First heavy metal riff ever written, claimed by Jeff Beck
One iconic song from the 1960s, Beck’s Bolero, holds the distinction of laying the groundwork for what later evolved into Led Zeppelin. Recorded in 1966, this track marked Jeff Beck’s inaugural solo effort following his recognition as Eric Clapton’s successor in The Yardbirds. Lasting just under three minutes, Beck’s Bolero boasted a star-studded lineup featuring Beck and Jimmy Page on guitars, Keith Moon on drums, John Paul Jones on bass, and Nicky Hopkins on keyboards.
Originally intended as a potential supergroup akin to Cream, the plan was to recruit a singer and continue together. However, an amusing remark by either Keith Moon or John Entwistle likening the project to sinking “like a lead zeppelin” hinted at its eventual fate. Yet, Led Zeppelin eventually emerged into existence, with Page and Jones spearheading the endeavor alongside Robert Plant and John Bonham. Beck recollected his admiration for Page’s musical aptitude, noting their shared vision in maximizing studio potential through unconventional techniques like slap echo, pushing boundaries, and defying norms.
The rhythmic blueprint of Beck’s Bolero drew inspiration from Maurice Ravel’s 1928 orchestral piece Boléro. Beck reimagined this composition with an infusion of wailing bends, psychedelic slides, and thunderous riffs, solidifying its significance in laying the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal of the ensuing decade. Beck boldly claimed ownership of the “first heavy metal riff ever written”, attributing its creation to himself. However, the song’s original writing credits became a point of contention between Beck and Page, with the latter disputing Beck’s claims and asserting sole authorship.
Page recollected the recording process in a 1977 interview, revealing that their producer vanished abruptly after completing the session. He clarified that he was the mastermind behind the chords and rhythms on the track, despite Beck’s assertions of his own substantial contributions. Page’s use of a Fender Electric XII 12-string guitar in the recording further supported his claim of being the main architect behind Beck’s Bolero. While Beck acknowledged not receiving the songwriting credit, he acknowledged the ebb and flow of recognition in the ever-evolving music industry.
The intricate dynamics between Beck and Page, as showcased in the genesis of Beck’s Bolero, underscore the nuanced collaborative efforts behind timeless musical treasures. Their shared quest for innovation and experimentation paved the way for groundbreaking compositions that echoed throughout the annals of music history. Despite discrepancies over songwriting credits, the enduring legacy of Beck’s Bolero endures as a testament to the enduring influence of two musical luminaries on the tapestry of modern music.