Paul Rodgers, the legendary singer of Free, Bad Company and The Firm, is set to release his new solo album, ‘Midnight Rose,’ today. The album cover features a mosaic of images that represent different aspects of his life and career. One of the images is a red Fender Telecaster guitar, which belongs to none other than Jimmy Page, the iconic guitarist of Led Zeppelin and The Firm.
Rodgers has posted a video on his website explaining the significance of this guitar and his relationship with Page. He says Page is "the maestro," adding that "there will never be another like him." He recalls how they formed The Firm in the mid-80s and recorded two albums, The Firm and Mean Business, which spawned hits such as "Radioactive", "Satisfaction Guaranteed" and "All the King's Horses". He says they had a great chemistry and friendship, and that he learned a lot from working with Page.
The red Fender Telecaster was one of Page's main guitars during The Firm era. It was originally owned by Jeff Beck, who gave it to Page as a gift when he left The Yardbirds in 1966. Page used it to record some of Led Zeppelin's classic songs, such as "Stairway to Heaven", "Whole Lotta Love" and "Communication Breakdown". He also customized it with a dragon design on the body and a mirror on the pick guard.
Rodgers says he was honored to play with Page and his guitar, and that he wanted to include it on his album cover as a tribute to him and their collaboration. He says he hopes to work with Page again in the future.
The other two guitars in the mosaic belong to the late Paul Kossoff, who Rodgers formed Free with, and Mick Ralphs, who he put Bad Company together with.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]