Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page ‘hurt’ by Olympics snub

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has admitted that he’s “rather hurt” that organisers of the London 2012 Olympics haven’t included him in their plans.

Page helped promote the London event at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, where he performed Led Zeppelin’s classic ‘Whole Lotta Love’ next to a red double-decker bus with X Factor winner Leona Lewis accompanying him on vocals.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Page said: “Of course, I’m feeling rather hurt. We put so much into Beijing, but weren’t helped by the Chinese giving us next-to-no practice time.”

The London 2012 Olympics will be bookended by two huge outdoor concerts in London’s Hyde Park. The first takes place on July 27, the same day as the Olympics opening ceremony, which will be broadcast live on huge screens in between the acts.

The bill has been put together to represent each part of the United Kingdom, with Duran Duran representing England, Paolo Nutini playing on behalf of Scotland, Stereophonics representing Wales and Snow Patrol playing on behalf of Northern Ireland.

While this show will act as an accompaniment to the opening ceremony, Blur will headline a show in Hyde Park to celebrate the end of the games. They will be joined by New Order and The Specials on August 12 for the gig.