First Time Seeing | Heart - Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors |

[@JuanHughJorgan]

Ann Wilson will never be topped after this cover. When you can make Robert Plant cry by playing a song they have played thousands of times, itself, is incredible. Plus Jason Bonham wearing the bowler hat like his dad did and getting all of the choir to wear them as well is always tear jerking for me to watch.

[@ChuckHackney]

This is my favorite version of Stairway. I love the original, but rock anthems like this were made for orchestra and choir... and Annie's voice. Takes it to another metaphysical plain.

[@ChuckHackney]

Annie is just too amazing for words as is Nancy. Heart rules big time❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂

[@ChuckHackney]

My era's music CANNOT BE TOPPED. Modern music of today cannot come close to replicating this magnificent audio gem...

[@ChuckHackney]

Name me anything that happens today that tops this? Anything? Anyone?

[@ChuckHackney]

ANYTHING??....

[@TheHomesteadingHobbit]

As a musician, and as someone who battles deep depression and anxiety, with music being the one thing that brings me back to center... This performance, This cover, Will truly never be forgotten. I too cried the first time I watched this, knowing that John's son Jason was drumming, wearing his father's signature bowler hat, then the choir behind him that came in at the end all wearing bowler hats, It was a deeply personal, intimate and moving experience. To hear it just over a headset is one thing, I cannot even imagine what that would have sounded like live and in person. I have always loved Ann Wilson and she has always been one of my favorite singers... So many people say mathematics is the universal language. This is where I disagree. Music is the universal language. Because it not only connects us cognitively, but physically and most of all spiritually. Nothing else in this universe has been able to connect us like music does.

[@GrandmaShirley-op4jm]

I'd be suspicious of anyone who isn't moved to tears watching and hearing this. Smiles and tears go well together.

[@seacrow53]

I've lost track of how many times I've watched this performance.....goosebumps EVERY time.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 don't worry about crying, dude.. I've probably seen this 150 times and I cry every time.

[@sicotshit7068]

Yes I’ve seen many men & women cry, crying is a good cleaning of your eyes, nothing wrong with crying.

[@lindagregory3229]

Same

[@DavidNewton-in9xx]

Me too 😢🎉❤

[@straylynx]

Every. Single. Time.

[@mom67lovesu]

Jason Bonham is the late John Bonham’s son. Jason was only 14 when his father died at the young age of 32. Robert Plant came to the Bonham home to tell Jason and his mom that John was dead. John and Robert were best friends! Robert is Jason’s godfather. The Bowler hat is significant because John wore one when he was the drummer for Led Zeppelin. Robert asked Jason to come to the Kennedy Center Honors since the band was being honored. Jason told Robert he had a prior engagement so Robert was overwhelmed with emotion seeing Jason there honoring his late father. Heart performs Stairway To Heaven during their concerts! Anne and Nancy put on a stellar show! Seeing them perform the song live is quite an experience!

[@sicotshit7068]

My understanding was Jason was 12 when his father passed away, Plant & Bonham were friends since they were about 14. The bowler hat was John’s hat, as was the drum kit Jason was playing, Jason definitely did his father proud. This is the best cover of this song, second only to the mighty Led Zeppelin performing it. Ann & Nancy have been friends with Led Zeppelin members for a long time.

[@susanconstable2113]

I scrolled through the comments first before commenting about Jason telling Robert he couldn’t come be with them and then surprising him.

[@huchlvr]

Robert lost his little boy at five and helped to raise Jason, as a second father. Also, happy 75th Birthday Mr Plant!

[@sicotshit7068]

@@huchlvr sadly yes he did, he’s Jason’s godfather too, Jason definitely means a lot to Robert. Yes I posted a birthday wish to him, & on a 70’s page I’m part of. Yesterday August 19,1968 was the bands first rehearsal too.

[@sheilah8516]

My brother used to go to see Heart in Seattle when they were just a local band playing the clubs in the area. They were playing Led Zeppelin back then (early 70s). He said that Ann could sound just like Robert Plant. Love this version of Stairway to Heaven. Am now and always have been a massive Led Zeppelin fan. Love this.

[@baronbayne9899]

This to me, feels like the peak of humanity’s ability to create music

[@frankp9324]

It's the soaring voices of the choir that takes the song to a new level.

[@DrTomMD]

Especially where many think this song is over and then they top it off with us a sustained note at the end that sounds as if you are entering the gates of Heaven.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

This is like watching the moon landing. The Wilson sisters of Heart will be immortalized because of this one performance.

[@stevetanner3019]

There are times when you know you’re watching something very special. I get chills every time I see this. Incredible. ❤️❤️

[@user-jn6bi7mn4m]

Best cover ever!! Heart hit a Grand Slam!!

[@nickforell1]

❤

[@kathieovercash8414]

​@@nickforell1if this put a tear in your eye you should react to Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton. His 4 year old son Connor fell out a high rise open window and died instantly. Eric was coming up in the elevator to pick him up for an outing when he fell. Maintenance had left it open.

[@annepinkerton6280]

They had invited the drummer to come with him as he is their late drummer's son. He told them he already had an engagement and then showed up here!!!! This is one of the greatest covers EVER!!!!!

[@jimmylancaster7264]

the derby hats they were all wearing was a tribute to him as well

[@8044868]

I watch this performance several times a year, and it gets me every time.

[@billsimpson6136]

Ann Wilson who is singing here is widely regarded as the GOAT of female hard rock singers. They were at their commercial peak from the late 1970s to the late 1990s, their last Top 10 album was in 2010, and they have a million hits you've probably heard. Their probably best known two are "Barracuda" and "Alone" but they have a ton of classics. Her voice is incredible.

[@glennburch1081]

In my 67 years of life I have NEVER seen a better cover......... NEVER! Too many things to list that made this magical; Jason Bonham showing up as a surprise to LZ, the choir with Boller Hats as a salute to John Bonham, the orchestra, Heart pulling that vocal off (And Ann Wilson was sick with the flu, I think), the lead guitarist was so good and eloquent, and the entire mass of musicians performing together at this level with but a few rehersals! Who coreographed this performance? Stand up and take a bow. If this doesn't move you, check for a pulse.

[@SouthCountyGal]

Robert Plant cried too, when he saw that performance. You're in good company!

[@roeloftooms]

​​The drummer is the son of the late drummer of Led Zeppelin. That is why he greets the guys.

[@nickforell1]

Gotcha, what a legend

[@butterflymama0838]

This is so amazing! I've seen it so, so many times, and I always get choked up. Ann Wilson is still a beast of a vocalist! She was 62 when this performance was unleashed!! Now, at 74, she is still great!

[@allypad64]

She is absolutely amazing. Her vocals are unmatched (in my opinion) but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!! She just belts it out and leaves it all on the stage. I’m 60 and I can’t even imaging ATTEMPTING anything like that!! She’s just freaking amazing!!

[@feg3akatrey144]

I was fortunate to be at the Honors that night, and it was likely the best one I have ever attended. The mood was electric, we knew that Heart would be amazing, but it was truly next-level. Then, when the backdrop rose to reveal the chorus, and the singing reached a crescendo, everyone around me - and I, too - literally had tears rolling down cheeks. Your reactions are spot-on with mine that night. While ALL the KCHonors events are awe-inspiring, that was an incredibly special night, indeed.

[@susanworkman529]

Greatest cover ever of Led Zep's "Stairway To Heaven". Ann Wilson killed it! And that chorus! Side fact: Robert Plant invited Jason Bonham to accompany them to this to represent his dad but Jason had to decline, saying " he had a gig to play". This was the gig, thus the happy surprise on Plants face upon seeing Jason walk out on stage.

[@teej-h7w]

This is a masterpiece. I cry, too.

[@juliewolfe168]

I tear up every time I watch it. It touches my soul.

[@Jonz808]

oh it's emotional watching the performance but to see Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jone's heartfelt reaction brings us to tears. The chorus is beautiful and Ann Wilson was amazing as always

[@patriciaclark8751]

I have seen this at least 20+ times and still have tears every time.

[@PMed]

Brings a tear to my eyes every single time. It was awesome to see you recognize the amazing performance of an iconic piece.

[@spikerd808]

Im am old skydiver and I was lost in the wilderness of colorado , I played this cd every time I started my vw van for heat. I think I was there 11 days. Rich Darner

[@hookedonreactions7649]

I definitely recommend checking out the full version. The vocals are louder and there’s an extra verse not included on the video. The original version is your crush dressed up to go to a movie and this is your crush dressed to go to the opera.

[@CruelNight]

there's a reason why Heart is also known as the female Led Zepplin... i love their covers of misty mountain hop and Kashmir...

[@williamgwyn78]

I cry as well when I hear this masterpiece. It’s like having a religious experience. It was also one of the last songs I played for my mom before she passed away, as she loved both of the groups.

[@LeahC208]

I cry every single time I watch this tribute. It's amazing. Choirs are so touching. What groups of people can do when we work together is limitless.

[@catbyte0679]

Ann Wilson was 62 and had the flu at the time. Ann and Nancy flew in from Florida the day before and had less than a day to practice and they still knocked it out of the park. That's what I call greatness.

[@tomnoziglia8385]

Yep - Led Zeplin + Heart; Ann Wilson slayed it. What a great tribute. Not a DRY EYE in the house.

[@mikerichardson8983]

In my opinion, this is by far the greatest cover of Stairway To Heaven i have ever heard! Ann Wilson killed it.

[@sharonwamsley3987]

She is so good in concert , she can sing and her sister can play a guitar to

[@tammywendt8684]

Your emotions make the songs even better . I feel music like you 😊

[@donnarizzuto2057]

In my 64 years of hearing the absolute most beautiful and awe inspiring music ever, this cover is the absolute pinnacle of covers! I expect that a cover exalts the original song, and omg does this knock dead gorgeous cover do that! So damned amazing!

[@vanessa4u4evr]

Ann Wilson rockin' out like that at the tender age of SIXTY-TWO!!!! She's 74 now and still bringing the house down around the world!!

[@milesjergens9088]

This is a perfect, heartfelt reaction to an iconic moment honoring true living legends... in front of their very eyes. Your reaction, Nick, comes from the best place of all... your heart (no pun, intended). Thank you...

[@nickforell1]

Wow, thank you ❤️

[@candacewillis4443]

Great reaction. It bears repeating that Nancy Wilson was 62 when she rocked this performance out and her voice was amazing.

[@lauracarlo1262]

It was Ann Wilson who was singing, Nancy was playing the guitar.

[@bigbow62]

Ann Wilson has the greatest womans voice in rock-n-roll ❤ and her beautiful and extremely talented sister Nancy nailing every note with perfection as always ! Let's not forget Jason Bonham behind the kit as a glorious nod to his dad Bonzo (possibly the best drummer in history) and it was a great surprise to Jimmy Robert and JP that he was even there. ( Jason had told the LZ guys that he had a prior engagement he couldn't get out of) Then, after Jason gives that look to the heavens, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.❤ A performance for the ages and I dare say almost as good as the original 😉🎸

[@huchlvr]

Well, Pat Benetar and Linda Rondstadt and Gracie Slick could give her a run for the money. Though Linda can no longer sing due to illness.

[@steveabrams777]

crying to a masterpiece, is the most natural thing in humanity

[@ocheltree1]

FINALLY, somebody doing reviews GET"S IT!!!! Day's gone by music lives on through these reactors and THANK GOD they do it! It's keeping great music alive when a broad brush stroke opinion of today's rock and roll and pop music is, shall we say "lacking"? Great reactions from you Nick! You're open minded and you try everything! Good on you! Thank you! 61 yr old mom from Kansas!🤗

[@stevepierce9152]

I am 61 and everyone my age will tell you, we have heard this song a thousand times in our lives . We know every note, every guitar strum, every drumbeat & a bass play.

[@TheeAmethystEmpress6589]

Zepplin and Heart were peers. I imagine for Robert, from one singer-songwriter-philosopher to another, this tribute was the ultimate.

[@thechomiji]

Watching Led Zeppelin watch this performance gets me every time!

[@davenewman1970]

Loved your emotional reaction. I Don't feel alone. Thank you brother

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

Your reaction was so real. This is the best cover I have ever heard. The amount of grace, light & spirit that was offered was incredible. Jason Bonham shining there on stage, surprising Led Zeppelin with his appearance. The bowler hats were a true offer of respect, as well. This one touched so many people, it was good to see it touched you too! Light to you! 🌿

[@bethking7348]

They nailed it!❤

[@WiXXolo]

The untouchable was touched. with heart and class.

[@leslietiwari8625]

This is the most beautiful performance! Best tribute ever!

[@markcerio498]

The best comment I've seen was, "Rock Legends paying homage to Rock Gods".

[@starlaryer4165]

The drummer is John Bonnham's son, the original drummer for Zeppelin who died early on and the Boler Hats they are all wearing was a signature of John Bonnham

[@jaumepiquebernaus1853]

Yess man. I'm 62.Every time i see this great tribute i couldn't stop drop a couple of tears. Best tribute for the best Rock band. Keep on rocking guy Greetings from Barcelona

[@KittyScythe]

Heart's tribute of Stairway to Heaven at Kennedy Honors is a spiritual experience. I'm so happy for you. :)

[@cynergy4]

John Bonham's son Jason is on the drums wearing his dad's bowler hat, and for me the most emotional moment is when the curtain opens and the choir is also wearing replicas of Bonzo's hat. Robert and Bonzo were very close, and seeing the way that Robert and Jason salute each other at the end is so heartwarming!

[@jenniferb590]

Thank you for this one. My late husbands favourite Led Zeppelin song and I remember watching this with him and the emotions it caused.

[@KARENCOGS]

This performance gets me teary eyed every time I watch it!!

[@supasoulproductions]

Kennedy Center Honors Always Brings It!! Another MUST SEE KCH is Aretha Franklin singing Natural Woman at the KCH for Carol King!

[@097534]

There are two edits of this song, one has a verse missing and this is that one, other reviews have shown the full version, shame some one vandalised this brilliant cover.

[@LonghopeBro-ju6jl]

Not just a verse, they hacked out part of the iconic guitar solo, which is unforgivable.

[@Smitty4350]

Robert Plant I believed said that he's heard countless covers of that song, but the way this one in particular was done moved him. Said he wished he had thought about the arrangement. Definitely will live on as the best Zeppelin cover ever done.

[@agnesregards2286]

I thought I would never see anybody able to cover this song and do it justice - so glad to be wrong! They did such a brilliant job and in front of Led Zeppelin, which must of been daunting. I have watched this video many times over the past year or so and I never grow tired of it. Stairway to Heaven is an iconic song, and rightly so. Gives me chills.

[@nickforell1]

Couldn’t agree more

[@alexakl6445]

Definitely the BEST cover I've ever seen. Robert Plant doesn't usually like people to do covers of their songs, especially this one, but he already knew she could pull it off. You have to have the right kind of voice to do it and Robert Plant and Anne Wilson have it, obviously. The other performances of their other top songs that were done were really enjoyable as well (Lennny Kravitz, Foo Fighters and Kid Rock), but this one was hands down the best. I always get emotional watching this and never get tired of it!

[@Danandrea919]

I'm back again, 2nd time, just came from your reaction to Santana and Rob Thomas's Smooth. This reaction popped up again, so here I am! 😃 Loving every little bit of this! Much love!

[@Danandrea919]

I LOVE, LOVE LOVE seeing my guitar idol, Jimmy Page, smile!!

[@stevecn70]

If you close your eyes, she sounds so much like him. And if you can make the creator cry over his own song, you know you did something magical.

[@CountyLeaks]

I first heard this song at an older friend's home when I was 14. Immediately I was struck by this new sound and begged for it to be played again and again. I bought the 8-track album for my boyfriend and we played it frequently. It was sort of our little secret because it wasn't played on AM when it was released and we didn't listen to FM at that time. Several years later it finally began playing on AM radio and everyone thought it was brand new. My musical taste at a young age was affirmed.

[@Fuphyter]

I got emotional watching this too. Full body goosebumps. They did such an incredible version. ❤

[@marialuisacastro9089]

Absolute Perfect . WOW . I'm crying too !!!!!!!

[@stephaneatlan7639]

An absolute perfect masterpiece! a legendary song! best band ever!

[@brendendale2616]

I love that you are so honest with your emotions; it shows that you are a beautiful man with a beautiful heart ☺️

[@laurasmith2522]

Love your reaction I've seen this 1000xsof times and tear up everytime !

[@shellos8]

Great reaction. That was incredible, wasn't it?

[@tamarahornyak5744]

Best cover ever no one can top Ann

[@tadlong4566]

Great reaction! I felt the same way.

[@pauletteriddle3776]

You weren't alone in the feels! More than beautiful ❤️

[@josephbishop3590]

Thanks Nick! I don't think I could be friends, or even trust, anyone that watches/listen to this and doesn't emote in some way. Tears are expected.🤩

[@CozzyKorner]

Amazing

[@nickforell1]

Blown away by

[@hudsonhollow]

Having first seen Led Zeppelin live in May of 1969 and being a fan of Heart since they first became known, every time I watch this (which has been many times) I tear up. I have only seen Heart live once and that was about ten years ago. Both my wife and I cried during that concert. One of the cool things about that concert was a young girl about 12 who sang every word and every note to every song perfectly! She was a couple of seats from us in the audience. It was heart warming to see someone that young who is obviously a complete fan! Their music has been with me for almost all of my life. A very wonderful part.

[@michaelw6222]

Great reaction. The Kennedy Awards is always a must see.

[@BIGEUSMC]

You’re not alone. I’ve watched this video probably 100 times and still get teared up

[@rosasoc3982]

Thank you for your sensitivity...you greeted Robert with a nice gesture..God bless you😢❤

[@janalaine]

I've watched this Stairway to Heaven tribute on my phone but tonight, I watched it on my laptop...you HAVE to do that. It's not just an amazing performance. It's the FACES. Robert Plant wiping tears away, Jason Bonham in a bowler hat pointing up to heaven to his dad, Jimmy Page smiling during his guitar riff (IMAGINE playing Jimmy Page FRONT of him), Yo Yo Ma IN heaven, David Letterman just transfixed, the faces of the choir, the audience, the band...just pure joy in that room knowing they were experiencing something sublime...Robert Plant said in an interview it took her singing this for him to fully understand the depth of this song and you can tell from his face. It makes me happy that they received such a tribute while they were alive. Watching them, I think back to seeing Led Zep in the 70s singing this song or Heart at Hara and how young we were... watch it on your laptop or tv, I had tears too. I think it's the greatest live performance of all time and it was a cover

[@theresacarmen9847]

I dont know how manytimes I've seen this but i get chills and tears every time.

[@DavidNewton-in9xx]

Summer of 1970 - Led Zeppelin my first album purchase. Led Zeppelin -My first concert, with my first car and my first girlfriend. This has very special meaning for me. My Mother said to me " problem with these rock bands is they never last". Wish I could share this with you Mom, I love you. Thank you Nick for a great reaction ❤😂🎉

[@sunshynff]

Now that my man, right there, this video you posted, is the reason I got hooked on reaction channels!!!! Well done sir, well done indeed!! Not only did I love your reaction, but your appreciation and knowledge of the band was very obvious, AND you're the ONLY reactor I've ever seen react to this who was able to point out Yo-Yo Ma!!! Not sure why that impressed me, but it did...lol. I want to share a story with you, that I used to leave in the comments of channels that reacted to this song, but some hater called BS on the story, and it pissed me off. I've looked for the transcript but couldn't find it, and the radio station has switched owners since then, but I know what I heard when I listened to it live on air, and I can totally tell you will appreciate it, enjoy........... On a radio interview, with Ann and Nancy, that was done not too long after this performance, I believe they were still promoting the Fanatic album. They asked Ann if she enjoyed the overwhelmingly great response people had to the her and Nancy's performance, especially that night from all her music industry collogues. Ann said yes she was very touched by all the kind words, but to be honest, that night she was only concerned about 3 men's approval, specifically one, Robert Plant. After the show at a big sit down dinner that was held for all the performers and some guests, shortly before the main course was served, Robert approached Ann and Nancy's table. Robert politely nodded hello to everyone, then finally Ann, she went on to say.... then he kind of drifted into thought for a second starring off into space, sighed, and said...."You know, I've always found that song dreadful over the years". Ann said she immediately started to well up with tears, and momentarily felt like she let down one of the people responsible for her becoming a rock n roll singer in the first place. Robert immediately realized the misunderstanding, and said...."No no dear, I meant over the years that song has been so dreadfully over done by so many people, I've never heard a cover of it that I've enjoyed.........until tonight! Well done by dear, bravo". He then simple kissed her hand and bid her a good evening, Ann said she knew right then and there she could die a happy woman with no regrets.

[@nickforell1]

Wow, thanks so much for that high praise. I’m so glad you enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your story

[@anitawright7169]

This is so very awesome. It makes my cry every time I hear and see this. Led Zeppelin deserved this and so much more! Love your reaction!

[@nickforell1]

Glad you enjoyed it Anita!

[@anniemei8631]

cryin right with ya!!!! thanks Bunches for this reaction vid!!..Peace*

[@midianmtd]

Nancy Wilson is the only human on Planet Earth that can tackle that beast of a song and do it true justice. We here in the PNW are proud of Ann & Nancy Wilson so much. And thank you Nick, for a most excellent review.

[@rbl4641]

Actually, as you realize, one of the greatest covers in history..its just so so good...there's a longer version, btw

[@gibsongirl2100]

I finally got to the point where I could watch this without tearing up, when I come upon this reaction - and now, your crying made me cry! Loved your reaction!

[@murrannlehovitch6204]

As soon as I saw this reaction I could not wait to see your reaction. You reacted just as I thought you would….with tears and awe. Well done❤

[@paulhowel7185]

There are covers, good covers, great covers........and then Heart did this - Game over. Great reaction 🙂

[@carlahelin5203]

Tears and chills and I’ve seen this a bunch of times. Epic!

[@robertwalker1803]

Everything about this is gold…And Jason Bonham actually playing his dad John’s drums.

[@leesa7489]

you'll love this, I saw an interview with Robert Plant he got teary because Jason was there playing drums, he didn't expect to see him...Plant was super tight with John...

[@sallymarkey3759]

My heart melts every time I watch someone who has not seen this react. Tears every time for me, inspired by the band, the audience, and the reactor. ❤

[@jadefire1814]

Your reaction was so beautiful and *genuine!!* So glad you popped up in my feed! New sub from me! ❤

[@carolburnett190]

It’s okay, Nick. The tears also come for me every time I watch this. The story goes that John Bonham’s son declined an invitation from Robert Plant to be his guest for this event, because it was a surprise for the guys that he was going to be onstage. If you’ve never listened to Heart, you really need to check them out. They were pathfinders in Rock for female bands.

[@sharonelliott2366]

What I like about this performance is that the members of the band who created it were able to see what their contribution meant to the world. Often rock bands were left out of main stream definitions of what "good" music is and this tribute showed them, I think, how exceptional and important theirs was/is.

[@carolespinoza8469]

Great reaction sweetie, loved seeing John Bonham,s son on drums. 10:40

[@marcieharreld286]

A magical moment in music history!!!🎵🎼🎶💜🎤🎧🎙🥁🎸🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘

[@darrinlindsey]

Nothing tops what happened on that stage, that night. But, there have been a lot of very memorable tributes at The Kennedy Center Honors, over the years. It's always televised, every December.

[@hopeklemann1]

🌸 can you even imagine playing that guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page??

[@ungenerationed9022]

No. That took cajones the size of bowling balls.

[@joyceharkin3641]

A lot of pressure indeed. Robert Plant had said many times that he hated covers of this song, so it must have been very daunting for all of them. They did a superb job though. The two choirs were amazing.

[@sukioki6983]

Jimmy was smiling during the solo so I think he approved 😊

[@saucierspoons]

I thought about that when I watched it. I can’t even imagine having to play that in front of Jimmy Page.

[@kimabney945]

Shayne Fontayne tearing up that guitar solo!