Prospect recommends: Music

 



BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms: Elton John, Robert Plant & Neil Diamond28th-30th October, Roundhouse; Radio 2, and BBC2 in November

While previous attempts to stage this innovative concert series were scattered across the BBC pop network, this year’s Electric Proms will work to a much tighter formula: one venue (The Roundhouse), one radio station (BBC Radio 2), and one television special per artist (BBC2).

Even more impressive is the godly line-up—three stars with combined album sales of well over half a billion, all enjoying a late bloom. Former Led Zep frontman Robert Plant’s recent Band of Joy, the follow-up to his Grammy-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss, is a rueful collection of impeccably executed, rootsy covers. Neil Diamond’s own covers album, Dreams, is awaiting release. The Union, Elton John’s songwriting collaboration with hero Leon Russell, once the most sought-after session musician in Hollywood, has all the makings of a retirement-home classic. Russell will join Elton at the piano, along with acolytes Plan B and Rumer. While all three events will showcase new work, expect plenty of nostalgia too. Tickets sold out in a trice, so check television and radio listings for show times.