Jimmy Page Gives an In-Depth Look at the Recording of “Stairway to Heaven”

One measure of this song can be played and most people will already know what it is. From the melodic guitar to medieval recorders, the intro to “Stairway To Heaven” is undeniably one of the most recognizable in music history. That so, the song has garnered unprecedented popularity and aged like fine wine. Though, like all fine wines that start with a mere grape. The formation of the song started with something similar, as Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin’s generational hit started with a simply beautiful acoustic guitar riff.

53 years after its release, Page sat down with the BBC News to discuss the behind-the-scenes process of the song’s creation. He gives a detailed account of nearly every facet of the song, providing answers to questions that fans have most likely asked since its release in 1971. In essence, the interview is an expose of the nuances within Page’s musically masterful mind.

Jimmy Page’s Idea for An Unfolding Rock Epic

“The idea of Stairway was to have a piece of music, a composition, whereby it would just keep unfolding into more layers,” Page told BBC. It was with this initial idea that Page and the band found their footing. The song encompasses Page’s original idea, as the tune is eight minutes long and includes a variety of different genres.

The use of a diverse amount of genres stems from Page’s desire for the song to have the piece “accelerate as it went through on every level. On every emotional level, every musical level.” Well, Page’s vision was a success and quite masterfully done given the song’s track record over the last 53 years.

An Inspired Time for Led Zeppelin

During the writing and recording of the song, Page and the band were residents of Headley Grange. Page stated that “it was a very inspiring time for all us at the time we were living at the Headley Grange.” According to Page the band was doing nothing except, “Eating, sleeping, making music, and thats what we were doing day after day.” Consequently, it seems Page believes the song to be some of their best work.

Outside of the hard work and musical brilliance displayed by the band in the creation of the song. Page attributed the longevity of the music to the “fact that everyone is playing so honestly.” It is this honesty Page speaks of that has kept the song in relevancy for so many years, and will keep it there for so many more.

Photo by Mike Coppola/WireImage