In a moment that still gives rock fans goosebumps, a once-in-a-lifetime performance unfolded in 2009 when guitar legends Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page joined forces with Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and the mighty Metallica to perform the classic rock ‘n’ roll anthem “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” It wasn’t just a jam session—it was a full-blown supergroup explosion that felt like a seismic shift in music history.
The historic performance took place during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event was already a star-studded affair, featuring some of the most iconic names in the business—but the lineup for this particular number was on another level entirely.
The Song: “Train Kept A-Rollin’”
Originally recorded in the 1950s by Tiny Bradshaw and famously reimagined by The Yardbirds (where both Beck and Page played), “Train Kept A-Rollin’” is a rock standard with a rebellious soul. Its relentless drive and blues-rooted riffs made it the perfect vehicle for a multi-generational celebration of rock evolution.
This wasn’t just a novelty act. It was a symbolic passing of the torch, with Beck and Page representing the golden age of British rock, Metallica flying the flag for modern metal, and Flea injecting contemporary flavor and stage chaos. Each brought their unique styles, yet the chemistry was undeniable. The result? A molten mix of swagger, solos, and pure sonic adrenaline that honored the past while electrifying the present.
Fans and critics alike have hailed this performance as one of the standout moments of the Rock Hall concerts. It was raw, spontaneous, and steeped in history—a reminder of rock’s boundless energy and collaborative spirit. Watching Beck and Page trade licks while Flea throws himself into the rhythm and Metallica grinds out the groove… it’s the kind of magic you simply can’t script.
In the ever-growing anthology of legendary live performances, “Train Kept A-Rollin’” from 2009 stands as a monumental tribute to rock’s enduring power. It wasn’t just a song—it was a celebration, a communion, and a glorious reminder that when legends meet, the train doesn’t just keep rollin’—it roars.
