When Prince took the stage at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to perform “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, he delivered what is now considered one of the most electrifying and transcendent guitar solos in rock history. The performance, which featured an all-star lineup including Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison (George Harrison’s son), was intended as a tribute to George Harrison, who had passed away in 2001.
However, what made the moment truly unforgettable wasn’t just Prince’s dazzling musicianship—it was the energy behind it. Many believe that Prince, feeling overlooked or underappreciated by his fellow musicians and the event organizers, used his solo as a statement, a declaration of his dominance as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
This article explores the backstory of this legendary performance, Prince’s motivations, and how his emotional response transformed what could have been a routine tribute into one of the most talked-about moments in rock history.
The Context: A Night of Inductions and Tributes
The 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony honored several legendary musicians, including George Harrison, Prince, ZZ Top, Bob Seger, and Jackson Browne. While the night was supposed to celebrate these artists’ contributions to music, it also highlighted the tension that can exist within the industry—particularly between Prince and the classic rock establishment.
At the time, Prince had already cemented himself as one of the greatest musicians of all time. He had mastered multiple instruments, written countless hits, and had an unmistakable stage presence that set him apart from his peers. However, despite his undeniable talent, he often found himself excluded from discussions of the “greatest guitarists”—an oversight that may have fueled his legendary solo that night.
Why Was Prince Upset?
Prince was reportedly frustrated for several reasons leading up to this performance.
1. Feeling Underappreciated by the Rock and Roll Establishment
Though Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that night, he had often been left out of the conversation when it came to discussions about rock guitar legends. While artists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page were universally recognized as some of the best guitarists of all time, Prince was often overlooked because he was seen as more of a pop and funk artist.
In reality, Prince was a guitar virtuoso, capable of playing with the speed and precision of Eddie Van Halen while also injecting the soulfulness of blues legends like B.B. King. But the Hall of Fame, which has often been criticized for its bias towards traditional rock acts, had historically been slow to recognize the contributions of artists from genres like funk, R&B, and pop.
2. Being Treated as a “Guest” in the Performance
The tribute to George Harrison was largely organized by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, two of Harrison’s closest friends and collaborators. Prince was invited to participate, but it is believed that he was not given much creative input into the arrangement. Some reports suggest that Petty and Lynne saw him as a supporting player rather than an equal contributor.
This might explain why, for much of the song, Prince stands in the background, relatively subdued, waiting for his moment. While Petty and Lynne take center stage with their vocals, Prince remains near the back, silent and watchful.
3. The Industry’s Resistance to Prince’s Greatness
For much of his career, Prince had battled the music industry over control of his work and his artistic identity. He was a self-made icon, producing and performing most of his music himself, unlike many of the classic rock artists who relied on bands and session musicians.
Many industry figures had never fully embraced him as a rock musician, even though his music often blurred the lines between rock, funk, and R&B. His frustration with this lack of recognition was no secret, and the Hall of Fame was the perfect stage for him to make a statement.
The Solo: A Moment of Pure Genius and Emotion
As the song approached the final verse, Prince finally stepped forward. What followed was one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded—not just for its technical brilliance but for its raw emotion and intensity.
1. A Masterclass in Guitar Playing
Prince’s solo was a three-minute explosion of artistry, passion, and defiance. His playing combined:
- Lightning-fast runs reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton
- Expressive bends and sustained notes that evoked deep emotion
- A showmanship style rarely seen in the more reserved classic rock world
The moment Prince entered the solo, he completely stole the show. The other musicians, including Petty, Lynne, and Dhani Harrison, could only watch in awe as he commanded the stage.
2. The Famous Guitar Toss
As the solo reached its climax, Prince did something completely unexpected—he tossed his guitar into the air, and it never came back down.
This moment has become the stuff of legend. Prince flung his guitar upward, turned away with a smirk, and walked off the stage without looking back.
Many have speculated about where the guitar went. Some say a stagehand caught it; others claim it was part of an elaborate trick. Whatever the case, the moment symbolized Prince’s utter confidence and defiance—he knew he had just delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in rock history.
The Reaction: Stunned Silence and Universal Praise
The response to Prince’s solo was immediate. The other musicians on stage looked stunned, especially Dhani Harrison, who could be seen smiling in sheer amazement. Tom Petty, to his credit, later acknowledged how incredible the moment was.
1. Fans Recognizing Prince’s Greatness
Though Prince had long been respected in the music world, this performance made many rock fans—including those who had never given him his due—realize just how extraordinary he was as a guitarist.
The video of the performance went viral years later, with countless musicians and critics praising Prince’s skills.
2. Music Critics Hailing It as One of the Best Solos of All Time
Many publications and critics have since ranked this solo as one of the greatest ever. It is often mentioned in the same breath as Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock and Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads”.
Even Eric Clapton, who had famously played the original solo on The Beatles’ studio recording, later admitted that Prince’s version was one of the best tributes he had ever seen.
Prince’s Legacy After the Performance
Prince continued to be an unstoppable force in music until his tragic passing in 2016. His Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance only further solidified his place among the greatest musicians of all time.
1. Finally Being Recognized as a Guitar God
After this performance, Prince’s name was finally included in discussions about the greatest guitarists in history. The rock world, which had often dismissed him, had to acknowledge that he belonged in the same conversation as Clapton, Hendrix, and Page.
2. A New Generation Discovering His Brilliance
The performance gained even more attention after Prince’s death, with millions of fans watching the video online and sharing their appreciation for his genius.
3. The Ultimate Statement of Defiance
Prince’s performance at the Hall of Fame wasn’t just a tribute—it was a statement. A reminder that he was one of the most gifted musicians of all time, and he refused to be ignored.
Conclusion: A Moment of Frustration That Became Immortal
Prince’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” solo at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was more than just a tribute—it was an act of rebellion, a declaration of his brilliance, and one of the most jaw-dropping moments in rock history.
Fueled by frustration, he turned what could have been an ordinary performance into something timeless, proving once and for all that he was not just a pop star, but a true rock legend.
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