Formed: 1984-1986

The lineup: Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, Queen + Paul Rodgers), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin, The Yardbirds), Tony Franklin (Roy Harper), Chris Slade (Uriah Heep, Manfred Mann's Earth Band)

The story: When John Bonham died and Led Zeppelin dissolved in 1980, the music world waited with baited breath wondering what Jimmy Page, one of the rock's most prolific guitarists, would do next. Aside from some throwaway releases such as the soundtrack to 'Death Wish 2', Page was silent. Then came The Firm.

Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page wanted to leave their famous bands behind, refusing to play old material. Envisioning chart-friendly hard rock, the duo drafted in fretless bass player Tony Franklin to give their new group an unmistakable sound. The band were a minor hit, but they only meant to last for a few albums. True to their word, they bowed out after 'The Firm' and 'Mean Business'.

Album to buy: The Firm