The singer Jimmy Page adored working with: “What a vocalist”
Following the conclusion of Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page didn’t need to work another day for the rest of his life. Despite still being relatively young, the guitarist had essentially completed the music industry, which was significantly helped by starting as a session musician while still a teenager. This first-class musical education put him on the path to superstardom and sent Led Zeppelin into the stratosphere.
Of course, Page was also financially compensated for his contribution to the music industry. Therefore, the songwriter did not need to make another album for the sake of doing so or to put food on the table for his family. As a result, his post-Led Zeppelin career has been full of passion projects that have only happened for the right reasons rather than financial incentives.
His first move following the end of the band was creating the soundtrack for the movie Death Wish II, released in early 1982. For Page, this opportunity was the perfect gateway back into music, which was different from anything he had made before, and he grabbed the chance with both hands to flex his creative muscles in a new direction.
Page had never made a soundtrack before and hasn’t returned to it since. Instead, it was the perfect project that arose at the perfect time, but he knew that becoming a composer wasn’t his calling and didn’t want his career confined to this space. “It came to me at the right time, because obviously one was really shattered having lost John (Bonham), a real dear friend and the most incredible musician. So it was really good because it was something that kept me focussed, creating 45 minutes of music for a 90-minute film,” he later told LouderSound in 2007.
As much as Led Zeppelin were over following the tragic death of John Bonham, the lure of being in a band still burned bright in Page’s heart. While they would occasionally disagree, the camaraderie that comes along with being in a band alongside your friends is a joy that can’t be replicated by producing a film soundtrack in the studio.
Therefore, to deal with his yearning to be in a band, The Firm was formed in 1984 alongside former Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers, Chris Slade, and Tony Franklin. After performing with Rodgers in 1983 at a series of charity concerts, the chemistry between him and Page convinced them to start writing material, which naturally evolved into the formation of The Firm.
While they were only active for two years, there was never a falling out, and it was always intended they’d only make two records. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for Page, who found Rodgers to be an ideal collaborator with a voice sent down from the rock gods.
Reflecting on their work together, he once said, “‘Midnight Moonlight’ was one of the songs that came out of that. And you don’t go out playing something like that unless you have real confidence about yourself. Paul’s whole application to the lyrics and the melodies was fantastic and I really enjoyed working with him – what a vocalist. And when the ARMS thing finished I said: ‘What about it? Let’s go do something else.’ Which is how The Firm came about.”
Page and Rodgers both went back to their respective careers following The Firm reaching the end of their story, but both still fondly reminisce about the project. After touring the world with Led Zepellin for over a decade, Page didn’t want to commit to being part of another rock ‘n’ roll group for the rest of his life. However, The Firm allowed him to dip his toes back into the water for two years, and there was nobody better placed to enjoy the ride with than Rodgers.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Led Zeppelin Newsletter
All the latest stories about Led Zeppelin from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.