Grammy Awards organizers decided it was better late than never for former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant.

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Plant received his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday prior to his keynote interview at the annual South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas.

Plant was absent Feb. 12, when his bandmates received the award in Los Angeles, but Recording Academy President Neil Portnow brought the glass trophy for Plant to Austin.

"Wow, that's nice. It's heavy," Plant said in accepting the award. "It's almost 37 years since the first Led Zeppelin song was heard on American radio, and in September it'll be 25 years since the passing of (drummer) John Bonham. These days go quickly ...

"There were a lot of high points and a lot of great enthusiasm and industry in the heart of Led Zeppelin. And for that it's been a really major part of my creative life."

Plant and his band, the Strange Sensation, performed at South By Southwest to preview their new album, "Mighty Rearranger," which comes out May 10.