Legend Returns: Jimmy Page Lights Up the 39th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York — In a moment that stunned the music world, guitar legend Jimmy Page delivered a rare and electrifying performance at the 39th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Brooklyn. Held at the iconic Barclays Center, Page’s appearance marked his first public performance in over a decade and served as a rousing tribute to his rock hero—guitar innovator Link Wray.
A Surprise Appearance Reverberates Across the Venue
For years, Page had largely retreated from live performance—his last public appearance dating back to around 2011 in London. So when the stage lights flickered and Page stepped into view, clutching a cherry-red double-neck Gibson SG, the audience leapt to its feet.
The appearance was unannounced and breathtakingly brief, yet it instantly became the most talked-about moment of the night
Inducting a Guitar Pioneer
The ceremony began with a pre-recorded speech in which Page introduced and inducted Link Wray into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Reflecting on Wray’s influence, Page spoke emotionally about hearing “Rumble” on a jukebox in his hometown of Epsom at age 14. He said the track’s “vigor,” “strength,” and “fearless” attitude left an indelible mark on his musical identity. The induction speech paid homage to Wray’s revolutionary use of distortion and tremolo—later acknowledged as foundational to rock’s development.
Power in Six Strings: The Performance
Following the video speech, Page and his band emerged for a live rendition of “Rumble.” Joining him were bassist Tim Givens and drummer Anton Fig, both of whom had rehearsed closely with Page in the days preceding the ceremony. They meticulously honored the original arrangement—right down to Wray’s unique bass-drum accents and the raw distortion that defined the original piece.
The performance resonated deeply with both longtime fans and new listeners. It wasn’t just a song—it was a statement: a testament to Page’s enduring musical passion and reverent approach to rock history.
A Personal and Musical Full Circle
Page’s reflections revealed just how personal this matter was to him. In interviews following the ceremony, he described Link Wray as “my hero,” a revolutionary who changed his perception of music from his teenage years onward—a phenomenon that shaped his own musical journey in profound ways.
Even in the 2008 guitar documentary It Might Get Loud, Page reminisced about hunting down a Wray single and the joy he experienced when he first heard it. Wray’s defiant spirit and bold sound helped shape Page’s identity as an artist—an identity he carried into the induction ceremony that evening.
Behind the Scenes: Dedication to Authenticity
Tim Givens, Page’s bassist, provided insight into the rehearsals: “Jimmy really brought it at the performance… it was obvious what this meant to him.” Anton Fig echoed the sentiment, explaining that precise attention was paid to nuances in the original recording, ensuring every beat and tone echoed Wray’s pioneering sound.(Louder)
The dedication to authenticity speaks to Page’s reverence for the material—he didn’t just play “Rumble,” he inhabited it.
Community Impact & Legacy Acknowledged
Attendees hailed from multiple generations—some who witnessed Page in his heyday, others seeing him live for the first time. Netizens and music aficionados flooded social media with reactions: one Reddit user remarked, “It’s about time Page returned—it reminds us why legends endure.” Another noted simply, “Anyone else getting goose‑bumps watching the old master channel the original spirit?”
Meanwhile, members of Link Wray’s family were reportedly present and visibly moved. Beth Wray Webb and Link Wray III approached Page after the tribute, exchanging mutual admiration. Webb shared that “we were in tears… Dad would have been so honored,” underscoring the emotional resonance of Page’s gesture.(American Songwriter, Indigenous in Music and Arts)
Rock Hall Ceremonies: Controversial, But Meaningful
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame remains both celebrated and criticized—its selections and omissions a frequent topic of debate. Despite the controversies, ceremonies like this remain potent reminders of music’s evolving legacy. A standout inductee joined by a surprise performance from one of rock’s greatest practitioners is precisely the kind of event that keeps the Hall’s relevance alive.(93.3 WMMR)
Influence Echoing Through Generations
Page’s performance did more than honor a legend—it reminded the music world of how tradition flows into innovation. Track by track, from Wray’s guitar distortion advancements in 1958 to Page’s own pioneering techniques with Led Zeppelin, the lineage of influence is clear: raw sound shaping legends, legends shaping culture.
For younger musicians in the crowd, seeing Page perform “Rumble” was a lesson in humility and gratitude. It underscored how success in music is often built on acknowledging those who came before.
Reflections from Jimmy Page
When asked afterward about his decision to perform, Page wrote simply: “I was thrilled to stand on stage in New York… to induct one of my heroes.” He noted that Wray stood alone “at the pinnacle in the world of instrumentals.” Beyond personal sentiment, there was a clear message about the importance of honoring music’s roots.
A Night to Remember
- The Moment: Page stepping onstage—unexpected, potent, unforgettable.
- The Message: Paying tribute to a formative influence.
- The Music: “Rumble”—more than a track, a statement of power and raw emotional force.
- The Legacy: A bridge between eras; the torch passed through strings and sentiment.
Why This Matters
- Rarity of Performance – Page’s first public show since circa 2011 made the night historic. Fans who assumed his stage days were behind him were proven so very wrong.
- Preserving History – By paying tribute publicly, Page highlighted the importance of acknowledging often overlooked trailblazers.
- Inspiration in Simplicity – “Rumble” is a raw, gritty instrumental—not flashy, not complicated—but timeless. It’s a reminder that substance matters more than spectacle.
- An Emotional Full Circle – From discovering Link Wray at 14 to inducting him decades later, Page’s journey is a powerful testament to music’s lifelong impact.
What Lies Ahead
Rumors and hope abound—will Page take up the guitar more frequently now? While he has not announced a full comeback, the performance reignited conversation on social media and in music circles. Fans and critics alike are left asking: is this a one-off tribute, or a sign of evenings yet to come?
Meanwhile, Link Wray’s catalog is experiencing renewed interest. Streaming numbers for “Rumble” and other Wray classics reportedly spiked following the ceremony, introducing a whole new generation to his groundbreaking work.
Final Thoughts
Jimmy Page’s surprise performance at the 39th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Brooklyn was far more than a musical number—it was a milestone. One of rock’s greatest icons returned not to relive his own glory but to honour another’s.
In doing so, he offered a masterclass in humility, history, and heartfelt musical homage. Whether or not Page plays again publicly, the memory of that night—a hushed audience, the raw tribute, and the power of six strings—will echo beyond Brooklyn and into the canon of rock history.
