When Virgin Records started, the label’s only major star was Mike Oldfield. He was to headline their first big concert, and Richard Branson was relying on its success and the success of Oldfield’s album, Tubular Bells.

But he was young and introverted. On the day of the concert, Oldfield called Branson.

“Hey, I can’t do it,” he told him. He had anxiety about performing in front of so many people.

Branson knew arguing wouldn’t get him anywhere with Oldfield. He’d dig in his heels.

So instead, he asked if he could come over and take him for a drive in his Bentley. Oldfield had always loved Branson’s Bentley.

They drove around, and Branson made sure he passed the concert venue. He pointed out to Oldfield that people were already lining up to see him.

He pulled the car over and said, “Mike, if you do the concert tonight, you can have this Bentley. In fact, I will get out right now, and you can slide over and drive away.”

Oldfield didn’t hesitate. Branson got out, and he jumped over to the driver’s seat. He rolled down his window and yelled, “See you at the concert!” while driving away.

So they did the concert. Oldfield wasn’t happy about how it went, but the audience loved it.

It was another step towards the long-term success of Tubular Bells.