The Impromptu Backstage Jam Session Where Led Zeppelin Blended “Kashmir” With Indian Ragas

April 1, 2025

It was a warm evening in the summer of 1975, and Led Zeppelin was in the midst of a whirlwind tour across the United States. They had just wrapped up a sold-out concert in Los Angeles, and the energy inside the venue was electric. As the last notes of “Whole Lotta Love” faded away, the band members—Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones—were buzzing with excitement. But instead of heading straight to their hotel to rest, they felt an irresistible pull to do something spontaneous. They made their way backstage, where the sound of Indian ragas drifted through the air, calling to them like a siren song.

Backstage, they found themselves in a small room filled with instruments, decorations, and musicians from different backgrounds. Among them were sitar players and tabla drummers who were strumming and tapping beautiful melodies that felt both foreign and familiar. Inspired by the mesmerizing sounds of traditional Indian music, Led Zeppelin’s members exchanged glances, each one sensing an opportunity to create something magical. It started with a few tentative notes on an acoustic guitar, and before long, Jimmy Page began to weave together the haunting chords of “Kashmir.”

As the strumming echoed, Robert Plant’s voice soared, merging seamlessly with the mystical rhythms of the ragas. John Paul Jones picked up a sitar, experimenting with the notes, while Bonham’s powerful drumming added an undeniable pulse to the song. They were no longer just a rock band; they had transformed into a collective of musicians exploring uncharted territory. The fusion of hard rock with Indian classical music felt revolutionary, like a bridge connecting two worlds. The room became alive with creativity, and every participant felt the rush of inspiration, pushing them to create something that transcended their usual sound.

Hours flew by as they lost themselves in the music, creating a spontaneous jam session that felt like a dream. The melodies intertwined like threads in a tapestry, each note reinforcing their bond as artists. For Robert Plant, it was a moment of clarity; he understood that music had no boundaries and that their sound could evolve, drawing from cultures far and wide. They laughed, they played, and they let the music guide them. It was a moment that would stay with them forever, reminding them of their passion for exploration and creativity.

This impromptu session backstage didn’t just influence the band’s next album, “Physical Graffiti,” it also marked a turning point in their careers. They began to incorporate more diverse sounds and influences into their music, helping to redefine rock in the ’70s. The fusion of “Kashmir” with Indian ragas became a hallmark of their innovative spirit. It inspired countless musicians around the world to experiment and break boundaries, showing that true artistry comes from embracing different cultures and styles.

As the sun began to rise, the night of creation came to an end. The members of Led Zeppelin left the backstage room with a new sense of purpose. They had not just jammed together; they had created something new that would resonate for generations. In that small room filled with joyful rhythms, they found a deeper connection to their own identities as artists. They returned to the stage, invigorated by the experience, ready to share their new vision with the world—proof that passion and resilience could spark something truly magical in the realm of music.