Moby Hits the Road for a Landmark Tour: Celebrating 25 Years of ‘Play’
Moby, the New York City-based electronic music icon, has revealed his plans to return to the live music scene. For the first time in over a decade, the legendary musician, producer, and animal rights activist will embark on a European tour this September, gracing stages in some of the continent’s most vibrant cities, including London, Berlin, and Paris. This tour marks a significant milestone, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, Play, which propelled him to international acclaim.
Released on May 17, 1999, Play became an instant classic with tracks like “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” and “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” The album’s unique blend of electronic music with samples of old blues and folk recordings resonated globally, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning the title of the biggest-selling electronic album of all time. The album’s success was not just commercial but also critical, bagging numerous awards and firmly establishing Moby as a pivotal figure in the electronic music scene.
The tour isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a heartfelt journey through Moby’s expansive career. Fans can look forward to live renditions of beloved songs from Play, alongside fan favorites like “Extreme Ways,” “We Are All Made Of Stars,” and nostalgic rave anthems “Feeling So Real” and “Go.” Adding a layer of altruism to his musical resurgence, Moby has committed 100% of his tour profits to European animal rights organizations, underscoring his long-standing commitment to veganism and animal welfare.
In conjunction with the tour announcement, Moby has also teased the release of his forthcoming album, always centered at night, scheduled for release on June 14 via Mute. The album promises an eclectic mix of collaborations, featuring artists like soul-jazz singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird and the late British poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, among others. The lead single, “dark days,” Listen here showcases Lady Blackbird’s captivating vocals, continuing Moby’s tradition of blending his musical genius with other talented voices.
Moby’s return to the live stage and the announcement of his new album underscore his unwavering passion for music and advocacy. As he celebrates 25 years of Play, this tour and new music endeavor serve as a reminder of Moby’s enduring influence on the music industry and his commitment to making a difference in the world.
Tickets for the highly anticipated tour go on sale this week, with various presales starting on March 20th. As fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Moby live in concert, his upcoming album always centered at night is also generating significant excitement, promising a new chapter in the illustrious career of one of electronic music’s most influential figures.
For more information on tour dates and to keep up with all things Moby, fans are encouraged to follow him on his social media platforms. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.