Metallica, Run-DMC, Jeff Beck Join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Wild Induction Ceremony : Rolling Stone

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After a hilarious speech by Beck, where he flicked off everybody in his life that ever stood in his way, Page and Beck played a blazing version of "Beck Bolero" — the 1967 Beck solo track originally recorded with Page, John Paul Jones and Keith Moon. "Ladies and gentlemen, a big chunk of Led Zeppelin right here," Page said in the middle of the tune before Page played a segment of "Immigrant Song." The first few notes caused the capacity crowd to go into absolute hysterics.

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If that wasn't enough, Metallica came onstage next. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea — sporting blue hair — gave the intro. "Metallica is fucking rad and their music is bitching," he said, causing James Hetfield to cover his young daughter's ears. "They did more to bring people together than any other peace-and-love band ever did," he added. This was literally true at the ceremony: Metallica flew in 150 of their friends and family for the event. Former bassist Jason Newsted, who hasn't performed with the group since he quit in 2001, was around for the weekend's festivities. If there's any bad blood, he certainly hid it well. "I've been levitating all weekend," he said during his speech. He later performed with the band and his replacement, Robert Trujillo, on "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman." Both musicians played bass and often shared a mic on back-up vocals. Earlier, original bassist Cliff Burton's father gave a moving speech about his son, who died on a tour bus accident in 1986.

The traditional all-star jam was a two-parter. First was "Jailhouse Rock," featuring Fontana, Beck, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Bobby Womack, Wanda Jackson and pianist Spooner Oldham — who was inducted earlier in the night as a sideman. The night wrapped up with a guitar jam that will surely go down in history. Metallica played the 1965 Yardbirds staple "Train Kept A-Rollin' " with Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Flea and surprise guest Ron Wood. Yes, that's six guitarists and three bassists. Unlike previous Rock Hall jams, this was one rehearsed the previous night and didn't sound the least bit sloppy.

In previous years such an event would only be seen in person by a handful of people at a hotel ballroom. Saturday night, thousands of Clevelanders got to see it, bringing together the legends and the people whose lives they have truly touched.

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