Robert Plant's Beard Wins Beard Of The Year

Congratulations are in order for Bron-Y-Aur's finest beard and the steward of said scruff, Led Zeppelin's (and the Honeydrippers'!) Robert Plant (pictured above with recent collaborator Alison Krauss - a wonderful album if you are so inclined). The U.K.-based Beard Liberation Front awarded Mr. Plant the award ahead of other British Isle-based contenders such as Virgin boss Richard Branson and Liverpool F.C. manager Rafa Benitez, who presumably never walks alone. The competition was limited to those based in Blighty, which explains the absence of such noted hirsute yanks as and ZZ Top and pretty much all of Sub Pop faves Band Of Horses. From the NME:

Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant has been named the “beard of the year” by the Beard Liberation Front.

The singer has granted the 2007 award by the informal network of British beard wearers, beating Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez into second place.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson shared third place with last year’s winner, England cricketer Monty Panesar.

Beard Liberation Front organiser Keith Flett told BBC News: "The winners this year have stylish beards and are promoting a new 21st Century image of the hirsute."