Joe Walsh, a legendary guitarist and member of both James Gang and the Eagles, has shared his thoughts on Jimmy Page, the iconic guitarist and producer of Led Zeppelin. Walsh's perspective offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between these two musical giants and the impact of their instruments on each other's work.
Walsh's admiration for Page dates back to his days in The Yardbirds, a band he eagerly followed whenever possible. Their paths crossed when James Gang opened for Led Zeppelin during their early American tours. During this time, Page was struggling with his choice of guitar, using a Telecaster that wasn't suited for the heavy sound he wanted to achieve with Led Zeppelin. Walsh, recognizing the issue, offered a solution.
He recalled, "Jimmy said, 'This Telecaster ain't cutting it for Led Zeppelin. And I don't know what to do.' Now, Les Pauls virtually didn't exist in England at the time. They were pretty easy to find because they hadn't been discovered – and they didn't cost very much. After the fact, when that became the guitar for rock 'n' roll, the rest is history. But he said, 'I got to get a double-coil situation. I've looked for Les Paul, there aren't any in England. Do you know any way you could help me get one? Because Led Zeppelin ain't making it with a Telecaster.' And I happen to have two."
Walsh then traded for a Les Paul, which he gave to Page. This guitar, now known as Page's 'Number One,' became the cornerstone of Led Zeppelin's iconic sound. Page's gratitude was evident, as he later paid Walsh around $1,500 for the guitar, a significant sum at the time, and one that has since skyrocketed in value.
In an interview, Page expressed his appreciation for Walsh's contribution, stating, "Joe says there's magic in guitars and I think he's right, especially those guitars, because they all sounded very different from each other."
The impact of this guitar exchange is profound. Page's use of the Les Paul on songs like 'Whole Lotta Love' and 'What Is and What Should Never Be' solidified his decision to use the instrument for future albums. Walsh's influence on Page's sound and his role in shaping Led Zeppelin's iconic guitar tone cannot be overstated.
This story highlights the deep connection between these two musical legends and the power of instrument choice in shaping a band's identity. Walsh's insight into the creative process and his willingness to share his expertise with Page demonstrate the collaborative and supportive nature of the music industry, even among its most influential figures.
