’70s rock legend to lead one-night-only tribute concert for BBC broadcaster

Legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant will join an all-star lineup of musicians for a special charity concert in London later this year, honouring veteran BBC broadcaster Bob Harris, who recently stepped back from his radio career following the spread of his prostate cancer.

The event, titled "Stand By Me: Bob Harris — A Celebration of Life in Music," will take place on December 2 at London's Royal Albert Hall. The concert will celebrate Harris' decades-long contribution to music broadcasting and feature performances by several prominent artists from across the rock, folk and country genres, Parade reports.

Plant, whose concert appearances have become relatively infrequent in recent years, announced the performance shortly after completing a three-week U.S. tour earlier this year. He is also scheduled to return to the United States for another series of concerts from September 18 to October 15.

Bob Harris, widely known as "Whispering Bob," co-founded the British magazine Time Out in 1968 before becoming one of the United Kingdom's best-known music broadcasters. As host of The Old Grey Whistle Test, he introduced audiences to some of the biggest names in rock music, interviewing artists including Santana, Led Zeppelin, Linda Ronstadt and George Harrison.

Earlier this year, Harris revealed that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine, prompting him to retire from presenting BBC Radio 2's Country and Sounds of the 70s in order to focus on treatment.

The concert will bring together a diverse lineup of performers, including Roger Daltrey of The Who, Paul Weller of The Jam, Rick Wakeman of Yes, Chris Difford of Squeeze, country singer Carly Pearce, singer-songwriters Beth Nielsen Chapman and Judie Tzuke, folk artist Kate Rusby, Kezia Gill, guitarist Toby Lee, country duo The Shires, and Plant's current band, Saving Grace, featuring Suzi Dian.

Tickets for the event are scheduled to go on sale on August 7.

By Sabina Mammadli