Rock legend Robert Plant returns to one of Britain’s most iconic venues this December for his first Royal Albert Hall show in four years

 

The electrifying former Led Zeppelin vocalist, now an accomplished solo performer, will be performing songs from his forthcoming album, ‘Carry Fire’, along with hits and rarities, at his one-off Hall date on Friday 8 December.

His band, The Sensational Space Shifters, will include Seth Lakeman, who features on three of the album’s tracks, playing viola and fiddle.

Lucy Noble, Artistic Director at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “Perhaps the most electrifying 15 minutes at the Hall this year was when Robert joined Nigel Kennedy on stage for a scintillating collaboration. He enjoyed the experience so much that he suggested coming back for a headline show – and we were more than happy to accept.

“Robert Plant is a bona-fide rock legend, and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen the Hall for his only London date. Fans will get the chance to bask in great music both old and new – including tracks from his sensational new record.”

Plant’s new album, ‘Carry Fire’, will be released on Monday 13 October on Nonesuch/Warner Bros. Records, his 11th solo album and first full-length release since 2014’s acclaimed ‘lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar’. It was produced by the singer at Top Cat studio in Box, Wiltshire with additional recordings at Real World and Rockfield studios.

Special guests include Lakeman, Albanian cellist Redi Hasa, and Chrissie Hynde, who duets with Plant on “Bluebirds Over The Mountain”, written by rockabilly legend Ersel Hickey and later recorded by both Richie Valens and The Beach Boys.

As on his previous record, Plant is accompanied by The Sensational Space Shifters: John Baggott on keyboards, moog, loops, percussion, drums, brass arrangement, t’bal, snare drum, slide guitar, piano, electric piano, bendir; Justin Adams on guitar, acoustic guitar, oud, E-bow quartet, percussion, snare drum, tambourine; Dave Smith on bendir, tambourine, djembe, drum kit; and Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson on dobro, guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, twelve-string.

Robert Plant and the band spent two years on the road together supporting ‘lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar’, their unique sound and vision ultimately evolving into something even more creative and powerful. Robert, who lived in Texas for a time before returning to England three years ago, has spoken about the new songs, which meld unusual rhythms with naturalism and smouldering power.

“It’s about intention, I respect and relish my past works but each time I feel the lure and incentive to create new work. I must mix old with new. Consequently, the whole impetus of the band has moved on its axis somewhat, the new sound and different space giving way to exciting and dramatic landscapes of mood, melody and instrumentation,” he said.

The Royal Albert Hall show is part of a 15-date tour of the UK. For details of how to access the pre-sale, visit www.robertplant.com before 23:59 on the 20 August. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 25 August at 9am from www.royalalberthall.com.

Plant has appeared at the Royal Albert Hall seven times, debuting with Led Zeppelin on 29 June 1969, and last headlining as part of Bluesfest in October 2013.

ENDS

 

Listings info

Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP

Friday 8 December 2017, 7pm

Tickets from £45

020 7589 8212 / www.royalalberthall.com

 

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Over the past 146 years, it has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Edward Elgar to The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Adele. Last year, its breathtaking auditorium presented 390 events by the world’s greatest performers – taking in rock, pop and classical music, dance, films, Cirque du Soleil and even tennis – with the magical setting and inspired artists creating amazing memories for audiences.

Opened in 1871 to fulfil Prince Albert’s vision of a central hall to promote the arts and sciences, the Hall is a registered charity that remains true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. It hosts over 1,000 events a year in its secondary space, the Elgar Room, and beyond, broadening the Hall’s appeal to incorporate younger and more diverse audiences.

Education & Outreach at the Royal Albert Hall creates memories, changes lives and provides inspiration through music for all, regardless of age or background.