On The Cover of the Rolling Stone

The current edition of Rolling Stone Magazine features an article on the 100 greatest guitar players of all time. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page comes in at #3, behind top guitarist Jimi Hendrix and #2 Eric Clapton, and ahead of Keith Richards and Jeff Beck, who came in at #4 & 5 respectively.

The issue hit the new stands this week with four covers, one depicting each of the top four guitar players.

The Jimmy Page picture has a shot of him in full guitar slinger action, holding his Les Paul out to his left. His dress indicates it was a post-Zeppelin shot, possibly from the Outrider tour.

Inside, there is a short article on each guitar player. Joe Perry wrote the 190 word piece on Jimmy Page, stating:

Listening to what Jimmy Page does on guitar can transport you. As a lead player, he always plays the right thing for the right spot – he's got such remarkable taste...

He had this vision of how to transcend the stereotypes of what the guitar can do.

Will he buy five copies to send to his mother?

Page has appeared on the cover of the legendary magazine at least six times previously, so I doubt he'll be buying five copies to send to anybody.

Chris Dreja at ZepFest

When ZepFest rolls around later this month, there will be a number of special guests. Among them, Yardbirds rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja.  Dreja was an original member in 1963, playing rhythm guitar behind Top Topham, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. While Jimmy Page originally joined the Yardbirds as a bass player, he soon joined Beck on guitar and Dreja moved to bass.

When he was forming Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page reportedly offered the bass job to Dreja, who declined in order to concentrate on a career in photography. He did, however, shoot a number of pictures of the Led Zeppelin members, including the back cover picture on their first album, Led Zeppelin I.

While he is at ZepFest, Dreja is bringing a number of pictures which he will sell at a merchandise table. One picture of Jimmy Page, signed by Dreja and Page will be sold at the show.

Tickets for ZepFest can be purchased at their website.

Chris Dreja Photography can be found here.