In a May 1974 interview with "Creem", Jimmy Page recalled playing rhythm guitar on the song as a session guitarist. This was confirmed by Townshend and producer Shel Talmy. According to those working on the recordings, however, Page's contribution did not make the final cut. "I was on 'I Can't Explain', just playing rhythm guitar in the background," he clarified in 2004. But the main riff, he confirmed, "was all Pete… He was roaring, man." Page also played on the b-side, "Bald Headed Woman". However, in Daltrey's 2018 autobiography, "Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite: My Story" (pages 94 and 95), he gives his version of the "I Can't Explain" recording and states that Page was on lead guitar.