Storm drowns out Branson stunt

Richard Branson got a thunder and lightning show for the opening of his newest Virgin Megastore that was so dynamic it forced him to cancel a raft of theatrical stunts he had planned.

The Southern California thunderstorms that dropped hailstones almost as big as golf balls and knocked out power in some areas also forced Branson to cancel plans to rappel from the side of the three-storey Hollywood complex, where his new 20,000-square-foot store is located.

Also cancelled were rooftop performances by Australian rockers INXS and bands Gang of Four and Dredg.

“There was like two feet of water on the roof and we didn’t want anyone to get electrocuted,” said Branson.

The tycoon did make sure the show went on in some fashion. He paraded on to a small stage with more than a dozen of his employees, all dressed like Guns 'N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.

“It’s been one of those days. Nothing’s really worked,” said Branson, holding an empty Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottle as he donned a blond wig, a headband and plaid skirt.

Branson has taken to skydiving, jumping off buildings or crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon, sometimes to set records, other times to simply generate publicity for his many business ventures.

The Hollywood Virgin store-opening is the 250th worldwide and 18th in the US.

It will offer more clothing and electronics products in addition to CDs and other music-oriented inventory, because “people are buying less music in music stores”, Branson said.