Is former Led Zeppelin singer and veteran solo star Robert Plant willing to temporarily change his name at the request of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals? Could the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee become Robert Plant Wool before the Oct. 30 launch of his 2025 U.S. tour, which concludes with a Nov. 23 concert at Harrah’s Resort SoCal?

As of this writing, there is no word yet on whether Plant will agree to what PETA acknowledges is “a quirky request” to assume the new moniker to help promote Plant Wool Month. It begins Nov. 1 and is designed to “help highlight the impressive array of cruelty-free, sustainable plant wools and the innovative designers using them.” (The letter appears in full later in this article.)

It’s a novel ask by PETA, whose supporters have include Rock Hall of Famers Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Sting and Dolly Parton, along with such younger artists as Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Sia. And merely making the request to Plant is already generating new attention for the nonprofit, which was founded in Maryland in 1980 with the goal of speaking out against the mistreatment and exploitation of animals.

The Oct. 21 letter to Plant from PETA invokes one of Led Zeppelin’s best-known songs:

“While your song ”Kashmir’ is rightly celebrated as a masterpiece, cashmere is a different story. It comes from sensitive goats who scream in pain as their fleece is ripped from their bodies. Farming them also drives desertification in Mongolia, where the dust blows high in June, polluting the air as far afield as America, and making workers ill.”

Actress Pamela Anderson and TV host Bill Maher are both PETA supporters. There are, of course, some public figures who are not fans of PETA. One of the most outspoken is gonzo rocker Ted Nugent, an avid hunter and the author of the 2002 cookbook “Kill It And Grill It.”

“My name is Ted Nugent and because of Pam Anderson and because of Bill Maher and because of Paul McCartney, all the members of PETA, whenever I hear the word ‘animal’ or ‘rights’ in the same paragraph, I’m killing an extra hundred of something this year,” Nugent said in a 2010 interview with Royal Flush.

Plant next week launches his first U.S. tour with his latest band, Saving Grace, featuring Suzi Dian. It is in support of their new album, “Saving Grace.” The opening act for the tour is singer-songwriter Rosie Flores, who last month was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame.

Here is PETA’s letter to Plant:

Dear Mr. Plant:

Hello from your fans at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), where we appreciate your compassion for animals and passion for the environment. With Plant Wool Month — celebrating natural, plant-derived, and animal-free yarns — starting 1 November, we wanted to share a quirky idea that would help both the planet and the animals we share it with: Will you change your name to “Robert Plant Wool” for the month?

This temporary tweak to your famous moniker would help highlight the impressive array of cruelty-free, sustainable plant wools and the innovative designers using them. It would also let those stocking their winter wardrobes know that there are dozens of 10 percent animal- and plastic-free fibers to keep them cozy, without harming a hair on a sheep’s head.

Sheep wag their tails when happy, just like dogs — yet many are robbed of this simple joy in the wool industry, where tail severing is routine. Numerous investigations document violent beatings, and plant wools spare these gentle, clever animals from fear and abuse. Sheep’s wool is also highly damaging to vital river systems, as excrement from the UK’s 31 million sheep and chemical sheep dips run into waterways, causing suffocating eutrophication.

While your song “Kashmir” is rightly celebrated as a masterpiece, cashmere is a different story. It comes from sensitive goats who scream in pain as their fleece is ripped from their bodies. Farming them also drives desertification in Mongolia, where the dust blows high in June, polluting the air as far afield as America, and making workers ill.

Changing your name for the month would help showcase the array of plant wools—made from cotton, linen, hemp, orange waste, lavender flowers, soy, nettles, and more. These wools are all soft and warm, and best of all, they are a simple but effective way to make a difference for animals every time we get dressed in the morning.

As you’ve wisely said, the past is a stepping stone, not a millstone. The future of wool is plants, and we hope you’ll join us to celebrate this kind, green evolution of functional fashion. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Elisa Allen, PETA Vice President of Programmes

Robert Plant & Saving Grace, featuring Suzi Dian, with Rosie Flores

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Where: Harrah’s Events Center, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center

Tickets: $118.65-$480.70

Online: ticketmaster.com

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