Crazed Fan Attempts to Kill Rock Icon Jimmy Page on Stage

31 years after the Satanic Panic, a former Led Zeppelin fan attacked the guitarist during a Page and Plant concert.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration using bold, jagged black silhouettes and deep red shapes to conceptually represent the attempted attack on a rock musician by a fan who believed the music contained Satanic messages.A graphic illustration captures the tension and violence of a crazed fan's attempt to silence a rock legend over perceived Satanic influences in the music.Auburn Hills Today

On March 31, 1995, a 23-year-old former Led Zeppelin fan named Lance Alworth Cunningham attended a Page and Plant concert in Auburn Hills, Michigan with the intent to kill guitarist Jimmy Page. Cunningham believed Led Zeppelin's music contained Satanic messages and wanted to silence one of the 'Dark Lord's messengers.' He rushed the stage during the show, but was quickly subdued by security and concertgoers before he could harm Page.

Why it matters

The assassination attempt on Jimmy Page highlights the lasting impact of the Satanic Panic moral crusade of the 1980s and 1990s, where heavy metal and other forms of popular culture were falsely accused of promoting Satanism and corrupting youth. While the Satanic Panic allegations were widely debunked, the belief that certain music was 'evil' persisted, leading some to take extreme measures.

The details

According to reports, Cunningham entered the concert venue carrying a folding knife, intending to 'off Jimmy Page.' As Page and Plant were about to perform 'Kashmir,' Cunningham rushed the stage, yelling 'Kill Page!' Fortunately, a security guard and several fans were able to quickly subdue Cunningham before he could harm Page. Cunningham, the security guard, and two concertgoers sustained minor injuries in the scuffle.

  • The incident occurred on March 31, 1995 during a Page and Plant concert at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
  • The Satanic Panic moral crusade began in the United States in 1980 with the publication of the book 'Michelle Remembers.'

The players

Lance Alworth Cunningham

A 23-year-old former Led Zeppelin fan who attempted to kill Jimmy Page during a Page and Plant concert, believing the band's music contained Satanic messages.

Jimmy Page

The legendary guitarist of the rock band Led Zeppelin, who was the target of Cunningham's assassination attempt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He said he was going to 'off Jimmy Page.'”

— John Dalton, Police Chief

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Lance Alworth Cunningham out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lasting impact of the Satanic Panic, where heavy metal and other forms of popular culture were falsely accused of promoting Satanism. While these allegations were debunked, the belief that certain music was 'evil' persisted, leading some to take extreme measures against the artists they blamed.