In a heartfelt New Year’s post on his Instagram account, Jimmy Page, the former guitarist of Led Zeppelin, expressed his admiration for one of his musical influences, Link Wray. The tribute stems from Page’s unexpected appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 3, where he had the honor of inducting Link Wray.
Jimmy Page
Reflecting on the experience, Page reminisced, “This November I was asked to induct Link Wray into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; a guitarist, instrumentalist, and songwriter that I’d admired from the very first taste of the Rumble.” He fondly recounted how he first encountered Wray’s iconic track “Rumble” at the age of 14, emanating from a jukebox in his hometown of Epsom. The impact of the guitar instrumental was profound on the young Page, who was captivated by its unique attitude, mystery, imagination, and execution.
Link Wray and his influential composition “Rumble” held a special place in the world of instrumentals, and Page felt honored to stand on stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Accompanied by drummer Anton Fig and bassist Tim Givens, Page paid tribute to his hero, celebrating the legacy of a guitarist whose artistry had left an enduring mark.
At the ceremony, Page participated in a video tribute alongside fellow musicians Iggy Pop, the late Jeff Beck, and The Band’s Robbie Robertson, who had passed away earlier in 2023. The collective homage celebrated Link Wray’s enduring impact on the world of music, emphasizing the profound influence he had on artists across generations.