Why did Terry Reid turn down Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple? Complete details explored in the light of musician's death at 75

Terrance James Reid, famous by the stage name Terry Reid, has died at the age of 75, following his battle with cancer. Reid, often called "Superlungs" for his voice, was an English rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Along with being widely known for his music, he was also famous for turning down chances of becoming the singer of bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968. After the Yardbirds split, Jimmy Page, the founder of the band, wanted to start a new band and hoped Terry Reid would be the lead singer.

However, Reid turned down the offer, as he was already focused on his solo career and touring with big names like the Cream and Rolling Stones. Although Reid never joined Led Zeppelin, he suggested Robert Plant for the role and continued touring with acts like Fleetwood Mac.

Along with Led Zeppelin, Reid also turned down Deep Purple and later became a session musician, with his songs covered by artists like Marianne Faithfull and Jack White.

Terry Reid on refusing Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple’s offer

Terry Reid soon became a well-known name in the music industry. Talking about Jimmy Page’s offer to join Led Zeppelin, he said in a 2023 statement reported by The Mirror:

"I was very friendly with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Keith asked me to support the Stones in the States, but then shortly afterwards, Jimmy wanted me to join his new band. I was torn. In the end, I put the ball in Jimmy's court. I said: 'You'd better speak to Keith and tell him I'm not going."

When asked about declining Deep Purple's offer, he said:

"I'm not sure what frame I was in when I was asked. I think it was when Ritchie was doing it at the beginning. Or maybe afterwards. Or maybe inbetween. I had gone to California and it's all a bit vague."

Last month, Terry Reid also had to postpone his UK, Ireland, and Norway tour dates scheduled for autumn 2025 due to his cancer treatment, as per his social media post.

Thanking his fans for their support on GoFundMe, he wrote on Instagram on July 29:

"I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much this means to me, all of the love and support are helping me to heal. ♥️"

This was Terry's last post on Instagram.

The news of his passing has come as a shock to the music industry, with artists and fans paying tribute to the voice of "Superlungs."

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