Jimmy Page Talks About His New Self-titled Photographic Autobiography

Curated and captioned by jimmy page, this is the first ever book by a member of Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page is one of music’s greatest guitarists, innovators and legends. Jimmy Page is his official autobiography, a photographic essay he personally created to tell his story for the first time. Jimmy’s own words, combined with his handpicked selection of over 600 photographs, make this book the definitive visual and historical record of a remarkable life. Jimmy Page will be available in all major bookstores from October 2014.

‘I’ve been asked on a number of occasions to do a written book and I thought of the other side of the coin. I thought it would be unique to have an autobiography in photographs, charting my whole musical journey.’ – Jimmy Page

The chronicle of a life in music, by one of the world’s most iconic guitar players, JIMMY PAGE is testament to the author’s vision – a work he describes as a photographic autobiography. Jimmy has chosen every one of the 650 photographs, written the accompanying text, arranged the content into its narrative order and overseen the design of his book.

‘It was important to include every milestone along the way, so people who were fans of the music have got a real testament of the times.’ – Jimmy Page

In the form of captions, the intensely private Jimmy has narrated the story of his legendary career for the first time.

Delving into his personal archives, Jimmy has revealed unseen photographs, memorabilia and every one of his passports, saved throughout his life. Jimmy’s passport stamps were used to verify all tour dates, making Jimmy Page an authoritative historical account.

‘The tour schedules, passport stamps, working visas and memorabilia really make up a complete picture, which just keeps unfolding as you turn each page of the book.’ – Jimmy Page

In addition to Jimmy’s own photos and those chosen from various sources including fans and magazines, his book showcases a collection of iconic portraits and rare images by over 70 of the greatest names in rock photography, including: Ross Halfin, Kate Simon, Gered Mankowitz, Dominique Tarlé, Pennie Smith and Jim Marshall. Jimmy chose one of his favourite portrait shots for the book cover: a 1977 passport photo, shot by Neal Preston on board Led Zeppelin’s private tour plane.

There are many rare finds throughout, such as Led Zeppelin playing an impromptu gig in a nightclub in Jersey, or double-exposure shots of Jimmy and Brian Jones by Ian Stewart.

‘I wanted to make it as thorough as possible, so that meant trawling through all the thousands of files that photographers had taken, and pulling from my personal collection as well. There’s a photo of me playing the guitar by the fire at Bron-Yr-Aur cottage. It’s the most complete document that there’s ever going to be because of the amount of time that I’ve put into every aspect.’ – JIMMY PAGE

Over two years in the making, this 512-page volume documents Page’s musical journey, from 13-year-old choirboy to Sixties session musician, through The Yardbirds to Led Zeppelin and beyond.

‘You see this young man growing, from when I’m a choirboy – and took my guitar along to see if I could tune it up from the organ – right through to almost yesterday.’ – Jimmy Page

Today, Led Zeppelin remain arguably one of the biggest rock bands of all time, with the demand for tickets to their recent 2007 reunion breaking world records and the hugely anticipated re-issues of their entire catalogue.

Jimmy Page continues to make history. He has performed at events including ARMS, Live Aid and the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony; collaborated with artists including The Black Crowes, Leona Lewis, Shirley Bassey and the Foo Fighters; and received awards including an OBE, a Kennedy Center Honor and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He recently received an honorary doctorate from the prestigious university of Berklee, joining previous honourees The Eagles, B.B. King, Steve Winwood, Dizzy Gillespie, George Martin and David Bowie.

‘Jimmy Page conveys in photographs what a typical written autobiography never could. The passion and energy of his life and career are crystal clear throughout.’ – Steve Gorman, The Black Crowes

Originally conceived as a limited edition of only 2,500 copies worldwide, the first printing of Jimmy Page by Jimmy Page sold out within weeks of release. In the spring of 2010, it became the fastest-selling book in Genesis Publications’ 40-year history. Now Jimmy Page and Genesis Publications announce a more accessible and affordable printing of the book, to be released this October 2014.

The perfect purchase for Led Zeppelin fans, guitar players and music lovers of any age, Jimmy Page is widely available in bookstores from October 2014.

‘I always like to do something different – if you’re inspired by an idea, really make something of that inspiration. That goes for music, as well as anything else – even putting a book together! To have a photographic autobiography is a totally different way of looking at things, but it does the job very well and I think it will bring a lot of pleasure to people.’ – Jimmy Page