Welcome to
“The Gift”
For Richard
“May the music that paints the tapestry of your life sound as good today as the first time you heard it. Entwined in these lyrics are gestures for you, your loved ones, my loved ones, and one from me. I hope you enjoy unravelling the journey as much as I enjoyed traveling it. ”
From all the people who never had a chance to say thanks.
The Lyrics Unwrapped
David says “This is ground control to Major Tom”
Artist: David Bowie
Song: Space Oddity – 1969
Album: Best of Bowie
The opening track was selected as a tribute to Richard’s journey to space which he has described as one of most magical, extraordinary experiences of his life. The song helped shape pop culture prior to the founding years of Virgin Records and David Bowie would later go on to sign with Virgin. His track “Space Oddity” has often been used in association with Virgin Galactic’s space exploration initiatives. Richard has mentioned the song during press events for Virgin Galactic, emphasizing its relevance to the company’s aim to make space travel accessible
Elton says “Oh, no, no, I’m a rocket maaaan!”
Artist: Elton John
Song: Rocket Man – 1972
Album: Honky Chateau
Rocket Man is another tribute to Richard’s journey to space, albeit with a more personal connection for me, in that I grew up listening to Elton and had this song sung for me by my friend’s and family most memorably on my 40th birthday. Richard has spoken about his vision for having the world’s first-ever live concert in space, and symbolically turning Elton John’s “Rocket Man” into a literal cosmic performance.
John says “Imagine all the people, Livin’ life in peace”.
Artist: John Lennon
Song: Imagine – 1971
Album: Imagine
“Imagine” is a tribute to Richard’s humanitarian efforts that often align with the song’s message of peace and unity. Richard has been quoted in 2015 as saying “My favourite lyrics are John Lennon’s Imagine. They’re more appropriate now than ever”. – I could not agree more.
Mike says “Plus… tubular bells!”.
Artist: Mike Oldfield
Song: Tubular Bells – Pt. I – 1973
Album: Tubular Bells
“Tubular Bells” and Virgin Records are inseparably linked, the success of one effectively launched the other. Tubular Bells (a first release by a 19-year-old Mike Oldfield) was the first release on Virgin Records (catalog number V2001), launched by a young Richard Branson in 1973. He had started with a record store and mail-order business and needed a breakout success for his new label. Tubular Bells sold over 17 million copies worldwide and stayed in the UK charts for over 5 years, becoming one of the best-selling instrumental albums of all time. Richard has said “Without Tubular Bells, there would be no Virgin Records.”
Johnny says “God save the Queen, The fascist regime.”
Artist: Sex Pistols
Song: God Save The Queen – 1977
Album: Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were one of the most controversial bands ever signed by Virgin Records, as they were first dropped by EMI and A&M. Richard was instrumental in signing and promoting the band, despite their polarizing reputation. The song “God Save The Queen” became a symbol of rebellion, becoming famous from a certain boat party on the Thames.
Here’s an extract from Richard himself:
“It was June 7th 1977, and the Queen was getting ready to celebrate the silver jubilee. Virgin Records had signed The Sex Pistols, who were busy causing Anarchy in the UK and making a name for our record label in the process. Now we prepared to gate-crash the royal celebrations with an instant punk classic – God Save The Queen.”
Needless to say, the police turned up…
“The police caused absolute chaos. The Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren had some cheeky words for them, and about 10 policemen promptly responded by beating him up and arresting him. It was a huge overreaction by the police, but it certainly did the reputation of The Sex Pistols and Virgin no harm at all. God Save The Queen sales went through the roof and the
band’s place in rock ‘n’ roll history was confirmed. 

Years later when I got knighted I did wonder whether the royal sword would be used to chop my head off rather than tap me on the shoulder. Thankfully the Queen has been good enough to have forgiven me. Now God Save The Queen is so woven into the fabric of British society that it was even used four years ago in the Olympic Opening Ceremony to soundtrack the journey down the Thames to the stadium. All from a little boat party that cost us £750.”

Mick says “If you start me up, I’ll never stop”.
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Song: Start Me Up – 1981
Album: Tattoo You (2009 Re-Mastered)
Richard’s bond with the Rolling Stones stretches from a nervy teen interview with Mick Jagger at 48 Cheyne Walk to a decades-long pursuit that finally landed the band on Virgin in 1991. After losing a 1975 bidding war to EMI by roughly $1 million, Richard kept the dream alive by hosting sessions at The Manor, signing Keith Richards’ solo albums, and ultimately celebrating a Stones deal so raucous he later joked the best memory was the hangover. The closeness produced some wild stories, including Richard defusing a gun-toting visitor looking for his wife, whilst a naked Keith Richards bolted across his lawn, and Keith later teaching him how to roll a joint. Richard also helped broker the band’s modern live resurgence in 2012, underlining a relationship built on persistence, audacity, and what sounded like a whole lot of fun!
Ali says “Red, red wine, Goes to my head”.
Artist: UB40
Song: Red Red Wine – 1983
Album: The Very Best Of
Richard helped give UB40 their stage in 1980, turning a scrappy reggae outfit from Birmingham into global chart-toppers. With Virgin behind them, they released Signing Off, a protest record that doubled as a hit, and later brought the world swaying along to Red Red Wine and (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You. They were pioneers of their time in bringing reggae music to the mainstream, and all of a group from diverse working class backgrounds, with the band being named after the “Unemployment Benefit form 40”. They stand out for taking reggae to the masses whilst keeping it politically rooted and commercially enduring, one of the first to be truly universal. UB40 was huge in South Africa and I spent a lot of my childhood years listening to them being played just about everywhere.
Michael says “I’m starting with the man in the mirror”.
Artist: Michael Jackson
Song: Man in the Mirror – 1988
Album: HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
During a fireside chat in The Temple, I asked Richard what was the best advice he had ever received. Richard responded that it was about the man that he saw in the mirror, and to always start there. Richard often quotes his mother Eve’s advice as being very profound in shaping his character in life, specifically stating that before criticizing anyone else, always be sure to look at yourself in the mirror first, as it says more about you than them. Micheal Jackson will always be one of the greatest talents to have lived, and a childhood icon for me.
Phil says “I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life”.
Artist: Phil Collins
Song: In The Air Tonight – 1981
Album: Face Value
When Phil Collins stepped out from behind the Genesis drum kit, it was Virgin Records that gave him the runway. Face Value and its thunderous heartbeat. In the Air Tonight, didn’t just launch a solo career, it helped make Virgin a global music giant. This was one of the most iconic tracks of the 80’s with arguably one of the best deceptively simple yet emotionally seismic gated reverb drum sounds. Phil Collins recorded this in Townhouse Studios, Virgin’s flagship studio and home to some of the greatest music ever produced. I have a funny memory of my sister smoking pot for the first time, at quite a late age, and calling me to tell me how amazing this track sounded, moments before getting stuck into a packet of chocolate Mallowpuffs.
4 Non-Blondes say “What’s going on?”.
Artist: 4 Non Blondes
Song: What’s Up? – 1993
Album: Bigger, Better, Faster, More!
4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” (What’s going on?!) became a cultural anthem during the 1990’s representing the LGBTQ movement with frontwoman Linda Perry who was openly gay. The track was for my good friend Gordon who helped me make the decision to go to Necker in the first place.
Philip says “Don’t you want me baby?”
Artist: The Human League3
Song: Don’t You Want Me – 1981
Album: Dare!
The Human League was another key player in the Virgin Records roster during the 1980s. “Don’t You Want Me” became one of the label’s most significant successes. Their third album, Dare (1981), featuring “Don’t You Want Me”, became Virgin’s first UK #1 album and single, and helped save the label financially. Richard reportedly showed his gratitude by sending lead singer Philip Oakey a motorcycle; Oakey had to return it because he didn’t ride.
George says “Karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon, You come and go, you come and go”.
Artist: Culture Club
Song: Karma Chameleon – 1983
Album: Colour By Numbers
Culture Club was signed to Virgin Records in the 1980s, with frontman Boy George becoming one of the label’s biggest stars. Virgin helped launch Boy George as a global queer icon in pop culture. Richard supported George’s groundbreaking success, both in music and in his cultural impact. His solo career took off with Virgin and he continues to work with Virgin today.
Madonna says “Like a virgin touched for the very first time”.
Artist: Madonna
Song: Like a Virgin – 1984
Album: Celebration (double disc version)
When Madonna dropped Like a Virgin in 1984, Richard wasn’t on the credits — but he might as well have been. The song title was the best free advertising Virgin ever got. Richard loved to joke that Madonna had “done the marketing for him,” turning every radio into a cheeky plug for his brand.

On Virgin Atlantic’s 1984 maiden flight, the cabin turned into an 8-hour party with passengers dancing in the aisles to Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” which Richard holds up as the airline’s fun-first ethos. Reports and retrospectives note the “Like a Virgin” party vibe has become part of Virgin Atlantic lore, replayed in company and media histories of the launch.

For years afterward, he leaned into it with a grin with Virgin stores cheekily displaying the single, Virgin Atlantic crew joking about “flying like a Virgin.” It was pure Richard: if pop culture handed him a gift, he’d run with it. And in this case, Madonna gave him one of the greatest accidental brand tie-ins of all time.

Cat says “Look at me, I am old but I am happy”.
Artist: Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Song: Father and Son – 1970
Album: Tea For The Tillerman (Remastered)
Richard writes that his mail‑order and store business stocked records by artists like Cat Stevens and credits these sales with helping fund the start of Virgin Records. His music became synonymous with the label’s ethos of artistic freedom. His folk-style music resonated deeply with Virgin’s early image as a record company for unique and influential voices. I grew up listening to Cat Stevens courtesy of my dad Krish, who has excellent taste in music. This song was picked for him.
Peter said “oh Biko, Biko, because Biko, Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja, The man is dead”.
Artist: Peter Gabriel
Song: Biko – 1980
Album: Peter Gabriel 3: Melt (Remastered)
This is such a huge and emotional track on so many levels. For me personally growing up in South Africa against the backdrop of apartheid and living through Mandela’s release and experiencing the hope and belief of a nation was inspiring. Richard’s work with Mandela over the years had a profound impact on him, both as a mentor and a friend, towards a new deeper level of social consciousness. This song captures so much of what that era was all about.

Richards words on a standout moment:

“Watching Peter play that song to a crowd was one of the most incredible, moving moments of my life. In 1997, I got a call from Mandela, who wanted to erect a statue of Steve Biko to celebrate his life and activism. Mandela asked if I’d be happy to help. I said yes, and Mandela asked me to come along to the unveiling in East London, just outside of Cape Town.

Just before I left, I rang Peter Gabriel and asked him to come along with me. During the ceremony we sat on stage with Archbishop Tutu and many leaders from across South Africa and watched Mandela deliver a really powerful speech to the crowd. After he had finished, I went up to Mandela and asked to borrow his microphone and said to the crowd: “Now Peter Gabriel is going to sing you Biko.”

The crowd erupted in excitement. The song meant so much to so many people and it was so moving to see the crowd all singing along with him. Sadly, the lyrics still have such meaning today”

In 2007, Richard stood alongside Peter Gabriel and Nelson Mandela at the launch of The Elders, a council of global leaders Richard and Peter had dreamed up to tackle the world’s toughest problems with wisdom, not politics. In that moment, Richard’s vision, Peter’s voice, and Mandela’s legacy converged—the entrepreneur who had helped bring the gathering into being, the musician whose art had given the struggle a soundtrack, and the statesman whose life embodied the cause.

Neil said “Keep on rockin’ in the free world.”.
Neil Young
Song: Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World – 1989
Album: Ultimate Singer-Songwriters (Live)
Richard often cites Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” as embodying Virgin’s rebellious ethos, even though the 1989 song was a pointed political critique first performed live that February and later anchored Freedom. The phrase reportedly came from guitarist Frank “Poncho” Sampedro after a scrapped USSR tour, which Young turned into a riff-driven anthem debuted in Seattle on 21 February 1989.
Lou said “Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side”.
Artist: Lou Reed
Song: Walk on the Wild Side – 1972
Album: Transformer
When Richard signed Lou Reed to Virgin, it was about backing danger. Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side dragged the underground into the daylight, telling stories of hustlers, outsiders, and the beautiful broken. Virgin didn’t try to polish him; Richard let the grit stand. In doing so, Virgin became the label that proved rebellion could be art, and Lou Reed its prophet on vinyl.
Robert said “Ooh, ooh and she’s buying a stairway to Heaven.”
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song: Stairway to Heaven – 1971
Album: Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
Richard and Led Zeppelin’s stories still echo through the same rebellious halls of rock history. When Zeppelin released Stairway to Heaven in 1971, they defined an era of music that was untouchable, untamed, and unwilling to follow anyone else’s rules. Just a year later, Richard founded Virgin Records—built on that very same spirit of defiance, giving a stage to outsiders like the Sex Pistols, Mike Oldfield, and Boy George. Zeppelin blazed their own trail with Swan Song Records while Richard tore down walls with Virgin, but both carried the same message: freedom, risk, and doing it your way. Even today, whenever Richard’s “journeys to the heavens”
with Virgin Galactic are described, it’s hard not to hear the echo of Zeppelin’s anthem in the background—a reminder that some stairways aren’t just to heaven, but to whole new worlds.
Paula said “Now tell me, Do you really wanna love me forever?”.
Artist: Paula Abdul
Song: Straight Up – 1988
Album: Forever Your Girl
Paula Abdul’s career took off thanks to Virgin Records, Richard’s label that believed in her when she was just starting out. Forever Your Girl became a global hit and made her a household name. Years later, Richard’s team honored her again in the most unexpected way — by naming a rocket after her. From chart-topping pop to literally being launched into space, Paula’s story with Virgin shows how Richard’s world has always been about lifting people higher.
Tracy said “I work in the market as a checkout girl.”
Artist: Tracy Chapman
Song: Fast Car – 1988
Album: Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman was signed to Virgin Records, and her breakthrough hit “Fast Car” was one of the most iconic tracks of the late 1980s. Richard supported Chapman’s career, and her socially aware lyrics aligned with the Virgin ethos of supporting meaningful and impactful music. The song was picked by my sister Tersia who worked at the local supermarket as a checkout girl when we were in high school. We grew up listening to Tracy Chapman and love her music.
Jim said “Don’t you forget about me.”
Artist: Simple Minds
Song: Don’t You (Forget About Me) – 1985
Album: The Breakfast Club”
When Simple Minds was signed to Virgin Records in 1981, Richard wasn’t just backing another band—he was fueling a movement. From New Gold Dream to Don’t You (Forget About Me) became iconic after being featured in the film The Breakfast Club, Virgin gave Simple Minds the runway to leap from smoky clubs to stadium lights. They didn’t just make hits, they made anthems for a generation.
Stevie said “Happy birthday to you”.
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Song: Happy Birthday – 1981
Album: The Definitive Collection (Deluxe Edition)
The team at Necker played the song for Richard on his 73rd birthday just before the crossing to Anegada which was the original reason for it’s selection, and to mark The Gift being a birthday present on his 75th. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that Stevie Wonder wrote Happy Birthday in 1980, it wasn’t for balloons or cake—it was a battle cry. He wanted Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday recognized as a national holiday, and the song became the anthem of that campaign. In America, Stevie marched and rallied; in Britain and across Europe, Virgin carried the message further by releasing Hotter Than July. Richard wasn’t just distributing a record—he was helping amplify a civil rights movement across borders. Three years later, the law changed, and Martin Luther King Day became a reality.
Janet said “Everywhere I go, every smile I see, I know you are there, smiling back at me”.
Artist: Janet Jackson
Song: Together Again – 1997
Album: The Velvet Rope
Picture this: Richard Branson and Janet Jackson, floating high above in a hot-air balloon. Branson grins and, half-serious, half-playful, tells her, “Sign with Virgin… or I’ll throw you out right here.” Janet laughs, takes the pen, and makes history. Whilst this may not be exactly how it happened, soon thereafter Janet would sign to Virgin and that signature would become the biggest recording deal the world had ever seen—and with it came janet., The Velvet Rope, and a legacy that cemented her as one of the most powerful voices in pop. Richard didn’t just sign an artist that day; he lifted a superstar into the stratosphere.
The Spice Girls said “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.”
Artist: Spice Girls
Song: Wannabe – 1996
Album: Spice
When Richard signed the Spice Girls to Virgin in 1996 it was the beginning of a serious joyride. Wannabe went global, “Girl Power” became a movement, and Virgin was at the center of it all. Richard leaned right in, joking he was the “sixth Spice Girl” and even flying back from Ibiza with the band on his Virgin jet. It was business, yes, but also pure Richard: part mogul, part mischief, and always along for the fun.
Natalie said “I’m all out of faith, this is how I feel. I’m cold and I am shamed.”
Artist: Natalie Imbruglia
Song: Torn – 1997
Album: Left Of The Middle
When Virgin signed Natalie Imbruglia in 1997, Richard was taking a chance on the former Neighbours actress moving towards music. That bet paid off with Torn—a song that ruled the late ’90s and turned her debut album Left of the Middle into a global best-seller.

Richard loved to joke that Virgin had been “torn apart” by her success, but the connection didn’t stop there. Richard’s wife, Joan would later invite Natalie to join them on Necker, and she would become a close friend of Holly’s, a relationship which continues to this day as Natalie is the godmother to Holly & Freddie’s daughter Eva.

It is the Virgin spirit— business, family, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Richard said “‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, this life. Try to make ends meet, you’re a slave to the money then you die.”
Artist: The Verve
Song: Bitter Sweet Symphony – 1997
Album: Urban Hymns (Remastered 2016)
When Bitter Sweet Symphony hit the airwaves in 1997, Richard had already sold Virgin Records to EMI. He walked away nearly a billionaire — but it was The Verve who gave him the punchline. A song about being trapped in the machinery, about compromise and survival, became Virgin’s biggest anthem of the decade.

Richard spoke later about how heartbreaking it was to sell Virgin Records, but from that he was able to grow Virgin into what it is today. You could say, it was a bittersweet symphony.

Lenny said “I wanna get away, I wanna fly away. Yeah yeah yeah.”
Artist: Lenny Kravitz
Song: Fly Away 1998
Album: 5
Richard has publicly cited Kravitz among the flagship U.S. signings that powered Virgin’s late-1980s expansion, highlighting him alongside acts like Paula Abdul as the label established its American footprint. Richard handed him the freedom to be himself — to play every instrument, blur every genre, and push rock into new shapes. From Let Love Rule to Fly Away, Kravitz became one of Virgin’s global icons, selling millions while never losing that outsider edge. For Richard, he was the perfect Virgin artist: stylish, defiant, and always ready to turn a party into a legend, like the one where Lenny jammed barefoot on Necker with Richard hosting.
Ed said “She’s in the Class A Team, stuck in her daydream… It’s too cold for angels to fly”.
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Song: The A Team – 2011
Album: +
Ed is a friend to the family with a fun twist in that Freddie suggested to Holly that they should ask him to play at their wedding. This was before Ed shot to global stardom that summer with A-team, however, he still honoured his word and turned up, albeit late, due to an airline, (that was not Virgin as far as I know!). This song was picked for Holly as Richard often speaks about the love for his family above all else.
Sam said “So don’t be so hard. So hard on yourself”.
Artist: Waves Rush In
Song: Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself – 2021
Album: Seasons Change
The song is by Sam under his artist name, and includes backing vocals from his wife Isabella (Bellie). Richard has spoken about how moving it is, and Sam’s music clearly means a lot to him. The two share a special bond and hence his place amongst the lyrics of Richard’s life is more fitting than just about any other artist here.
Freddie said “Don’t stop me now, I’m havin’ such a good time, I’m havin’ a ball!”
Artist: Queen
Song: Don’t Stop Me Now – 1979
Album: Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack)
The relentless quest for fun and adventure, both in business and pleasure. Richard and Freddie Mercury orbited the same late-’70s London nightlife — champagne-fuelled costume parties with Freddie at the piano commanding sing alongs and Richard somewhere nearby, enjoying the party whilst conjuring up his next crazy leap. Richard always said he loved artists who refused to follow rules, and no one embodied that like Freddie.
Iggy said “Cause I’ve a lust for life, I got a lust for life.”
Artist: Iggy Pop
Song: Lust For Life – 1977
Album: Lust For Life
If there were to be a lyric that applies to how Richard has lived his life this would be it. Richard’s relationship with Iggy Pop ran strongly through Virgin: Iggy says he “ended up serving [his] full term at Virgin Records having been removed from every other label,” praising Richard as “one of the good guys” who created a “superior culture” at the company. Iggy recalls Richard first
tried to sign him while quietly building Virgin’s U.S. operation—offering a longer deal with more money—but Iggy had just smoked a  joint, couldn’t decide, chose another label, and later “came back to Virgin on the cheap,” a twist he blames on himself. The song has been linked with various Virgin parties and being played at numerous adventures that Richard set off on.
Patsy said “I go on walking after midnight”.
Artist: Patsy Cline
Song: Walkin’ After Midnight – 1957
Album: Patsy Cline
This was my mum’s favourite song that she loved playing. It’s for her, and all the love and support she has given me over the years.
George said “here comes the sun (Doo-d-doo-doo)”.
Artist: The Beatles
Song: Here comes the sun – 1960
Album: Abbey Road
Here Comes the Sun has always felt like it belongs to everyone. The lyrics are enchanting and magically simple. Richard has played it on Necker mornings as a hymn to optimism, proof that even after storms, the light returns. George Harrison sang it; Richard built a brand around it — both carrying the same message: the future is always brighter than the past. The song was picked for my good  friend Dighouse who spent 5 hours helping pack The Gift despite thinking the entire thing was a load of bollocks.
Nat “King” said “Love is all that I can give to you, Love is more than just a game for two.”
Artist: Nat King Cole
Song: L-O-V-E – 1965
Album: L-O-V-E
Nat King Cole’s romantic and timeless music is often featured in Virgin’s promotions and cultural events. It’s well know that Richard is a special kind of romantic doing things in the late 70’s such as buying antiques from a store that Joan worked in, so he could spend more time with her. In 1978 he whisked her to the Caribbean and tried to woo her by buying Necker. His cheeky lowball offer of $100k (vs the asking price of around $6 million) was laughed off. But persistence was his style: two years later he bought it properly for around $180k, and over time turned it into the family’s home and playground. In 1989, he and Joan were married there, the island that started as a brash gesture of love.

This song was picked by Bex who bravely decided to join me on an adventure across the world delivering The Gift. The words have come true.

Axl said “Welcome to the jungle, we go day by day”.
Artist: Guns N’ Roses
Song: Welcome to the Jungle – 1987
Album: Appetite for Destruction
Whilst there is no direct connection between Richard and the band, Virgin staff have joked that Guns n Roses were like the Sex Pistols but with stadium budgets. They would later be distributed under Virgin and be a part of the labels success. This aside, the reason this track made the cut is it is one of the favorite tracks of Kris Ratkov, an inspiring young man who helped me work on The Gift. Kris is also an avid kitesurfer and music head who thinks Richard is an absolute legend.
Peter said “Legalize it, Don’t criticize it.”
Artist: Peter Tosh
Song: Legalize It – 1976
Album: Legalize It (Legacy Edition)
Peter Tosh was signed to Virgin Records and was a prominent figure in the reggae movement. His song “Legalize It” became a rallying cry for marijuana legalization, which aligned with Virgin’s progressive and countercultural image during the 1970s. The song was picked as a nod towards Richard’s work on drug policy reform. As a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2011, he has used his platform to challenge decades of failed “war on drugs” thinking, insisting that addiction should be treated with compassion, not punishment. He points to Portugal’s success in decriminalisation as proof that saving lives is more powerful than filling prisons, and he has urged governments to follow suit with policies rooted in health, dignity, and human rights. For Richard, this isn’t about being “pro-drugs”, it’s about being pro-people. His voice, amplified through Virgin Unite, carries a rare mix of business clout and human empathy, reminding the world that true leadership means fighting for policies that heal, rather than harm.
The Beatles said “All you need is Love.”
Artist: The Beatles
Song: All You Need Is Love – 1967
Album: 1 (Remastered)
This was picked as as the last lyrics by musicians to wrap up everything captured in The Gift. Whether it be Richard’s love for his family, adventure, business and everything else that he has brought to this world, or my belief that love is the most powerful and beautiful thing in the world, All you need is Love.
Richard said: “Music has the power to change people’s live”
The Kitesurfers
Richard and I kitesurfed from Necker to Anegada on his 73rd birthday. The silhouettes you see on the painting are actually of us. It was one of the best days of my life.

Rowen Pillay

Richard Branson and Rowen Pillay Kitesurfing in the British Virgin Islands.
The Playlist
The Gift represents the fusion of music and painting as art, and the transition of these worlds from analogue to digital. We put together a playlist here for your enjoyment of the journey.
SRB
Apart from the obvious, the “SRB” on the guitar is actually a reference to Sir Richard’s Necker vehicle of choice – the buggy. There is no cooler license plate out there.
75
The painting was a gift for the 75th birthday of Sir Richard Branson from Rowen Pillay (both pictured above) and through what turned out to be a crazy story, Rowen delivered it in person from London. The original now resides in Richard’s house on Necker.
Huge thanks to Kris (digital), Mario (painting), Dighouse (packaging) and Bex (adventure) for helping making it all possible.

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