Terry Reid, singer-songwriter who declined Led Zeppelin offer, passes away at age 75
British musician Terry Reid, known for declining an offer to front Led Zeppelin, has passed away at the age of 75. Last month, Reid, nicknamed ‘Superlungs’ for his vocal talent, had to cancel several performances due to health issues related to his cancer treatment. Unfortunately, he lost his battle with cancer. Initially, he was set to kick off an extensive tour starting in Wolverhampton and ending in Trondheim, but that was not meant to be.
Tributes are pouring in for the late artist, with Joe Bonamassa expressing his admiration for Reid as one of the greatest in the industry and a beautiful soul. Reid’s musical journey began at a young age when he joined Peter Jay’s Jaywalkers at just 15 years old. This marked the beginning of his lifelong devotion to rock ‘n’ roll, a passion that burned brightly for over six decades.
During the 1960s, Reid was a significant figure in the London music scene and shared a close friendship with legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The two would often improvise together at The Revolution Club, with Hendrix frequently seeking refuge at Reid’s home to escape the chaos of his own residence. Reflecting on witnessing Hendrix’s early performances in London, Reid recalled the awe-inspiring presence of music icons like Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones.
Despite being offered the opportunity to front Led Zeppelin by guitarist Jimmy Page, Reid opted to focus on his solo career. He also turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to lead Deep Purple, recommending Robert Plant and John Bonham instead. Throughout his illustrious career, Reid released seven studio albums, including the revered ‘Seed of Memory’ in 1976, which has been hailed as a masterpiece by fellow musicians like Jake Bugg.
In the late 1960s, Reid shared the stage with iconic bands such as The Rolling Stones, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Jethro Tull. His final performance took place at The Half Moon in London last year, marking the end of an era. While his solo career may not have achieved the same commercial success as Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple, Reid remained resolute in his chosen path, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history.
‘The Other Side of the River,’ Reid’s last album released in 2016, showcased his enduring talent and marked a triumphant return after a 25-year hiatus from the studio. Throughout his career, Terry Reid stayed true to his passion, carving out his own legacy in the music industry, as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Terry Reid’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.