Heart covers Stairway to Heaven (Reaction!)

[@foleysflips]

FINALLY SOMEONE RECOGNIZES THE GREATEST CELLIST IN THE AUDIENCE-Yo Yo Ma. They literally show him 3 times and you are the 1st reactor who noticed. I’m a fan for life❤

[@lisal6121]

So TRUE! I have noticed the exact same, no other reactor even whispers YoYo Ma’s name.

[@foleysflips]

@@lisal6121 I believe I have watched every reactors video to this song because it is simply the best cover of greatest song ever written imo but how so many vocal coaches, musicians, etc don’t ever mention Yo Yo Ma is baffling and really quite sad. He was loving it!

[@Sparklegirl79]

YoYo Ma, whenever he's in the audience, is always jamming out to whatever sort of music is playing. It's so much fun when they cut to him.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Dang, make me the 5th to give the salute! Scrolled down to write the same thing. The man just entered legendary status.

[@whitesoxfan68]

❤

[@nancykorensek4083]

It only took Heart, Jason Bonham, an orchestra, and two choirs to do justice to this song. 'Tis fitting.

[@Justbeingme971]

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[@reginagrayson2465]

YEP....

[@myroselle6987]

And Shane Fontayne playing that amazing guitar solo in front of guitar god Jimmy Page…. That’s some courage right there….

[@etticamarie8365]

As a new subscriber, please tell me you know the history of the band heart, and what these women have done for music and rock ‘n’ roll in the US and in Canada? If you need help, I can help you.

[@lisaharrod8386]

@nancy... That's poetry woman!❤❤❤

[@chriso6719]

Yes, It was the Kennedy Center Honors for Led Zeppelin in December 2012. Jason Bonham is playing his father's drum kit, and wearing his hat. Robert Plant , Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones didn't know Jason was going to be there and play. They had invited him, but he said he had a previous commitment.

[@EnglishRalph]

I love it when stuff like that happens!

[@janw491]

It looked so special

[@ttrails1]

Yes. They asked him to come and sit in place of his late father. Well. He did big time!

[@Shoshonegrl]

We were so spoiled in our younger years to have witnessed musical history!!! Rock on forever from a 63 year old granny!!!❤❤❤

[@frankromero5782]

Even with TWO choruses, Ann Wilson still towers over all. Such a powerhouse.

[@Babemuffin]

Such a good sound guy is why. The mix is everything.

[@lisabellbishop]

Heart is and always has been amazing. They absolutely nailed this performance. I get chills every time I watch. The fact that the original Led Zeppelin’s drummer’s son is on percussion makes it even more awesome ❤

[@susanpeterson9947]

I believe that Ann, the brunette, was 62 years old at this performance. AMAZING to still have that power at her age. These sisters were and are fabulous! Edit: The drummer here, Jason Bonner, is the son of Zeppelin’s drummer. It was John Bonham’s death that caused the band to dissolve in 1980.

[@MikeInMD1961]

62 is correct, and she was fighting the flu at the time. What a set of pipes!

[@fridaylong2812]

Bonham. Jason Bonham.

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Talent…..and honestly when you make Robert Plant cry, take your bow and walk off.❤️🎶❤️ Love Heart since 1977.

[@THCya9796]

It’s pure emotion. I cry tears of appreciation EVERY TIME I watch this. The most fitting tribute possible to musical geniuses. Thank you to all involved.

[@TLHunter_74]

Me too. Music can be used for unity and this performance shows just that!

[@leephilips8950]

She’s in her 60’s here! Talent never dies.

[@B4cch4nte]

That awkward moment when you make Led Zep cry with their own masterpiece! ❤‍🔥

[@FedMikeDC]

In addition to the original drummer's, John Bonham's son sitting in and playing his father's drum part, Robert Plant teared up because it was a surprise. They asked Jason to represent his Dad for the awards ceremony. But he said he couldn't because he had a scheduling conflict. Then he walked out to play with Heart.

[@juanitakirk8421]

He’s also playing John Bonhams drum kit!💜

[@steelshotproductions]

Her voice!!!!!!! Prolly the best cover EVER!

[@kimberlygrimm7007]

This performance always makes me cry! Heart is the best female rock duo EVER!! They're the ONLY ones whom I think that ever has done this song justice besides Led Zeppelin, of course!

[@pan4533]

I am not saying that I disagree, but if you haven't already check out Dolly Parton's Live version. That will blow you away.

[@l2iowacowgirl893]

❤

[@ronniecollins1808]

The reason this is so amazing is they kept true to the original song. That is perfection. They didn't try to make it their own. And to have the original drummers son playing is amazing. And the guitarist play so perfect in front of Jimmy Page was amazing. It is one of the greatest tributes ever done during these awards.

[@kati2224]

Can you imagine the honor and anxiety that guitarist had to play Jimmy Pages riffs IN FRONT OF.... Jimmy Page?? What a dream. And he did it so freaking well.. !!!! I was cruising the comments to see if anyone else mentioned that....

[@ronniecollins1808]

@@kati2224 It's like playing a guitar in front of Eric Clapton or Chet Atkins. I would be so nervous.

[@Justbeingme971]

I gotta say THE BEST TRIBUTE.

[@Justbeingme971]

@@kati2224 the guitarist is a lady Nancy Wilson. Considering Heart Did you work with him for years I would guess there probably wasn’t much anxiety.

[@kati2224]

@@Justbeingme971 there was a second guitarist, and he was a guy. I know who Nancy Wilson is. That guy is who I was referring to. Nancy doesn't get anxiety lol

[@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. "Heart" have had so many great hits such as "Magic Man", "Crazy on You", "Barracuda", "What About Love", "Never", "Dog & Butterfly", "These Dreams", "Alone" etc.

[@KittCrescendo]

Nancy’s got some pipes, too, but Anne is just such an undeniable vocal powerhouse.

[@alanwhetstone3922]

She is in my top 5 rock vocals

[@Augirl78]

Cooking w fire, dreamboat Annie, love alive….

[@Tampahop]

They also enjoy doing Led Zeppelin covers.

[@jennhurl]

Holy shit! You're the first reactor I've EVER seen know the man in the audience is Yo-Yo Ma! I was in the bathtub watching & almost dropped my phone when you said it. 😂 Wow! Major kudos 👏 to you. Clearly, you have more extensive knowledge of music than I realized. Extremely impressed! For those that don't know, he is America's most famous cellist. (Google says 90 albums, 19 Grammy's, & the Presidential Medal of Freedom) A truly INCREDIBLE artist. 👏

[@karenj3611]

Ann Wilson just shreds that final verse!!

[@mzliz1249]

The bowler hat that Jason Bonham wore was a tribute to his dad the great John Bonham, when I saw the whole choir wearing the bowler hat, it was then tears ran down my face.♥️

[@monicat4]

A song this iconic could only be done justice by Heart, Jason, and two choirs. Ann Wilson is a vocal beast! Jason Bonham sure did his dad proud. The man has skills. The membera of Led are notoriously cranky so I really enjoyed seeing them be moved by this performance.

[@dapeach06]

A bunch of lines in the song were influenced by Lord of the Rings, especially "when I look to the west", but obviously the whole song isn't about that. I was in the big choir that showed up at the end of the song. Dave Grohl was on drums for all the rehearsals including the live dress rehearsal, so it was a surprise to everyone that Jason Bonham was there

[@sherylhenley1931]

It's amazing that at her age that she could project her voice over two choirs and all the musicians! I love how Jimmy Page says "Wow-F**k! when the 2nd choir comes up! They were all delighted with the tribute performance-Wasn't that great to see?! I am from Seattle (where they are from). I met them in a little cocktail lounge one night when they were out together just as sisters. They sat in for a set while the band took a break. They were incredible. I went to the ladies room after that and they came in. They were so friendly and down to earth. Wonderful ladies!

[@musiclover7840]

I've met them a few times, and they've always been very down to earth, funny, and personable.

[@markhill9275]

Point of interest, God, Percy, and JPJ sought out and found Ann and Nancy to tell them how much they loved what tgey did. True gentlemen.

[@leslie8743]

Ann Wilson being in her mid 60s and still kills it.

[@rsw1227]

I'm pretty sure Robert Plant is Jason Bonham's Godfather which evokes even more emotions to an already emotional night.

[@davidgraylord5977]

At the very end Jason looks to Heaven to his father. Gets me everytime

[@DarrolEdwards-vu2kh]

The reference to the May Queen Is an acknowledgement of English folk lore. Jimmy's daughter lives around the corner from me and 2 yrs ago I was in her garden watching her dressed as the May Queen and dancing around the Maypole. Synchronicity!

[@wentibbetts7833]

Yes, that is YoYo Ma rockin out!! VIPs and celebs in that audience all rockin out. Legends. ❤❤

[@robertwalegir8677]

You have rock legends playing for rock gods and the rock gods give the rock legends a standing ovation everyone was moved to tears!!!

[@chantellecline6945]

I have seen this so many times, I get choked up every time. Seeing Robert Plant upset and happy is amazing. Ann Wilson's voice is amazing, and that note she hits at the end where her voice is distorted is amazing!!

[@LouiseKim116]

Heart was called “Little Led Zeppelin” in their early years because they played a lot of Zeppelin covers and obviously sounded a lot like them.

[@neighbourlady]

I have seen Heart maybe 4 times live. Amazing every time! And Nancy is not given the credit she deserves as a guitarist. Incredible talent.

[@patriciaferguson9204]

So incredible. So many famous people there to pay homage to Led Zep. I would like to congratulate you. Out of more than a dozen reactions I've watched, you are the only one to recognize, or at least, name Yo Yo Ma, You might also like to react to the Honors for Carole King.

[@orlock20]

There were two standing ovations that night. One was this performance and the other one was Beth Hart and the late Jeff Beck performing I'd Rather Go Blind for Buddy Guy. These two performances were listed in the top five performances ever at the Honors by the PR department for the multi decade Kennedy Center Honors.

[@wendywallis2956]

These Kennedy Center Honors have had some great performances over the years. You should check out Adam Lambert's performance honoring Cher.....it's epic!!

[@StarGeezerTim]

You asked about the "whispering wind" line. To me, it reminds me of 1 Kings 19:11-12 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. That "still small voice" means a delicate whispering voice. So the Lord isn't in the gale or the fire or the earthquake or great show of force. But rather, in that delicate whisper in the heart of a person.

[@robinbeitler9392]

Best "Stairway To Heaven" cover EVER

[@philliphoward5113]

This would be the best rendition of this iconic song ever made and Heart did it with the orchestra and backround vocals just to spice it up, its magical this is going to be hard for any other to top this performance 😁😁👏👏👏

[@truckinfool3550]

Heart are huge Led Heads, they do a killer cover of Black Dog, too. Ann also recently covered Layne’s vocals on Rooster with Alice In Chains.

[@christisheeks6334]

I have watched 100's of reactions of this and YOU are the only person who recognized YoYo! There is an over 20 minute tribute, including Lenny Kravitz, The Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, and a narrative by Jack Black. You will LOVE seeing the whole tribute to LZ! The bowler hats were a nod to Jon Bonham (Bonzo), his signature hat. Ann was 62 when she performed this.

[@ChuckHackney]

This is music from my generation, arguably the greatest rock song ever written, hell--forget rock, one of the GREATEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN. From the magical, stratospheric 1970's, hate to say it, just another day at the office for music and singers of that era!!!! All hail the greatest musical decade, the 1970's!!!!!!

[@BethReed62]

Ann and Nancy Wilson were THE perfect choice to perform Stairway to Heaven. The paid proper respect to the song. And the nod to Jon Bonham, having the choir bowler hats. Epic. Epic. Epic.

[@booksteer7057]

You should check out the Carol King tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors. Aretha Franklin comes out and sings "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman", and King nearly leaps over the balcony she is so excited. 😉

[@myroselle6987]

Every time I watch this I’m blown away by the courage of Shane Fontayne. Playing that solo in front of Jimmy Page….guitar god…oh my goodness!!! I’ve read that Robert Plant actually never liked ‘Stairway To Heaven’. He thought it was pretentious.

[@jwmson7791]

I think this is possibly the best cover of all time, this and Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey and Morgan Wallen’s Cover Me Up. Man, the Wilson sisters, huh?! Masterpiece! ♥️

[@alesiaking5578]

Also Stevie Ray Vaughan's cover of Voodoo Child. RIP💔SRV🎸

[@williamthomas7509]

Take a listen to Nightwish's tribute (calling it a cover is too demeaning) of Pink Floyd's "High Hopes". More than a few have Floyd fans have said Nightwish's version is better. Reportedly David Gimour said it was the best "cover" / that he loved their interpretation as it's quite different from the orginal while still remaining true to the message.

[@markhill9275]

all of you are missing something, Hendrix Cover of a Bob Dylan song, all along tge watchtower. That was a cover.

[@ryansheehan9462]

I’ve commented this on other reactions of this performance before but I like to imagine being in the choir and having someone tell you “right, you’ll be singing Stairway to Heaven with Ann Wilson at the Kennedy Center in front of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin and the President of the United States and their deceased drummer’s son will be drumming.” Panic would set in immediately for me

[@lizzyfletcher3175]

That is Jason Bonham the son of the late John Bonham playing the drums which adds to the love of this!! This is a great performance!!

[@kimberlywalker6565]

Passion and emotions to honor one on the greatest bands.

[@KittyScythe]

Stairway to Heaven covered by Heart at the Kennedy Honors is a spiritual experience. It must have been so incredible to be in that room.

[@TheDivayenta]

Ann was 62 here! Talk about taking care of your voice like that for forty years!

[@carrielaliberte3255]

Those Wilson sisters.. phew! ❤ Such great rockstars! They showed their honour to Led Zeppelin!

[@Non-Doctors-Music]

I've seen this 20 times of more and still cry. It's so touching.

[@KathyVandusen]

It was unforgettable when the band did it❤

[@joanlajara3939]

Zeppelin is the best rock and roll band ever!!! Listen to some more! The best!❤️❤️❤️❤️RIP John Bonham!

[@jackjohnson7714]

The best cover/tribute EVER! The Kennedy center Honors.

[@DrTomMD]

I love your reaction. I have watched this at least 25 times now and I don’t think I have yet reached my peak experience processing totality of the entire performance from all its majestic angles. It is beyond music. It is a transcendent experience. To have been there would’ve literally been to have taken a stairway to heaven🙏🏽

[@stevenmonte7397]

That's the ultimate tribute! You can see it on their faces. It was perfect!

[@jimedwards1955]

Loved Jason's nod of recognition to his dad.

[@Tipper65]

I watched this the night it was aired and was completely blown away. I continue to watch it at least once each month. I can’t image the pressure of performing such an iconic song in front of the the original iconic performers, to honor them.

[@Mr05Chuck]

One of the great live covers of all time. Saw Zeppelin live in Seattle in 1975. I especially liked Peewee Herman’s guitar solo

[@joegrabo6683]

lmao good to see I was not the only one who said... I didn't know Pee Wee played the Guitar so good!

[@TheDivayenta]

Wrong! It was Sheldon Cooper!😂

[@pan4533]

Love your sense of humor. Mine is very similar. Thanks for posting that. @@joegrabo6683

[@markmyers6472]

Exactly.... @@TheDivayenta

[@JeffCooper-w3x]

At the beginning when Jason Bonham was introduced the reaction from Plant was because he had asked him to join them and sit with them as a tribute to his father. Jason told him he could not because he already had a commitment he had to be at. Surprise!

[@MiguelLopez-is9te]

Cool Reaction. The first time I seen Heart perform this song was in 1976, at The Aquarius Club, in Seattle. That was back when Heart was an actual 6 member band and not just Ann & Nancy Wilson. In 1981... Jimmy Page, of Led-Zeppelin, did an interview with Mark Goodman of MTV. He told Mark Goodman, Zeppelin has passed.the torch of their songs on to Heart.

[@tas22222]

this is why you practice daily so you can sing well in your later yrs, once you stop not looking after your voice its a no go Example Jon Bon Jovi. The vocalists who were great then and are still great 40 yrs later, they kept their voices healthy. Cheers ! Huge heart fan and this was just the icing on the cake of their career, to cover such a song and surpass expectations to the point that anybody and everybody says you MUST Listen to THIS!! Ann and Nancy

[@ScottDeBerg]

Jason Bonham’s appearance was a surprise to the members of Led Zeppelin. John Paul Jones produced a live Heart album, and worked with them on other projects. Ann’s voice is unparalleled in rock music. I’m glad you’ve reacted to their work with Layne Staley as well. Keep up the good work.

[@musiclover7840]

I remember that album. They recorded it at the Backstage in Seattle, and they called it "Backstage at the Backstage". I was lucky enough to go to all 4 nights and meet the band afterwards.

[@LiLiJo]

If you are going to play this iconic song as a tribute, this is how you do it. The original is so amazing only something this epic could do justice. The reaction from Led Zeppelin tells it all.

[@KittCrescendo]

By far my favorite version…next to the original, of course. Legends paying homage to legends.

[@RyanHeafner]

Over the many years of working in casinos, I’ve seen hundreds of concerts. Heart is one of the very best, Black Crows and Lenny Kravitz are also memorable. Heart also covers Kashmir at this show, also worth checking out. Congrats on being the first reactor I’ve seen catch Yo Yo Ma.

[@paulcaudill71]

Best rock and roll voice in history.

[@sharipetkovsek5502]

You should watch the entire Kennedy Center Honors Led Zeppelin Tribute

[@billwiley7216]

Led Zeppelin actually did a benefit concert where Jason played the drums in place of his dad in December of 2007. Awesome show of course with modern recording, definitely a live concert dvd all Zep lovers should have in their collection!

[@jbach4311]

"The Greatest Production EVER" Thank You Heart and ZEP!!!

[@TexasMagnolia]

Ann and Nancy remains the Greatest Female Rockers in the History of Rock!

[@cindygale9671]

First time I heard this version I was moved to tears!!!

[@wen-nz3sk]

So...how about checking out some Heart?? Ann was 62y young when she belted that out in 2012. I'm an early die hard Heart fan...70s, but I'll listen to it all, music is a beautiful thing. 😍 ❤️❤️

[@designsbydenese]

I grew up listening to Led Zepplin always been the best band out there. Still my favorite song.

[@tylerroach928]

This and sound of silence by disturbed are the best covers of the last decade imo

[@josemadera3138]

Idk hurt with Johnny cash and patience with Chris Cornell and billy Jean with Chris Cornell and nothing compares to you by Cornell are all great covers idk wich is better than which they are all legendary covers

[@WinteryMix84]

When Led Zeppelin gives you a standing O for performing their masterpiece you know you’ve had your peak moment.

[@ruthlow4058]

I'm an older woman 66yr. I grew up with this generation. Ann Wilson is one of the greatest voices in rock music if not the best. So happy you got to experience this. Side note, Adam shot forget his last name, had it a minute ago..told you I'm old..anyway does a great version of Belive at Cher Kennedy Center Honor. Adam Lambert i think is his name. He made her cry and his performance was flawless

[@bobmorris2443]

This was the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, and the highlight of Led Zeppelin tributes. Jack Black introduced the segment calling them the greatest Rock-n-Roll band in history. The Foo Fighters played "Rock-n-Roll" Lenny Kravitz played "Whole Lotta Love" and Kid Rock did "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" and "Ramble On". All worth a listen.

[@kimberlywalker6565]

Heart started their career out as opening band for led zeppelin!

[@erinhayes8710]

She has a incredible voice and did this song justice for sure

[@susananderson1495]

This always me sad a little. Everyone so much older now but it seems like yesterday they were young and rockin their concerts. Heart did a great job.

[@kellysimmons8437]

They have been singing this in concert for years. When I heard they were performing it at the Kennedy Center Honors it made total sense!

[@TheDivayenta]

They were totally inspired by all the Tolkien books. And the Blues and old English folk music. ❤

[@browniewin4121]

This performance really does justice to this song and the group being honored.

[@potooleftl]

As always Heart was brilliant but lets give a hand to that whole band. Kick Ass in everyway.

[@arnoldjohnson9600]

This was a Kennedy Center Honors, that was broadcast on TV. They usually honor 5 or 6 people/groups during the evening. They salute excellence in the arts.

[@kimpierce3071]

Loved this performance! You watched the edited short version. You should see the long version it includes the second verse and more of the singers being shown instead of the group edits

[@leimomipeiper4870]

Lyrics from our great rock bands told a story. It was not repeating lyrics over and over. Seen some of the greatest rock bands in concert. Pink Floyd, the wall, Police, Mr Roboto +more. Elton John and Billy Joe together, with only their piano. Concerts every month. Bob Seager, Turn the page. Rolling Stone in Japan. Can go on. All of them are great. So many female rock greats

[@billwiley7216]

Ann Wilson one of the most powerful female voices in rock music.

[@OdeInWessex]

I sobbed when I first saw this and spotted not just Jason Bonham but the Gospel Choir all wearing Bowler hats in tribute to John Bonham - the hat was his trademark. In the longer version Jason takes off his Bowler and looks skyward to salute his dad, and that just kills me every time I see the long version. RIP Bonzo - greatest Rock drummer ever imho.

[@gistechrep3816]

What a performance!! You know Yo Yo Ma? I saw a solo concert of his at the Kennedy Center years ago during a business trip to D.C. What a Treat!

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Kudos! I've watched dozens of reactions to this and you're the only one to recognize Yo Yo Ma! Bonnie Rait was in the audience also. Great reaction.

[@seandobson6221]

Some days all you need in your day is a little Ann and Nancy Wilson. Jason Bonham showing love to his old man with the classical boller hat. It brought Robert Plant to tears. He’s always said he hates when people try to cover their songs but was such a fan of this one.

[@SousChef77]

So many comms there Sebs...you have a great research there. You are amazing, and one of us who is called. Love your hat. Life is beautiful indeed. Jesus has this. Zeppelin and Heart was my prime time. This performance was indeed amazing. All the extras added to this song (especially Anne) WOW!

[@kkshandmadeguitars]

It's not as good as them but it's took how many other musicians to produce what 4 lads can do on their own

[@arl1958]

You're the first reactor I've seen that recognized Yo Yo Ma!!! Impressive! Well done!

[@ruthgilbo]

SEBS! the lyrics refer to GALADRIEL - a character in The Lord of the Rings trilogy - you've got to read it - then the whole song will make sense to you. In the song, several characters are referred to, "rings of smoke through the trees" (Gandalf's pipe), etc. The LP has a center black and white photo of Gandalf. This song is phenomenal!

[@devoncooper8296]

You should check out the whole video of the Kennedy Center Honors featuring Led Zeppelin! You would love it!!!!

[@Diana-ze8wu]

The way the music and lyrics start slow and then builds in levels are the steps on the stairway.

[@ericpeterson0163]

Heart was my 1st concert.

[@Kimcagiao]

What a fantastic song review. I love how you break down the lyrics and give your interpretation and appreciation!

[@singingwordwright148]

The lines you quoted "There's a feeling I get, when I look to the west, and my spirit is crying for leaving/In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees" are probably a reference to JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Led Zeppelin referenced Tolkien a number of times in their music ("In the darkest depths of Mordor...but Gollum and the Evil One" from Ramble On).