In an electrifying tribute to the late guitarist Link Wray, legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page took to the stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Paying homage to Wray’s groundbreaking work, Page performed the iconic 1958 hit “Rumble,” a song that not only defined a genre but also a generation.
Armed with his red Gibson EDS-1275, renowned for its double-neck silhouette, Page masterfully recreated the song’s signature sounds. The performance, backed by the classic combination of drums and upright bass, captured the essence of the original track. Page’s rendition was a testament to the enduring legacy of “Rumble,” a piece that introduced distortion and tremolo to rock & roll, elements that are now staples in the genre. Distortion gives the electric guitar a gritty, fuzzy sound, while tremolo adds a trembling effect, either in volume or through rapid note repetition. At the time of its conception, these techniques were revolutionary.
Link Wray’s journey with “Rumble” began in early 1958 at a sock hop in Virginia. His performance was so captivating that the audience demanded an encore four times, an event chronicled by the online music magazine Perfect Sound Forever. Despite its rough start and initial resistance from Archie Bleyer of Cadence Records, the song was eventually released, thanks in part to Bleyer’s stepdaughter’s enthusiasm for the track.
The song’s title, “Rumble,” was a source of controversy. At the time, the term was colloquially used to refer to a street fight, raising concerns about the song’s potential influence on juvenile delinquency. This led to its ban in multiple U.S. radio markets. Nevertheless, “Rumble” triumphed over these challenges, becoming a hit in the United States and eventually earning its place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates Link Wray as “the original punk, the inventor of the power chord, and the architect of a sound that laid the foundation for metal, punk, and every genre that relies on raw, untamed noise to convey its message.” Jimmy Page’s performance was not just a tribute but a vivid reminder of Wray’s monumental influence on music. The power and intensity of “Rumble,” as played by Page, reverberated through the hall, transporting the audience back to the genesis of a sound that would forever change the landscape of rock music.
This performance by Jimmy Page not only honored a fellow musician but also highlighted the enduring impact of Link Wray’s work. Wray’s “Rumble” continues to resonate, its echoes heard in the myriad musical styles that have followed. The legacy of Link Wray and his pioneering sound lives on, a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of rock & roll.
