For two unforgettable days at London’s IBC Studios, guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck gathered what many consider to be the greatest backing band in rock history to create something extraordinary. At the time, Beck was still a member of the Yardbirds but felt increasingly stifled by the limitations of his role as the band’s guitarist. Encouraged by Yardbirds manager Simon Napier-Bell to explore his own sound, Beck decided to record a solo piece that would allow him to fully express his musical talents. The result was the iconic Beck’s Bolero recording.
To bring his vision to life, Beck needed musicians who could match his exceptional skill and let his guitar work shine. He reached out to a young session guitarist he trusted—Jimmy Page. Page, who would later become a rock legend in his own right, brought along a Fender Electric XII twelve-string guitar, eager to experiment with harmonic patterns inspired by Maurice Ravel’s classical piece “Boléro.” With Page’s rhythmic foundation in place, Beck crafted a melodic line to complement the arrangement, setting the stage for what would become a historic recording session.
Assembling a Rock Supergroup for Beck’s Bolero
The next step in the Beck’s Bolero recording was to assemble a band that could do justice to this ambitious composition. Recognizing the critical role of drums in Ravel’s “Boléro,” Beck sought out the best drummer in the business: Keith Moon of The Who. Moon, eager to step outside the strict confines imposed by Pete Townshend and The Who’s management, quickly agreed to join the project. To complete the rhythm section, Moon suggested bringing in The Who’s bassist, John Entwistle.
However, when Beck arrived at the studio, he discovered that Entwistle had failed to show up—a typical move from the notoriously unpredictable musician. Despite the setback, the recording session pressed on, with Beck and Page working through the track. Napier-Bell swiftly filled the gap by hiring John Paul Jones, a session bassist well-known to Page, and Nicky Hopkins, a young session keyboardist who would later become famous for his work with The Rolling Stones.
Hopkins’ rapid-fire piano trills added a crucial layer to the Beck’s Bolero recording, especially during the guitar breakdown in the second half of the track. Although Moon’s drums and Jones’ bass were subtle in the final mix, their presence was essential, and Beck was thrilled with the all-star ensemble he had assembled. Reflecting on the session years later, Beck described the experience as striking the “motherlode” of rock talent.
The Legacy of Beck’s Bolero
While Beck and Page would later debate who deserved primary credit for composing “Beck’s Bolero,” the track stands as a landmark in rock history, showcasing the early formation of what would later be known as supergroups—bands composed of musicians already famous for their work in other successful acts. This session also marked the beginning of a working relationship between Page and Jones, who would go on to form Led Zeppelin, initially planned to be called Lead Balloon.
Beck’s Bolero recording was ahead of its time, blending classical influences with rock’s raw energy, and set a precedent for future collaborations among top-tier musicians. The track remains a testament to Beck’s pioneering spirit and the incredible synergy between some of rock’s most influential artists.
