Led Zeppelin to Headline Historic City Ground Concert Honoring Nottingham Forest Legend John Robertson
Nottingham, UK – June 9, 2025
In what promises to be one of the most unforgettable events in the city’s history, legendary British rock band Led Zeppelin has announced a live concert at City Ground Stadium in Nottingham to honor John Robertson, one of Nottingham Forest’s most iconic players. The tribute concert, scheduled for late August 2025, will celebrate Robertson’s extraordinary contributions to the club and his lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.
This will be Led Zeppelin’s first full-scale live performance in over a decade, and fans from across the world are already scrambling to secure tickets for what is expected to be a sold-out show.
A Rock Legend Salutes a Football Hero
The idea for the concert was reportedly born out of a private conversation between Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and longtime Forest supporter and promoter Mark Fletcher, who pitched the concept as “a fusion of music and football history.”
“John Robertson is a symbol of loyalty, flair, and excellence. He was the soul of that Forest side under Brian Clough. When I spoke to Jimmy [Page] about it, he was immediately onboard,” Fletcher said during the official announcement at the stadium.
The band released a statement confirming the event:
“Led Zeppelin is proud to honor a man who gave so much to football and to the people of Nottingham. This show isn’t just about music—it’s about legacy, pride, and paying tribute to greatness. We’re looking forward to shaking the City Ground.”
The Legacy of John Robertson
Nicknamed “The Magic Dwarf”, John Robertson played over 500 games for Nottingham Forest, starring during the club’s most successful period under manager Brian Clough. He was instrumental in Forest’s back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, famously setting up the winning goal in 1979 and scoring the decisive goal in the 1980 final.
Known for his unmatched dribbling, vision, and creativity on the wing, Robertson is still revered as one of the most talented players ever to don the red shirt.
Speaking on the honor, the now 71-year-old Robertson was visibly moved:
“I’m overwhelmed. To have a band like Led Zeppelin recognize my career in this way… it’s beyond words. Forest gave me everything, and to be celebrated like this at City Ground, my home, is incredibly humbling.”
What to Expect at the Concert
The event, officially titled “Stairway for a Legend: A Tribute to John Robertson”, is scheduled for August 24, 2025, with gates opening at 4:00 PM. It will feature a two-hour set from Led Zeppelin, with performances of classic hits like Stairway to Heaven, Kashmir, Black Dog, and Whole Lotta Love.
In addition, the concert will include:
- Special tributes from former Forest teammates and club legends
- A video montage of Robertson’s career moments, narrated by actor and Forest fan Vicky McClure
- An opening performance by Nottingham-based indie rock band Amber Run
- A laser and fireworks display over the River Trent, culminating in a musical finale to When the Levee Breaks
The pitch will be converted into a festival-style venue, with giant LED screens, tribute installations, and food and drink stations themed around Forest’s European triumphs.
Tickets and Global Attention
Tickets for the concert are expected to go on sale starting June 15 via major online platforms and the Nottingham Forest ticket office. Early registration has already drawn interest from fans across Europe and North America.
City officials are preparing for a weekend influx of visitors, with hotels in the area already reporting high booking volumes.
“It’s not just a concert—it’s a historic event for the city,” said Nottingham’s mayor Rachel Williams. “It showcases Nottingham’s proud footballing heritage and cultural vibrancy on an international stage.”
More Than Just Music
The event will also serve a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting the John Robertson Foundation, an initiative aimed at funding youth football academies, community sports outreach, and Alzheimer’s research—an issue close to Robertson’s heart.
A limited-edition merchandise line and commemorative vinyl pressing of the live show will also be released, with profits contributing to the foundation’s mission.
Jimmy Page emphasized this dimension during the press conference:
“This is about giving back. John inspired generations, and now we’re using that inspiration to fuel something bigger. That’s what music and football should do.”
A Fitting Celebration
With Nottingham Forest returning to Premier League contention in recent years and renewed interest in the club’s storied past, this tribute to John Robertson is more than nostalgia—it’s a celebration of what makes football magical and how legends live on through both sport and culture.
As the City Ground prepares to transform from fortress to festival, fans and locals alike eagerly await a night where Led Zeppelin’s thunderous riffs meet the legacy of a man whose left foot brought glory to Nottingham.
For one unforgettable night, the anthem of Forest’s golden age will be played not with boots—but with guitars.
