The son of billionaire ex-Virgin mogul Richard Branson has sparked a row over nepotism after appearing on ITV to launch his music career.
Sam Branson, who considers Ed Sheeran a friend and fan, appeared on Lorraine today to celebrate the release of his new song.
The 37-year-old, whose musical alter ego is Waves Rush In, said he had “gathered up the courage” to pursue his dream of becoming a pop star after 30 years.
But the former adventurer and filmmaker was slammed by viewers after appearing on the show amid accusations of nepotism – as he tried to win fans over with a competition to stay on his private island in Bali if they pre-released his album. ordered.
Sam’s latest career has had the strong support of his father Sir Richard – who founded Virgin Records – with the tycoon post a photo of his son playing guitar on the family’s private island and saying, “I’m so proud of Sam.”
Sam Branson, son of billionaire former Virgin Records mogul Sir Richard Branson, launched his music career today during an interview with Lorraine on ITV
The 37-year-old, whose musical alter ego is Waves Rush In, said he had “gathered up the courage” to pursue his dream of becoming a pop star after 30 years. He is pictured with Lorraine
But the former adventurer and filmmaker was slammed by viewers after appearing on the show amid accusations of nepotism
Sam, who lives with his wife Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and two children in a farmhouse on an Oxfordshire estate originally owned by his father, insisted his path to music had been “organic” as he downplayed his connection to the music. rich and famous.
Sam’s father, Sir Richard Branson, founded Virgin Record and was previously a supporter of his youngest child’s musical work. Sir Richard is pictured in 2019
The singer-songwriter told Lorraine, “I think it took me 30 years to muster up the courage as my dad was in the music business a long time ago.
“I was comparing myself to the greats when I was a young boy. I guess I didn’t give myself license back then to not be very good.
‘And to become good at something you need that exploratory phase.
“I think it took me 30 years to work up the courage and when I turned 30 I thought, ‘If I can’t follow my own passions, how can I tell my kids to follow their dreams?’
Lorraine asked Sam if having a billionaire father – who was a former music magnate – was a hindrance.
Saying it shouldn’t hold you back, who your father is, Lorraine added: “A lot of people say ‘oh well, doors are opening – you actually do. But then you have to be twice as good as everyone else.’
Sam said, “There’s a little more pressure and I’m taking a more organic route to it as well. But I think at the end of the day there’s nothing that inspires me more than songwriting.
Sam insisted he had taken an “organic route” into the music industry, while downplaying his connection to the rich and famous.
Sam tried to win over fans with a competition to stay on his private island in Bali if they pre-ordered his album. He is depicted with a guitar
Sam’s music has proven to be a hit with Ed Sheeran, among others. Sam even claimed a fan had some of the lyrics tattooed on his arm (pictured)
Sir Richard – whose massive fortune has shrunk by £1.8bn this year to £4.4bn – has previously championed his son’s music career and celebrated the release of Sam’s previous work, Let It Bruise, in 2021.
In a gushing post on Facebook, the multi-billionaire wrote: ‘So proud of Sam Branson – he’s released a new song Let It Bruise. My career started working in the music industry and it fills me with such joy to see him write and perform his own songs.”
Besides having his wealthy father in his corner, Sam also has the support of music queen Ed Sheeran – a personal friend of his.
Endorsing the 37-year-old’s latest track, the Grammy winner said the record has “all the qualities of a pop album, but with real depth and such a beautiful vibe.” I love the whole feel of it and Sam’s voice is captivating throughout.”
As a youngster, he grew up with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Roger Taylor of Queen as family friends.
He even has Duran Duran guitarist Dom Brown play on his album after meeting him at a mutual friend’s house where he was jamming with Pink Floyd’s Simon Le Bon and Nick Mason.
But given his close ties to music royalty, the singer-songwriters know he could face accusations of being a “fake baby” – the term used for the offspring of the rich and famous.
Ed Sheeran has expressed support for Sam’s music, saying it had “all the qualities of a pop album.”
Sam said he has been dreaming of getting into the music industry for 30 years and he has finally mustered up the courage to perform
Sam’s father, Sir Richard, previously championed his son’s music career and celebrated the release of Sam’s previous work, Let It Bruise, in 2021. Sam is pictured today on Lorraine
“I don’t think anyone in the world has been more sensitive to one’s position in life than I have been,” he said during an interview with The Times last month.
“Given the level of fame and success my father has had, I’m very grateful for all the decisions my parents made: Holly and I have always felt very grounded.”
He continued, “I believe everything happens when the time is right and so it’s been a real journey.
“I do what people did as teenagers, but as a 37-year-old father of two. I just love it.’
Viewers on social media lashed out after Sam appeared on Lorraine today, criticizing him for his famous connections.
One woman said, “There’s no way we should let Sam Branson’s multi-billionaire father stop him.”
Another viewer tweeted, “Does Sam Branson really need a helping hand from #Lorraine @lorraine when his dad is one of the richest men in the world?”
While a third said: ‘@sambranson, how much did you pay ITV and Ed Sheeran to propel your ‘music career’?
“Nepos are everywhere,” one person joked on Twitter.
Waves Rush In’s single The Man That I Am is out now; the album Under the Static on June 16.