Joe Tacopino of New York Post reports:
Robert Plant and the other living founding members of legendary hard-rock band Led Zeppelin were about to ink an $800 million contract with Virgin Atlantic billionaire Richard Branson to play a reunion tour, but the iconic band’s singer ripped the contract to shreds in the final moments, a report said.
Founding members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones signed on immediately when the flamboyant investor offered the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the staggering amount to perform just 35 tour dates in three locations including London, Berlin and New Jersey, according to the UK’s Mirror.
But Branson was left stunned when the 66-year-old Plant tore the agreement to pieces right in front of the concert promoters, the newspaper said.
“There was an enormous sense of shock,” a source told the Mirror. “He said no and ripped up the paperwork he had been given.”
Guitarist Page and bassist Jones were all set to perform along with drummer Jason Bonham, who has filled in for his late father, John Bonham, in the past.
They gave their cranky frontman two days to think about the historic reunion, and he turned into a real heartbreaker for fans who have dreamed of another reunion tour.
“It was a no-brainer for them, but Robert asked for 48 hours to think about it,” the source said. “They have tried to talk him ’round, but there is no chance. His mind is made up and that’s that.”
And it’s not likely that the band can hire a replacement for Plant’s unique voice.
“There is no way they can go ahead without him,” the source said.
Branson, a tremendous fan of the ’70s rock band, reportedly pulled out all the stops to get the “The Song Remains the Same” rockers back on stage together.
The founder of Virgin Group was planning on renaming one of his jumbo jets “The Starship” and having the craft ferry the stars around to their gigs.
He was even going to have the staircase of the jet renamed the Stairway to Heaven after the band’s landmark hit.
“Even his money was not enough to get Plant to sign up,” the source said, adding that the tycoon was very upset by the singer’s diss.
The band last played together, with Jason Bonham filling in on drums, during a tribute concert at London’s O2 arena in 2007.
The band has been notoriously cranky about whether it would ever reunite, with Plant even calling one reporter a “schmuck” during a press conference in 2012.
source: pagesix.com
69 Responses
Enough already! The one off reunion performance at the O2 Arena was a fitting end to one of the greatest rock bands ever. I for one am glad Robert walked away from the offer. Time for Jimmy, John Paul and Jason to move on. Robert sure has.
I completely agree with you Medved.
It’s never been about the money for robert. When you’re over 65 years old, the more money you throw at him….it can have the opposite effect. You have to do it because it feels right and it’s just fun to get back with his old bandmates.
But for only 35 or so shows, this would be a cream puff tour and easy to pull off. This lets you know how much robert hates the shadow of led Zeppelin.
This tour would not be about the fans though. It’s a cash grab and the only people that could afford tickets are 50-65 year old men with deep pockets.
Yeah, people need to let it go. Plant has made it clear over and over and over again that Zeppelin is not something he has much interest in. I can understand that, to a point. Like any fan, I’d love hear the 3 of them and Jason write a few new tunes, but hell will be freezing over first, unfortunately.
Little late to the party…..but if Plant wants nothing to do w/ Led Zeppelin, then he sure as s–t shouldn’t perform song one from any of their catalog when he tours. But he knows that’s all people come to hear….his solo crap is hideous. Principled my ass…..Plant is a pompous jagoff.
Whether you like LZ or not, you gotta admit the man is principled.
In other words Mr Plant, your not a CLOWN SHOW!!!! It’s about the music not the money!!!
Are you listening Axl.