Meaning: The quote by Ronnie Montrose, a renowned musician, reflects on the impact of seeing the original Yardbirds with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page at the old Fillmore. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it's essential to delve into the context of the Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, the Fillmore, and Ronnie Montrose's musical career.

The Yardbirds were an English rock band formed in London in 1963. They are widely known for launching the careers of three of rock's most celebrated guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. The Yardbirds achieved commercial success with hit songs like "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," and "Shapes of Things," and are considered pioneers of psychedelic rock and hard rock.

Jeff Beck joined the Yardbirds in 1965, following Eric Clapton's departure. Beck's innovative and virtuosic guitar playing brought a new dimension to the band's sound, contributing to their evolution as a groundbreaking rock group. During Beck's tenure with the Yardbirds, the band produced influential tracks such as "Over Under Sideways Down" and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago."

Jimmy Page, who was initially a highly sought-after session guitarist, joined the Yardbirds in 1966 as a bassist but quickly transitioned to the lead guitar role alongside Jeff Beck. Page's tenure with the Yardbirds was marked by a dual lead guitar approach with Beck and the use of innovative recording techniques that hinted at his future work with Led Zeppelin.

The Fillmore, referenced in the quote, holds significant historical importance in the world of rock music. The Fillmore Auditorium, located in San Francisco, was a legendary music venue that played a pivotal role in the development of the counterculture movement and the evolution of rock music in the 1960s. It was known for hosting iconic performances by influential bands and artists, contributing to its status as a cultural landmark.

Ronnie Montrose, the speaker of the quote, was an accomplished guitarist and rock musician known for his work with the band Montrose and his collaborations with artists such as Van Morrison and Sammy Hagar. Montrose's musical style encompassed hard rock, heavy metal, and jazz fusion, and his innovative approach to guitar playing left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape.

In the context of the quote, Ronnie Montrose's experience of witnessing the original Yardbirds with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page at the old Fillmore likely left an indelible impression on him as a musician. The combined virtuosity and innovation displayed by Beck and Page, alongside the Yardbirds' influential and genre-defying music, would have undoubtedly influenced Montrose's own musical development.

The quote underscores the profound impact that witnessing a live performance can have on a musician's artistic sensibilities and creative direction. The energy, skill, and artistry displayed by Beck and Page during their time with the Yardbirds at the Fillmore would have served as a source of inspiration for Montrose, shaping his musical aspirations and contributing to the evolution of his own distinctive style.

In conclusion, Ronnie Montrose's recollection of seeing the original Yardbirds with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page at the old Fillmore highlights the transformative power of live music experiences and the enduring influence of pioneering musicians on the artistic journeys of their peers. The quote serves as a testament to the profound impact of witnessing musical innovation and virtuosity, and it sheds light on the interconnectedness of artistic inspiration within the rock music landscape.