Picking a favorite child may be an impossible task for any parent, and it’s likely just as difficult for Jimmy Page when it comes to his own legendary band, Led Zeppelin. With an extensive catalog of iconic songs, how could anyone choose just one as the ultimate? Despite the tough task, in a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Page did exactly that, revealing his all-time favorite Led Zeppelin track.
With countless masterpieces to his name, including unforgettable riffs and solos, Page had no shortage of options. Hits like ‘Whole Lotta Love’—a song driven by one of the most influential riffs in rock history—seem like natural contenders. As Page explained back in 2014, “We felt the riff was addictive, like a forbidden thing.” ‘Black Dog’ also showcases his guitar genius, offering one of his most celebrated solos. But despite the heavy competition, there was one song that stood above all others.
When asked which Led Zeppelin track he considered having the greatest riff, Page surprised many by choosing ‘Kashmir,’ a track from Physical Graffiti. This Eastern-inspired anthem became an instant fan favorite and has since been hailed as one of the band’s finest achievements. While many would point to other tracks as prime examples of Page’s virtuosity, he confidently stated, “It has to be the one.”
Page admitted that narrowing it down to just one track was a challenge, acknowledging the collective effort of the entire band in making each of their songs special. “They all were [favorites],” he said with a knowing smile. “They were all intended to be on those albums.” However, ‘Kashmir’ clearly stood out in his mind.
The track’s grandeur isn’t just due to Page’s iconic riff but also the orchestral arrangements that were crafted by John Paul Jones. Page worked closely with Jones, ensuring that the symphonic layers added depth to the already powerful guitars. For Page, the band’s ability to blend rock with classical music exemplified their extraordinary musical range. “All of the guitar parts would be on there,” he said. “But the orchestra needed to sit there, reflecting those other parts, doing what the guitars were but with the colors of a symphony.”
The inception of ‘Kashmir’ traces back to 1973 at Headley Grange, where Page and drummer John Bonham first experimented with the riff. Page recalled, “It’s the first thing I ran through with Bonzo,” and the pair quickly found themselves captivated by the riff, playing it repeatedly, as if it was a simple, playful tune. “I just know that [Bonham] is gonna love it,” Page added. The result was one of the band’s most enduring anthems, a song that has come to define their remarkable musical legacy.
Page remains coy about where riffs like ‘Kashmir’ come from, explaining, “Riffs come out of the ether, out of nowhere,” and adding, “Will you tell me where that is? Because no one knows.” It’s this otherworldly quality of the song that has helped cement it as a cornerstone of Led Zeppelin’s catalog, further solidifying the band’s status as one of the greatest rock acts in history.
