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No Quarter: The Three Lives of Jimmy Page
No The Three Lives Of Jimmy Page explores the life, times and music of the man behind one of the 20th century's greatest the mighty Led Zeppelin. Using new and exclusive interviews Martin Power tells the full story of Jimmy Page's long career. Starting with the early Sixties session scene when the teenage Page contributed to recordings by The Who, The Rolling Stones, Tom Jones and many more, the author goes on to explore Page's time in The Yardbirds, the band that would metamorphose into the legendary Led Zeppelin. Supported by album reviews, rare photographs, a full discography and candid conversations with Page's friends, managers and musical collaborators, author Martin Power's No The Three Lives Of Jimmy Page represents the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography yet written about Jimmy Page―a "one man guitar army" and true music legend. 50 color and b&w photographs
624 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 28, 2018
Look, you're either a person who wants to read 700 pages about Jimmy Page or you're not. Trouble is, if you're a person who wants to read 700 pages about Jimmy Page, this probably isn't the first book about him you've ever picked up. Don't get me wrong, Power does an admirable job tracing what Jimmy's been up to since 1944, but because he evidently didn't have direct access to his subject in the writing of this, the Silmarillion of music biographies, he's forced to fall back on quotes and comments collected by other writers who did. The result is that it feels a bit like Power's telling you things you already know for the better part of a thousand pages. This is exacerbated by the fact that Power's touch is--if anything--a little too light (no small feat for a book this long). Where most writers tend to focus on the tall tales at the expense of the music, Power slides to the opposite extreme; his tendency to gloss everything controversial makes the high drama and black magic of Led Zeppelin inoffensive and bland as a Communion wafer. However, that's not to say this book has nothing to offer. Power spends more time on Jimmy's early years than most biographers, and comes about as close to a comprehensive discography as one could ever hope to. It's a stellar reference manual. Problem is, it reads like a reference manual. All in all, if you're jonesing for an intimate portrait of Page that prioritizes the music, Brad Tolinski's Light and Shade
(notably, quoted by Power more than once) is a much more engaging read. But if what you're really looking for is a Zoso textbook for the teaching of Led Zep 101, look no further.
(notably, quoted by Power more than once) is a much more engaging read. But if what you're really looking for is a Zoso textbook for the teaching of Led Zep 101, look no further.
September 6, 2021
Extremely detailed and solid biography of the man, myth, and legend known as James Patrick Page from young session guitar virtuoso to founder and leader of the Mighty Led Zeppelin to solo years and reunion with Robert Plant and a few one off Led Zeppelin reunions.
Power covers all facets of Page's life and career great and small. A must read for fans of Page and Led Zeppelin!
Power covers all facets of Page's life and career great and small. A must read for fans of Page and Led Zeppelin!
February 7, 2017
A biography of the lead guitarist and founder of the little known, underground cult band, Led Zeppelin.
Book Review: No Quarter is a book I started reading in the library on a whim (a 700 page whim), and kept reading just from curiosity. The book is meticulously researched: if you want to know about every recording date, concert date, and record release in Page's life, this is the book for you; if you're curious which precise guitar Page played on every recording and in every concert, Power will tell you; if you need the biographies of every musician, manager, and promoter Page ever worked with, they're here (needless to say an excellent Appendix and Index). But if you want to hear about Page the person, his thoughts and emotions, his family, his friends, the "whys" of his life, that's all in short supply (as a novice musician I'm always looking for the secret as to how the greats got great). Very good for what it is, but I might distinguish between a biography where the reader gets to know the subject as a human being, and a history, which is a record of events. No Quarter seems a bit more like a history. There's no gossip, no juicy tales, myths, and rumors, no salacious details, no backstage dirt. This is not an updated Hammer of the Gods (by Stephen Davis). Despite the detail about Page's early career as a session musician and with British Invasion beat group The Yardbirds, this book is really a history of Led Zeppelin, a group that has been a soundtrack for Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials alike. No Quarter is solid, but not much is revealing or exciting. [3★]
Book Review: No Quarter is a book I started reading in the library on a whim (a 700 page whim), and kept reading just from curiosity. The book is meticulously researched: if you want to know about every recording date, concert date, and record release in Page's life, this is the book for you; if you're curious which precise guitar Page played on every recording and in every concert, Power will tell you; if you need the biographies of every musician, manager, and promoter Page ever worked with, they're here (needless to say an excellent Appendix and Index). But if you want to hear about Page the person, his thoughts and emotions, his family, his friends, the "whys" of his life, that's all in short supply (as a novice musician I'm always looking for the secret as to how the greats got great). Very good for what it is, but I might distinguish between a biography where the reader gets to know the subject as a human being, and a history, which is a record of events. No Quarter seems a bit more like a history. There's no gossip, no juicy tales, myths, and rumors, no salacious details, no backstage dirt. This is not an updated Hammer of the Gods (by Stephen Davis). Despite the detail about Page's early career as a session musician and with British Invasion beat group The Yardbirds, this book is really a history of Led Zeppelin, a group that has been a soundtrack for Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials alike. No Quarter is solid, but not much is revealing or exciting. [3★]
September 5, 2018
A significant tome which covers the lengthy and successful career of James Patrick Page. Power also did a biography of Jeff Beck and it's interesting to look at both of these legends through the same author's eyes.
If I had any criticisms of the book it lets Page off lightly with some of the areas that have been major in his life. For example, just how much of an interest in the occult does Page have when the references throughout his work are so significant? What is it with Page and young women? Just how enveloped by drugs was he during the 70's and 80's?
Page keeps a tight lid on these subjects but you really do expect a biography of the man to dig a bit deeper than Power does. He's generally content to let Page's silence go unchallenged.
To be fair to Power, he does rather suggest that his book may be more of a hagiography but I'd have knocked off half a star had I been able.
Chris Salewicz has a book out on Page which redresses that situation, if the advance copy is to be believed. Perhaps a touch of both's authors work will provide a more balanced view of Page the man.
Regardless, Page the musician remains peerless.
If I had any criticisms of the book it lets Page off lightly with some of the areas that have been major in his life. For example, just how much of an interest in the occult does Page have when the references throughout his work are so significant? What is it with Page and young women? Just how enveloped by drugs was he during the 70's and 80's?
Page keeps a tight lid on these subjects but you really do expect a biography of the man to dig a bit deeper than Power does. He's generally content to let Page's silence go unchallenged.
To be fair to Power, he does rather suggest that his book may be more of a hagiography but I'd have knocked off half a star had I been able.
Chris Salewicz has a book out on Page which redresses that situation, if the advance copy is to be believed. Perhaps a touch of both's authors work will provide a more balanced view of Page the man.
Regardless, Page the musician remains peerless.
October 19, 2018
This is a book that describes Jimmy Page career through interviews, reviews from albums, and taken from other places. The author does a good job putting everything together and other than his real early stuff at the beginning of the book the rest of the book left me really wanting more but this is what this book is about. A lot of information about Zeppelin which was good but could have used more about the other bands as well. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 25, 2019
Holy magoley, if there is a detail overlooked somewhere in the life of Jimmy Page, it ain't here.
This may be the most comprehensive rock biography I have ever read (and I have read hundreds). Pagey isn't a drunk freewheeling dude so you'd better be into the musical aspects of this biography and the total (and I do mean total) backdrop of his life if you are going to get through this.
It's not for the easily bored as this author will bring you every minute crumb of Pagey data. I, did, however, despite the fact that I already knew a shit-ton of what was in here, enjoy it.
This may be the most comprehensive rock biography I have ever read (and I have read hundreds). Pagey isn't a drunk freewheeling dude so you'd better be into the musical aspects of this biography and the total (and I do mean total) backdrop of his life if you are going to get through this.
It's not for the easily bored as this author will bring you every minute crumb of Pagey data. I, did, however, despite the fact that I already knew a shit-ton of what was in here, enjoy it.
June 11, 2019
Poctivo napísaná kniha o LedZep, ktorá sa vyhýba prvoplánovosti. Fanúšika zásobuje množstvom informácií o britskej hudbe a Pageovi bez jeho preťazenia. Omnoho lepšie ako Schody do Nebe od R.Colea, bývalého tour manažéra LedZep.
March 31, 2018
"It is easy to be hagiographic about Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. Indeed, this author probably has been," Martin Power writes on page 659 of his 698 page book about lead guitarist Jimmy Page. And, it is not uncommon for an author of biographies to become infatuated with their subject. So I do not consider this to be a criticism. And, even so Page comes across as a real ass at parts, so I think he must have treated a lot of people like crap. As to the positives about the book Martin Power is a good writer (I mean his style). He places Page in the music of the times he is in, and that was pretty interesting. You can find all the bands and artists he mentions and there are many on YouTube, which I enjoyed.
The book is divided into three sections--thus the title. However, it is not the three lives of Page because it is just one long obsession Page wants to be in a band. He's in a lot of bands. He's in the band. He works with other bands, but misses his "real" band. And their are notes every now and then he got married, he broke up, he divorced, etc. It seems the only person Page was really in love with was Plant, and we had to go through the break ups and the reunions every twenty pages in part three. I got sick of hearing how much Page was pining for Plant and how much Plant wanted to distance himself from his past. This left JPJ as odd man out. I suspect Bonham and JPJ always felt like "others" because they were not in the magical pair. I suppose Power was trying to avoid the book becoming a trashy-tell-all book, but in it he really tells nothing. The worst part for me was how he critiqued every album, every show, every song. If you're a Led Zeppelin fan you don't need him to tell you what song is amazing and which ones are crap. I mean really, that just highlighted the fact that he had nothing insightful to say about Jimmy Page. My main take away from this book was how much Robert Plant grew to despise "Stairway to Heaven," which I think is the best song he wrote. At the Kennedy Show Honors when Ann and Nancy Wilson sing Stairway to Heaven, I thought Plant was tearing up because he was so moved, but now I wonder if he was crying because that song is what he will be remembered for throughout eternity--well until they are not remembered anymore. Power leaves us wondering if the octogenarians might still reunite--sorry Martin, but the dream is over.
The book is divided into three sections--thus the title. However, it is not the three lives of Page because it is just one long obsession Page wants to be in a band. He's in a lot of bands. He's in the band. He works with other bands, but misses his "real" band. And their are notes every now and then he got married, he broke up, he divorced, etc. It seems the only person Page was really in love with was Plant, and we had to go through the break ups and the reunions every twenty pages in part three. I got sick of hearing how much Page was pining for Plant and how much Plant wanted to distance himself from his past. This left JPJ as odd man out. I suspect Bonham and JPJ always felt like "others" because they were not in the magical pair. I suppose Power was trying to avoid the book becoming a trashy-tell-all book, but in it he really tells nothing. The worst part for me was how he critiqued every album, every show, every song. If you're a Led Zeppelin fan you don't need him to tell you what song is amazing and which ones are crap. I mean really, that just highlighted the fact that he had nothing insightful to say about Jimmy Page. My main take away from this book was how much Robert Plant grew to despise "Stairway to Heaven," which I think is the best song he wrote. At the Kennedy Show Honors when Ann and Nancy Wilson sing Stairway to Heaven, I thought Plant was tearing up because he was so moved, but now I wonder if he was crying because that song is what he will be remembered for throughout eternity--well until they are not remembered anymore. Power leaves us wondering if the octogenarians might still reunite--sorry Martin, but the dream is over.
March 8, 2021
I saw Led Zeppelin at the height of their fame in 1975 in London and I enjoyed most of their albums, and so I was interested to read about one of the guitar greats. I had started a biography of the band written by a roady, but it was sheer sensationalism and did not featuture on the music or the recordings, and so I gave up.
This, unfortunately is the other extreme. Martin Power has done a PHD level of study into the man and his history and it works on an academic, rather than an emotional level. The three lives are, session work, Led Zeppelin and then the rest. The first two are the real interest for me, but the writing shows little about the man, and is cold and uninteresting. I wanted to know if I would like him, if he lived up to the adoration and stardom and what his life was like, but rather it was like reading a shopping list. I love rock biographies and autobiographies and Elton John's latest and Nick Mason's Inside Out were great reads that made me believe I would like both men and would love to have them as friends, but at the end of this I still had no idea with Jimmy. I am not sure that Martin Power was a Led Zeppelin fan, nor that he has ever met the guitarist. Sad.
This, unfortunately is the other extreme. Martin Power has done a PHD level of study into the man and his history and it works on an academic, rather than an emotional level. The three lives are, session work, Led Zeppelin and then the rest. The first two are the real interest for me, but the writing shows little about the man, and is cold and uninteresting. I wanted to know if I would like him, if he lived up to the adoration and stardom and what his life was like, but rather it was like reading a shopping list. I love rock biographies and autobiographies and Elton John's latest and Nick Mason's Inside Out were great reads that made me believe I would like both men and would love to have them as friends, but at the end of this I still had no idea with Jimmy. I am not sure that Martin Power was a Led Zeppelin fan, nor that he has ever met the guitarist. Sad.
February 6, 2017
On the positive side, this is probably the most detailed account of Page's years in the late 50s to early-mid 60s, up to and including the Yardbirds. The author makes an admirable attempt to create a comprehensive narrative of Page's session years. If there's a more detailed book for this time period, I'm open to suggestions. Page's early production work with Immediate, his songwriting with Jackie DeShannon, and trips to America all before joining the Yardbirds are new content to this reader. Fascinating at times.
By the time Zeppelin is getting hugely popular, one starts to notice a similar pattern of fawning language that also occurs in other books on the topic. However, there are enough off-handed quotes and insights along the way to hold the interest of someone who hasn't read on the topic in a while.
By the time Zeppelin is getting hugely popular, one starts to notice a similar pattern of fawning language that also occurs in other books on the topic. However, there are enough off-handed quotes and insights along the way to hold the interest of someone who hasn't read on the topic in a while.
January 5, 2018
Mostly for older or just hard core Zep fans who can relate to what was happening back in the 60's- 70's. The details of activities and chronology are there , but the inside stories of their rock star lives or what really made these guys tick are conspicuously absent. Historical connections with other UK and US musicians and american blues musician's influence are the most relevant and interesting. The author writes with clear adulation, while voicing criticism only through journalists of the time. No coincidence that the further into Zep's career the book goes , the less interesting the story is.
April 16, 2018
The topic is self-evident. If there is anyone even remotely interested in the life and times of Jimmy Page and his eopic band Led Zeppelin, then this book is essential. I especially enjoyed the section on his studio work before inheriting the mantle of the Yardbirds. I am a huge Led Zeppelin fan, so I easily threw myself into the narrative. I am a musician also, and a guitar player, so the book was a natural. I terrific read, well-researched, well-written, about a musical figure very much deserving of an book of this heft and weight.
May 20, 2021
I'd direct you to this review first: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... After finishing this tomb, I agree with it with the caveat that after initially being a tad turned off by the magazine article quotes, I came to realize, that it was still great information. The author does a nice job of grabbing quotes that help carry the story forward. In the end, as I am obviously, "a person who wants to read 700 pages about Jimmy Page" I found this book quite enjoyable.
December 31, 2019
Jimmy Page is first and foremost a musician. This book stays with this premise throughout. Avoiding rumors and sticking to the provable record, Power portrays Page as a disciplined craftsman who brought forth a creative, musical vision. That vision, LED Zeppelin, stands today as a legend. This book follows Page as he continues to pursue his vision despite numerous personal and professional setbacks as well as the knowledge that whatever he creates is judged against that legend.
May 18, 2021
Been down a Led Zeppelin path for the past few weeks, after not really listening to them since god, teenage/uni era. Makes for excellent run soundtracks with that pounding Bonzo drum sound. Picked up this at the library idly browsing. Clearly the author decided to focus on the music, concerts and skips over the more wild stuff. You can decide for yourself if that makes for a better or more boring book. I found it a bit dry at times.
August 17, 2017
This is one of the best biographies I have read. Well written, entertaining and begins to shed more light on one of the most private rock musicians. If you are not a musician or a huge Led Zeppelin fan, (I am only the latter), this 662 page tome might not captivate you as much as it did me :)
July 30, 2017
Based on my love for Led Zeppelin alone I would give this four stars, but the depth and minutiae that other reviewers may have found tedious or overdone was simply eye opening and fascinating for me.
September 11, 2017
Found this book long with not much substance so basically flicked through the last couple of chapters
June 13, 2020
If you’re into jimmys artistic life, this is it.
December 13, 2021
Too much detail and I'm a Page fan! Huge book.
February 24, 2017
Mostly this is a chronology of Page's recordings, performances and who he played with. Not much insight or story-telling about him or Zeppelin. Only for Zep fans.
January 19, 2017
Very well documented and enjoyable to read, this fine bio touches on the many facets of the truly iconic and inimitable Jimmy Page. Compelling stories culled from interviews with Page and those who have known and worked with him reveal the genesis of many legendary songs, guitar riffs, albums, and studio production techniques. Several great photo collections enhance the text and further document Page's musical and creative genius. This book is one to return to again and again, whether you're crossing the sands of Kashmir or travelling with the riverside blues.
December 22, 2016
Huge book, three lives of JP. But he's probably one of the most boring rock stars. No drug abuse, lots of girlfriends, but little details of the relationships. Potentially the most interesting part, the death of John Bonham, was kind of glossed over. No details on how or why he got some drunk. As for his post-Led Zep days, who really cares?
April 12, 2017
Led Zeppelin is my favorite band, and I have read a lot about their career. I knew a lot about Jimmy Page as a result, but this was easily the best book I have read on him. Because it is a biography of Jimmy Page, the other members of the band are talked about, but only Page is really discussed in depth.
The best thing about this book is the extensive detail about his non-Zeppelin work. Both his pre-Zep career (as guitarist for Neil Christian and the Crusaders, his extensive studio work as a session player, and his time with the Yardbirds) and his post-Zep projects (the Firm, his solo disc, Coverdale/Page, his reunion with Robert Plant, etc) are both discussed in depth.
Jimmy Page is a legendary musician, and deserves a biography as vast and powerful as his career. This book fills that need nicely. Highly recommended to any Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin fan!
The best thing about this book is the extensive detail about his non-Zeppelin work. Both his pre-Zep career (as guitarist for Neil Christian and the Crusaders, his extensive studio work as a session player, and his time with the Yardbirds) and his post-Zep projects (the Firm, his solo disc, Coverdale/Page, his reunion with Robert Plant, etc) are both discussed in depth.
Jimmy Page is a legendary musician, and deserves a biography as vast and powerful as his career. This book fills that need nicely. Highly recommended to any Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin fan!
January 22, 2018
interesting and balanced view if his history and musicianship
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews