Imagine being a legendary guitarist like Jimmy Page, only to look back and cringe at one particular gig. Yes, even rock gods have their regrets. While Page’s name is synonymous with Led Zeppelin’s iconic riffs, his journey as a session musician was anything but smooth. And this is the part most people miss: before the fame, there were gigs he’d rather forget—like the time he played with Them, Van Morrison’s early band. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it the band’s fault, or was Page just out of his element? Let’s dive in.
Every rockstar, including Jimmy Page, earns their stripes through years of grinding. Sure, he had a knack for crafting timeless riffs, but his pre-Zeppelin days were a wild ride of experimentation. From The Yardbirds to random studio sessions, Page was a chameleon, adapting to whatever came his way. But being a session musician isn’t all glam—it’s about precision, versatility, and sometimes, sheer survival. No one wants to pay for a guitarist who’s fumbling through chords. Page knew he had to nail every session, blending seamlessly into the song while adding his signature flair. Think of it like being a culinary guest chef: you’ve got to respect the dish but leave your mark.
Take his work with The Rolling Stones or Shirley Bassey—Page was ready for anything, as long as the artists knew what they wanted. But not every band operates that way. Enter Them, a band on the brink of legend thanks to hits like ‘Gloria,’ but still raw and unpolished. When Page joined a session with them, he felt like he’d walked into a musical train wreck. ‘It was very embarrassing,’ he later admitted. ‘You’d notice band members being replaced by session musicians one by one. Talk about awkward!’ Picture sitting in a room, guitar in hand, wishing you were anywhere else—that was Page during that session.
Part of the issue? Van Morrison’s genius was still evolving. By the time he crafted Astral Weeks, he’d become a musical force, but in Them, he was often in his own world, leaving the band scrambling to keep up. Was it a clash of visions, or just bad timing? It’s a question that still sparks debate. Yet, even in the chaos, Page found value. Zeppelin’s magic was in their improvisational jams, and Them’s unpredictability taught him the art of thinking on his feet.
Here’s the kicker: Them might not have been Page’s cup of tea, but every session—good or bad—shaped his career. Is there such a thing as a ‘bad’ experience if you learn from it? Session musicians know the drill: every gig, no matter how messy, is a lesson. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is exactly what you need to grow. So, while Page might not look back on Them fondly, it’s a reminder that even legends have their off days—and that’s okay.
What do you think? Was Page too harsh on Them, or was he right to feel out of place? Let’s debate in the comments—no holding back!
