JUST NOW: Led Zeppelin may not have gone out at their critical peak, but they arguably went out as the world’s biggest band. The tragic loss of John Bonham closed the book on a group that was about to embark on a sold-out tour of US arenas and had just headlined Knebworth, playing to an estimated 400,000 people across two nights.

The mystery drummer who played with John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page without realising who they were

The story you’re referring to involves a fascinating and somewhat humorous incident featuring the legendary musicians John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page, both of Led Zeppelin, and a mystery drummer who unwittingly played alongside them.

 

In 1968, before Led Zeppelin’s formation, Jimmy Page was assembling a band and needed a drummer for a recording session. He invited a local session musician, often described as an anonymous or semi-professional drummer, to record tracks for a project. Unbeknownst to him, this drummer was playing with two of the most influential figures in rock history—John Paul Jones, who would soon join Led Zeppelin, and Jimmy Page himself.

 

The twist is that the drummer didn’t realize he was working with these future legends; he thought he was just recording for a regular session. It wasn’t until later that he learned he had played alongside two of the most iconic rock musicians during a pivotal period. This incident highlights the humble beginnings of some of rock’s greatest talents and the sometimes anonymous nature of session work before fame.

 

The identity of this mystery drummer remains largely unconfirmed or at least not widely publicized, adding to the allure and legend surrounding the story. It serves as a reminder of how many talented musicians contributed to the early days of rock and roll without receiving widespread recognition, and how chance encounters sometimes lead to unexpected collaborations with future legends.

 

In summary, this story is a charming anecdote about a drummer who unknowingly played with John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page before they became members of Led Zeppelin, illustrating the serendipitous and often anonymous contributions that shape musical history.