When fans talk about Led Zeppelin, they usually remember legendary rock classics like Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, or Kashmir. But not every song in their catalog holds the same reputation with the band members themselves. In fact, there is one track from Led Zeppelin II that Jimmy Page absolutely hated, and it was never performed live. Surprisingly, this song still made it onto the album and became a familiar tune on classic rock radio.
Let’s take a closer look at the story behind this track, why it was created, and the reason Page disliked it so much.
Led Zeppelin’s Creative Process in 1969
By 1969, Led Zeppelin was already on the rise as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Their second studio album, Led Zeppelin II, was recorded under unusual circumstances. The group spent most of that year touring heavily across the U.S. and Europe, which left little time for focused studio work.
As a result, the songs were written and recorded in multiple studios in between concerts. This hectic schedule gave the record its urgent and raw energy, which fans came to love. However, the rushed process also meant that not every song was crafted with the same care and passion.
The Song Jimmy Page Never Liked
One of the songs from Led Zeppelin II was “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman).” At first glance, it sounds like a typical upbeat Zeppelin track. But according to the band, it was inspired by a pushy groupie who followed them during their tours.
While Robert Plant’s lyrics tell a cheeky story, guitarist Jimmy Page was never fond of the song. In fact, he openly admitted that he disliked it and that it felt like a throwaway piece rather than a true representation of the band’s style.
The Legacy of the Song
Despite Page’s dislike, “Living Loving Maid” has become a familiar track for Zeppelin fans. It’s short, catchy, and undeniably fun, which explains why many listeners enjoy it even if the band didn’t. Interestingly, Led Zeppelin never played the song live, which says a lot about Page’s strong feelings toward it.
Over the decades, this small piece of Zeppelin history has sparked debates among fans. Some agree with Page and view the song as filler, while others appreciate it as a fun snapshot of the band’s early years.
Page’s distaste for the song likely stems from the fact that it was thrown together quickly and felt more like filler than a true creative effort. On vinyl, it sits right after the iconic “Heartbreaker,” which makes the contrast even sharper. Because of their sequencing, radio stations often played the two tracks back-to-back, cementing “Living Loving Maid” in Zeppelin’s catalog despite the guitarist’s dislike.