Joe Walsh Tells the Story of the Transcendent Transaction That Changed Jimmy Page’s Sound Forever
Joe Walsh, legendary guitarist and solo artist, has always been known for his candid stories about the music world and the legendary musicians he’s shared the stage with. But one story stands out—a tale about a pivotal guitar exchange that had a profound impact on Led Zeppelin’s iconic sound. Walsh recently shared the details of how a simple act of generosity and keen musical insight shaped the destiny of one of rock’s most enduring legends, Jimmy Page.
It all began in the early 1970s when Walsh was deeply immersed in the music scene, crafting his own path with the Eagles and as a prolific session musician. During this period, Walsh crossed paths with Jimmy Page, the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist, who was on the hunt for a particular guitar that could help capture the raw, powerful sound he envisioned. Jimmy was still playing the Telecasters he famously used in the Yardbirds, but he was looking for a change—a Les Paul that could give him a thicker, more soulful tone. However, Page was having trouble finding one that truly resonated with him.
According to Walsh, “Jimmy was still playing the Telecasters that he played in the Yardbirds. He was looking for a Les Paul and asked if I knew of any, ’cause he couldn’t find one that he liked.” Walsh, who had a collection of guitars himself, recalls having two Les Pauls at the time. “I kept the one I liked the most and flew with the other one.” The guitar in question was a beautiful Les Paul, one that Walsh cherished and regarded highly. Recognizing the importance of the instrument and Jimmy’s quest, Walsh decided to lend a hand.
He took the guitar with him on a flight, hand-carrying it to ensure it arrived safely. Upon meeting Jimmy, Walsh laid the guitar on him and said, “Try this out.” The instant Jimmy played it, it was clear that this was the perfect match. “He really liked it,” Walsh remembers, a smile in his voice. Recognizing the significance of the moment, Walsh offered Jimmy a very good deal—he wanted Jimmy to have the guitar, not just as a loan but as a gift if possible. But Walsh was pragmatic; he simply charged Jimmy what his expenses were for the trip. “I had to hand-carry it; I flew there and everything. So whatever my expenses were, that’s what I charged him.” For Walsh, it was about more than money; it was about sharing something special with a fellow musician who needed it.
Jimmy accepted the guitar, and it became a vital part of his arsenal. Walsh emphasizes that this particular Les Paul was not just any guitar—it was the one Jimmy used to record Zeppelin II that May. That album, released in 1969, is considered one of Led Zeppelin’s masterpieces, featuring some of the band’s most iconic riffs and solos. The guitar Walsh gave him was the asset that helped craft those legendary sounds.
Over the years, Jimmy Page’s relationship with this guitar deepened. “The guitar became and remained his favorite throughout his years with Zeppelin,” Walsh notes. As Page acquired other guitars, he still referred to this one as his “number one,” a testament to its sentimental and sonic value. It was more than just an instrument; it was the guitar that helped define the sound of a generation.
Walsh’s story underscores a simple yet profound truth about the music industry: sometimes, a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect that influences music history. His decision to give Jimmy Page a hand—hand-carrying the guitar across the country and offering it at a fair price—contributed to a sound that would resonate through countless generations.
The story also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among legendary musicians of that era. Walsh’s gesture wasn’t just about a guitar; it was about believing in the potential of a fellow artist and supporting their creative journey. That Les Paul, once just a guitar Walsh liked, became the cornerstone of some of Led Zeppelin’s most memorable recordings, exemplifies how a simple transaction can have a lasting cultural impact.
In the end, Walsh’s story is a reminder of the human stories behind the iconic sounds we cherish. It was a moment of generosity, trust, and shared passion that ultimately helped shape the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. For Jimmy Page, that Les Paul was more than an instrument—it was a symbol of inspiration, a tool that helped forge some of the most legendary riffs in rock history. And for Joe Walsh, it was a gesture of friendship and faith in the power of music—a story worth telling for generations to come.
