Necker Island, BVI - While on a two-week tour of the British Virgin Islands, entertainment act The Pink Flamingos got a surprise drop-in visitor - Sir Richard Branson.
The Pinks were playing for a British telecom company on one of Branson’s undeveloped private islands when the international mogul and business tycoon ‘popped in’ for a visit during the gig. Branson, his family, and friends were staying at Branson’s luxury retreat on nearby Necker Island, for a week-long celebration of his daughter’s birthday.
Branson and friends were smitten on the spot by The Pinks’ energy and enthusiasm, and quickly arranged for an impromptu party featuring The Pinks at the Bransons’ Necker Island villa.
Arriving by speedboat, The Pinks got a tour of Branson’s tropical get-away, an extensive network of cottages, villas, and gardens nestled among the palm trees. The forested grounds include giant turtles and even a Pink Flamingo habitat!
Perched on the highest point of the island, the main villa was the scene of the party. After the birthday guests enjoyed an elegant dinner served on the beach below, The Pinks’ kicked off with some British classics and rolled into a powerful dance party that featured the Branson birthday girl singing Coldplay’s hit “Yellow”.
The Brits had a blast, taking over the microphone to sing a rousing “500 Miles” and The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me”. Guests and band alike enjoyed ‘a smashing good time’ that went into high gear and stayed there till the wee hours of the morning. At the finale, Sir Branson took the mic, thanking all The Pinks for such an extraordinary time.
“We’ve had Bono, we’ve had Mariah, we’ve had everyone else, but I’ve never seen anything like this!” Branson exclaimed. “This is the band that just doesn’t stop! Fantastic!”
After effusive thanks, Branson went on to name The Pink Flamingos “the official band of the new Virgin Galactic Spaceport”, soon to open in Las Cruces, New Mexico near The Pinks’ home base.
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