 In 1966 , London @-@ based session guitarist Jimmy Page joined the blues @-@ influenced rock band the Yardbirds to replace bassist Paul Samwell @-@ Smith . Page soon switched from bass to lead guitar , creating a dual lead guitar line @-@ up with Jeff Beck . Following Beck 's departure in October 1966 , the Yardbirds , tired from constant touring and recording , began to wind down . Page wanted to form a supergroup with him and Beck on guitars , and the Who 's Keith Moon and John Entwistle on drums and bass , respectively . Vocalists Steve Winwood and Steve Marriott were also considered for the project . The group never formed , although Page , Beck , and Moon did record a song together in 1966 , " Beck 's Bolero " , in a session that also included bassist @-@ keyboardist John Paul Jones . 
