Rock Royalty Unites: Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Flea, and Metallica Deliver a Blazing “Train Kept A Rollin’” Live
When Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Flea joined Metallica on stage in 2009 for a blistering rendition of “Train Kept A Rollin’,” it was more than just a concert moment—it was a gathering of rock royalty that instantly became legend. The event took place during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary concerts at Madison Square Garden, where music history seemed to come alive in real time.
From the moment the opening riff rang out, the energy in the arena was electric. Metallica, already known for their powerful stage presence, seemed supercharged by the company of guitar gods Beck and Page, as well as Flea, the master of funk-rock bass from Red Hot Chili Peppers. The combination promised something explosive—and they absolutely delivered.
Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield, usually the undisputed guitar heroes in Metallica, stood shoulder to shoulder with two of their greatest inspirations. The mutual respect was obvious, with both Metallica and their legendary guests trading solos, smiles, and nods of appreciation throughout the song. Jeff Beck’s signature fluid phrasing brought a bluesy sophistication, while Jimmy Page unleashed riffs reminiscent of his Led Zeppelin days.
Flea’s wild, energetic bass lines gave the song a whole new pulse, driving the groove forward and keeping the entire ensemble locked in. Lars Ulrich’s drumming provided the relentless backbone, and the audience could feel every cymbal crash reverberate through the venue. The rhythm section’s chemistry was unmistakable, blending classic rock with a modern punch.
“Train Kept A Rollin’” itself is a track with a rich legacy—originating as a jump blues standard, famously electrified by the Yardbirds (with Page and Beck in their lineup), then reimagined by Aerosmith and countless others. Seeing Page and Beck reunite on this classic was a full-circle moment that had deep significance for die-hard rock historians and casual fans alike.
As the performance unfolded, it was clear that everyone on stage was having the time of their lives. James Hetfield’s vocals soared with a gritty power, matching the legendary stature of his bandmates-for-the-night. There were moments of improvisation and playful musical conversation between Beck and Page, reminiscent of their groundbreaking work together in the Yardbirds during the 1960s.
The crowd at Madison Square Garden knew they were witnessing something that wouldn’t be repeated. Fans screamed and cheered at every guitar duel, with cellphones in the air trying to capture every second of this once-in-a-lifetime supergroup. The sense of awe in the arena was palpable, especially as the song built to its high-energy climax.
One of the most memorable visuals was watching Metallica’s members looking on in admiration as Beck and Page traded licks—true students meeting their teachers. The generational torch-passing was undeniable, a living testament to the enduring power of rock music and its ability to bring together musicians from across the decades.
The song’s unstoppable momentum reflected the different eras of rock each player represented, from Page’s psychedelic blues to Beck’s innovative sound and Metallica’s thunderous metal. Flea, known for his unpredictable stage presence, darted around with the kind of joyful abandon that made the collaboration even more electric.
As the final notes rang out, the applause was thunderous. The musicians took a collective bow, grins plastered across their faces, clearly aware they had just shared a piece of rock history. For those in the audience, and for those who later watched the videos online, it was a moment of pure magic—proof that music can unite even the biggest legends for something truly unforgettable.
After the show, stories of the performance quickly spread, with critics and fans alike calling it one of the most powerful collaborations ever staged at the Hall of Fame concerts. Music forums lit up with play-by-play breakdowns of each solo and highlight, dissecting how each legend left their mark on the classic tune.
Even years later, this epic jam session stands as one of the defining moments of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s celebrations. It’s a testament to the timelessness of “Train Kept A Rollin’” and the unstoppable energy that explodes when the right musicians take the stage together.
Ultimately, this night in 2009 didn’t just celebrate rock’s past—it pointed toward its enduring future, showing that when great musicians come together with open hearts and restless creativity, the results can be nothing short of iconic. For fans of every generation, that performance of “Train Kept A Rollin’” will forever remain one of rock’s brightest moments.
