Peter Grant (music Manager) - Post-Led Zeppelin and Death

Post-Led Zeppelin and Death

Marital problems, diabetes, cocaine addiction and the death of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham all took their toll on Grant's health, and after the official breakup of Led Zeppelin in 1980, and the subsequent folding of the Swan Song label in 1983, he virtually retired from the music business to his private estate in Hellingly, East Sussex. This is the house that is featured at the beginning of the film The Song Remains the Same.

Towards the end of his life, however, he conquered his addiction and lost a significant amount of weight. His first public appearance for many years was in 1989, when he and Jimmy Page both attended a Frank Sinatra concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Grant subsequently sold his estate, and moved to nearby Eastbourne, where he was offered the civic position of local magistrate for the town council, but turned it down. In 1992, he appeared in the film Carry On Columbus as a cardinal. In his remaining years, Grant became a keynote speaker at music management conferences such as In The City, where he was lauded by latter-day peers.

On the afternoon of 21 November 1995, while driving to his home at Eastbourne, Grant suffered a fatal heart attack, his son Warren by his side. He was 60 years old. Grant was buried on 4 December 1995 at Hellingly Cemetery with the funeral service held at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Hellingly, East Sussex. His eulogy was read by long time friend Alan Callan. Coincidentally, it was the 15th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's official breakup. His final public appearance had been at the final night of the Page and Plant tour at the Wembley Arena in July 1995.

Grant was survived by son Warren and daughter Helen (born 1964). Helen was partner to former the Moody Blues and Wings guitarist Denny Laine. They have one daughter Lucianne (born 1987).