Led Zeppelin’s songs are rich with mystical and evocative metaphors, but when Robert Plant sang about his origins in the land of ice and snow in the iconic track “Immigrant Song,” he was speaking from a place of personal experience. This powerful song, which features a captivating blend of rock and mythology, was released as the sole single from Led Zeppelin’s acclaimed 1970 album Led Zeppelin III. Notably, the band performed in Reykjavik, Iceland on June 22, 1970, marking their only performance in this stunning locale before the album’s release in October.

For those living in the Northern Hemisphere, June typically signifies the onset of summer; however, Iceland remains cool, with average temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit even during this season. The band’s visit took place during a time when summer meant long days and cool nights, creating a unique atmosphere that influenced their music.

Discover the Rich Culture of Iceland: Vikings, Hot Springs, and the Midnight Sun

Inspired by the breathtaking surroundings and the rich history of exploratory Vikings, Plant found lyrical inspiration in Iceland’s natural wonders. The country is renowned for its numerous hot springs and geothermal pools, which attract visitors year-round. During the summer months from May to August, Iceland is graced with almost 24 hours of daylight, famously referred to as the midnight sun, a phenomenon that significantly influenced the band’s creative process.

Reflecting on this experience, Plant recounted to author Chris Welch in the book Led Zeppelin, “We weren’t being pompous. We indeed came from the land of ice and snow. Our visit was part of a cultural mission, as we were guests of the Icelandic Government to perform in Reykjavik. Just before our arrival, a strike by civil servants threatened to cancel our concert, but the university rallied and prepared a concert hall for us, which turned out to be phenomenal. The audience’s response was remarkable, making it a memorable experience. ‘Immigrant Song’ encapsulates that trip and serves as the opening track on an album intended to showcase an incredible evolution in our music style.”

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According to Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist, he had already developed a powerful, grinding riff for “Immigrant Song” by the time Plant penned the lyrics. As the band meticulously crafted Led Zeppelin III, Page sensed they were on the brink of creating something truly special that could resonate with audiences worldwide.

Page shared in an interview with Total Guitar in 2020 (via MusicRadar), “During the early rehearsals, when it was just John Bonham and myself, I had ‘Immigrant Song,’ ‘Out on the Tiles,’ and ‘Friends’ in mind. When you consider that you have tracks like ‘Friends’ and ‘Immigrant Song,’ there’s already a balance of yin and yang in the mix. And there were many other elements that we were eager to incorporate.”

Experience Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’

Prior to its official release, Led Zeppelin performed “Immigrant Song” live just six days after their Icelandic concert at the Bath Festival in England on June 28, 1970. Eventually, the song was released as a single in November of that same year, achieving considerable success by reaching No. 16 on the U.S. charts.

After the band disbanded, Plant returned to Reykjavik as a solo artist on three occasions, twice in 2005 and once on June 23, 2019. At this last performance, Plant finally sang “Immigrant Song” in Iceland for the first time since that fateful concert nearly 50 years earlier, creating a full-circle moment for both him and the audience.

Watch Robert Plant Perform ‘Immigrant Song’ in Iceland in 2019