Heart - Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors | Singer Reacts & Musician Analysis

[@dapeach06]

I was in the choir for this show. Jason Bonham being on drums was a surprise to EVERYONE, and especially to Led Zeppelin, because he had told them he had a prior engagement. At every rehearsal, including the dress rehearsal, which gets recorded so that they can cut it with the live performance for the TV edit, it was Dave Grohl on drums, which we all thought was great, because Dave is a fantastic Drummer and a huge Zeppelin fan. It was only at the live show that Jason Bonham came out instead. That alone must have made Robert and Jimmy emotional. It was an honor for me to be part of this.

[@daneagles3350]

You guys killed it! Fantastic! The hairs on my arms stand up every time I hear this. Thank you!

[@luisangelgarciagonzalez9236]

Wow 👏🏼

[@DebbieWolgemuth]

Where did the choir members come from?

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I believe this is probably the best performance ever by the Wilson Sisters or at least one that people will still be watching on their computer tablets three hundred years from now.

[@walterfleury3840]

Don't forget Jonesy too. I am sure he misses Bonzo as much as the rest of them. He is the one who found Bonham's lifeless body, kept Robert from seeing him like that.

[@Dan-zb1ks]

Whoever put this thing together should be permanent producers of the Super Bowl halftime show. Matter of fact, I think it should be the next Super Bowl halftime show. I don't believe ZEP has ever been invited.

[@davidmorgan5312]

Millie, there are only two voices in the universe that can do this song justice, obviously Mr Plant and Ann. Also the guitarist has got some balls to play that solo so well in front of Jimmy and get Jimmy to smile. Respect to Jason for filling for his Dad.

[@jimrupe9991]

Welll said. But WOW , the guitarist NAILED that solo....while Jimmy Page was watching and listening so intently , and yes that guitarist has got a pair because you know that Jimmy Page was listening to each and every note he played. So no pressure at all on the guitarist LOL.

[@davexvs]

Jason was even playing his dads drums and was wearing his bowler hat

[@tomasulman6194]

thank you

[@duke2651]

Well said, David.

[@somersetcace1]

The guitarist was Shane Fontayne, and while he's an incredibly accomplished guitarist, still, yeah, that took some serious gonads.

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

The drummer is Jason Bonham, the late drummer's son and Robert Plant's "god son," who has his own band and tours as a LZ tribute band. I saw them last year and it was a very good trip down memory lane. The band was told Jason couldn't make it, because of his touring and then he shows up to play. The bowler hat is also a tribute to the late John Bonham.

[@RMForbes505]

Jason also plays with Black Country Reunion with Glenn Hughes from Deep Purple and blues guitar great Joe Bonamassa. They have created some great music too.

[@GoVandals0605]

This is one of the most beautiful aspects of this video.... if you see a version that starts just a tiny bit earlier, you see Robert's touching reaction when he sees Jason come out. I love this so much.

[@christianjones4497]

​@@RMForbes505Doesn't Jason also play with Sammy Hagar's band as well?

[@redlead873]

Just before Jason came on, Robert Plant turned to Jimmy and said ''We should have brought Jason with us''.

[@WilliamPickett75]

Robert Plant asked Jason Bonham to be his plus one for the show. But Jason was already committed to the show and kept it a secret saying he had the touring schedule commitment. Robert Plant told both Jimmy Page and John Paul Johns that he wasn't coming. All three where surprised to see him after they announced his name with his father's. His band with Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa "Black Country Communion" is a great band

[@kevinmarshall854]

Ann Wilson has one of the best voices in rock music that there has ever been.

[@FreeCanadian76]

Keep in mind, I think she was 62 when she sang this.... it's incredible that she's kept her vocal range all through her life and career. That's just awesome!

[@MusicHeartofMine2012]

Heart always played one Led Zeppelin song at each concert. They loved to pay homage to Led Zepplin. Its a mutual adoration.

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

The woman with her arms up, pumping at the end, is Bonnie Raitt. You may know her, but if you don't, you absolutely MUST check her out! Slide guitar hero/writer/singer.

[@jlocke78759]

Bonnie performed earlier in the show in the tribute to Buddy Guy. The 2012 Kennedy Center Honors recognized ballerina Natalia Makarova, actor Dustin Hoffman, late-night host David Letterman, blues guitarist Buddy Guy, and Led Zeppelin. You can see part of Letterman, as he is sitting next to Jimmy Page. The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors recipients were announced just last week. The honorees are actor and comedian Billy Crystal; soprano Renée Fleming; singer-songwriter-producer Barry Gibb; rapper, singer and actress Queen Latifah; and singer Dionne Warwick.

[@roberthaines1227]

Now, THAT is how you honor an iconic band. One of, if not the greatest tributes to a band I have ever seen.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

That first comment she read sums up what I was just thinking myself. Led Zeppelin heard and felt for the first time what it was like for their devout fans who were listening to them playing this song all those years.

[@brandonshaw2120]

I always think the Wilson sisters are just so cool. The original rock chicks! 😍

[@mr.kelley6556]

Led Zeppelin are very protective of their music and who sings it. So when you get a rousing ovation from them as well as the President,1st lady and all in attendance you have definately achieved a lifetime accomplishment.

[@cobbler88]

Kind of ironic, Led Zeppelin being protective of others playing their music. 🤣

[@chryse]

I think one of the reasons the members of Led Zepplin look so moved by the performance, especially Robert Plant, is that they know Ann and Nancy Wilson and how they loved LZ as musical inspiration for their own work in Heart. They all know what this song means to Ann and Nancy and they recognized the love they put into the song.

[@kz03jd]

It was stated by Plant that he was so teary eyed because he was reminiscing about when they made this song and how proud Jon Bonham would have been to see his son up there playing to honor Led Zeppelin

[@xJRx77]

The song itself....MARVELOUSLY DONE. What makes it phenomenal for me.... Jason Bonham, Zep's drummer's son, playing and at the end, looking up in tribute to his Dad. Tears. Nothing but tears.

[@brettmanus7904]

Zeppelin were Heart's heroes and inspiration.

[@amb6899]

Not surprised the great Ann Wilson did a superb job covering this epic song. Kudos for everyone involved! This is one of the greatest performances I've ever seen in my 60 plus yrs of listening to music!!!! Ann is still performing in her mid 70s.

[@kevenbridges9433]

The hat Jason was wearing belonged to his dad. Also the drum set he played was the set JB used when playing for Led Zepplin. Robert Plant ( Jason's godfather) had ask him to attend the event with them. Jason told him he couldn't because of a prier commitment. So when he walked out on stage Robert shed a few tears.

[@dagmar.6954]

Ann Wilson has one of the most powerful female voices. And her sister Nancy can play a mean guitar. This is one of the best tributes to Led Zeppelin with Ann & Nancy doing the classic song "Stairway To Heaven". No one else could have pulled it off as well.

[@dvsreed]

Nancy also has superb vocals and Ann is a decent guitarist.....and they both play piano

[@hudsonhollow]

Sweetheart, I have enjoyed this performance many times and have always teared up. As a huge fan of both Heart and Led Zeppelin it is an emotional masterpiece for me. Especially since I first saw Led Zeppelin in concert June of 1969 when they were on their first U.S tour and brand new on the scene, at Meriweather Post Pavilion just outside Washington, D.C. This concert was also just outside D.C. so you can only imagine the emotions it stirs within me. Seeing young people share my passion brings me hope for our future. Our planet is being handed over to some of the most wonderful people!!! Try your best to spread passion and love and stop hate.

[@PatrickORourke-yz3xn]

LZ and the Wilson sisters have a long history and Heart often covered their songs, which they were one of the very few who got the band's blessing.

[@quintendaulton9063]

I had an acquaintance who was dating a rock show promoter in El Paso, TX back in the '70s and got to hang out with all the talent. She maintained that the Wilson sisters were the hardest partiers out of a very long list of bands she met. I thought she was exaggerating until years later I saw an interview with Plant and Page where they talked about touring with Heart and said the same thing. Ah, youth!

Millie - This one gets me every time. I always cry for the performance of Ann and the band and also when I see Robert tear up.

[@MauricioDelaRosa-db7rr]

This full and complete version of the cover by Heart is goosebumps galore 👌🏼💯

[@ShinyElfriend]

I never get sick of this! I’ve been a Heart fan since the 70’s, and this is epic beyond belief.

[@EdA1]

Yes, has to be one of the greatest tributes of all time and the emotion of watching Jimmy, Robert and John Paul while Jason played the drums is beyond special. I am so privileged to have seen them five times from 1972 to 1977. I can’t imagine a world without Zeppelin!

[@luisfernandomunoz6315]

Indeed it's the best cover ever! Many bands have covered other Led Zeppelin songs. Only Heart have covered Stairway to Heaven and it's their best performance. They have covered other Led Zeppelin songs like Rock and Roll which they played as an encore when I went to their concert in late 80s. Heart fans named them the female Led Zeppelin when they became popular in the 70s. Ann Wilson is one of my favorite rock singers. ❤

[@4orrific]

Your respect for great music is truly appreciated.Absolutely one of the best reactions I ever saw,thx Millie!

[@8DecadesLife]

You need to watch the entire tribute that preceded this. Some amazing artists & performances.

[@richardszubanski6830]

You cannot appreciate great music without goosebumps Millie. You are truly one of the best contributors.

[@vernhoke7730]

That's okay Millie, I got goosebumps the first time I heard this song 50 years ago and even now to this day. Especially this cover.

[@markdecker6190]

I've watched this performance something like two dozen times already, probably more, and I still tear up every single time. When wonderful young reactors such as yourself respond to it with real emotions, I practically lose it altogether. The guitar solo was performed by Shane Fontayne, an English guitarist with great chops who has toured with Bruce Springsteen and worked with a slew of artists including Joe Cocker and Graham Nash. You've got the Wilson sisters, the chorus (both of them!), the orchestra, the brass section, and Jason Bonham all playing like they've been together for years because they nailed it but from what I understand there were minimal rehearsals for this show. As far as I know, none of the other fine musicians were former members of Heart. I'd love to know who as a music director pulled this all together.

[@robertkerr4201]

I am in your channel and I must say I completely thoroughly enjoyed your reactions to this video. Your joy, your passion, your knowledge, your innocent wonder I am an old guy who was as moved as you are by the music of my generation it’s a joy to see it carried on. And in my opinion, this cover is the best cover of a rock song of any rock song by any band ever. Thank you.

[@coreywickramasekera9968]

DOLLY PARTON just released a "ROCK COVERS" ALBUM, she does Heart's "MAGIC MAN" with Ann Wilson

[@petercofrancesco9812]

Props to who ever put together this cover. They didn't play it safe they successfully add orchestra and choir while retaining the essence of the song, along with the out standing vocals from Ann, Jason Bonham on drums, and Michael Barakan on guitar. Gives me chills every time I listen to it.

[@coreywickramasekera9968]

This is an Excellent performance

[@Tumpzu]

you know you made a masterpiece when just to cover it you need a already legendary band heart and a whole choir, and the son of one of the 4 who made the song to make justice of how legendary the song and the band is

[@CrazyhorseDK]

Ann in her 60s sick with some flu still rocked the crap out of it as allways

[@garycarver5005]

Not only one of the best song tributes ever but one of the best reaction videos ever, I've duly subscribed 🙂

[@joegrabo6683]

Millie, Awesome reaction to what I believe is the best cover ever and possibly the best live performance ever! Rock legends singing and playing to Rock Gods. Ann Wilson is one of a kind. I have probably watched this video 100 times and it never gets old. keep up the great work!

[@descendantoffools9767]

Gets me every time watching Robert try to hold back the tears

[@markanderson4338]

Jason playing his father's legendary ludwig kit and wearing his derby Hat. the choir wearing derby hats is in tribute to his father as well.

[@mikemiller3069]

I'm glad you finally reacted to this one. Jason Bonham has also played with Led Zeppelin. You should check out their live version of "Kashmir" where Jason plays with Robert, Jimmy and John Paul. He absolutely kills it in that one too. John Bonham used to wear a "bowler" hat which is why everyone in the choir was wearing them. Heart has covered several Led Zeppelin songs. They are available on KZbin. I think my favorite is probably their cover of "Misty Mountain Hop" but all of their Zep covers are cool.

[@kaafromoz]

TY Millie, Simply put this is one of the greatest covers ever, and to pull it off in front of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin is amazing. The drummer is Jason Bonham the son of John Bonham. The bit that gets me is the look up to Heaven Jason gives at the end thinking obviously of his dad. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘🎶🎶🎶🎶💖💖💖💖

[@toddntrishmoore8559]

One of My all time favorite live performance . A tribute suitable for the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame. For one of the greatest bands of all time I rewatch this regularly.

[@joemacinnis1972]

Simply the best rendition of stairway to heaven I've ever heard period! An absolute masterpiece.

[@bostonwhofan]

Stairway To Heaven was the theme of my high school prom. It is so great to see a rock legend (Heart) paying tribute to another rock legend (Led Zep). Such a great performance.

[@PainInTheS]

One of THE best live performances EVER!!!

[@blastingweevil2968]

by far the best cover of this song ever gives me chills when i listen to this. Ann and Nancy Wilson kick ass remember that performance by Ann was done when she was around 60 years old... just amazing talent.

[@pvtts05]

One of the best live performances ever made. Period. Stunning in ever facet.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Steven Tyler ( Abby Road Medley) Kenedy Center Honors Paul McCartney 2010 Also Epic. A must reaction!!

[@LordRahl1975]

The entire tribute is worth watching. Introduced by Jack Black and includes covers by Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz as well as this cover by Heart.

[@dahnawa1957]

Epic. One of the greatest single moments in Rock history.

[@stevensproull9388]

The sisters didn't just cover the song, they made Rock History with it...The surviving Led Zeppelin members were not expecting the honor they received from the girls...

[@mth4849]

To be honest, I had strong reservations about Heart as the group to honor such a legendary band at the Kennedy Center Honors. But with Jason appearing, John Bonham's bowler hat everywhere, and Ann Wilson's brilliance, the emotions were bouncing off the walls by the end of that performance. Truly epic by Heart... never to be experienced again.

[@n4lra1]

The emotional impact and energy that radiates from these incredible performances, live on, long after the performance has concluded. We reexperience this energy and the emotions, each time we watch and listen to a recording of these events.

[@thomashiggins9320]

David Letterman had Page, Plant and Jones on his late night talk show the Monday after the Kennedy Center honor. When those three hammers of the gods walked out on stage, Paul Shaffer and the rest of the guys in the Late Night band were so awestruck they could barely move. 😊

[@tomkelly8774]

This is actually the Kennedy center honors. This is a live rendition in front of the actual band , Led zeppelin. It made them cry.. It's a legendary performance..✌️ Heart has said in many interviews led zeppelin inspired them to start making music...

[@billtroxell2148]

yeah, they just killed that cover. What a great job everyone did and saw Jason playing the drums in place of his dad, and that almost brings a tear

[@jayrud7892]

I’m not a subscriber, just passing through but absolutely loved your reaction. You were so right to react like you did! This cover has got to be the best ever. Thanks for sharing.

[@laurabella13]

I watch this every time it pops up. Best tribute ever done to the best song ever ❤

[@drjag1155]

This song is one of the best song ever, and this one is just fantastic ! I'm a french heavy metal singer and i can't help but cry at the end just like Robert 😅

[@MacTopher]

"They have a choir". Oh just wait. The look on Jimmy's face when he sees the CHOIR priceless

[@timtubemusic]

actually they had a smaller quire throughout the song and then brought in a really large quire at the end. All wore the boller? hat that john bonham wore.

[@adrianro1238]

When you take the perfection to an other level its so fucking amazing and perfect.

[@WineSippingCowboy]

Thanks 😊 for reacting to my request. Like you, 1 of my favorite songs of all time. 🤘😃🤘 Heart started as a band who often covered Led Zeppelin. That changed when they started writing songs. Son of the original drummer performed with Heart. Easily the best cover of Stairway to Heaven. 🤯 Yoyo Ma 7:10 and Bonnie Raitt 8:15 enjoy this! 🤘 Dramatic pause ⏸ The ending! 🤯 Suggested videos 📹: 1 Heart and Gretchen Wilson perform Crazy on You. 2 Led Zeppelin performs Going to California.

[@danielbenincasa770]

Hi Rock on!!! Led Zep loved the way Heart sang their song. Awesome. Heart I saw live years ago. Love them. Plant had tears in his eyes

[@shawnsford7071]

I don't think anyone could have done this better than the Wilson sister!! To do this particular song in front of those legends along with the former drummers son!! Wow!! And for Jason Bonham to do that in front of his dad's band mates!! Incredible!! And the way they did it. A cover should never be exact. It's the covering artists interpretation of it. This was absolutely amazing and beautiful!!! Thank you for your reaction and excitement watching it!!!

[@kathleenwhitten7120]

This is one of the best covers of all time. Nailed IT!!!

[@johngalt97]

Its a great song and they did it justice. Notice that although Ann is a great singer and can hit the right notes, it really did take a large chorus to round the vocals out.

[@GBeret83]

This isn't a cover.............it's a compliment filled with respect of the highest order!

[@walterfleury3840]

Ann and Nancy just appeared on the Howard Stern Show about 3-4 months ago. They played Barracuda, Magic Man and a cover of Led Zeppelin's Going to California. You should check them out Ann is 74 now Nancy 70 and they both still ROCK.

[@davidboivin7996]

Heart has always covered Led Zeppelin songs in their concert encores. Many can be found on KZbin. These covers are second to none!!

[@cdfdesantis699]

Thank you for a great reaction to this incredible honorarium by Anne & Nancy Wilson, & Jason Bonham. This is the official #1 Classic Rock song of all time, & deservedly so.

[@scottfreitag2114]

The guys from Zepplin are realizing how we fans appreciate this song, probably for the first time.

[@spydude38]

I had the pleasure of seeing Heart back in the early 80s and they played two Zeppelin songs for their encoure. I can think of no other than Ann and Nancy to honor Led Zeppelin with "Stairway to Heaven".

[@tannercruzzz812]

If only had everyone had this much joy as you

[@chucklana161]

This performance was a tribute to Led Zeppelin. Very well deserved. With John Bonham's son on drums. Still epic 10 years later. The band comprises many of SNL band. this perfomance lead to a reappearance to Stairway on the top 100 Billboards charts - 45 years later

[@bobshaw8319]

Rock legends performing in front of The Gods .. no pressure at all ..and they slayed it

[@MarianoBG65]

Yes, the best cover I've ever seen! Espectacular.....bravo!!!❤

[@joedirt688]

It was a surprise to everyone that Jason was going to play drums on this song, apparently he even took out his dad's old derby hat for the performance. What is extra special is that John Bonham was Robert Plants best friend and after his passing the band was never the same. Plant was moved to tears this evening seeing his best friend and band mates son playing on stage with his dads hat on. Near the end of the song Jason looked up as to say Dad this was for you! Very powerful evening for all who witnessed this. Heart is a Class Act! GREAT REACTION .

[@terrynorman9622]

Great reaction Millie! I swear I could see the goose bumps on your arms!😄Bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones was 66 Jimmy Page was 68 and Robert Plant was 64!🤘❤🖤

[@sherryhansen-cm6bf]

Stairway to Heaven has. Always been my favorite Zeppelin song. From the first time I heard it all those years ago with some one very special to me .❤ to bad he doesn’t realize after all these years . He still is 😪

[@matthewgoodA1206]

This epic rendition is simply phenomenal, and it took the power of performance to the next level and beyond.

[@Sober2003]

I will just say this! You are a real rocknroller! Loved your reaction ❤🫵🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻

[@tommypauly3249]

Rock legends playing for Rock gods!! No words to describe the feeling it gives me!😉😎😍😍

[@GTLyons]

subbed, thumbs up and shared because of this wonderful reaction... Thank you young lady... I'm almost as old as Led Zep and this always makes me cry... #LedZep4ever

[@GTLyons]

...actually not quite that old but, the Wilson sisters and I are nearer to my age... lol

[@davidphillips4476]

This is an unbelievable Tribute performance for SOOOOO many reasons. Including the drummer being the son of Led Zeppelins' deceased drummer, who always wore a bowler hat. Can't wait to see your reaction to Heart's "Alone"

[@thseed7]

Ann Wilson absolutely crushed this performance. You aren't the only one to get chills when she opened it up.

[@Melly01]

You are an old soul. So fun to watch you appreciating this!

[@redlead873]

The lady 'rocking it out' with her hands in the air is Bonnie Raitt, a legendary blues singer/guitar player. She recently beat Beyonce, Adele and Taylor Swift to receive a Grammy for the Best Song Award.

[@timtubemusic]

Loved your reaction. The greatest rock song sung by a legendary singer in front of the greatest rock band ever

[@chrissiler6075]

Ann was 62 when this happened, they got a little practice the morning of and when she lets the graul in on the high note at the end

[@jasonsomething6003]

LOVED the reaction Millie! So glad you went to the comments so you were educated about Jason! Heart has ALWAYS been a fan if Zeppelin! Anne Wilson didn't care for other band covering Stairway because she said they always butchered the song! I believe HEART did this JUSTICE with the help of maybe 100 people extra when Zeppelin did it with 4. peace

[@duke2651]

Many agree, one of the top covers ever. You are about my 50th listen. These were all "my people" back in the 60's and 70's...Yep, that makes me old! :) Be well, Be happy, Duke

[@user-David-Alan]

Millie, so happy your generation enjoys my generation's music. Take care and be safe.

[@stonebringer1]

🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 Just wow! Everything about this!

[@ronfinn9169]

Every musical group who reacted to this song said the same thing, the Best cover they have ever seen.

[@MrRondonmon]

Heart got their start doing Led Zeppelin covers on the road. So, she's sung that many times before no doubt. Probably the only female Rock Band I would have paid to see back in 79 or 80 I was supposed to go see them in Birmingham Alabama, but my plans changed, hot babes were on the agenda that spring.

[@scastillo0923]

Can't wait for more Heart reactions. You are in for a wonderful music journey!! ❤❤❤

[@bradpriebe9218]

If you're interested in a Heart cover, check out their induction to the R & R Hall of Fame where Gretchen Wilson (with the surviving members of Alice in Chains) perform Barracuda. Idk if there's another voice besides Gretchen that could come close to covering Ann.

[@jimrupe9991]

Thanks Millie , this is also my favorite cover of this song. I look forward to the next reaction, keep up the good work :)

[@rogerbianchini2982]

Millie, did you not know going into this review that John Bonham's son, Jason, as pointed out below, not only the late Zep drummer's kid, but also Robert Plant's godson, was behind the skins for this one. SO EMOTIONAL, as Plant & Jason's heart knocks, & Jason looking up to the sky/"heaven" (& his dad) near the end .... PHEW

[@glastonbury4304]

Definitely the best cover of any song EVER!! ❤