Legendary musician Robert Plant recently made headlines by turning down an invitation to participate in Back to the Beginning, a significant farewell concert dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, which took place in Birmingham, England on July 5. This event marked a poignant moment for fans and musicians alike, celebrating the incredible legacy of these iconic rock figures.

Understanding Why Robert Plant Opted Out of Back to the Beginning Concert

In a candid conversation with Mojo, Plant shared insights about how Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi extended an invitation for him to attend the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park in Birmingham. This event was a momentous occasion, featuring headlining performances by both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing their final shows together.

Tragically, Osbourne passed away just weeks after this historic concert at the age of 76, a loss deeply felt throughout the music community.

READ MORE: Discover When the Back to the Beginning Concert Film Will Hit Theaters

The evening also included powerful performances from renowned acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer, who energized the crowd before the final acts took the stage. While Plant did not clarify whether he was invited to perform at Back to the Beginning, he mentioned that Iommi’s invitation was strictly to “attend.”

Plant expressed his feelings saying, “I said, Tony, I’d love to come, but I can’t come,” he explained to Mojo. “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.” This illustrates his current disconnect from the music scene and his personal journey.

Emphasizing that his decision was not personal, Plant made it clear that he appreciated the concept of Back to the Beginning, stating, “I don’t decry it, I’ve got nothing against it,” he said in the interview. “It’s just I found these other places that are so rich,” highlighting his desire to explore new experiences rather than revisiting past glories.

Exciting News: Robert Plant’s Upcoming Tour and Album Release

Robert Plant is currently engaged in promotional activities for his highly anticipated new album, titled Saving Grace, which is set for release on September 26. This album promises to showcase his evolving artistry, with the first single being a captivating cover of Minnesota indie rock band Low‘s “Everybody’s Song,” indicating his continued relevance in the music industry.

Following the album’s launch, Plant will embark on a tour, kicking off on October 30 at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia, where fans can expect an unforgettable musical experience.

Join Robert Plant on His 2025 U.S. Tour: Dates and Locations

Here’s a glimpse of Robert Plant’s tour schedule for 2025:
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 those eager to catch Plant live, ticket information is readily available on his official website, ensuring fans don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.