How a Chance Encounter in Birmingham and a Missed Opportunity by Terry Reid Led to the Birth of Led Zeppelin: The Story of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and the Formation of a Rock Legend in 1968
In the pivotal year of 1968, British guitarist Jimmy Page was at a critical crossroads in his musical journey. Having joined The Yardbirds in 1966, Page found himself needing to form a completely new lineup after the band’s dissolution. With a vision to carry forward the musical innovation and raw energy of The Yardbirds under a fresh banner, Page began the search for new talent that could match his ambitious aspirations.
His journey took a decisive turn in Birmingham, England, where he first encountered a little-known singer named Robert Plant. Plant was fronting a band called Hobbstweedle and performing at a local college when Page came to see him—thanks to a recommendation from singer Terry Reid. Upon hearing Plant’s powerful and emotive voice, Page was stunned. He later admitted to being surprised that such a commanding voice hadn’t already been scooped up by the music industry. However, he also wondered if Plant’s apparent obscurity meant he might be difficult to work with. These doubts quickly dissolved after their first meeting.
Terry Reid played a key behind-the-scenes role in this chapter of rock history. At the time, Reid was gaining momentum in his own right and had already caught the attention of major acts, including the Rolling Stones. When Page approached him with an offer to join his new project—what would later become Led Zeppelin—Reid declined due to prior commitments. However, rather than just turning Page away, Reid pointed him toward a rising vocalist he believed in: Robert Plant. In a stroke of further serendipity, Reid also recommended Plant’s drummer from another band, a fierce and technically gifted musician named John Bonham.
With Plant and Bonham now in the mix, Jimmy Page still had Yardbirds bassist Chris Dreja on board. This new ensemble was initially called The New Yardbirds, as Page still had a few remaining contractual obligations under the Yardbirds’ name. But it didn’t take long for the group’s chemistry and sonic identity to transcend that placeholder title. After Dreja departed and was replaced by multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones, the lineup was complete.
Shortly thereafter, the group officially rebranded as Led Zeppelin, setting the stage for one of the most influential and genre-defining bands in rock history. What began as Jimmy Page’s quest to rebuild a band transformed into a supernova of musical innovation, thanks to a serendipitous blend of talent, timing, and Terry Reid’s crucial act of redirection.
Led Zeppelin would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of music, but it all began with a recommendation, an open mind, and a remarkable performance on a Birmingham college stage.
How a Chance Encounter in Birmingham and a Missed Opportunity by Terry Reid Led to the Birth of Led Zeppelin: The Story of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and the Formation of a Rock Legend in 1968
In the pivotal year of 1968, British guitarist Jimmy Page was at a critical crossroads in his musical journey. Having joined The Yardbirds in 1966, Page found himself needing to form a completely new lineup after the band’s dissolution. With a vision to carry forward the musical innovation and raw energy of The Yardbirds under a fresh banner, Page began the search for new talent that could match his ambitious aspirations.
His journey took a decisive turn in Birmingham, England, where he first encountered a little-known singer named Robert Plant. Plant was fronting a band called Hobbstweedle and performing at a local college when Page came to see him—thanks to a recommendation from singer Terry Reid. Upon hearing Plant’s powerful and emotive voice, Page was stunned. He later admitted to being surprised that such a commanding voice hadn’t already been scooped up by the music industry. However, he also wondered if Plant’s apparent obscurity meant he might be difficult to work with. These doubts quickly dissolved after their first meeting.
Terry Reid played a key behind-the-scenes role in this chapter of rock history. At the time, Reid was gaining momentum in his own right and had already caught the attention of major acts, including the Rolling Stones. When Page approached him with an offer to join his new project—what would later become Led Zeppelin—Reid declined due to prior commitments. However, rather than just turning Page away, Reid pointed him toward a rising vocalist he believed in: Robert Plant. In a stroke of further serendipity, Reid also recommended Plant’s drummer from another band, a fierce and technically gifted musician named John Bonham.
With Plant and Bonham now in the mix, Jimmy Page still had Yardbirds bassist Chris Dreja on board. This new ensemble was initially called The New Yardbirds, as Page still had a few remaining contractual obligations under the Yardbirds’ name. But it didn’t take long for the group’s chemistry and sonic identity to transcend that placeholder title. After Dreja departed and was replaced by multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones, the lineup was complete.
Shortly thereafter, the group officially rebranded as Led Zeppelin, setting the stage for one of the most influential and genre-defining bands in rock history. What began as Jimmy Page’s quest to rebuild a band transformed into a supernova of musical innovation, thanks to a serendipitous blend of talent, timing, and Terry Reid’s crucial act of redirection.
Led Zeppelin would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of music, but it all began with a recommendation, an open mind, and a remarkable performance on a Birmingham college stage.