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
Plant should join with Blackmore’s group and call it Led Purple
The three guys could grab a guy Glenn Hughes and just do a quick tour for the fun of it. I think plant did the right thing for sure.
Glenn would be a GREAT choice! From the same area, close to the same age, and can sing it! But won’t happen. Cal Breed did 2 Zep songs when Jason was in it
Nor should it happen. What would be the point?
Ace declined $3,000 to play Altoona at a large bar. Bret Michaels spent 6 times in emergency rooms the past 2 weeks but never missed a show…..that’s just sad he can’t even take time to rest. Somebody has a line to his wallet.
Ace could never pay his band and crew for $3000. No band would take 3K that is on tour to play. It’s all about economics. Not cheap on the road!
Name one band that would play a gig for that little of money? Eddie this guy has a obsession with Ace. For a guy who hates Ace soooooo much he sure spends a lot of time talking about him.He probably is a secret fan of Aces he spends more time knocking Ace then he dose talking about Kiss
Sometimes the most hardcore fans are the ones that have the most issues with the person they are a fan of. Weird but trust me I see it often..
This story is clearly made up the math does not add up ticket price would be about $1300 per ticket just to break even
There was a ton of money offered but no idea how much and Plant has said it is not about money. When you are that age and have it all I can imagine it wouldn’t be about the cash
Led zeppelin is one of the very very few bands that kept somewhat of a mystique to this day even through this internet crazed world because they are arguably one of the, if not the greatest band in the history of rock n roll. Yet when one of their original members died they ended it. Somethings are best left as they were. What they created can never be duplicated or matched in terms of originality, creativity, musicianship and showmanship during their time. In fact dare I say that there are very few bands that have come along since zeppelin ended that deserve to be mentioned in the same breath. Pantera, Guns N Roses, Alter Bridge, Metallica, are the only ones who immediately come to mind that established an epic legacy in terms of originality, creativity, musicianship and showmanship or elements of these in a few of these traits. It can be argued that Alter Bridge is still establishing their legacy which they are. Unfortunately they’ve come along during a time where technology, Internet, etc has detracted from their success in my opinion. Not to mention we do not live in a rock friendly world and the likes of Miley Cyrus and other garbage get mainstream attention. But their is no denying the sheer power of their musicianship and Myles is one of the greatest living vocalists in the world today. Though there is no doubt that nirvana dominated what became known as the grunge era, they do not compare to Zeppelin, period. Pearl Jam and Mother Love Bone (the original Pearl Jam) are much better as well as the Foo fighters. I’m sure there’s a few bands I may have left out but again I believe my opinion is open for debate but there’s no denying what I say is true.
I have to agree with Bigsled – I feel new music would hurt their legacy. The Page/Plant cd “Walking into Clarksdale” was so uninspired. Really wanted to like it, but after 16 years and many repeat attempts at listening, I just can’t get into it. Would be a shame if that’s what happened with a new Zeppelin release. Just my opinion.