Robert Plant reveals Carry Fire album and tour

By Martin Kielty
( Classic Rock )
published

Listen to lead track The May Queen from Robert Plant's 11th solo album Carry Fire

Robert Plant Carry Fire

Robert Plant has confirmed the launch of his 11th solo album, Carry Fire, which is to be released on October 13 via Nonesuch / Warner, and accompanied with a 14-date UK tour. A series of clips can be heard via his website and lead track The May Queen can be heard below.

The follow-up to 2014’s Lullaby And… The Ceaseless Roar features backing band The Sensational Shape Shifters, who make their second appearance on record with the former Led Zeppelin frontman.

He first used the phrase “carry fire” in his song Dancing In Heaven from 2005 album Mighty ReArranger. Track titles for the upcoming 11-track release include The May Queen, New World, Carving Up The World Again and A Way With Words. Pretenders vocalist Chrissie Hynde makes a guest appearance on a cover of Bluebirds Over The Mountain, previously recorded by Richie Valens and the Beach Boys.

Plant says: “It’s about intention. I respect and relish my past works, but each time I feel the 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.”

Tour tickets go on sale on August 25. A pre-order campaign for the album includes the opportunity to gain priority access to concert pre-sales. Full tracklist and tour dates can be seen below.

Robert Plant: Carry Fire tracklist

  1. The May Queen
  2. New World…
  3. Season’s Song
  4. Dance With You Tonight
  5. Carving Up The World Again
  6. A Way With Words
  7. Carry Fire
  8. Bones Of Saints
  9. Keep It Hid
  10. Bluebirds Over The Mountain
  11. Heaven Sent

Robert Plant UK tour 2017

Nov 16: Plymouth Pavilions
Nov 17: Bristol Colston Hall
Nov 20: Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Nov 22: Llandudno Venue Cymru
Nov 24: Newcastle City Hall
Nov 25: Liverpool Oympia
Nov 27: Glasgow SEC Armadillo
Nov 28: Perth Concert Hall
Nov 30: Manchester O2 Apollo
Dec 02: Belfast Ulster Hall
Dec 06: Sheffield City Hall
Dec 08: London Royal Albert Hall
Dec 11: Portsmouth Guildhall
Dec 12: Birmingham Symphony Hall

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Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.