In 2000, guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame joined blues rock band The Black Crowes for a co-headlining tour. However, Page left the tour abruptly after only a few shows, leading to much speculation as to what caused the split. There are a few key factors that contributed to Page’s early departure from the tour with The Black Crowes.
Musical differences
One of the main reasons was creative differences over the setlists and musical arrangements. Page wanted to focus on Led Zeppelin songs and his classic hits, while The Black Crowes wanted to play primarily their own songs from their catalog. Neither side could agree on a setlist that satisfied both parties. This led to tensions and conflicts as the tour went on.
Related to this was an imbalance in the billing and branding of the tour, which was originally promoted as “Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes.” Despite it being a co-headlining tour, it seemed weighted towards Page and his musical legacy. The Black Crowes felt their contributions were being minimized next to the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist.
Financial issues
Money also played a role. There was friction over the finances and profit splits for the tour. Specific details are unclear, but Page was earning significantly higher pay per show than The Black Crowes. This led to resentment, as the Crowes felt the pay imbalance was unfair given it was intended to be an equal partnership.
Interpersonal conflicts
Personality clashes between the musicians also led to tension. Page had a reputation for being controlling about how his songs and music were played. The Black Crowes bristled at Page’s micro-management and inflexibility over the musical arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Black Crowes lead singer Chris Robinson had frequent confrontations with Page about the setlists and musical direction. Robinson’s assertive style clashed with Page’s low-key but stubborn personality. The other Black Crowes band members got caught in the middle of the Page vs. Robinson conflict.
Behind the scenes friction
Here is a closer look at key moments where the rift between Page and The Black Crowes was apparent during the brief tour:
Immediately contentious relationship
Friction emerged immediately when Page first joined The Black Crowes for rehearsals in April 2000. According to interviews, Page demanded to take lead vocals on certain songs typically sung by Chris Robinson. Robinson pushed back hard, viewing it as an affront by Page against him.
First impressions were already poor, setting the tone for the combative relationship.
Clashes over setlists
The most public signs of conflict came from disputes over the setlists and songs. At most of the shows in May and June, Page and The Black Crowes played separate sets, then joined forces for a few songs together at the end.
Page insisted on playing Zeppelin classics like “Whole Lotta Love” in the joint sets, but The Black Crowes wanted to focus on their hits like “Hard to Handle.”
On some nights, Page petulantly refused to play certain Crowes songs he didn’t like. At other shows, The Black Crowes stubbornly played their preferred songs instead of Page’s choices.
Unequal billing
Venue signage and tour promotion kept billing Page’s name above The Black Crowes, rather than as equal co-headliners. At a June 14 show in East Rutherford, NJ, Robinson angrily covered up Page’s name on a sign.
The Crowes felt Page and concert promoters were capitalizing on his fame at their expense. Page’s team denied marginalizing The Black Crowes. However, the unequal branding contributed to the dysfunction.
Final show meltdown
After weeks of building tension, the final blow-up occurred at a July 3 show in Massachusetts. The Black Crowes opened, then Page played an extended set with the Crowes backing him.
When The Black Crowes returned to the stage for the joint set, an inebriated Chris Robinson went on a profanity-laced rant against Page. He insulted the legend’s age and made crude remarks about Page’s minor stage mistake earlier. It was the last straw for Page, who walked off and quit the tour immediately.
Aftermath and what happened next
The disastrous tour obviously damaged the relationship between Page and The Black Crowes. What occurred in the aftermath?
War of words in the press
Page blasted the band in interviews, calling Robinson “a very jealous and insecure person” with an ego problem. Robinson fired back, disparaging Page’s guitar skills and ridiculing his _”Lord of the Rings”_ stage outfits.
The heated war of words showed how much animosity lingered after the tour imploded. Neither side held back in criticizing the other.
The Black Crowes carry on
The Black Crowes took a short break then continued touring successfully through 2001. They headlined shows at much larger venues than booked for the co-tour with Page.
The band viewed it as vindication that they could draw big crowds on their own without needing Page’s star power.
Page mostly retreats from the spotlight
Page did not tour or perform major shows again until the 2007 Led Zeppelin reunion. Those close to Page said he was stung and embarrassed by the failure with The Black Crowes. Page’s already reclusive nature became more so after the difficult experience.
What lessons can be learned?
The ill-fated Jimmy Page & Black Crowes tour provides some valuable lessons and cautionary tales for band collaborations:
Agree fully on branding, billing, and money splits
A co-headlining tour must be equally promoted and profit-shared. Perceived inequality on money or top billing can breed resentment.
Negotiate setlists carefully
Bandmates should compromise and agree on setlists that satisfy everyone. Forcing songs on reluctant members backfires.
Check egos and create chemistry
Personality conflicts and inflexibility ruined Page and The Black Crowes’ tour. Mutual humility and chemistry is key.
Play to each artist’s strengths
Showcase all artists positively by tailoring the show around their strengths and talents. Don’t minimize anyone’s role.
Conclusion
The ill-fated tour was a perfect storm of financial disputes, creative differences, clashing egos, and interpersonal conflicts. Both Page and The Black Crowes made mistakes and share blame for how things went wrong. Ultimately their partnership was doomed by their failure to find common ground and compromise. However, both artists have carried on successfully and learned lessons that can help other bands avoid similar pitfalls.
