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**Jimmy Page’s Timeless Tribute: A Night of Rock Royalty at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame**
On November 3, 2023, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn witnessed an electrifying moment that transcended time and genre. At 79, Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, took the stage for the first time in nearly a decade to perform Link Wray’s iconic instrumental “Rumble.” This impromptu tribute not only honored Wray’s pioneering influence on rock but also reaffirmed Page’s enduring mastery and magnetic stage presence.
### A Hero’s Tribute
Link Wray, the North Carolina-born guitarist, was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Musical Influence Award. As part of the tribute, Page appeared in a pre-recorded video, reflecting on Wray’s profound impact on his musical journey. Recalling the first time he heard “Rumble” at 14, Page described the experience as revelatory: “The vigor and the strength and the power in it. And you know something else—it was fearless. It was just phenomenal. The essence of cool” .
### The Moment Unfolds
As the video concluded, the stage lights dimmed, and the unmistakable riff of “Rumble” resonated through the venue. Page emerged, wielding his iconic Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar, accompanied by drummer Anton Fig and bassist Tim Givens. Together, they delivered a rendition that was both faithful to the original and infused with Page’s signature flair .
### The Essence of Cool
Page’s performance was a masterclass in restraint and intensity. Every note he played seemed to echo the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined the early days of rock. His command over the guitar was evident, yet it was his understated presence—his quiet fire and unwavering confidence—that captivated the audience. As one observer noted, “No one on Earth has ever looked this damn cool doing it.”
### A Legacy Reaffirmed
This unexpected performance was more than a tribute; it was a testament to the timelessness of rock and the enduring influence of its pioneers. Page’s return to the stage reminded fans and newcomers alike of the power of music to transcend generations and genres.
For those who missed the live event, the full ceremony, including Page’s performance, is available for streaming on Disney+ .
In a world where moments of pure rock magic are rare, Jimmy Page’s tribute to Link Wray at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in rock history.
