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.
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.
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.
I completely agree with your opinion. If my grandchildren ever ask me what rock music is, I will play this video for them. They will immediately understand and love it.
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.
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
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.
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!!!!!
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.
Performance was a workshop on how to do a proper tribute. For me, seeing Jason Bonham look to the skies, choked up, right beofre she sings "...to heaven" was the most touching. You can almost feel John smiling down on him.
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.
@@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.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 😉🎸
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
I've watched this a dozen times and my first two thoughts were, #1. Imagine being Heart and being asked to sing this to Led Zepplin as a Tribute. #2 Imagine being Led Zepplin and having Heart sing this to/For you.
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.
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...
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 ❤😂🎉
This is a stunning cover of a stunning song by a stunning rock band. And a very correct, sincere reaction to such a performance of the song. Thank you, my friend, for these minutes of joy. I wish good luck to your channel and all the best in life. Once again, thank you very much. From Russia with love.
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", "What About Love", "Never", "Dog & Butterfly", "These Dreams", "Alone" etc.
Oh, no! You need to watch the longer video to get the full guitar solo. That video is 8 min long. The one I watch is on a channel called Don Jack. It's a great performance already, but seeing the whole guitar solo is even more epic.
Best Kennedy Center tribute ever. There is a better version on YT with better camera and an additional verse. Ann was 62 at the time. She recorded with Disturbed a few years ago. Was planning a tour this year until sidelined by cancer. A badass singer for the ages
I'm a huge Beatles fan, so Paul McCartney's tribute was fantastic, as well. That was also during the Obama era. This is definitely in the top 10 of the best covers of all time.
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.
I have seen this tribute approx once a month for the past 3 years, and I like it better than the original, simply amazing... And I saw Led Zepplin live in England at Knebworth Park in 79... I was 19.
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
Just fyi, the Heart performance is only the last part of the Led Zeppelin tribute from the Kennedy Center Honors. This was after a commercial break. Before the ads, there was a narrative by Jack Black, and performances by Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, and others. The full tribute is available on You Tube, so you might want to check it out. :)
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
I’ve rewatched that honors ceremony performance so many times. The original song is great and Heart did it justice and then some. My only criticism of this reaction video, is you should have watched the full version. This is the edited version with some of the performance cut down.
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!🤗
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.
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! 🌿
🌸 and since this is your first time seeing it, if you noticed the last line of the song when she sings the word heaven, Jason looks up to the sky, from the drums, as to honor his father .💔
I'll give you one more Great cover of a Led Zeppelin song covered my the band "Great White they did it back in the day when MTV had their unplugged show. Great White did the most phenomenal cover of "Babe I'm Gonna Leave you" Robert Plant said that Jack Russell (Lead Singer of Great White) sounded more like him than himself. What a great compliment from Robert Plant. They did it Acoustically just soo good worth you checking it out.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Annie is just too amazing for words as is Nancy. Heart rules big time❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂
My era's music CANNOT BE TOPPED. Modern music of today cannot come close to replicating this magnificent audio gem...
Name me anything that happens today that tops this? Anything? Anyone?
ANYTHING??....
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.
AMEN!!🌬🌀 🎶🌎✨️🌟💓
I'd be suspicious of anyone who isn't moved to tears watching and hearing this. Smiles and tears go well together.
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this performance.....goosebumps EVERY time.
Every time I hear or see this song, I have a mix of emotions and feelings inside me that I can't explain. I just find myself crying profusely
I completely agree with your opinion. If my grandchildren ever ask me what rock music is, I will play this video for them. They will immediately understand and love it.
🌸 don't worry about crying, dude.. I've probably seen this 150 times and I cry every time.
Yes I’ve seen many men & women cry, crying is a good cleaning of your eyes, nothing wrong with crying.
Same
Me too 😢🎉❤
Every. Single. Time.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I scrolled through the comments first before commenting about Jason telling Robert he couldn’t come be with them and then surprising him.
Robert lost his little boy at five and helped to raise Jason, as a second father. Also, happy 75th Birthday Mr Plant!
@@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.
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.
This to me, feels like the peak of humanity’s ability to create music
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!!!!!
the derby hats they were all wearing was a tribute to him as well
It's the soaring voices of the choir that takes the song to a new level.
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.
Performance was a workshop on how to do a proper tribute.
For me, seeing Jason Bonham look to the skies, choked up, right beofre she sings "...to heaven" was the most touching. You can almost feel John smiling down on him.
This is like watching the moon landing. The Wilson sisters of Heart will be immortalized because of this one performance.
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.
Is true
There are times when you know you’re watching something very special. I get chills every time I see this. Incredible. ❤️❤️
If you can make Robert Plant cry, you've done it right.
Best cover ever!! Heart hit a Grand Slam!!
❤
@@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.
Robert Plant cried too, when he saw that performance. You're in good company!
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.
there's a reason why Heart is also known as the female Led Zepplin... i love their covers of misty mountain hop and Kashmir...
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!
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!!
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.
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.
The drummer is the son of the late drummer of Led Zeppelin. That is why he greets the guys.
Gotcha, what a legend
crying to a masterpiece, is the most natural thing in humanity
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.
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!
I watch this performance several times a year, and it gets me every time.
🌸 can you even imagine playing that guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page??
No. That took cajones the size of bowling balls.
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.
Jimmy was smiling during the solo so I think he approved 😊
I thought about that when I watched it. I can’t even imagine having to play that in front of Jimmy Page.
Shayne Fontayne tearing up that guitar solo!
This is a masterpiece. I cry, too.
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 😉🎸
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.
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
To be in that room with that music coming at you. That would be heavenly.
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.
The best comment I've seen was, "Rock Legends paying homage to Rock Gods".
Brings a tear to my eyes every single time. It was awesome to see you recognize the amazing performance of an iconic piece.
I tear up every time I watch it. It touches my soul.
Led Z. Loved the version. Said it was the best.
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!
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
An absolute perfect masterpiece! a legendary song! best band ever!
The best Stairway to Heaven cover you'll ever see period ❤
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.
I have seen this at least 20+ times and still have tears every time.
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
Best cover ever no one can top Ann
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.
You’re not alone. I’ve watched this video probably 100 times and still get teared up
Yep - Led Zeplin + Heart; Ann Wilson slayed it. What a great tribute. Not a DRY EYE in the house.
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.
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.
Not just a verse, they hacked out part of the iconic guitar solo, which is unforgivable.
Kennedy Center Honors Always Brings It!! Another MUST SEE KCH is Aretha Franklin singing Natural Woman at the KCH for Carol King!
Can’t believe she was 62 when she sang this.
Actually, as you realize, one of the greatest covers in history..its just so so good...there's a longer version, btw
Watching Led Zeppelin watch this performance gets me every time!
Great reaction. It bears repeating that Nancy Wilson was 62 when she rocked this performance out and her voice was amazing.
It was Ann Wilson who was singing, Nancy was playing the guitar.
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!!
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!
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.
I've watched this a dozen times and my first two thoughts were, #1. Imagine being Heart and being asked to sing this to Led Zepplin as a Tribute. #2 Imagine being Led Zepplin and having Heart sing this to/For you.
BEST COVER EVER!!!!!❤🎉❤
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.
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...
Wow, thank you ❤️
Ann Wilson’s absolutely one of the best female vocalist ever!!!
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 ❤😂🎉
I love your reaction ! Your show of emotions is indicative of your appreciation and respect for the artists . Well done young man 💜
This is a stunning cover of a stunning song by a stunning rock band. And a very correct, sincere reaction to such a performance of the song. Thank you, my friend, for these minutes of joy. I wish good luck to your channel and all the best in life.
Once again, thank you very much. From Russia with love.
I don’t remember ANYONE doing a cover of this song - you just don’t try to imitate perfection. But the Wilson sisters nailed it.
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", "What About Love", "Never", "Dog & Butterfly", "These Dreams", "Alone" etc.
Her voice is unreal
Oh, no! You need to watch the longer video to get the full guitar solo. That video is 8 min long. The one I watch is on a channel called Don Jack. It's a great performance already, but seeing the whole guitar solo is even more epic.
Heart's tribute of Stairway to Heaven at Kennedy Honors is a spiritual experience. I'm so happy for you. :)
Best Kennedy Center tribute ever. There is a better version on YT with better camera and an additional verse. Ann was 62 at the time. She recorded with Disturbed a few years ago. Was planning a tour this year until sidelined by cancer. A badass singer for the ages
I'm a huge Beatles fan, so Paul McCartney's tribute was fantastic, as well. That was also during the Obama era.
This is definitely in the top 10 of the best covers of all time.
The untouchable was touched. with heart and class.
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.
I have seen this tribute approx once a month for the past 3 years, and I like it better than the original, simply amazing... And I saw Led Zepplin live in England at Knebworth Park in 79... I was 19.
This performance gets me teary eyed every time I watch it!!
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
They nailed it!❤
Just fyi, the Heart performance is only the last part of the Led Zeppelin tribute from the Kennedy Center Honors. This was after a commercial break. Before the ads, there was a narrative by Jack Black, and performances by Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, and others. The full tribute is available on You Tube, so you might want to check it out. :)
Of course the original is untouchable but this is BY FAR the best cover of this song. How can you not get emotional with this cover?
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
I’ve rewatched that honors ceremony performance so many times. The original song is great and Heart did it justice and then some. My only criticism of this reaction video, is you should have watched the full version. This is the edited version with some of the performance cut down.
This is the greatest song in the world.. and it's a tribute.
Zepplin and Heart were peers. I imagine for Robert, from one singer-songwriter-philosopher to another, this tribute was the ultimate.
Thank you for this one. My late husbands favourite Led Zeppelin song and I remember watching this with him and the emotions it caused.
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!🤗
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.
Absolute Perfect . WOW . I'm crying too !!!!!!!
I got emotional watching this too. Full body goosebumps. They did such an incredible version. ❤
This is the shorter version of Heart's performance. This video left out a few moments that were pretty good.
In my opinion, this is by far the greatest cover of Stairway To Heaven i have ever heard! Ann Wilson killed it.
She is so good in concert , she can sing and her sister can play a guitar to
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! 🌿
🌸 and since this is your first time seeing it, if you noticed the last line of the song when she sings the word heaven,
Jason looks up to the sky, from the drums, as to honor his father .💔
I dont know how manytimes I've seen this but i get chills and tears every time.
I'll give you one more Great cover of a Led Zeppelin song covered my the band "Great White they did it back in the day when MTV had their unplugged show. Great White did the most phenomenal cover of "Babe I'm Gonna Leave you" Robert Plant said that Jack Russell (Lead Singer of Great White) sounded more like him than himself. What a great compliment from Robert Plant. They did it Acoustically just soo good worth you checking it out.
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...
You are the ONLY one that noticed Yo Yo Ma!!! 😮❤
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.
Heart does a cover of Kashmir and Black Dog, truly great.
Everything about this is gold…And Jason Bonham actually playing his dad John’s drums.
Jack Blacks honoring them was so great, he’s such a huge Led Zeppelin fan, if you get the chance check it out.