Heart brought Led Zeppelin to tears with their performance of “Stairway To Heaven”. Watch as the Wilson sisters talk about that night.
Heart’s “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors: A Tribute That Moved Led Zeppelin to Tears**
On December 2, 2012, the Kennedy Center Honors celebrated the legendary band Led Zeppelin with a tribute that culminated in a powerful rendition of their iconic song, “Stairway to Heaven,” performed by Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson. This performance not only captivated the audience but also brought the members of Led Zeppelin to tears, marking a poignant moment in rock history.
**The Setting: A Night of Honors**
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the arts. That year, Led Zeppelin was among the honorees, and the evening featured various tributes to their musical legacy. The grand finale was Heart’s interpretation of “Stairway to Heaven,” a song that had become synonymous with Led Zeppelin’s influence on rock music.
**The Performance: A Tribute with Depth**
Heart’s rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” was a meticulous and heartfelt tribute. Ann and Nancy Wilson were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, on drums. The performance began with a delicate acoustic guitar intro, gradually building in intensity with the addition of a full orchestra, choir, and brass section. The arrangement was designed to honor the original composition while adding a unique interpretation that showcased the depth of the song.
Ann Wilson’s vocals were particularly notable, delivering the lyrics with an emotional resonance that conveyed the song’s themes of longing and transcendence. The orchestral accompaniment added a layer of grandeur, elevating the performance to a level befitting the occasion.
**The Reaction: Tears from Led Zeppelin**
As the performance unfolded, the camera captured the reactions of the Led Zeppelin members seated in the balcony. Robert Plant, the band’s lead vocalist, was visibly moved, with tears welling up in his eyes. Jimmy Page, the guitarist and co-writer of “Stairway to Heaven,” appeared deeply appreciative, nodding along to the music. John Paul Jones, the bassist and keyboardist, also showed signs of emotional engagement, reflecting the profound impact the tribute had on the band.
The emotional response from Led Zeppelin underscored the significance of the tribute and the respect Heart had for their musical legacy. It was a rare moment where the lines between performer and honoree blurred, as both groups shared in the power of music to evoke deep emotions.
**Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Anticipation**
The Wilson sisters were aware of the gravity of the moment. Nancy Wilson recalled the pressure of performing “Stairway to Heaven” in front of its creators, saying, “Oh my god, no pressure, right?!” Despite the nerves, the sisters focused on delivering a performance that would honor Led Zeppelin’s legacy. They rehearsed diligently, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned to capture the essence of the original while adding their personal touch.
Ann Wilson later reflected on the experience, describing it as a moment of “bliss” and “authentic” emotion. She emphasized the universal message of hope and unity embedded in the song, which resonated deeply during the performance citeturn0search0.
**The Aftermath: A Lasting Impression**
Following the performance, the Wilson sisters received personal accolades from the Led Zeppelin members. Robert Plant expressed his appreciation, stating that he had grown weary of hearing “Stairway to Heaven” covered poorly but was moved by Heart’s rendition. Jimmy Page commended the performance, and John Paul Jones offered his praise, acknowledging the effort and passion that went into the tribute citeturn0search2.
The performance was made available for download on iTunes, with proceeds benefiting the Kennedy Center Honors Foundation for the Arts citeturn0search1. The tribute also garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, further cementing its place in rock history.
**Conclusion: A Moment of Musical Unity**
Heart’s performance of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors was more than just a musical tribute; it was a moment of emotional connection between artists and their inspirations. The tears shed by Led Zeppelin members were a testament to the enduring power of music to move the human spirit. This event remains a cherished memory for fans and a significant chapter in the legacy of both Heart and Led Zeppelin.
iturn0image0turn0image2turn0image5turn0image7**Title: “Heart Brought Led Zeppelin to Tears with Their Performance of ‘Stairway to Heaven'”: A Tribute to a Legendary Moment**
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**Introduction**
On December 2, 2012, at the Kennedy Center Honors, Heart delivered a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” that moved the audience and the original band members to tears. This performance, featuring Ann and Nancy Wilson alongside Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, was a tribute to the iconic rock band. The emotional impact of the performance was profound, particularly on Robert Plant, who was visibly moved by the tribute.
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**The Build-Up to the Performance**
Heart was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors as part of the tribute to Led Zeppelin. The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, were tasked with delivering a rendition of “Stairway to Heaven,” a song that had become synonymous with Led Zeppelin’s legacy. The pressure was immense, given the song’s iconic status and the presence of the original band members in the audience.
According to Ann Wilson, the sisters focused on the song itself to manage their nerves. She described using a meditation technique, visualizing holding a bowl of water to maintain concentration and composure. This approach allowed them to remain centered and deliver a performance that was both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.
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**The Performance**
The rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” was a grand arrangement, featuring a string section, a choir, and Jason Bonham on drums. The performance began with a delicate acoustic guitar intro, gradually building in intensity as the choir joined in. Ann Wilson’s powerful vocals soared over the arrangement, capturing the essence of the original while adding a personal touch.
The performance reached its emotional peak during the instrumental bridge, where the combination of strings, choir, and Bonham’s drumming created a crescendo that left the audience in awe. As the final notes lingered in the air, the camera captured Robert Plant, who was wiping away tears, deeply moved by the tribute.
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**The Aftermath**
Following the performance, the Wilson sisters and Jason Bonham joined Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones at a celebratory dinner. The band’s reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Robert Plant, known for his critical stance on many covers of “Stairway to Heaven,” expressed his approval, stating that he had come to dislike the song due to numerous subpar renditions but found Heart’s performance to be exceptional. Jimmy Page complimented Nancy Wilson’s guitar playing, telling her, “You nailed the guitar part,” a remark that left her elated.
Ann Wilson reflected on the experience, noting that the performance felt “authentic” and “wide awake,” capturing the emotional depth of the song. She also observed that Plant’s emotional reaction was likely influenced by the presence of Jason Bonham, who had grown up around Led Zeppelin during their formative years.
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**Legacy of the Performance**
Heart’s rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors has since been regarded as one of the most memorable tributes in rock history. The performance was made available for download on iTunes, with proceeds supporting the Kennedy Center Honors Foundation for the Arts. The video of the performance garnered millions of views, further cementing its place in music history.
In interviews following the event, both Ann and Nancy Wilson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Led Zeppelin and acknowledged the significance of the moment. For them, it was not just a performance but a culmination of years of admiration and respect for the band that had influenced their own musical journey.
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**Conclusion**
Heart’s performance of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors was more than a musical tribute; it was an emotional homage to a band that had shaped the landscape of rock music. The reaction of Robert Plant and the other members of Led Zeppelin underscored the power of the performance and the deep connection between artists. For Ann and Nancy Wilson, it was a moment of artistic fulfillment and personal pride, knowing they had honored their idols in the most profound way possible.
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