Rocker Don Henley has fired back at Robert Plant after the former Led Zeppelin star suggested the drummer's supergroup the Eagles are "too bored" to retire.

Plant was explaining his reasons for turning down offers to reunite Led Zeppelin for a world tour in Rolling Stone, insisting such a venture would be "an absolute menagerie of vested interests and the very essence of everything that's s**tty about about big-time stadium rock".

And using peers the Eagles as an example, the Stairway to Heaven rocker stated, "Do you know why the Eagles said they'd reunite when hell freezes over, but they did it anyway and keep touring? It's not because they were paid a fortune. It's not about the money. It's because they're bored. I'm not bored."

Henley has taken issue with Plant's remarks in a new New Zealand Herald interview, insisting, "I am never bored. The truth is, we enjoy doing it. It is hard work, especially for gentlemen of our age, but the fact is it’s a fantastic job and it’s a wonderful way to make a living and see the world and get to travel and we take our kids with us.”

The Eagles are still a very relevant live act - a recent residency at the renovated Forum venue in Los Angeles sold out in record time, and Henley admits he wishes Plant would reteam with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, so he, too, can enjoy gigs at the world's biggest venues.

He adds, "I really wish they'd get back together because they were one of the greatest bands of all time."

And taking a parting shot at Plant, he jokes, "I think maybe Robert is worried about hitting those notes. He may not be able to unbutton his shirt any more."

Last week (ends23May14), the Eagles announced plans to take their History of the Eagles tour to Australia and New Zealand in February and March, 2015.