In a recent Guitar World interview, Paul Stanley delved into the guitarists who have shaped his musical journey. In the list of eleven musicians he gave to the magazine, there was Jimmy Page, whose guitar-playing Stanley commented on by saying:
“Jimmy Page, to me, is the consummate guitarist. He’s Beethoven. He paints with music in a way that’s just so stellar. And I know there’s a lot of British guitar players that we talk about where people say, ‘Who is better, this guy, or that guy?’ Well, I’ll tell you this – there’s only been one of those players who has been able to spread and work outside of the idea of what he was initially defined as, and that’s Jimmy.”
Talking about Page’s style, he added:
“He’s not rock or metal; he’s true world music that encompasses so much. His love of music is palpable; he’s an amazing showman and a consummate all-around lead and rhythm guitar player.”
Page And Stanley’s Friendship
Having been friends for years, Page and Stanley met each other often during KISS’ England tours through the years, while the band’s guitarist posted photos with the Led Zeppelin member from time to time on social media.
When the two came together again in 2022, just before KISS’ show at the Download Festival, Stanley posted another picture on X along with a text about their relationship:
“Hours of great talk, laughs, and dinner with my friend Jimmy in London today. I love the times we spend together. He was blown away by photos of our full stage and thrilled for Download. I had to say, ‘Jimmy, you’re at the foundation of everything we do.'”
The First Time Stanley Watched Zeppelin’s Guitarist
While Stanley first saw Led Zeppelin on stage during 1968’s supporting shows for the band’s self-titled debut, he recalled watching Page live for the first time when the guitarist was still working with The Yardbirds.
Talking about the performance that had Otis Redding as the opening act, the KISS member once told Forbes:
“I was fortunate, as a kid, I saw Otis Redding, which – he was magic. And you hopefully know the difference when you’re in the presence of greatness as opposed to just an entertainer. So Otis was amazing. I was also very fortunate I saw the Yardbirds with Jimmy Page, and that was something really, really monumental for me.”
The Guitarist’s Absence From Stage
Jimmy Page stopped giving live shows after his last performance at a benefit event in 2015 but returned to the stage after an eight-year break during the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to honor Link Wray with a performance.
