Robert Plant explains reason for declining performance at Back To The Beginning concert with Rock 92.9
Robert Plant, the iconic former frontman of Led Zeppelin, was approached by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi to perform at the star-studded Back To The Beginning event, but Plant politely declined the invitation. In an interview with MOJO, Plant explained that while he appreciated the offer, he felt disconnected from the current music scene and preferred to focus on other musical endeavors. Plant expressed his admiration for artists like Peter Gabriel and Youssou N’Dour, indicating that he had found fulfillment in exploring different musical landscapes.
Although Plant did not provide specific reasons for turning down the opportunity to perform at Back To The Beginning, he hinted at his aversion to large venues. Instead, he emphasized his enjoyment of intimate and low-key performances with his new band, Saving Grace. Plant emphasized his preference for smaller, more intimate gigs where he could engage with the audience in a more personal way. He highlighted the freedom and flexibility that came with performing in smaller venues, allowing for a more experimental and laid-back approach to music-making.
Despite declining the invitation to Back To The Beginning, Plant is gearing up for the release of his first solo album in eight years, titled Saving Grace, which is set to be released on September 26. Available for pre-order on Nonesuch.com, the album marks Plant’s return to the spotlight following his last solo release in 2017 with Carry Fire and his collaboration with Alison Krauss on Raise The Roof in 2021. To promote the new album, Plant and Saving Grace will be embarking on a tour across North America this fall, with dates scheduled in various cities including Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles.
The upcoming tour will see Plant and his band performing at intimate and iconic venues, reflecting Plant’s preference for smaller, more intimate settings. The tour kicks off on October 30 in Wheeling, WV, and will conclude on November 22 in Los Angeles, CA. With a diverse range of tour dates spanning across North America, Plant and Saving Grace are set to treat fans to a unique and intimate musical experience that showcases Plant’s distinctive musical style and innovative approach to performance.
In conclusion, while Robert Plant may have turned down the opportunity to perform at Back To The Beginning, his focus on smaller, more intimate performances with Saving Grace reflects his commitment to artistic exploration and musical innovation. As he prepares to release his highly anticipated solo album and embark on a North American tour, fans can look forward to experiencing Plant’s legendary talent and creativity in a more personal and intimate setting.