Jimmy Page’s legacy didn’t stop when Led Zeppelin played its final notes. Instead, he kept pushing musical boundaries, exploring new sounds, and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. His post-Zeppelin career is a testament to his restless creativity and dedication to the craft.
From cinematic scores to unexpected team-ups, Page’s work after Zeppelin showcases his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his signature style. Whether revisiting classic material or stepping into new sonic territories, he proved that his influence in rock music was far from over.
These ten projects highlight some of the most fascinating chapters in his journey beyond Zeppelin—each one a glimpse into the mind of a guitarist who never stopped evolving.
10. Death Wish II Soundtrack
In 1981, Jimmy Page composed the soundtrack for Death Wish II at the request of Michael Winner. Although Winner initially wanted short musical snippets, Page decided to expand them into full-length songs, marking his first venture into soundtrack composition.
The Death Wish II soundtrack stands out as a unique project in Page’s post-Led Zeppelin career. It allowed him to experiment with darker, more atmospheric sounds, showcasing his versatility beyond the hard rock realm. Some found the tracks intriguing, even though Page was dealing with substance abuse problems at the time.
The soundtrack’s creation served as a crucial step in Page’s recovery and return to music after Led Zeppelin’s dissolution. It provided him with a creative outlet and helped him regain momentum in his career.
9. Coverdale/Page
The Coverdale/Page project was the brainchild of John Kalodner, a Geffen Records executive with a history of working with successful rock acts such as Aerosmith and Whitesnake. Kalodner envisioned a collaboration between Jimmy Page and David Coverdale, the lead singer of Whitesnake.
Despite criticisms that it sounded like a Led Zeppelin copy, the Coverdale/Page album became Page’s best-selling collection of new material post-Zeppelin, even achieving platinum status in the United States. The album blended Page’s signature guitar work with Coverdale’s powerful vocals, resulting in a commercially successful, if somewhat derivative, sound.
“Shake My Tree” is a highlight from the Coverdale/Page collaboration. While opinions on the overall project were mixed, its commercial success demonstrated Page’s continued appeal and ability to create marketable music.
8. Whatever Happened to Jugula?
In 1984, Jimmy Page joined Roy Harper for a series of UK concerts, performing acoustic sets at various folk festivals. This collaboration culminated in the release of the album Whatever Happened to Jugula? in 1985.
The collaboration with Harper offered Page a departure from the hard rock sound he was known for1. The acoustic instrumentation and folk-inspired settings allowed him to explore a more mellow and experimental musical direction.
Tony Franklin, Harper’s bassist, later joined Page in The Firm. This connection highlights the interconnectedness of Page’s various post-Led Zeppelin projects and the musicians he worked with during this period.
7. Jimmy Page Autobiography
Jimmy Page released a signed, leather-bound autobiography of photographs titled simply Jimmy Page on September 27, 2010. The 500-page book contained 650 images documenting his life and career.
Limited to 2,500 copies, each book was signed by Page himself, adding to its exclusivity and value. The book was sold for a “modest” price.
The autobiography provided fans with a visual journey through Page’s life, from his early days to his time with Led Zeppelin and beyond. It offered insights into his personal and professional experiences, making it a prized possession for collectors and fans alike.
6. Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes
Jimmy Page joined forces with The Black Crowes, a band formed in Atlanta under the name Mr. Crowe’s Garden. Together, they revisited the legacy of Led Zeppelin and other classic songs, resulting in a live album, Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes Live at the Greek.
The collaboration showcased Chris Robinson’s powerful vocals and Page’s dynamic guitar playing. The live performances captured the energy and excitement of the collaboration, offering fresh interpretations of classic material.
The album featured live versions of Led Zeppelin songs like “Ten Years Gone,” with all guitar parts played live on stage. This project allowed Page to revisit his Led Zeppelin catalog while collaborating with a younger generation of musicians.
5. It Might Get Loud
It Might Get Loud, directed by David Guggenheim, brought together Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge to share their personal stories as electric guitarists. The documentary explored their individual musical rebellions and paths to creating their signature styles.
The film delved into each guitarist’s influences, techniques, and philosophies, providing insights into their creative processes. By showcasing three distinct generations of guitar virtuosos, the documentary highlighted the enduring impact of the electric guitar on music.
Each guitarist discussed their musical journey and how they developed their unique sound. It Might Get Loud offered a rare glimpse into the minds of these influential musicians, revealing their passion and dedication to their craft.
4. Outrider
In 1988, Jimmy Page released Outrider, his first and only official solo album. By this point, Page had an extensive career, including time with The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, and The Firm.
Outrider saw Page experimenting with different shades of the guitar to complement the overall arrangement. The album highlighted Page’s versatility as a musician, showcasing his ability to create compelling music outside of a band context. “Prison Blues, and Writes of Winter” are some of the good cuts in the album.
Following the album’s release, Page embarked on a tour to support Outrider. This solo endeavor allowed him to explore his musical vision and connect with fans in a more personal setting.
3. The Firm
Formed in 1984, The Firm was a collaboration between Jimmy Page and vocalist Paul Rodgers. The band helped Page recover from the personal and professional challenges following Led Zeppelin’s breakup.
Despite mixed reviews, The Firm achieved commercial success and provided Page with a new creative outlet. The band’s formation was a pivotal moment for Page, offering him a sense of purpose and direction after a difficult period.
Jimmy Page has said that The Firm “saved” him. The Firm took Page out of personal and professional grind.
2. Plant/Page
The collaboration between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, known as Plant/Page, sparked hopes of a Led Zeppelin reunion. Together, they created new musical pieces that evoked the ethereal and textured soundscapes reminiscent of their earlier work.
Their collaboration invited listeners to immerse themselves in the intricate structures and textures of each song. The Plant/Page project allowed them to revisit their musical chemistry and explore new sonic territories.
Albums like Walking into Clarksdale came out of Plant/Page. The album was amazing and showed the synergy between the two.
1. Led Zeppelin Remastered Deluxe Edition Issues
Jimmy Page spearheaded the Led Zeppelin remastered deluxe edition issues, showcasing unreleased materials. These reissues provided fans with a deeper dive into the band’s catalog and creative process.
The remastered editions, including Physical Graffiti, were well-received by fans and critics alike. Page’s involvement in the remastering process ensured that the band’s music was presented in the best possible quality.
These releases offered a renewed appreciation for Led Zeppelin’s musical legacy. In 2013, Page (with Led Zeppelin) was awarded a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album” for Celebration Day.