Photo: WENN.com

Duran Duran have defended themselves against cynics who claimed they were not the right choice to represent England at an Olympics concert in Hyde Park.

The band will perform in London tonight (July 27) alongside N. Ireland's Snow Patrol, Welsh band Stereophonics and Paolo Nutini of Scotland at a gig designed to coincide with the Olympic opening ceremony.

Admitting that some people were sceptical about their inclusion, drummer Roger Taylor stated that Duran Duran have enough on their musical CV to deserve their place on the bill.

 “It’s a real honour and was an immediate ‘yes’ when we were asked," he told the Daily Star. "There was a little doubt cast about us performing, but we have worked hard enough and put enough into our career to be a legitimate act for this event.”

Taylor also spoke more generally about the Games, revealing the unlikely sport Duran Duran most favour.

“We’d quite like to do the fencing for GB. I think Nick Rhodes would be good at that.
 
Adding: “But performing keeps us fit. We have to put as much energy in now as we did then.”immediate ‘yes’ when we were asked. There was a little doubt cast about us performing, but we have worked hard enough and put enough into our career to be a legitimate act for this event.”

It was confirmed earlier this week that Snow Patrol will be allowed to perform past midnight tonight - something not allowed for Bruce Springsteen earlier this month.

Photos: Duran Duran live in Rome!