In 1974, the rising British rock band Bad Company found themselves in Austin, Texas, amid the heat of their first U.S. tour. The band—formed earlier that year—had quickly attracted attention with their bluesy hard rock sound and their powerful live performances. That night in Austin would become particularly memorable, not just for the fans, but for the band itself, as they were joined onstage by none other than Led Zeppelin’s legendary guitarist, Jimmy Page.
Bad Company’s lineup was already a rock supergroup in its own right. From left to right that night stood Paul Rodgers, the charismatic and soulful frontman formerly of Free; Jimmy Page, their surprise guest and rock icon; Boz Burrell, the bassist who had played with King Crimson; and Mick Ralphs, the guitarist who had helped shape the sound of Mott the Hoople. Together, they represented some of the finest British rock talent of the era.
Jimmy Page’s appearance in Austin wasn’t planned in advance, at least not publicly. At the time, Led Zeppelin was at the height of its fame, and Page’s unexpected arrival caused a wave of excitement backstage. He was a longtime friend and admirer of Paul Rodgers, and the two would later form The Firm in the 1980s. That night, however, was about spontaneous collaboration, and when Page stepped onstage with his trademark Les Paul slung over his shoulder, the crowd erupted.
They launched into a jam session that blended Bad Company’s tight blues-rock style with Page’s fiery and expressive guitar work. Classics like “Rock Steady” and “Can’t Get Enough” took on a new dimension, with Page’s solos weaving seamlessly through Ralphs’ riffs. The chemistry was electric. Rodgers’ vocals soared, matched in intensity by the interplay between Page and the rest of the band. For those in attendance, it was a once-in-a-lifetime performance—a convergence of legends in the making.
The 1974 Austin show remains a touchstone moment in Bad Company’s early history. Though never officially released, it’s remembered by fans and collectors as a rare moment when two titans of British rock collided on a Texas stage. For Paul Rodgers, Boz Burrell, Mick Ralphs, and the fans in attendance, the night Jimmy Page joined Bad Company in Austin stands as a defining snapshot of rock history at its rawest and most thrilling.
