Heart Reveal How Their Famous "Stairway to Heaven" Performance Happened

Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart give Howard Stern some behind-the-scenes stories of how they pulled off their now famous cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" at the Kennedy Center Honors.
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[@elsa_nyc]

That was an extraordinary performance. I still watch it regularly on you tube.

[@jamesmcardle7921]

Same

[@nickbarcheck1019]

Teared up first time I watched it. Watching Robert Plant tear up was an amazing moment.

[@sneetchyone]

same!!

[@usquebaugh1]

Just went and did the same. Extremely powerful performance.

[@danielhackleman2140]

Good groove. Loved it.

[@5486rg]

One of greatest covers ever.

[@danithompson8743]

💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️

[@gfgranja]

Along with Alice in Chains covering Heart's Barracuda with Gretchen Wilson, that was unreal.

[@jennifercrosdale5391]

It's up there for sure. However the best cover IMO is Jonny Cash "Hurt". Trent Reznor even agreed.

[@sickheadache9903]

Nancy and Ann Wilson..Brought down the House! It was maybe the Very Best Performance ever at the Kennedy Center Honors …Truly Amazing ..and to Watch Robert Plant well up in tears..Amazing Moments.

[@kinzuaautomationservice4493]

So happy to see the sisters together… I’m still in awe of their creations in the 70s.

[@skeezix8156]

Same here as I thought they were done with Heart. Saw them for probably one last time New Years Eve with Bonzo opening to bring in 2024. Helluva show

[@sweetspirit3887]

They patch up. Thanked goodness.

[@otherworld11]

yes the first iteration of the band is among rock n rolls very best.

[@GrinchDec23]

Everyone there was out of their minds given this chance...whomever the director was got all together perfectly...the entire cast was PERFECT

[@gordonhall9871]

the chorus with the bowler hats gave me chills

[@HardRockMaster7577]

I believe that the chorus, paying tribute to John Bonham all wearing the bowler hats, was what brought a tear to Robert's eye, on top of everything else that had happened in that performance.

[@007ndc]

The Wilson sisters are a national treasure

[@barbaraweisman4533]

Was Howard in the studio? If not, I'm kind of insulted for them. Rock and roll royalty and he can't get to the studio. I'm hoping they're in LA.

[@Anita67]

Ann and Nancy Wilson are the real deal ❤❤

[@lab4389]

That’s my go-to performance when I need some positivity. Heart nailed it. Everyone on that stage nailed it, including the great guitarist Shane Fontaine. ❤rocks.

[@elsa_nyc]

So funny, I do the same. When I need to renew my faith in humanity, as I say ! Music helps, not just the music, but the moment.

[@JennasMusic76]

Nailed it is an understatement, it was, and will always be a masterpiece.

[@corndorn]

You can tell how much Howard loves Heart and the Wilson sisters by the fact he shuts up and lets them talk. You never see that from him

[@franciscolopez3229]

It is as if you can literally feel what they felt performing in front of their idols Led Zeppelin. They, Ann and Nancy are so down to earth and I'm glad their together again. I love them both.

[@travishikeslakemi]

To me, this is the cover of covers. I still watch it regularly and get emotional, especially as the whole thing crescendos and climaxes to the choir integration. It’s just fantastic.

[@user-jj3tw1sr7o]

I have watched that at least 100 times with the same feeling every time.

[@nickbarcheck1019]

Best cover I've ever heard.

[@pinkowl4738]

The two most beautiful women in the world! And talent in spades. So humble and lovely. Thank you , Heart ❤️.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

True rockers not posers.

[@shallex5744]

well, formerly.

[@TyuHeyheyhey]

@@shallex5744they still tour.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

@@shallex5744 Time only goes in one direction, so it can make us look different.

[@billrobbins5874]

Always wanted to see Ann and Robert bring one out. ♥️👍

[@nikkijones4978]

One of my favourite You Tube videos …. makes me a bit teary every time. Ann Wilson belting it out with such emotion …. and the choral ending. I watch it regularly ❤

[@TomKaszuba]

That and Prince’s guitar solo on My guitar gently weeps at the George Harrison tribute. Two best performances on KZbin.

[@davidarmitage289]

Ditto for me ! Tears every time

[@kevinmc1111]

One of the greatest musical performances of all time. Absolute, magical perfection.

[@PeterTea]

Legends honoring legends in a room full of legends.

[@goodpainlive]

A masterpiece.

[@shirleyhenriksen2026]

It took my breath away. I don’t know how many times I’ve watch it. Greetings from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@lynnturman8157]

One of the greatest parts of this performance was the fact that the lead guitarist of the Kennedy Center musicians (some of the best musicians in the world) played the guitar solo to Stairway to Heaven note perfect from the studio recording. It showed tremendous respect and admiration for Jimmy Page.

[@businessenglishtrainingint32]

Absolutely!

[@54Tangerine]

That was a magical night. Goosebumps, shivers, and misty eyes during that performance. When the choir started I had tingles down my spine. Amazing still, all those years ago.

[@williammetcalf7239]

Those two ladies are so awesome.

[@flee4767]

That performance gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. Powerful and perfect!

[@shaunelijah2232]

HEART: May God bless your great HUMILITY at this interview. It makes us LOVE you even more...

[@VB-3]

These sisters are gems. What an extraordinary career and contribution to rock.

[@SuperForkbeard]

The comment about Jason Bonham perhaps being the source of Plant's tears is very astute and probably very accurate. Plant has made his general indifference towards Stairway well known, and the song itself probably wouldn't have inspired that much emotion in him. The sight of his friend's son being part of a performance like that however, well, that would have.

[@caseystevens8302]

Agree 💯

[@MaxWebsterArchive]

And the fact that the entire choir wore Bonzo's bowler hat. He and Plant were the best of friends, so one can only imagine how deeply that moved him.

[@daniella5230]

also i heard that robert had invited jason but he declined(obvi) and surprise them

[@MsWarriordiva]

He is Jason's godfather.

[@PragueImport]

@@MaxWebsterArchive John was there for Robert when his son died.

[@scottcapobianco7639]

They were sooooooo amazing. Words can’t express what a great job they did. ❤️

[@SteveChapman1204]

We saw Heart live in 1976 at a small Baltimore club promoting Dreamboat Annie. We are the same age, go girls still rocking in your 70's.

[@booradley0x0]

This performance is off the charts, it’s going to go down in history

[@portobelopty]

The best Stairway cover ever !!! Rock on !!! 🎸

[@TheDovehill]

One of the best covers ever of any song ever. Period.

[@twopointeight6twinplug]

I literally tear up watching them perform. Both SO talented.

[@bytorsnowdog5885]

Couldn't tell you how many times I have seen that performance.....Still get chills EVERY time!

[@travisfletcher900]

Ann and Nancy are so awesome! Amazing talents and superb human beings!

[@Tank4Life]

Hearts performance at the Kennedy Center Honors is the single greatest musical performance of all-time!

[@YarnCrafts4lefties]

This tribute makes me cry EVERY time I hear/watch it. The collaborative emotion in the performance is simply unmatched from the guitar, to the vocales, drums and choir... I can't imagine any cover eclipsing this collobaration.

[@Yesman10]

Mad thing is here with these two So humble. They smashed it and it’s a once in a lifetime performance

[@paulelverstone8677]

For my money, the greatest cover ever of arguably the greatest song ever. Not just for their performance but for what must've been the most scrutinizing of audiences...

[@1Raxxed]

One the most emotional performances I’ve ever seen timeless!

[@gerrysexton7849]

They are such rock gods! They blew every other performance away. Amazing. And they seem to be so down to earth.

[@jftube3333]

They for sure killed. Outstanding job! Even more impressive from only one rehearsal..

[@johnlind8653]

One of the best song covers ever!

[@gfgranja]

Along with Alice in Chains covering Heart's Barracuda with Gretchen Wilson, that was unreal.

[@scottyahney8565]

QUEENS OF ROCK !!!!!

[@ArkoshKovash]

With the very talented (and kinda unknown) Shane Fontayne on guitar. He played in Springsteen's "non-E Street Band" back in '93 or thereabouts.

[@deborahpaley21]

He was great.

[@randallwilson5361]

Best rendition of that song I've seen. My favorite version of it. The orchestra, and choir added so much to it.

[@leo1314ok]

Brilliant, brilliant version and you could see how much the Zep boys appreciated it. I have it on my phone and play it constantly. The arrangement with the choir was amazing

[@dalbriggss]

What makes that performance so special is both Heart & Zeppelin were the popular music of the late seventies and early 80’s and many people have fond memories of that time because of their music!! All are such fantastic singers, song writers & musicians!

[@k8lnsmom]

Was a great great rendition. I was so blown away. And to see the look on Pages face...... he was in love

[@frankchan5547]

So down to earth, humble and gracious. Love Heart❤

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

Great artist great artist. And the Led Zeppelin tribute cover was one of the best.

[@aob505]

I just rewatched the performance earlier. Gives me chills every time.

[@tao265]

THE MOST AMAZING PERFORMANCE ON YT

[@knarrie1966]

Probably one of the best live performance I've ever heard

[@jamesparker1071]

Zeppelin is the GOAT. Heart is awesome, and their version is awesome. 👏👏🏽👏🏿 Thank you.

[@Andre-sj8mu]

One rehearsal and they did that???? It's called.... RAW TALENT

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Trust me, they've performed that song a bazillion times over the course of their career. That "one rehearsal" was just a warm up refresher for them.

[@johnpeccarelli2389]

It was definitely one of the most magical, emotional moments in music, for sure!

[@stephendverner]

I watch that video regularly to remind me what musical excellence is like and to just be inspired.

[@Timelpres1]

I think they are underplaying this a little bit, it might be the greatest musical moment on the net.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

That was a beautiful show I watched many times.

[@DaveMelby]

I still get shivers when I think of their performance of Stairway!

[@ccchag6087]

Best performance ever. I watch it over and over. ❤

[@forthefunofit5487]

It is a performance that will go down as one of the best! I watch it and realize how talented theses ladies are. They are so good.

[@christopherdoucet9723]

One of the greatest covers of all time! I couldn’t think of a higher pressure situation then playing THAT song with the gods in attendance.

[@user-op9ov8jv6b]

WOW ❤ I'm glad to hear about this. The obstacles. Playing under that much pressure. I'm so glad they got praised by their heroes. If anyone deserves it. Those ladies do!!!

[@knmayberry]

For them to have had ONE rehearsal and perform that song that well......musical goddesses!! It was a masterpiece cover!

[@janesmith716]

Absolutely amazing they did that iconic performance with one practice prior, such talent that's rarely seen anymore.❤

[@LindyS1830]

Ann is the only female voice that could do it!!! Magnificent. I loved how Jimmy Page was so totally enjoying that performance. Best cover ever!!! MAGIC!

[@cygnus6623]

Nancy is so modest! She has always strived to be perfect and always is. Amazing performance...very emotional for us older folks that lived during the Zeppelin era. ...maybe it still is the Zeppelin era?

[@joemartone5086]

Bravo ladies!!! An extraordinary performance (one that I have shared with all followers) and have listened too a thousand times!!!

[@joaomatos9980]

They are a gem!!! Keep on rockin🤟🎸🎤

[@donyandresen8063]

I watched heart in Medford Oregon in 1977 at miles field and they opened up with whole Lotta love and it was amazing!

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

If you haven’t seen this… simply divine

[@StKrane]

I can't begin to say how much I respect these two. Great interview. Thanks!

[@puddysue]

Have watched that performance SO many times. One of the most incredible performances ever... made even more remarkable because the guys were so digging it!

[@Rlee571]

A phenomenal cover. One of the all time greats…

[@timkaldahl]

I love the authenticity of these two ladies.

[@lindaseibert9097]

They're cover of Stairway in Heaven was one of the best performances I:be ever seen I was it obvious and over

[@benmayhew373]

It was an unbelievable performance and moment in time. It's my go to when I want chills everywhere. Simply amazing. ✌️

[@gregmarcus3064]

soo happy to see them together again!!!

Maybe the best cover ever made ♥️♥️

[@connieelaine855]

Just saw these absolute legendary ladies in concert with Cheap Trick in Greenville SC...and it was awesome!! Beyond grateful to have seen them!!❤❤❤

[@user-qo1md5ng2o]

I watch this performance regularly. I also cry every time I watch it. Every. Time. 🎸🎶🎶

[@ralphruocco3013]

MASTERPIECE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@teresaferrer4748]

I never get tire of watching them perform that flawless performance. ❤❤❤❤

[@camperman101]

that was the best reendition of stairway to heaven of all time

[@garyrobertson6778]

i've watched with kennedy center tribute a hundred times. never gets old. one of the best live performances ever.

[@coryhoffstatter4503]

The cover of Led Zeppelin will always be Heart

[@AnthonyP73]

What in the world, one rehearsal?? This is now a superhuman performance.

[@bcatterson]

The single best live performance in rock music history!

[@shaunelijah2232]

HEART, please hear me;; I am 76. I have probably heard EVERY great modern rock, blue, folk and country song from the 1950s forward. I have also probably heard every great song covered by another artist or group. Heart's STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, at the R&R Hall of fame, was one of the top 3 GREATEST performances by a group not doing their original song I have EVER heard !!! OUTSTANDING job y'all. PS the Beach Boys doing Okie From Muskogee was surely one of the other 2

[@NLD88000]

Love that version

[@stevenfederico2594]

Gives me chills every time ❤

[@tammyallemant6179]

They nailed it! It's one of the videos I watch every time I see it. They're being modest..it was beautiful!!

[@laurabrawner9072]

Now that I know you guys didn’t rehearse many, many, many times - I’m even more impressed!!!! WHAT A Performance - STILL GET CHILLS!!!

[@debradonato5659]

Great Cover♥️🌟💕💪

[@uptone12111]

That was the best tribute!

[@indoscreamtv881]

That version is outstanding!!!!

[@EEM1978]

As if they weren’t already rock icons on their own classic songs, Heart is also the greatest Led Zeppelin cover band in history.👍🤘🔥🍺🎸🎤🥁🎶❤️

[@terrirock8537]

So happy to see them together again ❤