No Quarter: The Three Lives of Jimmy Page

To be honest-- I am about half-way through the book-- but, so far, this book is good reading I was just curious about WHO IS JIMMY PAGE?? as I will keep reading, I will hopefully find out!!!

Chronicles all of Zeppelin without the salaciousness of the Hammer Of The Gods book. Very comprehensive, it includes Page's pre and post Zeppelin days as well as the activities of Robert Plant and John Paul Jones after Zeppelin called it a day. The post-Zeppelin interactions between Plant and Page were especially interesting to me.

A very enlightening book that really tells Jimmy's story without all the salacious nonsense. This reads more like a cross between a historical reference book and a documentary of early rock and roll. I learned as much about the sixties and seventies music scene and the real people behind it than I was expecting. For any rock fan with an interest in the genre and JP/Zep's influence on it this is a great read. If you're looking for another "Hammer of the Gods" you won't like it at all. As to JP's story itself I came away thinking a better title would have been "The Three Loves of Jimmy Page" - music, Zeppelin, and Robert Plant. In that order. There were times reading this that I almost felt sorry for Jimmy and his longing to reunite the band that he loved so much and the fact that Robert didn't. The trouble he had moving into the eighties and a changing rock scene was something I had never really thought about when he dropped out of the limelight. It left me thinking about the fleeting joys of fame and fortune in any business that depends on youth, public tastes, and the moments in time that those things come together. It also left me wondering what might have been had John Bonham lived and the wreckage that the rock'n'roll lifestyle left in the wake of the seventies.

I saw a few reviews on this book and some disliked it. Every LZ book has something to offer, I loved the hell out of the author's JEFF BECK book "Hot Wired Guitar". Remember "No Quarter...." has 679 or so pages - one can't tell EVERYTHING to be fair I am at pg 500 The mistakes were minor (like the wrong yr for the Roy Harper gig , "YB's Cumular limit" CD is not a live collection He goofed on the origin to "Tangerine" - originally a Keith Relf compossed song, the YBs recorded but never released it - check You Tube. Then there was the wrong year that "Black Beauty" guitar was stolen.Only Minor stuff that a die hard Zep fan would notice (who would go to a concert in the freezing Big Apple several times, has most LZ related books, documents info.....) Other than those mistakes the book is great. The author pointed out stuff that I didn't realize and went out of the way to elaborate on the post Zep period/"Death Wish 11" LP sessions. He didn't mention -Jimmy Page's music publishing - "James Patrick Page Music" and shortly him and Bobby Graham had "JIMBO" (one can figure that out - the prefix to their first names....) Martin Power did a great job he is an excellent writer (it appears he didn't rely on early articles and books much) He did pull off this exhaustive book which I impatiently waited for since June mind you... This is all I am saying since I am not finished with the book- I know the ending already (joke) To the person who ended at "joining the YBs part" keep reading!!!!!!!!....There are no other Page books like this!

For those waiting and hoping that the illustrious Mr. Page would finally one day get around to writing his autobiography will, until then, be satisfied to read this engaging and entertaining volume. Martin Power has done an excellent job of documenting Mr.Page's life and times in such a way that I felt was truly enlightening. The wide scope of the book left me satisfied that I truly was educated and not merely dragged through a succession of bottom-fed war stories of endless drug, drink, and debauchery like so many other rock music bios. Jimmy Page obviously is a multi-dimensional character who deserved a fair treatment and I am confident that if he reads this book will be quite happy with the outcome. Perhaps he could forgo his own book and just submit an article indicating any inaccuracies. I personally will be OK if this is the last book on the subject. BTW, the photos in the book are great....mostly heretofore unseen (by me anyway...) Actual book cover below.

I really liked the book, however, the author made reference to several topics that he would return to discussing, then he never did. Like what about Jimmy's 7 year heroin addiction and his subsequent recovery? In thought I was gonna hear about it but the story never got there. I think it would have been important to cover this subject and Jimmy's coming through it with all his work intact. Otherwise, it's a good chronology of the band and their work. I appreciated the pictures, and the sound bites, etc.

First off, if you're looking for all the usual tales of rock star antics by Led Zep/Page this won't be for you. If you are looking for a thorough and complete biography of Jimmy Page's musical career then this is for you. The book follows Page from his time as a well-respected session player, his time with The Yardbirds, and the legendary career of Led Zeppelin. It ends with his many collaborative efforts following his Zep years, including the several times Zeppelin had reunion shows - public and private. Plenty of details about his songs, studio techniques, and instruments but still highly readable. Also, the author includes plenty of detail about many of the other key musicians and bands that were fellow-travelers of Page. A great look at Page, his music, and the golden ear of hard rock.

The book has a different dust jacket than the one shown on Amazon, but I like it better since it has a guitar on it, arrived in perfect condition. It's about 700 pages devoted to the most important thing in Jimmy Page's life--music. If there are any historical errors, I didn't pick them up. Wonderfully, Jimmy's off-the-clock antics when he was young and on very high-pressure world tours are kept at the barest minimum--it's not relevant to the music and the words and space are better utilized for the band and its output. This book is respectful toward the musical genius of all parties involved in the project (doesn't read like fanboy stuff). I didn't find it a dull read. Due respect is given to his bandmates, Mr. Bonham, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Plant. Mr. Page is a National Treasure to Great Britain, not only for his music but for his charity work as well. May he live long and prosper. I also recommend Mr. Powell's other books.