Pictures at Eleven

Pictures at Eleven is an album by the former Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, released in 1982 via the record label Swan Song Records. It was Plant's first solo album, after the break-up of Led Zeppelin in December 1980. It was also his last album for Swan Song Records, before establishing his own label Es Paranza.

Overview
In the spring of 1981, Plant began performing with an R & B band known as the Honeydrippers, which included his friend from Bronco Robbie Blunt. Soon Plant and Blunt established a songwriting partnership, and later brought in Paul Martinez on bass and Jezz Woodroffe on keyboards. To complete the line-up for recording, they added experienced drummer Cozy Powell, although he was eventually replaced by session man Phil Collins as 'guest' drummer (Collins eventually chose to stay on for another album). Guitarist Andy Sylvester of the Honeydrippers also appeared at early rehearsal sessions but left before final recording commenced. Jason Bonham was also reported to have performed on a number of demos for the album at Plant's home studio. Collins hadn't met Plant prior to recording in Wales, but he did see Led Zeppelin's first UK gig at the Marquee club when they were still gigging as The New Yardbirds. Collins had to learn the drum parts quickly. His drum kit was set up in the table tennis room, rather than the studio as the band thought it would give them a better live sound. In a conscious decision Plant decided to produce his first solo album himself, and turned down an offer to record at Headley Grange, opting for a fresh start at Rockfield studios located near Monmouth in the rural Wye Valley. 'Like I've Never Been Gone' and the 'Kashimr' sounding 'Slow Dancer' were the first two songs recorded, 'Pledge Pin' the last. The album features six rock songs and two ballads. 'Like I've Never Been Gone' is a dedication to Plant's friend John Bonham. Plant reputedly took a taped copy to Jimmy Page for approval.

Pictures at Eleven was released on 25 June 1982, and rose quickly towards the top of the album charts. As well as producing, Plant initially acted as his own manager, although Peter Grant helped him to set up his initial record deal with Atlantic Records, Plant wanted to cut his ties with the past and later brought in Phil Carson and Bill Curbishley. Plant recalled of the sessions: "I mean at the age of 32, when your career is finished, anything that came after that was a bonus really. After all that wild stuff and momentum in Zeppelin, this place [Rockfield] was an absolute dream because it was pastoral, funny and had a fantastic musical history."

Plant liked the area so much he briefly relocated to Monmouth.