Jimmy Page graces the cover of the latest edition of Uncut magazine. In an exclusive interview, Page discusses Led Zeppelin’s various reunions, their legacy and a lot more.

While any true fan or rock or heavy metal music will never question Led Zeppelin’s legacy or influence, some may hesitate to call them the best band ever... but not Jimmy Page.

Page spoke with writer Michael Bonner for the November 2019 issue of Uncut. He explains (as transcribed by Blabbernouth) why Zeppelin were the best band in their heyday. “It’s really hard to say something like that and not sound conceited, but over the years, a lot of other musicians have told me they thought we were the best.” Page continues, “I’m not talking about record sales or concert attendance, although I think we can hold our own with anyone. What I mean is, when you talk about a band as a collaborative musical unit, we were the best. I am not talking about one or two genius songwriters, and everyone else tagging along. I am talking about a collection of musicians who are each at the top of their craft in their own right. In Led Zeppelin, we were exactly that.”

The iconic guitarist adds, “If you are a young musician and you want to hear how a band works well together, then we’re a pretty good blueprint… every combination of the quartet could bring something special.”

Regarding a Robert Plant interview on Charlie Rose in 2002 where the vocalist refused to call Led Zeppelin the greatest band of their era, Page says, “Robert probably said, ‘Oh, well, there were a lot of great bands,’ to the interviewer because that is the gentlemanly reply.” He adds, “I agree with him, there’s a lot of absolutely fantastic music out there made by lots of different artists. But when you are talking about rock ‘n’ roll alchemy, I had to say what I thought. We were the best.”

When discussing Led Zeppelin’s two reunions in the 80s (1985’s Live Aid and 1988’s Atlantic Records 40th anniversary), Page said the band was taken down a peg. “The band is not just something that falls back into place after a pub lunch." He adds, “I think it’s fair to say that we had a couple of disasters from which we learned valuable lessons."

The November 2019 issue of Uncut is on newsstands now or can be ordered online here.

As we previously reported, Jimmy Page will release a new book that documents his musical career. “Jimmy Page: The Anthology" will feature hundreds of items from Page’s private collection, including iconic guitars, stage costumes, rare posters, vinyl pressings, diary entries and never-before-seen photographs complete with exclusive stories behind each item. It will be released in December. Fans can pre-order it here.

Jimmy Page Uncut Magazine