The band was originally formed in 1968 by guitarist Jimmy Page under the name "The New Yardbirds," based on Page's previous band, The Yardbirds. While The New Yardbirds arose at first simply to fulfill some performance commitments booked in Scandinavia before the original band's break-up, Page attempted to create a rock-supergroup out of the new band, which would have been composed of the Yardbirds' own Page and Jeff Beck, The Who's Keith Moon and John Entwistle(who were considering leaving their band), and possibly Steve Winwoodor Steve Marriott. After Page's attempt at forming a supergroup failed, Page filled the band with vocalist Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham and former Yardbirds bassist Chris Dreja. After Dreja left early in the project to become a photographer (and would later take the photograph that appeared on the back of the group's debut album), he was replaced by Page's long-time friend and fellow London recording session player John Paul Jones. Page's first choice as singer, Terry Reid, declined the opportunity but unselfishly recommended Plant, who accepted and then brought in his old friend Bonham from the defunct Band Of Joy.
last.fm page

Similar Artists

None found.