Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes Release ‘Making Of Live At The Greek’ Short Film

The recent release of the short film “The Making of Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes Live At The Greek” revisits an iconic moment in rock history, marking the 25th anniversary of the unforgettable live collaboration between legendary rock icon Jimmy Page and the blues-rock powerhouse, The Black Crowes. This film, directed by Barbara McDonough, serves as a comprehensive behind-the-scenes journey, showcasing new and exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and candid reflections that recount the spirit of camaraderie and musical brilliance that characterized the 1999 performances. Edited by Rick Ballard, the film encapsulates the raw energy and creative synergy of those pivotal concerts, making the case for their enduring significance in rock music history.

The collaboration between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes culminated in the live album “Live At The Greek,” recorded during performances at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Jones Beach in 1999. This highly acclaimed album features renditions of Led Zeppelin classics alongside The Black Crowes' staple tracks, showcasing a powerful blend of blues-rock jams that thrilled audiences. To commemorate the 25th anniversary, the album has been revisited and remastered by Kevin Shirley, who has brought a fresh dimension to the recordings with the addition of 16 previously unreleased tracks. These tracks capture the raw live energy that was pivotal during those performances and include exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and videos, further enriching the anniversary package.

Within the rock music community, the album “Live At The Greek” is hailed as a grand live collaboration, drawing comparisons with seminal live albums such as The Who's “Live At Leeds,” Nirvana's “Unplugged In New York,” and Johnny Cash's “At Folsom Prison.” Esteemed publications like Mojo describe the release as “enormous fun,” while Classic Rock Magazine labels it as “an ideal match,” underscoring the seamless musical chemistry between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes. Uncut Magazine praised the extensive 6LP box set, highlighting how well the tour was orchestrated, with the Daily Mirror lauding the dynamic performances of Led Zeppelin classics and The Crowes' signature songs, creating a vibrant rock symphony.

Delving into the genesis of this remarkable union, Jimmy Page's reflections resonate with deep admiration for The Black Crowes. Recalling their shared musical roots, Page notes how the band emerged as a beacon for the future of blues-rock—a genre that had fallen from mainstream prominence during the grunge era. The Black Crowes, led by Chris Robinson and guitarist Rich Robinson, were already established with five albums when they joined forces with Page, crafting a meticulously orchestrated setlist that interwove Zeppelin covers, Crowes originals, and blues standards.

The short film, along with the expanded reissue, celebrates not only the musical achievements of the collaboration but also the personal connections and artistic exchanges that fueled the concerts. For Page, performing tracks like “Ten Years Gone” with The Black Crowes was a revelation, as it allowed him to explore the full orchestration of his guitar work, presenting these classics in an enriched form that was unattainable during Led Zeppelin's prime performances. The harmonious blending of musical styles between Page and The Black Crowes resulted in a performance experience that, in Page's words, felt like “heaven,” highlighting the emotional impact of this collaboration.

In conjunction with the film, SiriusXM hosted a special broadcast that featured conversations between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes, revealing insights into their creative process and reflecting on the indelible impact of their performance at the Greek Theatre. This retrospective not only underscores the historical significance of their collaboration but also highlights its lasting influence on the rock genre. The 25th anniversary of “Live At The Greek” stands as a testament to the timeless nature of great music, inviting new generations to appreciate the collective artistry of Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes.