In mid-July 1968 (likely July 19), John Paul Jones contacted Jimmy Page after his wife spotted a UK music press article announcing Page's plans to form a new band from the Yardbirds' remnants.

Jones, already familiar with Page from prior session work, expressed interest in joining as bassist. Page kept the offer in mind while prioritizing singer and drummer recruitment first (seeing Robert Plant the next day on July 20 and John Bonham on July 31). After original bassist Chris Dreja left in early August, Jones was formally brought on, completing the lineup ahead of their first rehearsal somewhere around mid-August.