Without Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin might never have existed. Although every member contributed to their signature sound and worldwide fame, the band was Page’s creation.
After The Yardbirds fell apart, Page recruited Robert Plant and John Bonham, then brought in John Paul Jones to complete the lineup. Together, they formed what would become a rock juggernaut.
By the time Led Zeppelin signed with Atlantic Records, Page had honed his skills as a session musician and played with some of the best in the industry. Ready to seize the moment, he knew they had all the tools to dominate.
While their meteoric rise may have seemed surprising to some, Page had always set his sights high. He knew that with the talent at their disposal, Led Zeppelin could reach heights no other band had achieved.
And after drummer John Bonham’s tragic death in 1980, the band went out on top, leaving behind a legacy that Page feels no one else has matched.
Never one for modesty, Page has long claimed Led Zeppelin’s place at the top. And who can blame him? Widely regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time, Page’s confidence in his band is hardly unfounded.
Though debates about the greatest rock band ever will continue forever, Zeppelin remains in the conversation.
In the 1970s, they were untouchable, releasing iconic albums while selling out stadiums worldwide. Even today, Led Zeppelin defines the pinnacle of rock stardom. But when Page declared them the best band of all time, eyebrows were raised.
Speaking to Uncut, Page admitted, “It’s hard to say something like that without sounding conceited, but over the years, many musicians have told me they thought we were the best. I’m not talking about record sales or concert attendance, although we held our own. What I mean is, as a collaborative musical unit, we were unmatched.”
Taking a thinly veiled jab at The Beatles, Page continued, “I’m not talking about one or two genius songwriters with everyone else tagging along. I’m talking about a band where each member was at the top of their craft. In Led Zeppelin, we had that in every combination.”
Page went even further, claiming Zeppelin set the “blueprint” for any band to follow.
“If you want to hear how a band works together, we’re the perfect example. Every combination—me and John Paul Jones, Robert and I, John Bonham and Jones—brought something special.”
Interestingly, Led Zeppelin’s frontman Robert Plant was far more humble. He once said that Zeppelin was just one of many pioneering bands of the era. But Page didn’t back down.
Reflecting on Plant’s remarks, he said, “Robert probably gave the gentlemanly reply, saying there were many great bands. And yes, lots of fantastic music exists. But when it comes to rock ‘n’ roll alchemy, I have to say what I believe: We were the best.”
Of course, Page’s criteria might make Zeppelin the best by his standards. But every music fan measures greatness differently, and that’s what makes the debate so endlessly fascinating.
