3 Eternal Jimmy Page Songs Not with Led Zeppelin

Most know the dynamic guitarist Jimmy Page from his days with the iconic classic rock band Led Zeppelin. Whether he was playing his electric on a song like “Immigrant Song” or acoustic on “Going to California,” Page was one of the signature six-string players of the 1970s. But Page boasts an illustrious career before and after the formation of Led Zeppelin.

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs that Page took part in that have stood the test of time and have nothing to do with the Hall of Fame group he has become synonymous with. Indeed, these are three eternal non-Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page songs.

[RELATED: Remember When: Jimmy Page Composed the Score to the Film ‘Death Wish II’]

“Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” by The Yardbirds (1966)

There was a point in time when the British-born blues-rock band The Yardbirds featured both Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck amongst its ranks. And during that time, the group produced “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago,” which they released in 1966. The song has gone on to influence psychedelic rock and its heavy riffs have continued to have ripple effects in rock ever since. After Page left the Yardbirds, he went on to form Led Zeppelin. What a back-to-back run!

“Prison Blues” by Jimmy Page from Outrider (1988)

A straight-up blues-rock masterpiece. This song could easily have Robert Plant fly in from the top ropes and begin singing about his love leaving him like a gust of wind. But instead, it’s Page on his 1988 solo LP Outrider, melting faces and blowing minds with his buzzy lead playing and transcendent musical aggression. On the song, Page employs singer Chris Farlowe to belt out lyrics about being behind bars. But it’s Page’s guitar player we ache to hear again and again.

“Radioactive” by The Firm from The Firm (1985)

While this song can’t escape the decade from which it was made—indeed, it has a quintessential 1980s sound to it—the track itself showcases an important side of Jimmy Page’s career. Written for the debut 1985 LP from The Firm, his first band post-Led Zeppelin, this song boasts electric drums, acoustic guitars, and a foreboding lyrical delivery from lead vocalist Paul Rodgers. It’s a toe-tapper and a head-bobber. And while it might not stand up quite as well compared to Led Zeppelin tracks, it’s a song that could be a part of any 1980s movie soundtrack, head held high.

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