In 2016, the inaugural Desert Trip festival, organized by Goldenvoice, featured a lineup of legendary rock artists including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Roger Waters, and The Who. The festival, held over two weekends in October at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, was a massive success, grossing nearly $150 million. In an effort to enhance this star-studded roster, promoters reportedly extended an invitation to Led Zeppelin, offering the iconic band $14 million to reunite for the event.
According to reports, guitarist Jimmy Page was enthusiastic about the opportunity; however, vocalist Robert Plant declined, leading to the band’s decision to forgo the festival. This wasn’t the first time Led Zeppelin had turned down substantial offers for a reunion. In 2014, it was reported that Plant rejected an $800 million proposal for a 35-date tour, a decision that left Page and bassist John Paul Jones reportedly frustrated.
Despite the success of the 2016 event, Desert Trip did not continue in subsequent years. In 2017, Paul Tollett, the founder of Goldenvoice, confirmed that the festival would not return that year, describing the 2016 event as “a special moment in time.” As of 2025, there have been no official announcements regarding future Desert Trip festivals or potential reunions involving Led Zeppelin.
While fans continue to hope for a Led Zeppelin reunion, Robert Plant has consistently expressed reluctance to revisit the past, focusing instead on his solo career and new musical explorations. This steadfastness suggests that, despite lucrative offers and public demand, a Led Zeppelin reunion remains unlikely.
