Robert Plant Declines Invitation to Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell Concert
Renowned Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has turned down an invitation to attend “Back to the Beginning,” a farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, which took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5. The concert marked a significant moment in rock history, celebrating the legacy of one of the genre’s most iconic bands.
Reason Behind Plant’s Decision
In a recent interview with Mojo, Plant revealed that he was personally invited by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi to attend the farewell show. The event was headlined by Black Sabbath and featured performances from other major acts such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer.
Plant shared his sentiments regarding the invitation, stating, “I said, Tony, I’d love to come, but I can’t come. I just can’t. I’m not saying that I’d rather hang out with Peter Gabriel or Youssou N’Dour, but I don’t know anything about what’s going on in the world now, at all.” His reluctance was not a reflection of his feelings towards the event itself; instead, he emphasized a desire to explore other artistic avenues.
“I don’t decry it, I’ve got nothing against it,” Plant clarified. “It’s just I found these other places that are so rich.” His response underscores his pursuit of personal growth and exploration in his artistry.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Lasting Legacy
Tragically, just weeks after the concert, Osbourne passed away at the age of 76, marking the end of an era for rock music. His contributions to the genre and his dynamic performances have left an indelible mark, making the farewell concert a poignant moment in music history.
Robert Plant’s Upcoming Projects
While Plant may have declined the invitation to the farewell concert, he is currently focused on his own musical journey. He is gearing up for the release of his new album, “Saving Grace,” set to drop on September 26. The album’s first single, a cover of “Everybody’s Song” by Minnesota indie rock band Low, has already garnered attention.
Following the album’s release, Plant will embark on a tour starting on October 30, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The tour will include stops in several major cities across the United States.
Robert Plant’s 2025 U.S. Tour Dates
- Oct. 30 – Wheeling, W. Va. @ Capitol Theatre
- Nov. 2 – Charlottesville, Va. @ The Paramount Theater
- Nov. 3 – Washington, D.C. @ Lincoln Theatre
- Nov. 5 – New York, N.Y. @ Brooklyn Paramount
- Nov. 6 – Boston, Mass @ Boch Center Shubert Theatre
- Nov. 8 – Port Chester, N.Y. @ The Capitol Theatre
- Nov. 10 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
- Nov. 12 – Chicago, Ill. @ The Vic Theatre
- Nov. 13 – Chicago, Ill. @ Old Town School of Folk Music
- Nov. 15 – Denver, Colo. @ Ellie Caulkins Opera House
- Nov. 18 – Seattle, Wash. @ The Moore Theatre
- Nov. 19 – Vancouver, B.C. @ Vogue Theatre
- Nov. 21 – Oakland, Calif. @ Fox Theater
- Nov. 22 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The United Theater on Broadway
For ticket information, fans can visit Plant’s official website.
Conclusion
Robert Plant’s decision to decline the invitation to “Back to the Beginning” highlights his commitment to exploring new creative paths while honoring the legacy of his contemporaries. As he prepares for his upcoming album and tour, fans can look forward to the continued evolution of one of rock music’s most iconic figures.
FAQs
Why did Robert Plant decline the invitation to the farewell concert?
Robert Plant declined the invitation due to personal reasons and a desire to explore other artistic avenues, stating he was not fully aware of the current music scene.
When will Robert Plant’s new album be released?
Robert Plant’s new album, “Saving Grace,” is set to be released on September 26, 2025.
What are the tour dates for Robert Plant’s upcoming tour?
The tour will begin on October 30, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia, and will include multiple cities across the U.S.
