Today, January 9 marks the birthday of one of rock’s greatest architects, Jimmy Page, a man whose guitar wizardry forever changed the course of music history. As a founding member of Led Zeppelin, Page didn’t just craft legendary riffs—he built entire soundscapes that still echo through Camden’s venues. It was Page’s alchemy of blues, folk, and rock that laid the foundation for Zeppelin’s seismic impact. Camden, with its gritty charm and vibrant music culture, provided the perfect backdrop for Led Zeppelin’s early experiments and an electrifying performance. Today, we celebrate Jimmy Page’s enduring legacy and his contributions to Camden’s storied rock ‘n’ roll tapestry.
Happy 81st birthday, Jimmy!
by Ross Halfin 2009
Led Zeppelin’s Camden Performances: A Snapshot in Time
Led Zeppelin’s rise to prominence in the late 1960s was nothing short of meteoric. The band’s early Camden gigs at venues like the Roundhouse were significant moments, both for the group and for the borough’s burgeoning reputation as a rock epicentre.
The band (John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham) in London, December 1968.
by Dick Barnatt
The Roundhouse became a crucible for Led Zeppelin’s sonic experimentation. On November 9, 1968, just months after the band’s formation, they performed a blistering set that previewed tracks from their soon-to-be-released debut album. Jimmy Page’s ferocious guitar solos, combined with John Bonham’s thunderous drumming, John Paul Jones’ intricate bass lines, and Robert Plant’s searing vocals, left the audience completely spellbound.
1975 by Neal Preston
Camden’s audiences weren’t just spectators; they were participants in the birth of rock. Page’s stage presence—at once enigmatic and electrifying—left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to witness it. Fans recalled during these early Led Zeppelin gigs that, “It felt like we were witnessing history—and we were”. What a time to be alive, huh? I know I say this often but I really wished I was born earlier and could have experienced Camden in the 60s and 70s. These performances weren’t just concerts; they were cultural events that defined an era. Camden’s venues offered amongst others also Zeppelin the freedom to experiment and the chance to connect with audiences on an intimate level. This synergy between artist and venue helped solidify both Zeppelin’s and Camden’s places in rock history. This is the Camden spirit we need to keep alive!!
The Roundhouse’s Role in Rock History
The Roundhouse, one of Camden’s most iconic venues, holds a special place in Led Zeppelin’s history. Their November 1968 performance, in particular, stands as a defining moment.
Not only did Led Zeppelin officially adopted their iconic name on November 9, 1968, during this performance at the Roundhouse in London. The band, having only been together for a few months, had already played a handful of shows across Denmark and Sweden before making their U.K. debut – albeit under a different moniker; but, it is said that it was also here that Jimmy Page debuted his innovative use of a violin bow on guitar with Led Zeppelin (the very first time was with The Yardbirds), creating hauntingly atmospheric sounds that would become a hallmark of Zeppelin’s live shows. The venue’s industrial aesthetic and acoustics perfectly complemented the band’s raw energy, making it a pivotal space for Page’s artistic evolution.
In interviews, Page often credited the intimate yet electric atmosphere of venues like the Roundhouse for pushing the band to new heights. Camden’s eclectic crowd—a mix of die-hard blues enthusiasts, curious rock fans, and counterculture pioneers—provided the perfect audience for Zeppelin’s genre-defying sound. While Led Zeppelin’s live performances in Camden were limited, they played a crucial role in the band’s development and connection with their audience. Jimmy Page’s early use of the Fender Telecaster during these performances was instrumental in shaping the band’s initial sound, before his later transition to the Gibson Les Paul that would become iconic in rock history.
Regarding Jimmy Page’s choice of guitars during this period in Camden, he was not yet using his signature Gibson Les Paul. In the band’s early days, Page primarily played a 1959 Fender Telecaster, which he had been using since his time with the Yardbirds. This Telecaster was a gift from Jeff Beck and was instrumental in crafting the sound of Led Zeppelin’s first album and early performances. It wasn’t until mid-1969 that Page acquired his iconic 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, known as “Number One,” which became his signature main instrument for subsequent recordings and performances. Jimmy Page’s transition from the Fender Telecaster to the Gibson Les Paul marked a significant evolution in his sound. The Telecaster’s bright and cutting tone defined Led Zeppelin’s early recordings, while the Les Paul offered a thicker, more sustained sound that became synonymous with the band’s later work. This shift allowed Page to explore a broader sonic palette, contributing to the dynamic and innovative nature of Led Zeppelin’s music.
Page in concert, 1977. Neal Preston
Jimmy Page’s Revolutionary Sound
Page’s genius lay not only in his technical prowess but also in his ability to merge diverse musical influences into a cohesive and groundbreaking sound. His time as a session musician before Zeppelin honed his versatility (keep on reading to find out about Jimmy before Led Zeppelin – I’m only going to mention: Stones, Kinks, Bassey, Cocker, Donovan, Beck… – more about this later). Jimmy isn’t just a guitarist; he is a visionary. His innovative techniques, such as the use of alternate tunings, the violin bow on electric guitar, and his pioneering approach to recording, redefined what a rock guitarist could achieve. Page’s solos, particularly those in “Stairway to Heaven” and “Dazed and Confused,” remain some of the most studied and revered in music history.
His ability to blend genres—folk, blues, psychedelia, and hard rock—created a sound that was entirely unique. He drew inspiration from British and American blues legends, weaving their influence into Zeppelin’s DNA while adding his own distinct flair. His production techniques, like layering multiple guitar tracks to create a “wall of sound”, were groundbreaking and continue to influence producers today.
But what truly set Page apart was his ethos. He saw music as a spiritual experience, often referencing the mystical and esoteric in his work. This added a layer of depth to Zeppelin’s music, making it not just something to listen to but something to feel deeply.
But what about Jimmy’s time before Led Zep?
Before redefining rock with Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page perfected his craft as one of the most in-demand session guitarists in 1960s London. Here are some standout tracks that showcase his extraordinary versatility and creativity:
Jet Harris & Tony Meehan – “Diamonds” (1963)
Page’s first professional session gig resulted in this UK No. 1 instrumental hit, a testament to his talent and precision as a young guitarist.
Shirley Bassey – “Goldfinger” (1964)
Page’s subtle acoustic layers complemented the dramatic orchestration of this timeless James Bond theme, elevating it to legendary status.
The Manish Boys – “I Pity the Fool” (1965)
In this early collaboration with a young David Bowie (then Davy Jones), Page delivered a searing guitar solo on this Bobby Bland cover. Though the track failed to chart, it remains a fascinating “what if” moment in rock history.
The Kinks – “I’m a Lover, Not a Fighter” (1964)
Page’s bluesy riffs added grit to this early track, injecting raw energy into the sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
The Rolling Stones – “Heart of Stone (Demo)” (1964)
Page’s slide guitar work on this early, considered a looser version of the Stones’ classic hinted at his future mastery of evocative and textured guitar playing.
Jeff Beck – “Beck’s Bolero” (1967)
Page played electric 12-string on this iconic instrumental, collaborating with future Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and The Who’s Keith Moon.
Donovan – “Season of the Witch” (1966)
His haunting guitar work on this psychedelic masterpiece added an eerie dimension, perfectly matching Donovan’s enigmatic lyrics.
Joe Cocker – “With a Little Help From My Friends” (1968)
Page’s soaring guitar intro on this Beatles cover became instantly iconic, demonstrating his ability to bring emotional intensity to any track.
Donovan – ”Hurdy Gurdy Man” (1968)
And finally, my favourite – I remember finding out about this composition of rockstars involved and background story for the first time and becoming kinda ecstatic – Few tracks exemplify the psychedelic era as powerfully as Donovan’s Hurdy Gurdy Man and the song boasts a legendary lineup, featuring Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and arrangement, and John Bonham on drums—essentially three-fourths of what would later become Led Zeppelin. Page’s swirling guitar textures and Jones’ ethereal arrangement gave the track its hypnotic, otherworldly quality, while Bonham’s drumming added a powerful, driving force. But this was not originally the plan: During a 2008 interview with Uncut, Donovan discussed the recording of “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” “Many people have said over the years how important that session of John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and me — and maybe [John] Bonham, who said he was there — doing ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ was,” he said. “I was developing a story-telling thing, and I wanted power-chords, because I’d obviously heard Dave Davies [of The Kinks] and [Jimi] Hendrix, and knew Pete Townshend,” Donovan said. “Originally, I wanted to give ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ to Hendrix, but he couldn’t come in. So [producer] Mickie Most suggested Jimmy.” Donovan also discussed the legacy of Page and Jones. “Jimmy added power and pagan rock,” he opined. “To this day, everyone wants that sound. And John Paul Jones arranged it, he gave the shapes to those sounds.” He felt Led Zeppelin “became the greatest pagan British rock band.”
Originally written by Donovan as a gift for George Harrison, Hurdy Gurdy Man became a massive hit, blending mysticism with rock. This collaboration is a fascinating prelude to the formation of Led Zeppelin, showcasing the extraordinary chemistry among these soon-to-be rock legends!!
Page and Plant on the tour plane, 1975. Neal Preston
And of course – The Yardbirds, active from 1966 to 1968 and served as a critical stepping stone before the formation of Led Zeppelin. Initially joining the band as a bassist, Page quickly transitioned to lead guitarist, partnering with Jeff Beck during a brief but electrifying period of dual lead guitars. Following Beck’s departure, Page became the sole guitarist, helping to steer The Yardbirds toward a heavier, more experimental sound. The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, but Page retained the rights to the band’s name and used this as a platform to recruit Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones, forming what was initially dubbed the “New Yardbirds.” This lineup soon became Led Zeppelin, ushering in a new era of rock music. Page’s time with The Yardbirds laid the groundwork for his revolutionary approach to guitar and production that would define his career with Zeppelin.
Unfortunately, as much as I’d love to continue – but I’m running out of space and I need to run over to our next CMDN gig tonight in Camden, so: here is the full list – Enjoy 🙂
It’s absolutely mind-blowing to think about all these incredible artists—Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, Donovan, Jeff Beck, The Stones, Shirley Bassey, Bowie and so many others—crossing paths and creating music together in the ‘60s. Imagine being another band back then, walking into practice and casually seeing this combination of legends hanging out, jamming, or recording together. At the time, they weren’t the household names we revere today, but the sheer level of talent in those rooms must have been electric. Looking back now, it’s wild to realise that what seemed like just another day in the studio would later form the foundation of rock music history!
Celebrating Camden’s Rock Heritage
But let’s just get back to Camden and our timeline and celebrate Jimmy Page’s birthday today, together!
Camden’s role helped shape Led Zeppelin’s legacy, I mean, the first concert under that name in the Roundhouse is a pretty cool thing to have happened in Camden. The venues here provided a platform for rockstars to flourish and today, Camden continues to champion live music, honouring its rich history while paving the way for the next generation of trailblazers!
Jimmy Page’s story is a reminder of the power of creativity and the electric energy of live performance. So, let’s raise a toast to the maestro of the Les Paul, the architect of rock’s golden age, and a true Camden legend – Happy birthday and to many more!
Photography by Marco Grob
for GQ Men of the Year – Jimmy Page and the Grouses of the Holy by Chuck Klosterman
References
Images: Neal Preston, Marco Grob, Dick Barnatt, Ross Halfin
- Jimmy Page: The Definitive Biography by Chris Salewicz
An in-depth exploration of Jimmy Page’s life, musical innovations, and career highlights.
Purchase on Amazon - Led Zeppelin: When Giants Walked the Earth by Mick Wall
A definitive account of Led Zeppelin’s rise to fame and their lasting influence on rock music.
Purchase on Amazon - Led Zeppelin: The Biography by Bob Spitz
Offers insights into Led Zeppelin’s formation and the roles of Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.
Purchase on Amazon - The Roundhouse Official Archives
Historical documentation of legendary performances at Camden’s iconic venue, including Led Zeppelin.
Visit The Roundhouse Archives - The Electric Ballroom and Its Place in Rock History
Camden Music Journal’s detailed look at the venue’s role in shaping rock music’s legacy. - Led Zeppelin Official Website
A comprehensive resource for Led Zeppelin’s history, music, and legacy.
Visit Led Zeppelin Official Website - Jimmy Page and the Art of the Guitar
Featured in Guitar World, 2024 Edition, detailing Page’s innovative techniques and influence on guitar music. - Pop Proms at the Roundhouse: 1969 Lineup
Music Legends Magazine article on the 1969 Pop Proms, including Led Zeppelin’s historic performance. - Led Zeppelin’s Camden Legacy
Camden Live Historical Features explores the band’s legendary connections to the Camden music scene. - Memories of a Fan: Led Zeppelin in Camden
A personal account of Led Zeppelin’s impact, featured in Mojo Magazine (Feb 2005 Edition). - Led Zeppelin: A Timeline of Their Greatest Concerts
A detailed timeline of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic live performances.
Read on Classic Rock Magazine - Jimmy Page’s Innovative Techniques
Highlights of Jimmy Page’s contributions to guitar playing, featured in Total Guitar.
Read on Total Guitar - Before Led Zeppelin: 13 Songs Featuring Jimmy Page
A Billboard article showcasing Jimmy Page’s early session work, including tracks with The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and more.
Read on Billboard - The Jimmy Page Collection on Discogs
A curated collection of Jimmy Page’s works, highlighting key recordings and session contributions.
View on Discogs - Hurdy Gurdy Man: Donovan’s Contributions and Collaborations
Historical references to the recording of Hurdy Gurdy Man, featuring Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.
Explore Donovan’s Official Site - GQ Men of the Year – Jimmy Page and the Grouses of the Holy by Chuck Klosterman
Read more here - Why Jimmy Page Replaced Jimi Hendrix on Donovan’s ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ by MATTHEW TRZCINSKI Read more here
