Singer Terry Reid, who famously turned down offers from both Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, passes away.
Terry Reid: The Rock Singer Who Turned Down Superstardom
Terry Reid, a British rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist, has made a name for himself in the music industry for his powerful voice and influence on rock music. In the 1960s and 1970s, he toured with major bands like The Rolling Stones, Cream, and Fleetwood Mac[1][2][5]. However, it is not his stint with these bands that has made him a legend, but rather his decisions that indirectly shaped rock history.
Reid famously turned down opportunities to become the lead singer of bands that went on to become legendary rock acts, most notably Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple[2][3][4][5]. When Jimmy Page, looking to form a new band after the Yardbirds, invited Reid to be the vocalist, Reid declined because he had committed to touring with the Rolling Stones and Cream. Instead, he recommended his friend Robert Plant for the role, effectively helping shape Led Zeppelin’s classic lineup[2][3][4][5]. Similarly, he declined Ritchie Blackmore’s offer to front Deep Purple[3][5].
Reid's decision to turn down these opportunities was driven by his desire to carve his own path as a solo artist, focusing on his own style of soulful rock rather than joining bands that would have likely required him to share creative control[3][4]. He preferred to maintain artistic integrity and pursue music on his terms, which earned him a cult following and respect for his unique voice and songwriting[3][4].
Unfortunately, Reid's career in rock music did not reach the same heights as the Rock Gods. He is not among the most famous rock stars, nor is he considered one of the Rock Gods. This is partly due to his decision to remain a step below the most legendary names in the rock genre, choosing his own solo career over superstardom[1][2][3][4][5].
Despite this, Terry Reid's influence on rock music is undeniable. His indirect contributions to the success of Led Zeppelin and his commitment to artistic integrity have earned him a special place in rock history.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Reid [2] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/terry-reid-the-man-who-turned-down-led-zeppelin-and-deep-purple-108734/ [3] https://www.nme.com/longreads/terry-reid-the-man-who-turned-down-led-zeppelin-and-deep-purple-2404665 [4] https://www.loudersound.com/features/terry-reid-the-man-who-turned-down-led-zeppelin-and-deep-purple [5] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/nov/28/terry-reid-the-man-who-turned-down-led-zeppelin-and-deep-purple
Art and entertainment had a profound impact on Terry Reid's life, leading him to refuse offers from celebrities and become a part of iconic music groups like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Instead, his love for music as a solo artist and his commitment to maintaining artistic control shaped the soulful rock genre, solidifying his place in rock history.
