In 2014, reports emerged claiming that Robert Plant had turned down an $800 million offer from Virgin Group founder Richard Branson for a Led Zeppelin reunion tour. The proposed deal allegedly included 35 concerts across London, Berlin, and New Jersey, with the possibility of 45 additional shows. It was said that surviving members Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham (son of the late drummer John Bonham) had agreed to the tour, but Plant declined, reportedly tearing up the contract in front of promoters.
However, both Plant and Branson swiftly refuted these claims. Plant’s publicist labeled the story as “rubbish,” stating that the singer had not received any such offer and hadn’t communicated with Branson in 50 years. Branson echoed this sentiment, expressing that he was “dazed and confused” by the fabricated reports and confirmed that no offer had been made.
The origins of the rumor trace back to a UK tabloid, The Sunday Mirror, which cited anonymous sources. Despite the sensational nature of the story, mainstream media outlets picked it up without thorough fact-checking. Subsequent investigations revealed inconsistencies and a lack of credible evidence supporting the claim.
Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following John Bonham’s death. While the band reunited for a one-off performance in 2007, Plant has consistently expressed reluctance to embark on a full-scale reunion tour. He has emphasized the importance of moving forward artistically and has pursued various solo projects, distancing himself from the idea of revisiting the past extensively.
In conclusion, the narrative of Plant rejecting an $800 million reunion offer is unfounded. Both Plant and Branson have categorically denied the existence of such a proposal, highlighting the story as a fabrication lacking any basis in reality.
