Richard Branson denies Led Zeppelin offer

Virgin founder Richard Branson has taken to his blog to dismiss reports suggesting her offered Led Zeppelin £500 million to reunite for 35 shows in Britain, Germany and America.

Representatives for former frontman Robert Plant have laughed off the U.K. tabloid story, insisting it's "rubbish", and now Branson has addressed the rumor, stating, "There is absolutely no truth to the story".

According to the tabloid tale, Plant ripped up the offer in Branson's face after he suggested a three-city set of shows in London, Berlin and New Jersey and the option to extend the tour at five separate venues.

But the entrepreneur 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. As much as I love the band, there is absolutely no truth to the story. There were even claims that Virgin Atlantic was about to rename one of our planes and include a stairway to heaven in honor of the band. However nice an idea, this is also completely untrue.

"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.

"Making up this story is very disrespectful to how wonderful his solo career with the Sensational Space Shifters is going. He is setting out on a sold-out tour today and they released a brilliant album last year. Fellow band members Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones also have many exciting projects in the works and should be respected in their own right."