Robert Plant in London, October, 2010. Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images

Robert Plant loves him some Lord of the Rings. The former Led Zeppelin frontman wove Tolkien references through a handful of Zep classics, including “Stairway to Heaven” and “Ramble On.” But a true renaissance man enjoys more than just the magic of the middle earth. Here’s five Robert Plant obsessions that have nothing to do with LOTR.

1. The Word “Babe”

Your next drinking game: Take a shot every time Plant howls “babe.” You’ll be smashed before the third minute of “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You.”

2.  Americana

Plant’s recent enthusiasm centers around Nashville, where he plucked Alison Krauss to record 2007’s Grammy-winning Raising Sand. At least he’s steered clear of the Stetsons.

3. Reviving Old Bands That are Not Zeppelin

Last year, Plant announced he was reviving a pre-Zeppelin band called Band of Joy. Which leads us to number four.

4. Not Reuniting Zeppelin

‘Nuff said.

5. Tennis

“It (tennis) gives me a whole different circle of people to hang out with, who are charming,” Plant remarked back in 2008.  They sound better than LOTR fanboys.