Jimmy Page still recovering from surgery

The surgery that kept Jimmy Page from playing at the Montreux Jazz Fest last month has also knocked him off a festival date with old friend Roy Harper. Page was supposed to join Harper at the Rhythm Festival in England next Saturday (August 5th), but according to a press release, "Following arthroscopic surgery for a recurring knee problem, Jimmy Page regrets to announce that his recovery has been slower than hoped for and he will not be able to join Roy Harper at the Rhythm Festival... Although surgery was completely successful, Jimmy is still in the midst of ongoing physical therapy sessions to complete the treatment, and his doctors have advised against playing until recovery is complete. This, of course, is a huge disappointment to Jimmy, who was looking forward to joining his friend Roy Harper on stage at what promises to be a wonderful musical weekend. Jimmy urges everyone to attend the festival and enjoy the great list of musicians performing over the three days."

Harper was both a friend to and a fan of Led Zeppelin, and they wrote the Led Zeppelin III song "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper" in his honor. Harper returned the favor by supplying photography to Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album, and he's seen in the concert movie The Song Remains The Same.

Besides that tribute, Harper is probably best known for his lead vocal on the song "Have A Cigar" from the Pink Floyd album Wish You Were Here.

Other acts on the bill for the Rhythm Festival include Arlo Guthrie, Donovan, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
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