Robert Plant said that only a handful of frontmen from his era still embody the forceful, physical style of rock performance, naming himself, Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger. The article argues that his view matters because it reflects an older, male-dominated idea of rock stardom that prioritises swagger and stage presence over other forms of artistry.

Plant also questioned whether performers can “contemporise” their abilities rather than merely repeat old routines. The writer disputes his implied exclusion of artists such as Stevie Nicks, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne and Roger Daltrey, arguing that distinctive and less stereotypically macho performers were equally important to rock’s evolution.