Jimmy Page’s Reflections: Inducting Link Wray into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Jimmy’s Page: On this day in 2023, I was asked to induct Link Wray into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame @rockhall; a guitarist, instrumentalist and songwriter that l’d admired from the very first taste of the Rumble.

I first heard it when I was 14, roaring from a jukebox in my hometown of Epsom. As a guitar instrumental the attitude of it was totally unique in its mystery, imagination and execution – it had a profound effect on me.

Link Wray and Rumble stand alone at the pinnacle in the world of instrumentals and I was thrilled to stand on stage in New York with drummer Anton Fig @antonfigmusic and bassist Tim Givens @timgivensmusic at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to induct one of my heroes.

Jimmy Page’s Reflections: Inducting Link Wray into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

November 3rd, 2023 — A Day to Remember

On this unforgettable day in 2023, I had the profound honor and privilege of being asked to induct one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, Link Wray, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was a moment not just of celebration, but of deep personal significance — a culmination of admiration that dates back to my earliest encounters with his music, particularly his iconic track “Rumble.” To be chosen to speak on behalf of someone who shaped the very foundation of modern guitar music was both humbling and exhilarating.

My First Encounter with “Rumble”

It’s hard to forget the first time you hear something that changes your life. For me, that transformative moment came when I was just 14 years old. I was in my hometown of Epsom, England — a place that, while removed from the bustling centers of American rock and roll, still had a heartbeat that was in sync with the musical revolutions happening across the Atlantic. I recall walking into a small café, one of those hangouts where teens would gather around the jukebox. And then it happened. The needle dropped, and from the speaker came this mysterious, gritty, and raw instrumental track unlike anything I’d ever heard. It was Link Wray’s “Rumble.”

In an era dominated by vocal-driven pop songs, “Rumble” stood out like a thunderclap in a summer sky. It wasn’t just the absence of lyrics — it was the attitude, the tension, the suspense in those chords. The distorted, overdriven sound felt primal, almost dangerous. The way he struck his guitar strings wasn’t merely musical — it was cinematic. There was storytelling in every bend and sustain. The song seemed to breathe with menace and cool, and even without a single word, it said everything. That one song expanded my perception of what music — and specifically, what the guitar — could do.

The Power of Simplicity and Innovation

What made Link Wray so unique was his raw and unapologetic approach to the guitar. In “Rumble,” he used distortion and power chords in a way that had never been done before. It wasn’t polished or refined — it was deliberate and coarse, filled with grit and attitude. At a time when most guitar music was clean and neatly arranged, Wray broke the mold with a tone that growled and snarled. In fact, “Rumble” was so evocative and powerful that it was banned on some U.S. radio stations for fear it might incite juvenile delinquency — despite being an instrumental!

Wray’s music represented rebellion in its purest form. He didn’t need lyrics to tell you how he felt. The guitar was the message. For a young aspiring guitarist like me, this was revolutionary. It showed me that the guitar had a voice — not a metaphorical one, but a true voice — one that could speak volumes with every note and chord.

A Legacy Beyond a Single Song

While “Rumble” is undoubtedly the track that cemented his legend, Link Wray’s contributions to music go far beyond a single song. His career spanned decades, and he continually pushed boundaries in his playing and production techniques. He brought a raw, garage-like quality to his recordings long before that aesthetic became popular. Whether it was through his innovative use of feedback, his fearless experimentation with sound, or his commitment to authenticity, Wray left an indelible mark on every musician who followed.

He wasn’t just a guitarist — he was a trailblazer. His influence can be felt in the work of countless artists, from the early surf rockers to the punk pioneers, from heavy metal riffers to blues revivalists. His fingerprints are everywhere. Without Link Wray, the vocabulary of the modern guitar would be profoundly incomplete.

A Long-Awaited Honor

Given the magnitude of his impact, it’s perhaps surprising that it took until 2023 for Link Wray to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For many of us in the music community, it felt long overdue. Wray was a foundational figure, a true architect of the genre. Yet, his recognition by major institutions lagged behind his towering legacy among musicians and fans alike.

That said, the delay did nothing to diminish the significance of the moment. In fact, it made it all the more poignant. When I stepped onto the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in New York City to speak on his behalf, it was with a deep sense of purpose and gratitude. Gratitude for what he gave to music — and to me, personally — and purpose in helping ensure that the world would not forget the name and music of Link Wray.

The Performance: A Tribute in Sound

Words alone could never fully capture the spirit of Link Wray. That’s why I was thrilled to accompany two phenomenal musicians — drummer Anton Fig and bassist Tim Givens — in a live performance of “Rumble” at the ceremony. There’s something uniquely powerful about playing that piece on stage, especially in a setting where its creator was finally being honored.

Anton’s drumming provided the perfect rhythmic backbone — tight, deliberate, and pulsing with energy. Tim’s basslines anchored the groove, allowing the guitar to soar with all its moody intensity. As we played, I couldn’t help but think of that first time I heard “Rumble” as a teenager, and how it set me on a lifelong path with the guitar. Standing there, guitar in hand, playing those iconic chords, it felt like coming full circle.

Personal Reflections on Influence and Inspiration

Looking back over my career, it’s clear to me how deeply I was influenced by Link Wray. Before I ever joined the Yardbirds or formed Led Zeppelin, before the arena tours and the studio sessions, I was a kid obsessed with sound. Link Wray helped open that door for me. He made the guitar feel dangerous and exciting, but also poetic and emotional.

So many of the techniques that are now staples in rock music — feedback, distortion, power chords — owe a debt to his pioneering spirit. But beyond the technical aspects, what I admired most about him was his authenticity. He never chased trends. He didn’t care about being polished or commercial. He just played from the gut, and it resonated.

He was one of the first to show that music didn’t have to be virtuosic or complex to be powerful. Sometimes, a simple riff played with conviction could say more than a thousand notes. That’s a lesson I carried with me throughout my own musical journey.

Why Link Wray Matters Now More Than Ever

In a time where music is often shaped by algorithms and commercial pressures, Link Wray’s legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality and artistic courage. He represents an era when musicians were innovators, not just performers. He reminds us that great music comes from breaking rules, not following them.

For younger generations who may be unfamiliar with his work, I encourage them to dig deeper into his catalog. There’s a rawness and immediacy to his recordings that feels just as fresh today as it did decades ago. In many ways, he was ahead of his time. The fact that he still resonates with musicians and fans around the world speaks to the timeless quality of his art.

A Final Word

Inducting Link Wray into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was more than a professional milestone — it was a deeply personal honor. To stand on that stage and play a role in enshrining his legacy was a moment I’ll cherish forever. Link Wray’s spirit lives on in every distorted chord, every rebellious riff, and every musician who dares to play from the heart rather than from a script.

As I left the stage that night, I felt a profound sense of closure — not just for myself, but for the millions of fans who had been waiting for this moment. Link Wray finally had his rightful place among the greats, and the world was once again reminded of the power of a single, unforgettable song.