Ever wondered who the young woman is with Robert, BP Fallon and the snake in the famous photos taken at the Hyatt House Hotel in LA on June 1st 1973. Her name is Vanessa Gilbert. She travelled with the band and claims to be a lifelong friend of Robert Plant. Bob Spitz’s book Led Zeppelin – The Biography Chapter 16 alleges the reasons she and another associate, Gyl Owen-Corrigan (now Gyl Corrigan-Devlin) were part of the inner circle. She is now leads the Voice-over Division at RSA Entertainment. She says of that time in a couple of anecdotes below…

Vanessa Gilbert, whose name resonates with those familiar with the rock and roll history of the early 1970s, was a significant figure during the peak of Led Zeppelin’s fame. In June 1973, a series of iconic photographs captured her alongside Robert Plant, BP Fallon, and a curious snake at the Hyatt House Hotel in Los Angeles. These images are symbols of a time when rock music was not only a genre but a lifestyle filled with exuberance, rebellion, and unforgettable moments.

Traveling with the band, Vanessa developed a lifelong friendship with Plant, rooted in shared experiences and the adrenaline-fueled world of rock and roll. Described by many who knew her as a vivacious and spirited individual, Vanessa was more than just a mere bystander in Led Zeppelin’s tumultuous saga; she found herself at the heart of the band’s wild adventures.

In an anecdote that illustrates the carefree essence of that period, Vanessa recalls a night when she and the band ventured into the Los Angeles scene, reveling in the freedom and the unique camaraderie. “We didn’t have a care in the world,” she reminisces. “It was just the music, the laughter, and the feeling of invincibility. Robert’s infectious energy would light up the room, and everything else faded away.”

Another memorable moment for Vanessa centers on an impromptu gathering at the hotel after a particularly electrifying concert. “We had a snake for a photo shoot, and it just became a part of the evening. It was surreal, like something out of a dream. We were young, filled with ambition, and the world was our playground,” she says, reflecting on the joyous absurdity of the situation.

Bob Spitz, in his biography, underscores the significance of Vanessa and Gyl Owen-Corrigan’s presence in the inner circle of Led Zeppelin. Their companionship offered a blend of authenticity and warmth amidst the chaotic lifestyle of the touring musicians. Today, as the head of the Voice-over Division at RSA Entertainment, Vanessa carries with her the rich tapestry of memories from that era, infusing her current work with the creativity and spontaneity that defined her formative years with Led Zeppelin. Her experiences reflect a moment in rock history that was as glorious as it was fleeting—a testament to the wild spirit of youth and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared passions.