Jimmy Page

The Definitive Biography

By: Chris Salewicz

Narrated by: Tom McGairl

An in-depth biography of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page by the acclaimed biographer of Bob Marley and Joe Strummer, based upon the author's extensive research and interviews

The original enigmatic rock star, Jimmy Page is a mass of contradictions. A towering presence in the guitar world and one of the most revered rock guitarists of all time, in private he is reclusive and mysterious, retiring and given to esoteric interests. Over the decades he has exchanged few words to the press given the level of his fame, and an abiding interest in the demonic and supernatural has only made the myth more potent.

But in the midst of this maelstrom, who was Jimmy Page? Rock journalist Chris Salewicz has conducted numerous interviews with Page over the years and has created the first portrait of the guitarist that can be called definitive, penetrating the shadows that surround him to reveal the fascinating man who dwells within the rock legend.

Critic reviews

"[An] ever-readable tome... Anyone intrigued by how a soft-spoken boy from the west London suburbs became one of the world's most famous musicians won't be disappointed."--The Times (London)

"A hard-riffing new book that reveals how Jimmy Page became the dark heart of Led Zeppelin"--The Mail on Sunday (London)

"[Salewicz] lovingly records all the highs and bathetic lows of the rock-star afterlife."--The Sunday Times (London)

"A must-read for die-hard Zeppelin fans."—Kirkus Reviews

"[An] engrossing read."—Vintage Guitar

"[A] must-have for fans of Led Zeppelin."—The Houston Press

"[A] perceptive look back at a great musician, a troubled man and a checkered era."—Shepherd Express

Good book about a weird guy

As a Zeppelin fan, this gave me what I was looking for. I'm not sure how a feel about it though. The book was tough at times because Jimmy Page was a fantastic guitar player but also a weird guy that did some terrible things. I feel more connected with the music now that I know a little more about what he was doing, feeling, etc. so I don't regret it. His music wouldn't be the same if it was any other way. The book does a fantastic job of being unbiased, they lay it all out for you as it happened. I definitely don't think its for everyone, probably just the hardcore Zep fans out there.

Very good Biography

This is an excellent book about a rock god, but this book isn’t about worshiping him. He is presented flaws and all. Great insight into some of the timeless Zepplin moments and separates myth from legend. The narrator was good, his accent lends itself well to the content though I feel like he mispronounced a few words. All in all a great book.

Interesting, But Uneven

The subject matter is obviously very interesting, but the author’s personal opinions come across too strongly, and he insists on referring to silliness like astrology and magic as if it had an actual impact on Page’s life outside of the natural consequences of his interests in it. The narrator is also awful, and his comical mispronunciations are so frequent that it can easily take you out of the story.

Great Book

Very Interesting. Lots of new info not in Hammer of the Gods and other books. Some of the names of rockers were mispronounced. In an audio book, that is hard to follow, and it took me 30 secs on the computer to verify. But the text is great, and I recommend it.

Page

Only a fair story and performance. To long of a book. Rambles on and on and on.