How Jimmy Page Avoided Being Murdered

Jimmy Page, the iconic guitarist and founder of Led Zeppelin, has had a remarkable career filled with electrifying performances and musical brilliance. However, behind the scenes, Page has faced various dangers while entertaining fans on stage. One notable incident includes an attempted murder during a live performance in 1995. This article delves into the details of this harrowing event and explores other instances where Jimmy Page narrowly escaped harm during his illustrious career.

Surviving an Attempted Murder

In 1995, while touring with Led Zeppelin bandmate Robert Plant for their No Quarter project, Jimmy Page encountered a chilling brush with death. During a concert in Auburn Hills, Michigan, an individual who labeled the band’s music as satanic attempted to murder Page. Managing to gain access to the backstage area, the assailant made a desperate rush towards the guitarist, aiming to end his life. However, before any harm could be inflicted, security, tour crew members, and vigilant fans swiftly intervened, preventing the attacker from reaching Page.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, authorities later revealed that the attacker wanted to “off Jimmy Page.” The incident, although alarming, was unlikely to succeed in causing any mortal danger to Page. Security measures would likely have halted the assailant had they reached the stage, and the pocket knife carried by the attacker would not have inflicted fatal wounds unless the strike was precisely aimed.

Led Zeppelin’s Perilous Concerts

The attempted murder incident in 1995 was not the only dangerous encounter that Jimmy Page experienced during his time with Led Zeppelin. In the 1970s, the band faced numerous perilous concerts that tested their resolve and safety.

One infamous incident occurred in Boston in 1975, where fans’ unruly behavior escalated into a riot before Led Zeppelin even took the stage. This led to a five-year ban imposed by the city’s mayor, effectively preventing the band from performing in Boston again. Unfortunately, the ban became permanent as Led Zeppelin disbanded before its expiration.

The Chaos in Italy

In 1971, a riot erupted during a Led Zeppelin concert in Italy while the band was performing. Riot police had to storm the crowd and fire tear gas to disperse the chaos, forcing the band to flee the stage. The Italian concert came to an abrupt end, lasting less than an hour.

Other instances of fan unrest occurred in Pittsburgh in 1973, with some individuals breaking through fences to gain entry to the show while police turned fire hoses on the crowd. Additionally, a concert in Tampa in 1977 was cut short due to bad weather, resulting in fan riots.