Legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has been awarded the prestigious Rock’N’Roll Soul Award at the NME Awards, held this year in Austin, Texas. The accolade celebrates a lifetime of groundbreaking contributions to rock music, honoring Page’s enduring legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and sonic pioneer whose influence continues to shape generations of musicians.
The ceremony, known for spotlighting both rising stars and icons, took a momentous turn when Page took the stage to accept the award. Greeted with a standing ovation, the rock icon delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected on his decades-long journey in music, from his early days as a session musician in London to co-founding Led Zeppelin and crafting some of the most iconic riffs in rock history.
“This means a lot,” Page said while accepting the honor. “It’s one thing to make music, but to have it live on and still mean something to people — that’s the real soul of rock and roll.”
NME, the iconic British music publication behind the awards, praised Page not only for his role in shaping the hard rock and heavy metal genres, but also for his inventive use of recording techniques, stage presence, and commitment to artistic evolution. From the thunderous opening of “Whole Lotta Love” to the mysticism of “Kashmir,” Page’s sonic contributions are considered some of the most powerful and enduring in rock music.
Austin, often dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” provided a fitting backdrop for the honor. The city’s vibrant music culture echoed the spirit of Page’s career: raw, eclectic, and full of passion. The event featured performances from modern rock acts who cited Page as a core inspiration, bridging the past and future of rock music.
Page’s influence extends far beyond Led Zeppelin. His earlier work with The Yardbirds, his production innovation, and even his support for emerging artists underscore a lifetime dedicated to expanding musical boundaries. Though rarely in the spotlight in recent years, Page has remained an active presence in the music world through archival projects, reissues, and mentorship.
Fans and fellow musicians around the world have taken to social media to celebrate the recognition, with many noting how timely and deserved the award is for an artist whose guitar shaped the very definition of rock.
With the Rock’N’Roll Soul Award now added to his long list of accolades, Jimmy Page’s legacy is once again affirmed — not just as a rock legend, but as a soul deeply woven into the fabric of music history.
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