Legendary Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant will be performing in concert in St Albans next week.

The Led Zep singer will be appearing with his new band Saving Grace as special guests of folk-rock stalwarts Fairport Convention at their gig at The Alban Arena on Friday, February 22.

The Alban Arena tweeted: “The secret is out! Joining Fairport Convention on Friday 22 February will be the legendary Robert Plant’s new band Saving Grace!

“Tickets are on sale now - this is sure to be very popular, so get in there quick! #fairportconvention #robertplant #LedZeppelin @RobertPlant”

After more than 50 years on the road, Fairport Convention’s passion for live performance has never wavered.

Herts Advertiser: Fairport Convention photographed in November 2016. The band will be performing at The Alban Arena in St Albans on Friday, February 22. Picture: Ben Nicholson.Fairport Convention photographed in November 2016. The band will be performing at The Alban Arena in St Albans on Friday, February 22. Picture: Ben Nicholson. (Image: Ben Nicholson)

Renowned as the founding fathers of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention have won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, Radio 2 listeners have voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album Liege & Lief ‘the most influential folk album of all time’, and their story and music frequently features on radio and television.

Next week’s concert will also feature Saving Grace, in one of only three special guest appearances on Fairport’s current tour, the others being Basingstoke on Thursday, February 14 and Bath on Saturday, February 16.

In a statement on Fairport Convention’s website, the band said: “Our dear friend Robert Plant has a lovely new band called Saving Grace.

“He asked us if we could help by having them play some gigs on our current tour.

“We have tried to keep the three dates they are doing with us ‘hushed up’, but the worst kept secret of 2019 is out now and we are letting Fairport fans get in quick with obtaining tickets.

“We’d love you to join us. It’s the 40th anniversary of Cropredy and Led Zeppelin’s Knebworth gigs this year, and it’s nice of Robert and the band to join us for these dates.

“We know you are in for a real treat but we advise buying your tickets ASAP!”

Led Zeppelin headlined the Knebworth Festival in 1979, with two concerts at Knebworth House on Saturday, August 4 and Saturday, August 11.

Fairport Convention were among the support acts of the Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love rock favourites at Knebworth back in 1979.

Roles will be reversed in St Albans with Robert Plant’s latest band supporting Fairport Convention.

Tickets for the Fairport Convention concert, along with Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant, cost £26.

• Book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk or call The Alban Arena box office on 01727 844488.