beyond the voice, Terry was warm, funny, and utterly himself – always. Working with him was never just business; it was a pleasure, a lesson, and often, a bit of beautiful chaos.”
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While no official cause of death has been released at the time of publication, Reid postponed his 2025 tour in July due to cancer treatment.
“Due to medical issues arising from recent treatment for cancer Terry has had to postpone his autumn 2025 UK, Irish and Norway,” he said in a statement via Facebook at the time. “Terry is especially upset about this as his 2024 tour was so successful and he had been looking forward to playing some new towns and venues plus old faves, as well as his first ever dates in Norway.”
Reid was who Jimmy Page first tapped to lead Led Zeppelin, but he recommended Plant for the job instead. Plant and Reid remained friends throughout Reid’s life, and he even joined the “Stairway to Heaven” singer on stage in 2004.
“This man should have had my life… mind you, I’m not sure he’d want it!” Plant joked with the crowd.
Reid then quipped, “I wouldn’t mind some of the money!”
He is survived by his wife, Annette.
