Sometimes the funniest and strangest stories in rock music don’t happen on stage — they happen on the street. One of the most unbelievable moments involves two legendary guitarists: Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin and Kirk Hammett from Metallica.
A Surprise Meeting in London
Kirk Hammett has always admired Jimmy Page. In fact, he has called Page his “guitar god.” So when Hammett saw Page standing on a street corner in London, he walked up to him and asked for a photo. For Hammett, it was an exciting moment — meeting one of his biggest inspirations face-to-face.
But something unexpected happened.
After they took the photo, Page looked at Hammett and didn’t recognize him at all. Instead, Page seemed to think Hammett was a homeless person. Without saying much, he crumpled up a $5 bill, placed it in Hammett’s hand, and told him to “get something to eat … and maybe take a bath.”
Then Page simply got into a waiting limousine and drove away, leaving Hammett standing there completely stunned.
Why the Mix-Up Happened
According to the story, Jimmy Page later said he honestly thought Hammett was just someone on the street who needed help. He didn’t recognize him as Metallica’s lead guitarist, even though the two had met before and even jammed together in the past.
Page wasn’t trying to insult anyone — he simply didn’t realize who he was talking to.
How Hammett Felt
For Kirk Hammett, the moment was both funny and painful. He admired Jimmy Page deeply, so being mistaken for a random person on the street felt a little heartbreaking. He said it was obvious Page didn’t recognize him at all, no matter how much they talked.
But even with the awkwardness, Hammett decided to keep the $5 bill. He said it serves as a reminder of just how strange and unpredictable the rock world can be.
Why Fans Love This Story
Even though the story is strange, fans enjoy it because:
It shows rock legends are human too. They make mistakes and have awkward moments like anyone else.
It reveals the emotional side of admiration. Hammett’s respect for Page made the moment both meaningful and confusing for him.
It’s a piece of rock history that feels real. No stage lights, no huge crowd — just two guitarists having a very weird encounter on a London street.
A Rock Moment No One Expected
In the end, this story has become one of those unforgettable rock tales that people love to retell. It’s funny, awkward, touching, and totally unexpected. And that crumpled $5 bill? It’s now a tiny piece of rock’n’roll history — a reminder that even legends sometimes fail to recognize each other.