John Bindon

John 'Biffo' Bindon was a multifaceted British actor and bodyguard, known for his notorious role as a protector for the rock band Led Zeppelin during their tumultuous 1977 US tour, from which he was dismissed due to violent behavior. Born to a London cab driver, Bindon earned his nickname "Biffo" due to his frequent involvement in brawls, leading to two stints in Borstal during his youth. His unique personality and charisma caught the eye of filmmaker Ken Loach, who cast him in the 1967 film *Poor Cow*, marking the beginning of Bindon's acting career.

He became a familiar face in iconic British cinema, featuring in films such as *Performance*, *Get Carter*, and *Quadrophenia*, often portraying characters from the criminal underworld. In 1968, Bindon’s life took a turn when he met Vicki Hodge, a model and daughter of a baronet, which opened doors to high society and controversial connections, including an alleged relationship with Princess Margaret, a storyline that was later depicted in the 2008 film *The Bank Job*.

In the same year, Bindon received the Queen's Award for Bravery after rescuing a man from the Thames, although rumors suggested he had initially pushed him in. His life took a darker turn in 1979 when he was tried for the murder of gangster John Darke; he was ultimately acquitted, claiming self-defense. Nonetheless, his reputation suffered, leading to a decline in his acting opportunities. Bindon spent his final years reclusively in Belgravia before passing away from an AIDS-related illness in 1993.