"Stairway to Heaven" (Led Zeppelin Cover) by Heart, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

"Stairway to Heaven" (Led Zeppelin Cover) by Heart, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer
Original Video: • Heart - Stairway to He...
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This is a reaction video used to educate and give feedback related to the artist and the song.
*Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER.

[@StrateleStudios]

ATTENTION: When someone sends me a link to a video to react to that is the video I will react to. I don’t take the liberty to change it as I trust that is the exact version they want to see (in case someone is wondering why I did not react to the full version of this video). Thank you! 😊

[@scottyh8494]

Yes you got short changed unfortunately. The whole 7:59 version was easy enough to get the link off youtube. It is much better than this and a lot more thrilling to watch.

[@debbicozart7130]

There's always a hater

[@StrateleStudios]

@@debbicozart7130 comes with the job 😄. Thats why I’m fortunate to have you and Brad on the channel to balance things out 🫶

[@alexisr5199]

What? This is actually a bit longer version showing John joining the band..

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

@@alexisr5199The full version is two minutes LONGER than this one, and is actually 100 times better… You should check it out sometime! (Just look for something that says “FULL VERSION” in the title.)

[@MikeInMD1961]

Not sure if this was mentioned, but Ann Wilson was 62 at the time of this tribute, and she was fighting the flu. What a set of pipes!

[@Zozo-K-]

My favorite part of this video is seeing Jimmy Page so clearly loving every second of this performance.

[@mattthoumine7427]

Quite possibly, the most perfect cover of a song ever. What makes it even better is it was performed live. Everytime I watch this the hairs go up on the back of the neck.

[@karenmandeville7116]

Jason is his godson, and had told Robert he had a previous obligation when Robert asked him to come. It was a great surprise, and i believe that was Jon's kit that Jason was playing.

[@kimk.4710]

Quite simply the BEST Kennedy performance ever.

[@ChuckHackney]

I agree. And as much as I love Zep's original version, this tribute by the amazing group Heart, is my all time fave version of this song.

[@ChuckHackney]

Annie and Nancy rule!!!!!❤

[@rickbowman21]

Agreed!

[@ALousyGolfer1]

Perfect! 👍🏼

[@markgalliher5707]

If you separate the emotional impact of the event and performance, you have to give huge credence to the talent of the arranger(s). The slow build, the rhythmic punches and the way that it peaked with the gospel choir at the perfect moment is just sheer artistry.

[@markdecker6190]

Although I've searched a bit I can't find much info on who or how this was put together in the first place. Apparently the sisters were only there for a short period of rehearsal. Shout out to guitarist Shane Fontayne and his great solo.

[@markgalliher5707]

That alone is a tribute to their talent. Thanks for your comment!

[@samanthabamantha5816]

@@markdecker6190 they only had one rehearsal beforehand. Yes, the entire production was pure perfection!

[@sagebooker]

This tribute is a masterpiece, as much for the emotion as much for the quality of the Wilson's interpretation of this classic. I can't help watching it over and over. Thanks for reacting to it too

[@mikeb36240]

When you can move Robert Plant to tears you know you did well.🤘😎

[@billoneil6594]

This cover sends chills down my spine every time I watch it. Incredible!!

[@debbiewashabaugh9891]

Robert Plant had said that he was nervous about how this song would be performed. But he said he was so happy with it and so pleased with the result.

[@randyhochstein8455]

Robert said that what had touched him most, was that his Godson (Jason) surprised him by showing up to play unexpectedly. Plus the bowler hats, and Jason’s glance towards “Heaven” at the end.

[@copperhopperwarren4788]

Yes, the band had asked him if he wanted to sit w/ them in his dad's place.... he told them he'd love to but he had another gig he couldn't get out of..😏 That's why Robert stood up at the beginning and was shaking his finger at him 😂

[@dominiquepfeiffer9432]

They didn’t abbreviate it, there’s a longer version of this performance.

[@EleanorThinks]

I am convinced your goal is now to make us 'oldish' people cry....and we love it!!! Keep it coming 🥰

[@StrateleStudios]

😂😂😂❤

[@lgaines62]

Ann Wilson is such a legend! I read that RP said that Heart's performance of Stairway to Heaven was the only cover of it that he ever liked.

[@keithcorso385]

There’s a lot of brilliance in this performance. Ann Wilson’s vocal and Shane Fontaine’s guitar solo. The real brilliance?…the person who arranged this. Adding the horns, backup singers, strings, and the full choir. Just a visionary.

[@daveloboda1769]

THE best cover of a song by anyone, ever.

[@joshuadeshaies7266]

The greatest rock tribute song ever!!! The GOATS were emotional, Robert missed John BONHAM. Also I believe Robert Wrote the lyrics for Stairway. RIP JOHN. Great reaction!!!

[@leerobertson868]

Legends covering Legends

[@SharonS-fn2ym]

Ann has said in an interview that the whole ensemble only had an hour or so to practice together. Amazing!

[@suzie4417]

One of the Best Kennedy Center Tributes ever 💗💗💗☮️☮️☮️ Robert Plant was very touched by the performance by Ann & Nancy 🥲😍 Jimmy Page & JP Jones,loved the whole performance, Jason surprised them & played his Dad’s drums, Shayne Fontayne on guitar was fantastic and the choir with bowler hats & singing to Led Zep really was touching !! a few other great Kennedy Center Awards are Tributes to Tina Turner, Al Green, James Brown and many others 🥰

[@wpollock1]

This is the CBS edit of the performance - there is version with the entire guitar solo that you can check out. Jack Blacks Zep intro is also hilarious.

[@gregharmon3797]

I’ve watched this so many times

[@mgalego4729]

I watched this ceremony some years ago. This was the highest point, surely. It still hits me hard.

[@pmjeterjr]

This one still give me chills every time I see it! Thanks!

[@robertstrohm2412]

One needs to remember that John Bonham was Robert’s best friend. Add Jason to the mix and that choir all wearing a bowler hat in tribute to John I mean, who could keep it together? Also, Jason was playing his father’s kit, notice John’s symbol on the kick bass? Great reactions sir. Really enjoy your knowledge and background. ❤

[@daylanhamilton2930]

Gives me chills every time I hear this version!!

[@rebeccalipps23]

I could watch this performance daily & never tire of it. You might also enjoy The Wilson Sisters performing Zepplin's "Battle of Evermore". I have come across 2 versions. The Seattle version is superior in sound & video quality. Equally as epic as this performance!

[@nrsvlda70]

Only a guess, but from videos I’ve seen, the band wasn’t made aware of Jason Bonham being there, and I believe he and Mr. Plant are very close. That could have been part of the reason he was so emotional.. and, as you said, just all the memories flooding in as these tribute songs were sung for them. You might enjoy watching the entire 20 minutes.. all of the singers were amazing, but Heart really knocked it out of the park!

[@vernhoke7730]

Robert asked him to be with him, Jimmy and John. Jason had to make an excuse for not being able to make it as he was part of the tribute.

[@user-tw6wo2kf9d]

Plant asked Jason to join them, but Jason told him he was too busy touring with his band. He’s reaction when Jason walked out tells it all!

[@bigbow62]

Led Zeppelin: All amazing in their own way.. The grand prize is getting all 4 of them in the same band.... ✌️🙂

[@lizawake614]

Appreciation and loss of glory.

[@richardtodd7295]

What a production! Not "new", But it sure is memorable! An outstanding request. And yes, I like it!

[@carolynwatkns6304]

Definitely the best cover of stairway to Heaven ever. You must watch the long full version.

[@billhealey2060]

A well-spoken review. Thanks for sharing this epic performance. Robert's expression says everything.

[@dougdornseif]

Yep, this one gets me every time still! I was wishing I could tell you as you started the video, "fasten your seatbelt, you're in for a ride!!" It is indeed startling how much time has gotten by since our musical formative years!!

[@BakerStudiosIndy]

The very definition of an epic performance. Robert has always taken a very dim view of Stairway covers. His reaction to this one speaks volumes. Ann's vocals stand on their own as the pinnacle of female rock voices. Jason filling in for his late father is a thing of beauty. And Shane Fontayne nailing Jimmy's classic lead guitar riffs in front of Jimmy himself... No pressure there. The choir was nothing short of amazing... Including the bowler hats. Certainly a tribute to top all tributes. I've seen this many times, and each time I am blown away.

[@billpimentel-vm6cu]

Rock legends playing for Rock Gods

[@tomswanson7446]

A dedication to the greatest rock band that ever walked the planet

[@worldfamouslanglois4805]

Amazing every time. I wish they'd have amped up Nancy's voice a little bit so it was over the background singers but dang... what a show. Those Heart women kick some ass!

[@devoncooper8296]

Great reaction!!! In your own time, watch the whole tribute. It’s amazing 🤩🤩

[@icu___]

TFW you see possibly your greatest musical statement done the best it's ever been done.

[@sizzlemann]

I've seen this a few times now. It's still a great watch and listen. There's a great backstory to those lyrics. They're very personal and RP doesn't perform that song anymore.

[@vernhoke7730]

I've watched interviews with Ann and Nancy, and they were terrified of screwing up in front of the guys. Led Zeppelin was a big influence on them. In fact when I saw Heart they closed out the show with "Rock and Roll" by Zeppelin as a tribute to Elvis. It was August 16th 1977 the day he died.

[@pammcmonigle6061]

The greatest cover song preformed by any band!

[@jaymilu6384]

The long version is available to watch also

[@deborahhalbert3372]

When I watch this, I see and hear my youth. My relationship to music and the musicians I’ve known go flying through my brain and for a moment I am young again. I know it’s not true and I do stay young by continuing my appreciation for music, but man, to see a performance like this, you kind of have to tear up. I’m so very thankful…

[@nancysewell6670]

I believe this might have been the shortened version of the original performance. Incredible voice, incredible performance!

[@melissakhalar1842]

Chills every time I watch this.❤❤❤

[@bubsmomma]

I saw the original broadcast. Best number ever at the KC.. Still gives me chills. Ann was in her 60s. She was 71-72 when she sang with Disturbed. Badass

[@maryannarep]

I love Jason Bonham and Heart. I always make it a point to watch the Kennedy center honors. They did a great job! Jack Black hosted it. He called it a "zepathon"

[@MoMoMyPup10]

I'm 61, so I think just based on 'getting up there' with them in age I can get a good idea of what Plant is thinking. You're 'on the back 9' of life. You're looking at your whole legacy played out before you on stage, with Jack Black's opening tribute speech and then one band after another giving homage to your old asses. They're British, and they're getting THIS done for them in another country... in front of their president, and they get this kind of tribute/thank you performance, with all the bells and whistles, and it being played by the son of the drummer of the band, and all wearing 'Bolo hats' to honor him?!?! He was definitely caught up in the gravity of the moment, and what his life meant.

[@ChrisGillespie-fe8fq]

Freakin’ epic man!! Wow!!❤

[@StrateleStudios]

It was fun to see Plant’s reaction to seeing Jason Bonham. 👉

[@naknaksdadn572]

i was going to request this in the future! Nice to see that someone else has. This was a phenomenal performance!

[@TNKHART]

Such a classic song from back in my day. Heart did a fantastic tribute to the guys of Led Zepplin. I may or may be one of the guilty ones of playing Stairway To Heaven at Guitar Center. Respects.

[@matto9734]

The emotions... I know this since the beginnings of the 70s...

[@kylematheson9991]

That was the edited version from CBS that they took about 2 minutes out of the song there is a full version of the same place

[@vaughnnewman8903]

It doesn't get much better than that.

[@davidtullis2810]

Robert Plant said he was thinking about his best friend John Bonham and all the great times they had together. When the chorus at the end were all wearing Bonham's bollar hat broke him

[@StrateleStudios]

🥹

[@paulriddle7818]

I hope you had a chance to watch the full LZ segment. It was awesome.

[@oldschoolfink3212]

The story goes, that Robert Plant asked Jason Bonham (his Godson) to attend that event with him. Jason said he had a prior engagement that evening and couldn't make it. That's why Robert was so fired up when Jason was announced. And undoubtedly, a big part of why he was so emotional throughout. Not to mention the performance and the due respect given to the song. Best Live Tribute ever recorded.

[@MisterJ56]

This rendition always brings tears to my eyes ....... can't help it. Brings back memories ...... buying the album when it came out !! If I'm not mistaken (I'm nearly 68) Jimmy Page got an award (don't know what year) for "Paganini of the year".

[@HBPrins]

Tons of tears of pure emotion.

[@donnewton415]

THROWN OUT of so many Guitar Centers. :)

[@StrateleStudios]

😂😂😂

[@SheilaLS]

I believe they played the Rock Hall induction as well. I'm a Zep and Heart fan since ever. Ann and Nancy have such beautiful voices just even speaking I could listen to them talk all day. There are videos of Nancy breaking down her playing on Crazy on You and teaching harmonics on the mandolin that are mesmerizing. Jimmy Page home studio sessions are another favorite of mine listening to his process as he developed their iconic songs. I must have seen Song Remains the Same with the Madison Square Garden shows a hundred times. The moment in It Might Get Loud where Page breaks into Whole Lotta Love and Jack White and The Edge fan out is so cool. I feel that way every time he plays so called flaws and all.

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. Definitely an emotional tribute. ❤

[@bggas400]

Good review. This is one of the greatest productions I've ever seen. I do however wish that people would stop suggesting this particular version because this version cuts out part of the guitar solo. The full version has the entire guitar solo.

[@StrateleStudios]

I do wish I had been given the link for the full version but I never know when I start the reaction.

[@stpnwlf9]

The tribute was hosted and introduced by Jack Black (hilariously, I might add) and featured LZ covers by the Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, and Lenny Kravitz in addition to the Wilson sisters. If you can find video of the entire tribute, it is well worth watching! By the way, the lead guitar solo was by Shane Fontaine, a well-respected studio guitarist - can't imagine the pressure he felt.

[@capthegoat]

There was a comment on another reaction by on of the people in that choir. That person said that during the rehearsals it was Dave Krohl playing drums. Jason was a surprise to EVERYONE! Bowlers on the “Heavenly Choir” fantastic! The guys loved it per their own words on Dave Letterman!

[@jbs256]

Hi Jeff, This was such a magic show. It had all the elements of just being maybe one of the greatest tributes ever. It was goosebumps edge to edge and I felt your emotions coming through. I wasn’t a Zeppelin fan but respected their work and didn’t turn the station. I just wasn’t an album buyer of theirs back in the day. Now with streaming I can catch up on what I missed. Using Ann and Nancy was brilliant, it was perfect. Nancy’s sweet guitar and Ann’s vocal. Shivers. Jason on drums more goosebumps. Heart was a band I did follow but time and age made me forget until this young singer reminded me how great they were and now I’m also using streaming to relive the days of yore. Oh, you couldn’t possibly guess who I’m talking about. The video I’d want to show you is on another service “I” can’t link to it. But there is a mashup video featuring that video from there. So I’ll link that for a reference point. No spoilers here. Just what reminded me of why a young lass would want to grow up to be ❤. The whole damn band. Joe kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWnTo5l9iM6hiM0si=aEqAzFkfOXOckcWn .

[@Beauty-and-the-Dia-betes]

I've watched this cover so many times. It always sounds new every single time.

[@wilksy2008]

Ohhhh, I am so here for this 👀🤤

[@johnpagniello2178]

I know I'm late to the party but it was mentioned by Heart that this was the only version Plant has ever liked. Plant has said in past he doesn't like renditions of this song done by others. Plus Heart had only one rehearsal of this, that amazing. just wish he mic was turned up a bit more.

[@barryanderson3910]

Good comments, Jeff. You always manage to let us know a little more about you with every reaction. What was Robert Plant thinking? Maybe that it has all gone by too quickly and it would be nice to go back and experience it all again. Jimmy Page looks well for all that he (and the group) has done (if you believe the literature) in their life. As far as who are the best artists, I don't bother myself with that. If you enjoy their music, that's all that's necessary.

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Jason Bonham the son of the original drummer John Bonham was the drummer here, which caused the emotion you saw. It was a surprise and he was flooded with emotion because Robert Plant had to tell Jason when he was a small boy, that his father had died. They were the best friends, and memories came rushing back. I heard a interview about this performance

[@rgoers]

I've watched this cover a few times. I just can't imagine how these guys must have felt. They probably can't even count the number of times they have played this song and to hear someone else do such a good job with it would be overwhelming for anyone.

[@davidlevine1697]

all of the performances at that ceremony were top drawer. one of the best KCH ever.

[@alexisr5199]

They asked John to be there for this. He told them he had other thing to do. Hehe. When they see John you can see the their acknowledgement, like ok I got it now. Nice reaction. Also, I have heard you sentanments bout Jimmies playing. I do not no enuff to judge on that.

[@bjebel1]

This is The Kennedy Center Honors that happens annually at the Kennedy Center. Four or five artists in various artistic categories are honored.

[@bigbow62]

If i had a guess Robert was missing his best friend and former band mate Jon Bonham ❤ (RIP Jon) Ann Wilson the best womans voice in rock and at 60+... WOW !

[@pjeastwood9241]

You nailed how I feel about Jimmy Page. He WAS a sloppy player, especially when he was stoned or drunk which was a lot of the time. He was also damned brilliant when it came to innovation and composing. Who the hell combines a Theremin, an electric guitar and a violin bow live in concert??? 😁

[@StrateleStudios]

Yes! 👏 👏👏

[@dotlund1096]

I love this video so much. I recall it disappeared off you tube for awhile, then it reappeared. I cry every time. 😥

[@pepevisedo7304]

At those events in tribute to historical artists, at the White House (or at the Academy, or at the Kennedy Center Honors, it doesn't matter), spectacular bands are always organized. This one even has Lou Marini (one of my three favorite living saxophonists) in the crowd. Too bulky? Maybe, but I love it

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

HI Jeff… Just an FYI: This is NOT Heart’s FULL performance of their Led Zeppelin tribute. (This video you watched was edited down by a couple of minutes for TV broadcasting purposes.) The FULL performance (which IS also on YT)… is SO MUCH BETTER.🙏

[@markhopkins3438]

Jason is playing his Dad's drum kit.

[@emeraldenthusiest3932]

Hi Jeff. Love your channel. I'm glad you reacted to it. This was from 2012. Ann was 62 years old at the time. Here is the link for the full version of the performance, which is better than the version you reacted to (the choir is more pronounced and it's longer). Hope you like it even better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfbgJR6mq-gjs0

[@Earman54music]

Jason Bonham!

[@bradcozart5703]

I love this video! Yes they added some to it but still kept true to the song. Now then, I want to ask you a question. You're a pro guitarist and I wonder if you would have done what Shane Fontayne did? Stand there in front of the man that wrote that solo, one of the most well known in rock, and play it cool as a cucumber? Jimmy Page was counting the riffs as Shane was playing it. I'd have been shaking like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs 😮. An amazing video of a historic moment in rock & roll. 😎 Thank you for your insight on the video.

[@StrateleStudios]

Honestly, I would have done my best to play it exactly like the original. I’d give him a 7 out of 10. I’m weird, I live for that kind of pressure 😆

[@laurasmith2522]

Ypu should watch the i whole tribute its wonderful and even after seeing this maybe 100xs i still choke up seeing Jason B. Pkaying in his dads place . . 😢

[@suevan50]

There's a full version that you should check out. This leaves some of the tribute out.

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

This edited version that was shortened for broadcasting purposes, feels/sounds “homogenized” compared to the original longer performance.🖖

[@user-tr9de6gm8k]

Robert Plant has heard so many bad versions of this song. It moved him to hear this. Jason Bonham not only wore his father's bowler hat, he was playing the very same drum set that his father used in the studio.

[@rickpopham5400]

Yeah, they cut the heck out of this and it still hits pretty hard. There IS a "full" version floating around, but it leaves out the full intro.

[@jbach4311]

Jeff, The Greatest Rock Production Ever!! I.M.O. Heart what a great Choice!! Though the Guitar SOLO was a little Sloopy on this one.

[@jeffwheaton1733]

The long play version is better if you find it.

[@MiladieBasson-dn8ge]

Le monde a Led Zeppelin ❤❤❤ En France nous avons Aya Kamura. Qu'est qu'on a fait pour mériter ça 😢😢😢 Quand j'écoute des chefs d'oeuvres comme Stairway to heaven, je me dis quand est ce que ça a merder. Qu'est ce qu'on a fait au bon dieu 😱

[@Phil-Paris-France]

En France ils ont de la mer... dans les oreilles ! Ils n'aiment que la daube de chanteurs de variétoche avec 3 accords et un refrain ! Même Johnny n'est qu'un imitateur qui passe de Piaf, à se déguiser ensuite comme un hippie, à chanter du Goldman et du Barbelivien !! ça a merdé dès le début des années 60 avec les Yéyés Sheila, Richard Antony, Claude François, Sylvie Vartan et ça n'a jamais cessé ! Heureusement pour les autres comme moi on a eu les Beatles, les Animals et Pink Floyd et Led Zep et tant d'autres pointures qu'on adorait quand on allait à Londres en week-end !

[@georgepozega5267]

I saw this when it was o live and was really impressed! This song was really popular when I was in high school. If you want to see another cover of this song that was really well done, The band First to Eleven did a cover with 3 other groups as a colab with each other. The other groups were Violet Orlandi, Lauren Babic, and Addie from Halocene. Here is the link if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF7Ym51ojMmbgrM

[@chystubin07]

Who wasn't effected by that ❤ and everyone wearing Jon's Derby 😪

[@kurtschmidt9760]

Great reaction. I agree with you about jimmy page. I think maybe you can say the same about David Gilmour, i liked his acoustic a little better then the electric although both were good. Just an opinion and i am sure i will get haters too.

[@StrateleStudios]

👏👏👏🫶

[@randygreen927]

I'm so frustrated that this chopped up for tv version exists. The full complete song version is out there and it flows so much better. Zeps reactions make more sense in real time.