There are moments when Cardiff quietly steps onto the global stage – and this is one of them. Music icon Robert Plant of led Zeppelin fame has been honoured with the prestigious Record Store Legend award, marked by the unveiling of a special plaque at Spillers Records – the world’s oldest record shop.
It’s a fitting tribute, not just to Plant’s extraordinary career, but to a lifelong relationship with record stores that continues to shape his connection with music today.
A global honour rooted in Cardiff
The Record Store Legend accolade recognises artists who have made a lasting impact on music while continuing to support independent record shops and emerging talent. It is a joint honour from Record Store Day UK and US, placing Plant among a select group of musicians celebrated not only for their work, but for their commitment to the culture surrounding it.
Previous recipients include Elton John, honoured in 2017, and Johnny Marr in 2025 – placing this latest recognition firmly among music’s most respected acknowledgements.
A lifelong connection to record shops
Speaking at Spillers, Plant reflected on the enduring importance of record stores in his life. For him, music has always been more than just sound – it’s about connection, discovery, and the tangible experience of owning something meaningful.
Having been making records since 1966, he spoke of the unique relationship between artist and listener that physical records help preserve – something that continues to resonate in an increasingly digital world.
His connection to record shops stretches back decades. From visiting chart shops in the 1960s to check if his early releases were on sale, to browsing legendary stores across the UK and beyond, record shops have remained a constant throughout his career. A famous photograph of Plant crate-digging in New York with Jimmy Page in 1970 only adds to that legacy.
Spillers Records takes centre stage
The unveiling of the plaque at Spillers Records adds another layer to the shop’s remarkable story. Established in 1894, it is widely recognised as the oldest record shop in the world – a place where generations of music lovers have gathered to discover, discuss and celebrate sound.
Ashli Todd of Spillers Records praised Plant’s enduring passion, describing him as a true connoisseur whose appetite for musical discovery has never faded. The shop now proudly displays the Record Store Legend plaque, inviting visitors to become part of that story.
For Cardiff, it’s a proud moment – a global music legend honoured in a venue that has long been at the heart of the city’s cultural identity.
Record Store Day 2026 approaches
The announcement comes ahead of Record Store Day 2026, taking place on 18 April. The annual celebration brings together thousands of independent record shops around the world, marked by exclusive vinyl releases, in-store performances and a shared love of music.
To mark the occasion, Robert Plant will release a special EP, Saving Grace: All That Glitters, featuring four tracks that explore folk and Americana influences. The record includes traditional arrangements alongside interpretations of songs by Gillian Welch and Bert Jansch, performed with singer Suzi Dian and the Saving Grace band.
A celebration of music, culture and community
More than just an award, this moment highlights the enduring role of independent record shops as cultural hubs. In an age of streaming and instant access, places like Spillers continue to offer something different – a sense of discovery, community, and connection that cannot be replicated online.
For visitors and locals alike, it’s another reason to step inside, browse the shelves, and experience a piece of living music history right in the heart of Cardiff.
City Life tip!
If you’re visiting Spillers Records, take time to explore Cardiff’s surrounding arcades – some of the city’s best independent shops, cafés and hidden gems are just a few steps away.
Spillers Records
27, The Morgan Arcade
Cardiff, United Kingdom
029 2022 4905
info@spillersrecords.com
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