The Myth Unveiled: Jimmy Page and Heroin During Led Zeppelin's Performances

Throughout the years, various anecdotes and rumors have circulation around Led Zeppelin's live performances, particularly surrounding Jimmy Page's guitar solos. Speculations often revolve around the question: was Jimmy Page under the influence during specific solos, specifically if he was high on drugs? While there is no concrete evidence confirming his altered state during particular performances, many fans and critics believe that his drug use, particularly heroin, had a significant impact on his performances.

Jimmy Page: The Musician Tranced in Trance

Jimmy Page, known for his virtuosic skills on guitar, often seemed to enter a trance-like state when playing. In his book LZ-75, journalist Stephen Davis describes Jimmy Page as being "high on the music" during performances. During his solo periods, Page's playing became more improvised and ethereal, much like the mystical experiences described by Sufi mystics. The question of whether Page was under the influence of drugs, such as heroin, during these performances, is a topic of much debate among fans and scholars.

Jimmy Page's Interaction with Heroin: Evidence and Speculation

While Page's use of heroin is well-documented, the connection between his drug use and specific performances remains speculative. It is recorded that Jimmy Page injured his fingers in a train door in January 1975, which significantly affected his playing technique for the rest of that year. This incident, coupled with rumors of drug use, has led many to assume that Page's live performances were occasionally impaired. However, without concrete evidence, it is challenging to confirm the extent of his drug use during any specific show.

Drug Use and Performance: The Case of Heroin

According to Stephen Davis, in his book LZ-75, the band members of Led Zeppelin began using heroin in the years following the release of Led Zeppelin IV. It is likely that the band continued to use drugs during the 1975 tour, including the Earls Court shows. Davis mentions that the band members would disappear into a bathroom before every show to snort cocaine, which was believed to be the same pharmaceutical strength powder imported by The Rolling Stones band. While Stairway to Heaven was the 16th song played each night, it is unlikely that Page was under the full effect of the drug at that time.

Jimmy Page's Heroin Addiction and Its Impact

Jimmy Page's heroin addiction began during the 1975 tour and is said to have lasted until 1983. The addiction is believed to have profoundly affected his playing, leading to a notable decline in quality starting from the album Presence in 1976. As his addiction worsened, Page became less involved in songwriting, resulting in a decrease in the quality of Led Zeppelin's albums, particularly those from 1979. Page is also noted as an uninvolved producer for Led Zeppelin albums, indicating the decline in his active role in the band's sound and production.

Conclusion: The Influence of Heroin on Jimmy Page's Performances

The available evidence suggests that Jimmy Page's heroin addiction likely had an impact on his performances, particularly during the Earls Court shows in 1975. While the extent of his drug use remains speculative, the decline in his playing quality and the numerous anecdotes about his use provide strong indicators. Therefore, it is highly plausible that Jimmy Page was under the influence of heroin during the performance of Stairway to Heaven's solo for each night of the 3 Earls Court performances in 1975.