[Reaction] Heart - Stairway to Heaven | Live at Kennedy Center Honors | TomTuffnuts Reacts

[@squincegoddess]

“Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, played drums. As the song progresses, back-up singers, a string section and the Joyce Garrett Youth Choir come onstage.The bowler hats on Bonham and the singers, were meant as a tribute to John Bonham, who passed away in 1980.” The President and First Lady, fellow honoree David Letterman, Jack Black, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and a visibly moved Robert Plant watched. The performers got a well-deserved standing ovation at the end.”

[@partgee]

Was Yo-yo Ma, the Cellist, also in the audience?

[@ivanboston8582]

@@partgee yup

[@aerynoftalyn1307]

@@partgee Looked like he was enjoying a fine wine!

[@Starborn63]

Please research your videos before you post in the future. That was an epic concert.

[@siouxmitchell8177]

@@Starborn63 I actually think it was a refreshing reaction to not have been researched beforehand.

[@joemacinnis1972]

An absolute masterpiece! The best rendition I've ever heard period

[@stevecain6377]

You know you've nailed a Zeppelin cover when you bring Robert Plant to tears. The Led Zeppelin members were being honored by the Kennedy Center, that's why they were there. "the Kennedy Center Honors has upheld a tradition of recognizing the lifelong accomplishments and extraordinary talents of our nations' most-prestigious artists".

[@ingobordewick6480]

Robert was near tears because he thought of John, seeing his son on Johns drum kit.

[@GrandpaOCE]

@@ingobordewick6480 100% right on when he noticed who was on drums he said that is what got ot him

[@ScottMaresh]

@@ingobordewick6480Yeah, even Ann and Nancy have said they can't take credit for the tears it was because of Jason on the drums.

[@Agucci_1]

And Johns son and choir paying tribute wearing Johns iconic hat. Robert said he felt bad because Johns son had "prior engagements" and couldn't make it so when he saw him come out he was completly surprised. Damn....someone's cutting onions. 🤣😭 I cry every dang time I watch these reactions! Ann and Nancy killed it as well as the choir and band. I don't think any one could sing it better than Ann Wilson!! ❤️

[@tiffymcconkey]

I thought I read somewhere that this performance was a surprise and no one knew who the last to go on stage or what song. I could be wrong so don't come for me.

[@reneemenosky873]

This is why heart is my favorite female group ❤️

[@robertlockhart3122]

EXCELLENT REACTION Tom ...Ann Wilson is 62 years old in this video. Let that sink in for a second. Tom said it best "They Slayed it."

[@thancrow]

Jason Bonham's hat was his father's. The drum kit also was his father's. R.i.p. John Bonham

[@TheDivayenta]

That’s Shayne Fontaine on lead guitar! Zep’s deceased drummer’s son, Jason Bonham is killing it on the drums for his Dad and his friends.

[@gregaroo329]

I HAD to find out who that guy was (is)! He killed it!

[@rmweidner7596]

...those are his dad's drums and hat, too - and Robert, Jimmy, and John Paul all recognized them. Also, Jason Bonham had been invited by Robert Plant to attend the honors, and he lied to him, saying that he couldn't attend as he had already committed to playing a gig in Los Angeles that night.

[@Danny_Inflames]

Only a few people can make Robert Plant cry Heart , Amazing!!

[@Flickymcbean825]

Jason’s appearance was kept a secret from Robert, who’d asked him to be there at the honours ceremony. He had to lie and say he couldn’t make it which was a source of discontent with Robert. So when he was introduced on stage it was an extra special moment for the band, particularly Robert who really wanted him there.

[@lisayoung4987]

What a way To Pay Homage!!!!!!

[@joelmoreno4223]

I'm a little amazed or perplexed about how many people don't know what the Kennedy Center Honors are - I think the première awards/tribute ceremony in the US, attended by the president and many, many celebrities - here you see Yo Yo Ma, Debbie Allen, Bonnie Raitt, as well as President amd Mrs Obama. This tribute performance in honor of Led Zeppelin- absolutely fantastic! At the beginning, the drummer Jason Bonham was introduced as the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, but it hasn't showen on this video. The end when Jason Bonham and Robert Plant acknowledge each other with hands over their hearts was touching. Fantastic, I think a once-in-a-liftime performance, especially for Jason.

[@wen-nz3sk]

Awesome reaction!! 👍🏽❤ Never tire watching someone view this. I watched it on CBS when it aired specifically for Heart. So seeing this video go out on YT, it is special!! ❤❤

[@mzluna313]

I absolutely refused to listen to this cover for a long time! I'm a huge fan of both Zeppelin and Heart! It's my opinion that there are certain songs that just should not be covered and Stairway to Heaven is absolutely one of them. I've heard many covers and sadly, they were epic fails! I didn't want to hear Heart fail at their attempt! I was chuckling at my own ignorance as I was texting the previous sentence! This was absolute perfection! The solo was not Page, but the dude killed it! Could you imagine the pressure on that guy to perform that solo with perfection? The spotlight is on you and so are the eyes of Jimmy Page!

[@turquoise770]

I know, Ann and Nancy did it so well that it sounded like a Heart classic, but I learned in the comments section that they started out back in the 70s covering Zeppelin tunes (which is why she sings it to perfection and makes it her own), plus they had the special blessing of Led Zeppelin to cover it here, although they didn't know John Bonham's son Jason would be playing his father's part on drums.

[@carolinedoyle7236]

I was the exact same, only listened to it for the first time last week and I'm now obsessed with it!

[@lisacarbon1544]

Who is that guy???

[@mariamenegalli2321]

Also, I would like to add, I saw Heart live a few years ago, and they closed the show with Kashmere and Black Dog

[@sherryarflin726]

Nerves of steel doing that in front of Page himself !!

[@McDevittMike]

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. The honors have been presented annually since 1978, culminating each December in a star-studded gala celebrating the honorees in the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. Wikipedia

[@kenmahoney5255]

Fckn speechless. Happy holidays to all.

[@deborahhalbert3372]

One of the best “cover” performances you’ll ever witness

[@christinaalgate4899]

This is Amazing. Heart is amazing too. Ann was 62 and Nancy 58. Ann is now 71 and Nancy 66. Nancy is the guitarist and Ann's voice rocks. The drummer is the original's drummer's son. You should react to Heart singing Alone. Ann and Nancy still Rock. Ann is on tour right now. They were nervous before and after.

[@steveschaap1514]

Arguably the greatest cover ever!

[@JBW27]

I'm only halfway through the video, but in case you don't realise or say further on in the video, the drummer is Jason Bonham who is John's Son. John, the original drummer, died which was what made the band split up. So, in a way it's a double tribute to them and to Jason's dad. Absolutely beautiful tribute.

[@TomTuffnuts]

Oh WoW, I had no idea! Thanks for sharing that

[@alanwhetstone3922]

Also the kit he is playing is the John Bonham's kit

[@hotseat2]

Jason also toured with them as his dads fill in

[@God-ck5yo]

@@hotseat2 Zep never toured without Bonzo - Jason played with them only twice officially, first at a 1988 Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary show and a full blown show at the O2 in London in 2007. They also played together at Jasons wedding.

[@jayholland2632]

@@TomTuffnuts Over the years there have been many incredible Kennedy Center Honor performances. This and Adam Lambert's cover of Cher's 'Believe' are among my favorites though.

[@coltonjordan699]

You asked so many times what this performance was for and it literally says “Kennedy Center Honors” IN THE TITLE😂 perfect cover.

[@roadkill7314]

I'll plagiarize from a comment I saw on another reaction to this: "This is rock royalty paying tribute to rock gods". This is one of the best covers to any song ever!

[@Agucci_1]

Absolutely!!

[@MsWarriordiva]

Kennedy Center is in DC. There are honors held there usually annually for actors/musicians, etc. This is the tribute to LZ.

[@80srocker67]

Best cover of this song ever

[@yo-yocoast1039]

Just for future reference don’t close your eyes during a reaction, visuals are just as important.

[@26shedan]

for sure, I was wanting him to open his eyes and watch.

[@fernandof.2225]

he missed the Obama's the first time they appeared... is just silly

[@siouxmitchell8177]

And enjoying the music is actually more important.

[@yo-yocoast1039]

@@siouxmitchell8177 The entire experience is worth watching with eyes wide open, lol.

[@BoingBB]

THE best cover version of any song I have ever heard. Period.

[@theloneranger8725]

In case you're wondering, this performance is from the ceremony in 2012.

[@ladylauraanne]

this performance always brings me to tears

[@Hexcaliblur83]

What a set of pipes on Ann 😱 and at 62yo.. you can really hear the maturity and depth in her voice in that it is, in a word, "Seasoned" 🤷.. absolutely sensational.. the perfect choice to tribute, arguably the greatest rock song of all time by the greatest rockers of all time.. the reaction on the old boys faces say it all!! 🤘🤘

[@jmartin4396]

For years now, Heart has done a mini Led Zeppelin set during their concerts. They are about the best 'Zeppelin Tribute' band around. :)

[@Agucci_1]

Absolutely!!

[@nancymartineau-bauman6018]

I can never get enough of seeing this tribute that Heart performed for Led Zeppelin. it has to be one of the most memorable Kennedy Center Honor performances. Also at this same concert was Beth Hart and Jeff Beck Honoring Buddy Guy doing a magnificent cover of Etta James "I'd Rather Go Blind". You should check that out too.

[@videoluvr2]

I saw this performance when it aired! I love HEART, and am a fanatic for HEART.

[@davidbeach4682]

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is in Washington DC. Annually it selects a group of actors, ,singers, musicians, etc. to memorialize for a lifetime's body of work in the performing arts. SUPER prestigious. The President usually attends.

[@rah2507]

In the crowd in addition to the Obamas you will see Bonnie Raitt, Stephen Colbert, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmie Kimmel and few other familiar faces I can't remember the names of. This video never fails to give me chills and lift my soul.

[@tamidarley590]

She was 61...let that sink in

[@maureen14]

62. And she had the flu and she had less than a day to rehearse with the band and choir. Girl power.

[@TheDivayenta]

The Wilson girls and band have covered Zep in their Heart sets all their lives. They were the best choice to sing this! Ann was 62 and Nancy in her 50’s here!

[@joefenske374]

John Bonham's son is playing the drums in this tribute.

[@jackhargrove4275]

That's how ya do it . 👌💞💯✨🙏✨🙏Flat Out Iconic & Here Forever .

[@alanwhetstone3922]

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. The honors have been presented annually since 1978, culminating each December in a star-studded gala celebrating the honorees in the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C.

[@stevebryant6483]

You can even see David Letterman sitting up there next to Jimmy Page, as he was also being honored that night.

[@richnorcal]

Great performance...and Ann Wilson was 62yr at the time of this. The Kennedy Center Honors is a lifetime achievement recognition in the Arts, be it music, acting, etc..it is attended by other artists from across the spectrum and is normally attended by the President and First Lady as well, very black tie event

[@charlesyateschalfant]

The most impressive cover I've ever heard.

[@HoneyBl]

This version of the video was edited for broadcast on TV. If you can find it, there's a much longer video with the full song. It is EPIC!

[@tommythompson9565]

Thank you for your service.

[@wessparkmon2395]

It was Kimmel at 5:20. The same night Led Zeppelin was honored, Dave Letterman was honored, so he was there for Letterman's presentation.

[@MsWarriordiva]

Ann is the singer. Nancy is her younger sister on the acoustic guitar. The drummer is Josh Bonham, the son of John Bonham, the original drummer for LZ. The guitar player who did the solo is Shane Fontaine, a British guitarist.

[@janfitzgerald3615]

Ann Wilson was 62 and Nancy Wilson was 58. There were some verses cut because others performed LZ songs ahead of Heart. The Foo Fighters, Kid Rock and Kenny Kravitz. Others were also honored that night, like David Letterman, which is why you saw Jimmy Kimmel and his wife. President Obama and Michelle were there too.

[@metallicaguy4679]

heart , one of the best female bands of all time

[@sersastark]

One of the best heavy rock bands of all time, full stop.

[@pauletteraspberry2923]

John Bonham was best friends with Robert Plant who was Jason’s godfather. Jason played with them a lot. Robert invited him to go with them to the Kennedy Honors, butJason said he couldn’t because he had another gig. So when Robert saw him he was surprised and thrilled and got a bit teary eyed. Heart killed this song.

[@cmccracken5976]

The choir is amazing and adds to the emotion of the song

[@mikesundquist2960]

FYI This is a Tribute to LZ back in 2012. As three members are present John Bonham’s son was on drums during song. Ann and Nancy sang Amazingly! You are able to watch indifference by LZ starting at beginning of song to approval as song plays forward. I never get tired of listening to this tribute. Well done. Robert Plant seemingly agreed as he wiped his eye towards end of song. Awesome… !

[@ellenbacklin]

Ahhhhh. Please don't stop at all!!!!

[@scottmeeks662]

Heart started off as a Led Zeppelin cover band. They usually play a few Zeppelin song at their concerts

[@dariendudley941]

The Kennedy center honors - led Zeppelin tribute 2012. its a whole thing about Zeppelin done by Foo fighters ,kid rock ,Lenny Kravitz and Heart . So there is 4 songs

[@jayrock1389]

They drummer was Jason Bonham. Son of original drummer.

[@kevenbridges9433]

Those are Bonzo's drums that Jason is playing !

[@josephbishop3590]

Tom.... terrific reaction.... The drummer nailed it for sure!! The drummer is Jason Bonham. The son of the late John Bonham, drummer for LZ. The hat he was wearing is tribute to John. Many years ago, Heart toured with LZ and play a bunch of Zeppelin on their tours to this day. They're big fans. The tears were probably a combination of several things... the appreciation of having Jason drumming and having their friends, Ann and Nancy pay tribute with THIS SONG, on THIS STAGE, with THIS AUDIENCE.... the tears were probably coming anyway, just a matter of when. Depending on mood...I could listen to either version of this Masterworks and be fulfilled. But you're right... the added elements of choir and symphony add a lot of.... 'flavor' to this already 'tasty' piece. Bon appetit! Here's another flavorful idea... You could try out the third Wilson sister.... Gretchen Wilson covers Heart's BARRACUDA! You'd have thought Gretchen wrote it! You'll thank me later.

[@jesterforhire]

You shut your eyes grooving hard when they showed the Obama’s…I was screaming at you to open your eyes. 😳😜💜

[@buddyjohnston9506]

Anne Wilson was 62 years young when she did this in 2012 what an amazing performance

[@nancymartineau-bauman6018]

The Kennedy Center Honors happen every year, honoring music of all types for their life long achievments.The current President of that year is always invited to attend. The drummer is John Bonham's son Jason Bonham. What a great honor for him to step in and play his Dad's part in the song. He sent his love up to Led Zep right after the performance.

[@gamortie]

When the guitarist started ripping into the solo, this transcended being a tribute to Zep, and became an anthem to the spirit of Rock

[@gamortie]

And when Jason Bonham looks to heaven before the last crescendo……*chills*

[@dannytse8767]

There's a gentleman playing an acoustic guitar next to the guitarist doing the solo. He doesn't get enough camera time, but he's the musical director of the show each year. He arranged this version of "Stairway to Heaven".

[@rodhanson7112]

This was a great honour to a great band

[@Zoey-K-1]

The drummer was “so into this performance” because he is the son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham. My favorite part of this video is when, during the guitar solo, we get a shot of a jimmy Page smiling and mumbling “ very good, very good,”

[@jayf6248]

Is that Jim Parsons with the solo!?

[@imuawarriors]

my favorite part was seeing Yo Yo Ma rockin' out.... having Bonnie Rait show approval is something too..

[@darena55]

If you watch the full version of the Kennedy Center Honors honoring Led Zeppelin, you'll see Jack Black hosting, and other artists doing Led songs

[@Ieeho98]

They have this Honors show every year where the honor different people. There is about 3 or 4 other performances by different rock bands that play Led Zeppelin songs (Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, Kid Rock). They also payed tribute to Buddy Guy at this show and Beth Hart and Jeff Beck play I'd Rather Go Blind, which was very good.

[@geoffwilliams3356]

Ann Wilson ❤️❤️❤️

[@videoluvr2]

I love HEART!

[@joanbaillie9925]

Fabulous performance. I loved it. Great tribute to Led Zeppelin.

[@jaemac3519]

For future reference, you can adjust the sound level WE hear at this end. i can barely hear the song in this video, enough that I didn't bother to listen thru. Remember that there are a shit ton of reaction people who've reacted to everything you have or will react to. We listeners who love these songs and enjoy watching people discover them.... WE WANT TO HEAR THE SONG LOUD ENOUGH TO ENJOY IT AT THIS END.

[@donaldbrunner6250]

Led Zeppelin was being honored for their contributions to music. That's Jason Bonham John Bonham's son playing the drums. Robert Plant says this is the best cover of Stairway to Heaven he's heard.Jimmy Page told them they can play any Led Zeppelin song they want anytime.Heart was the only band that got a standing ovation not only from the audience but also from the Wilson sister's idols growing up Led Zeppelin. The bowler hats were to honor John Bonham. The singer is Ann Wilson the blonde playing guitar Is Nancy Wilson Ann's sister.

[@jamesstrickland517]

The woman sitting behind JPJ and RP is none other than Carole King

[@ellenbacklin]

Kennedy center honors has been around since 1970s i believe. Jfk believed dearly in the fine arts. Opera, ballet, classical music, acting, rock, country, soul, jazz.

[@dramac333]

The Kennedy Center is in Washington DC and was established to honor both President John F. Kennedy and each year they honor 5 or 6 individuals or groups involved in the performing arts. The President is always invited (though Trump declined all four years) and President Obama never missed one. Heart is led by Ann Wilson (vocals) and Nancy Wilson (guitar and backing vocals mostly.) And the drummer was Jason Bonham, son of Led Zep's original drummer, John Bonham who died in 1980 of alcohol poisoning leading to choking to death on his own vomit. (Yeah, it's disgusting, but it's also more common than people think.

[@paulsweeney2959]

Just caught your reqction to this excellent tribute. As for the guitar player and solo: not only must you be talented and accomplished enough to play this solo flawlessly, you have to have nerves of fun steel to perform it in front of Page himself! If.Page is a rock god, then this man is a prophet.

[@davidwadleigh9860]

The acoustic guitar player is Aniie Wilson's sister Nancy.

[@darrellclark2349]

Ann & Nancy Wilson have been covering Led Zeppelin tunes since their heyday ( 1976 ) The Kennedy Center Honors are an appreciation show honoring individuals in the arts from all aspects of art ; music , acting , broadway , etc.) The drummer is Jason Bonham , son of original drummer , John Bonham . Heart was chosen to perform this closing number , because no one covers LZ like Ann & Nancy Wilson . Barack Obama was the president when this was televised . Tradition is every presidential tenure is suppose to have The Kennedy Center Honors , not sure if that's the case anymore . I encourage you to listen to Heart's early material ( 1976 - 1980 ) , and you will see a lot of simarities between Heart and Led Zeppelin .

[@susanryan2451]

And honey don't forget that they also playing in front of hundreds of celebrities like Bonnie raitt Jimmy Kimmel Yo-Yo ma Brandon marsalis Debbie allen, but they were also playing in front of the president and his wife, and millions of people watching live. I think there's a longer version that you might want to check out. Or you may want to just check out the full version of this tribute to led Zeppelin which also includes kid Rock and Lenny Kravitz and Jack Black. It's a humdinger. Good job!

[@gilsorger6548]

The drummer is Jason Bonham, John Bonham's son. And they are Ann and Nancy Wilson.

[@annsmith6139]

great reaction

[@DavidTateVA]

As good as Heart's body of work was over the years, their first album was still their best. Dreamboat Annie is on my top 10 list of rock albums, and the best three songs on it are "Magic Man", "Crazy On You", and "(If You Love Me Like Music) I'll Be Your Song".

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Kennedy Center is in DC…..as in Washington, DC. 🤘😎❤️🎼

[@davidwadleigh9860]

That is John Bonam's Son. The singer is Annie Wilson

[@sallydorsey1851]

That her sister beside her

[@rogerevansen2882]

"Is this a tribute?"..... frozen on the screen: Kennedy Center Honors. This isn't the first time I have questioned whether or not reactors actually pay attention to what they react to.

[@LiLiJo]

If you’re going to pay tribute to Led Zeppelin with this song and know you can’t do it better, you make it special in a way no one has or will ever do it. Then you nail it! Epic!

[@lisacarbon1544]

The drummer is Bonos Son❤

[@ninakiewiet]

Heart is ann and nancy Wilson and they did a great job there were a few others that did Led Zeppelin songs too believe Lenny Kravitz rest I can’t remember

[@leonardinghram8060]

Theres so much to comment on but this is epic and i want to know the guitar players name that did that solo in front of page and the rest

[@ellenbacklin]

Nobody knew that Jason Bonham was going to be. There was a complete shock, especially to Robert Plant who was John Bonham's best friend.

[@missymarkle4787]

If you like Barracuda, check out Gretchen Wilson ( country singer) and Alice In Chains playing tribute to Heart. Gretchen sings the sh** out of it!! It's so awesome and the only person I've heard that can come close to Ann Wilson!!!

[@gregaroo329]

I heard it! Awesome!

[@Hallstat72]

Is that Lou Marini in 9.31 or a doppelganger??

[@lizardkingof1968]

Pretty sure that was Blue Lou

[@Hallstat72]

@@lizardkingof1968 Yep checked from interview with Jason Bonham that he was proud to be on the stage with legends including Lou Marini!!!!

[@PrinzessAdri8]

It's Ann and Nancy and the drummer is the son of Led Zepplins drummer

[@vicprovost2561]

Tremendous tribute by Heart, especially under the circumstances. If you like them and of course, Led Zeppelin,have I got a band for you. From the 1970s try UFO, a pioneering British hard rock/heavy metal hybrid that took off after hiring German guitarist Michael Schemer away from the Scorpions. Their 5 studio albums from1974 - 1978 are a blueprint for a generation of hard rockers and metal heads and are highly underrated. They have one of the best Live albums ever, Strangers In the Night Live, with killer solos and amazing sound and production, many bands like Iron Maiden and Dec Leopard cite them as a prime influence. From the live album, try the definitive versions of Light Out, Love to Love and Rock Bottom. I guarantee this band will freak you out and you will wonder where they were all you life, sadly, not often on commercial radio. Rock On and Enjoy! 🎸

[@jimsteele3423]

Ann is Singing

[@lisacarbon1544]

Still in love with Page♥️♥️

[@ellenbacklin]

You should try the Kennedy center owners.Carlos santana , that was fantastic too

[@mariamenegalli2321]

the "drummer" is Jason Bonham, If you catch him at the end he's looking up, kinda paying homage to his late great father John Bonham.

[@martinl8574]

Everyone my age can play the begining of "stairway" Lmao