Page's manager defends Led Zeppelin tour
JIMMY PAGE's manager has defended the guitarist's decision to reform LED ZEPPELIN for a world tour without frontman ROBERT PLANT.
The legendary band reunited in December 2007 for a one-off reunion show in London.
But Plant opted out of plans for a subsequent comeback, leaving the other bandmembers, Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham - son of their late drummer John - to audition replacements.
The decision to reform without Plant has provoked a storm of criticism from both the public and other members of the rock community.
But Page's manager, Peter Mensch, is adamant the group is capable of surviving without Plant.
He says, "People don't really understand it. Jimmy Page has been playing guitar professionally since he was 16 years old. Jimmy Page likes being a musician. That's what he does! He doesn't want to be a race car driver or a solicitor.
"They decided that if they could find a singer that they thought would fit their bill - whatever their bill was at this stage in their career - that they'd make a record and go on tour? That's what Jimmy Page does."
Mensch also refused to be drawn on the identity of possible new singers for the band, with replacements rumoured to include Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.
He adds, "I can't comment on any rumours right now. It's gonna be a long and difficult process. And we're not soliciting people! So don't call me about it!"
