KFIX Rock News: Robert Plant & Richard Branson Deny Nine-Figure Led Zeppelin Reunion Offer

Robert Plant’s publicist says a report claiming that the singer turned down a hugely lucrative offer from U.K. mogul Richard Branson for Led Zeppelin to play a series of reunion shows is untrue. According to U.K. newspaper The Guardian, the rep called the report, which was published in British tabloid The Mirror, “rubbish.”

The Mirror article claimed that a source close to the band said Branson offered to pay Led Zeppelin 500 million pounds, about $800 million, to re-form for 35 concerts in three different cities, and that all the band’s members agreed to the deal except for Plant, who tore up the contract in front of the shows’ promoters.

In addition, the source told The Mirror that proposed concerts were to have been held in New Jersey, Berlin and at London’s O2 Arena, and that Branson was planning to have a Virgin Airlines jet rechristened “The Starship” and use it to fly the band to the shows.

Interestingly, the link to the online version of the Mirror story is no longer active.

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Robert Plant’s publicist says a report claiming the singer turned down a hugely lucrative offer from U.K. mogul Richard Branson for Led Zeppelin to play a series of reunion shows is untrue.

Now, Branson himself is denying it, saying, “As much as I love the band, there is absolutely no truth to the story.”

In a post on his Virgin corporate website, Branson writes, “I’ve been left dazed and confused by a story doing the rounds this week about us apparently offering Led Zeppelin £500 million to reform and carry out a tour. …I spoke to Robert Plant about the story, which he also confirmed is complete rubbish from his side too.”

“Robert told me he is very proud of his history and the band’s past, and has always had great respect and love for his work throughout his career. However, he really believes he must move on with his life and career today.”

Branson goes on to note how each Led Zeppelin member has their own successful careers “and should be respected in their own right. I’m proud of how so many artists from my generation, whether it is Led Zeppelin, Mike Oldfield or Peter Gabriel, are still being so creative and inventive. They have all moved on into exciting new phases, while still celebrating their incredible pasts.”

Branson concludes, “As Robert told me: “Look Richard, I just do things because I love them and I want to do more new things that I love.” I couldn’t agree more.”

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