Zeppelin defend Live Aid opt out

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page still perform together

Former Led Zeppelin members have defended their decision not to allow footage of them to appear on the forthcoming Live Aid DVD.

They faced criticism when it was revealed they refused permission for their performance to be included on the DVD, which will raise money for Sudan.

The members have issued a statement saying the reason was because it had been a "sub-standard" performance.

They have promised to donate money to the charity.

Live Aid founder Bob Geldof is hoping to raise up to £320m with the release of the Live Aid DVD, featuring the host of stars that took part in the event in 1985.

Led Zeppelin's three surviving members - Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones - reunited on stage for the US leg of the giant concert in Philadelphia.

They were joined on stage by Phil Collins, replacing the late drummer John Bonham who died in 1980 after a drinking binge.

Bob Geldof wants Live Aid DVD money to go to Sudan

The band had disbanded following Bonham's death and their Live Aid appearance sparked speculation they were reforming.

But many fans were disappointed by their lacklustre performance.

A statement from the members said: "Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones are in absolute full support of the fundraising project for the people of Sudan.

"However, Jimmy, Robert and John Paul found that both the sound and general reproduction of their performance at Live Aid Philadelphia was sub-standard.

"To show their ongoing support Jimmy and Robert have therefore pledged proceeds from their forthcoming Page and Plant DVD release to the campaign.

"John Paul Jones will be donating the proceeds of his current US tour with Mutual Admiration Society to the project."