Thanks for watching this was amazing please be sure to like the video on your way out. Support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾
That's not the FULL version, search YT for the one that says Complete. Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors (complete) (I would put the link but You Tube hides or deletes comments with links)
The drummer was Jason Bonham, son of the original LZ drummer John Bonham. That made the whole performance that much more emotional for the original guys in the band, Robert Plant in particular. You don't even have to be a big Led Zeppelin fan (or a big Heart fan for that matter) to get goose bumps from this performance. Kennedy Center Honors has had some truly amazing performances over the years, but this one is right up near the top of the list for sure!
I can only imagine that pressure to perform that funderfull peace of music in front of its creators, over 40 years its original been performed. And it still is live today, one of new classics.
@@paulinestavaris3114 It's not so much Jimmy or John Paul as they, especially Jimmy, really get their contribution to rock and can appreciate those who want to emulate them as part of their growth into their own style. Robert Plant is the one who really took issue with people trying to cover Stairway and felt no one could ever do it justice. Heart was really the only group they gave real exception to for covering their songs. This cover of Stairway really hit all the marks in style and paid true homage to the band, something you can see in Plant's approval of the performance at the end.
Ann Wilson talked about this performance some time later. She talked about running into Robert Plant at this show and he said to Ann, "You know, I never like when someone performs that song. But I liked it tonight." And you can see it. Plant was moved to tears up in that balcony. Just a magical performance all around.
I grew up in Seattle - Heart was notorious for playing zeppelin covers and killing them - zeppelin apparently was a fan of them. Coincidentally, Cameron Crow was married to Nancy Wilson - and was the first entity that zeppelin allowed to license thier songs (see almost famous). They are a tight circle and it's really cool. Used to see heart in clubs in BC belting this out.
As was my thought when I heard someone was attempting a cover. It was a major production and it was very well done. Not the original but worth appreciation
@@jeffblevins5899 The tough part is that time is a harsh master to all of us. I heard Ann & Nancy doing Barracuda earlier in October '23 and it hurt me to hear Ann use voice tricks and curveballs to get through it.
@@jeffblevins5899I grew up in Vancouver BC and remember Heart being regulars up here in the 70s, although damn it I wasn’t old enough to see them in the bars. I didn’t know Nancy was married to Cameron Crowe. Very cool so thanks for sharing that tidbit and the Zeppelin connection. I’ve watched Almost Famous a few times and never get tired of it.
Robert had actually invited Jason to accompany LZ to this event. Jason replied he had a gig scheduled for that night and declined. That's why you see the reaction from Robert when Jason is introduced. Beautiful.
Story goes that he was pretty angry at Jason since it was such a huge honor to his dad and it seemed like he was ditching for a minor gig. Imagine being invited to play your dad's set on a performance of one of his group's most revered songs.... could you really resist a bit of a prank on of the legends you grew up knowing?
It was later publicized that Led Zeppelin went back stage to the Heart sisters and said they and the orchestra played the best version of the song ever. I've listened to this rendition no less than 30 times.
Stairway as originally played was fantastic, but this performance really illustrates how something can originally be missing that grandiose level that brings it to the heights it should have. It's a song that was always destined to be bigger in scope and detail than it ever was.
@@1hankmeister Yes. That was his dad's set. I haven't been able to figure out if it is the one that originally played Stairway but it probably is since it was recorded for LZ IV. Drummers tend to have an eclectic personality when it comes to sets, though. Some stuff HAS to stay the same, and then some stuff just HAS to change. The Throne being the most important and sacred of all.. :D
Seeing Robert Plant welling up says it all. The loss of John Bonham was deeply personal to the band and resulted in their end. Being a huge Led Zeppelin fan and seeing Jason playing the amazing tribute on his dad drums also gets me choked up each time I see it.
Can you believe Ann was 62 here? Talk about aging into your voice!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ And imagine the stones it took for Shane Fontayne to play that solo right in front of Jimmy Page!
@@tm2bee Would have been so easy to totally murder it... "Hang on! Go back a couple of bars, let's go again" I imagine he'd been practicing it so much he could play it in a coma if need be.
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.
That's interesting because I was thinking who in today's music industry could have pulled this off . I couldn't think of anyone . Lady GA GA maybe ? Cheers .
@@grayd509Brandi Carlisle maybe? After seeing the Joni Mitchell Blue album live at the Gorge show she did this summer, she could probably do it justice. But Heart aced this - especially with Jason on the kit and everyone wearing bowlers. Peace from Toronto
Ann Wilson & Gracie Slick are the powerhouse female singer/rockers. No one comes close to them. "Magic Man" is my favorite of Heart's songs. My Dad came home one day to find me watching a music special of Heart. He said, "Ugh, a girl band." And I replied, "That's right. they're Sisters, & they're terrific. Sit down & listen." Well, when the concert was over, Dad said, "Wow, they girls really know how to rock." I came home the next week to find my Dad watching a rebroadcast of that concert. That's how much he liked them.
I am physically unable to watch this clip without having tears running down my cheeks. The gravitas behind it all just grabs me emotionally and pulls me in. Jason on the drums, and that this was the culmination of a show where many world class musicians had paid tribute to Led Zep. It's just beautiful.
Same! And the memories this song brings up and Ann Wilson's voice... the song of my childhood with the singer of my teenage years. It brings me to tears every damn time and trust me, it takes a lot to make me cry. This does it though.
I can't imagine what it must have been like for that guitarist to play THAT solo right in front of Jimmy Page. Wonderful performance - and the guys being honored genuinely seemed to enjoy it.
@@annettehesselius74 His name is Shayne Fontayne. He was probably best known for being in the band, Lone Justice, in the 1980s, but he played and toured with lots of folks - from Bruce Springsteen to Ian Hunter.
I've seen this so many times now and I never get tired of it. To me, it's the perfect combination of bringing something new to the song, and being faithful to the original.
John "Bonzo" Bonham died in 1980, He and lead singer Robert Plant were best buds since their teen. Bonzo often wore a black bowler hat, so when the choir and John's son Jason had them on-well, Robert just could not hold back. Neither could I when I watched it. Glad you did this one, Polo.
Yes so many people forget that's as much at the heart of the tribute is still wearing the bowlers the choir that brings me to tears more than anything else
The queens of rock and roll performing to the best rock band in history. A legendary moment. Growing up with these bands was the best! Hearing them again brings back a flood of wonderful memories seeing them live.
I remember seeing this live on TV when my dad and I were just flipping through channels. We caught it just as they were introducing Heart, and when it was done, my dad and I just kind of looked at each other because we couldn't believe how incredible it was. Makes me cry almost every time I hear it.
Absolutely incredible!! This is possibly the greatest “cover song” ever!! The emotions from everyone just give it another level of incredible!! Ann Wilson proves once again why she is regarded as on of the best vocalist in music!! Thank you for the fantastic reaction!👏👏
The drummer in the cover is the son of the original drummer of Led Zeppelin. The father passed away, so it's more than just a tribute to the band, it's also a tribute from son to father.
Yeah man, what else can we say? This is simply magical. Worth noting that Heart has performed several Led Zeppelin covers at their live shows over the years, such as Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, Battle of Evermore, and they nail it every time. Something about Anne's tone, range, and charisma; even though she doesnt sound like Robert Plant, she still perfectly matches the energy, emotion, and story of those songs. Five Stars.
It would have been so much great fun to have been amongst any of these great & fantastic musicians. They were brilliant collaborating & 🎉🎉working as a team of stars they are!
Listen AND watch ... loooove seeing the reactions, the head nods .. note for note .. waiting .. watching .. hearing .. and the damp eyes .. lol .. love it, pure emotions!
This version, cover, rendition, call it what you choose... is one of THE most POWERFUL covers of all time. Few songs have a cover that does justice to the original, but with Jason on the drum kit, Anne's pipes belting, and the choir coming in and taking us to church... I've seen Robert Plant in several forms outside of LZ, and he's not an outwardly emotional kind of guy in tears and Jason almost looking like his Dad while performing, it is VERY hard to not be just moved by this!
As others have mentioned, drummer Jason Bonham is the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The bowler hat he and others were wearing was also in tribute to John, as he would occasionally wear one in concert onstage (you can look up images online of John Bonham wearing a bowler). Jason tells a story that Robert had invited him as his guest to attend the honors however, Jason had to turn him down because he was performing - he said it was the most difficult secret he'd ever had to keep. I hope you react to the band perform this from Madison Square Garden. Trust me, it is not overkill and will be worth it.
Neil Peart of Rush will always and forever be my favorite percussionist, but John Bonham, with his flawless technique and unique sound, has a special place with me as well. I've heard several of the Wilson sisters' covers of Zeppelin's songs, and Ann's voice and Nancy's guitar virtuosity are among the few that could do them justice.
This gets better every time I watch it. Wonder what it was like to be Plant, Jones, and Page sitting there reflecting on their lives in music and realizing they actually made a dent in the culture.
In 1971 I was 4. I grew up listening to music. My brother was 7 years older. He listened to music all of the time. I don’t remember hearing this for the first time. It was just part of the fabric of my life. I so enjoy 70s music. My parents finally bought him some headphones. 😂
I love the way layers are added as the song progresses and the reaction of the band when the curtain rises revealing the huge choir in back! When the creators of the music are wowed then you know it’s a magical moment. I have seen this performance many time and I still cry every time!
Heart outdid themselves and with Bonham’s son on drums it was magic! The original was magic but this version really paid homage to Led Zeppelin! Nicely done!
Led Zeppelin's lead singer, Robert Plant, was brought to tears because of the drummer, Jason Bonham. Jason is the son of John Bonham, the band's original drummer and Robert's best friend, whose death in 1980 resulted in the end of the band. They had invited Jason to represent his Dad at this ceremony honoring Led Zeppelin. But Jason told them he had a scheduling conflict. The conflict turned out to be walking out on stage to surprise the band by playing the drums during the tribute. Look at how surprised and happy Robert is when they introduced Jason at the beginning. The tears came as Robert thought about his friend and was sad he could not be there. It's also very poignant to watch Jason look up toward heaven, thinking undoubtedly about his Dad, as Anne sings the word heaven in last line of the song.
Amazing performance. What I loved most of all, besides Ann & Nancy Wilson, was the presence of singers and artists of all races and backgrounds up on that stage. Just goes to show you that Rock 'n' Roll is for EVERYBODY. 🤘🏻🫶🏻🤘🏻
I get the chills and emotional EVERY SINGLE time I watch this ❤️ especially because The drummer Jason, his dad was the drummer for Led Zeppelin. He did his dad proud ❤️
I was born a child of the 50s and cut my teeth on the music of the likes of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and such. Stairway to Heaven was THE tune that was almost like an anthem. This cover brings me such joy and tears at the same time. I'm 69 years old but I pride myself in exploring the newest music talent out there and there are certainly some folks cutting their teeth on today's talent. Still...my rock heroes are slowly leaving us. Hearing this cover rockets me back to those years. Ahhh...when we were young...
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this performance, including all the reactions to it out there and it still brings tears to my eyes. The one you reviewed was an edited version, the longer complete 7-minute one is out there too with a better more pronounced edit of Nancy's incredible vocals.
Ann honored this song well. Such a great performer. Even more amazing was watching the emotion on the faces of LZ as she performed. Even better when the choir joined! I have watched this two many times to count. It's excellent!!
Yes! Supernatural and Magical! I have watched that performance about 20 times! It gives me chills each time. To see the original composers and performers enjoying it was so special! Thank you for sharing your reaction.
Seeing Yo-Yo Ma grooving to the song in the audience, you know you're doing something right. I can only imagine the electricity in the theater that night. What an amazing tribute.
Ann and Nancy commented on how they were performing in front of Led Zeppelin AND the President. “No pressure” they said. They had also bumped into Robert, Jimmy and JPJ beforehand but couldn’t say why they were in town. You probably know the meaning behind the hats (Bonzo wore it).. Robert got tired of the song, but with Jason there, etc. it brought tears to his eyes.
This is the best tribute ever. From Ann and Nancy, to Jason, to the amazing Choir, there is nothing about this performance that isn't perfect. And all the men were moved to tears, absolutely beautiful moment.
The guy at 05:42 grooving to the sound is Yo Yo Ma, possibly the premier classical cellist in the world today, and someone who is able to appreciate both the old and new masters of classical music.
I’ve watched this performance probably close to 100 times over the last decade. Still brings me to tears, and I’m not a led zeppelin fan or heart fan really, I just find this performance and song to be absolutely phenomenal
The guy in the top hat playing the drums was Jason Bonham - son of John Bonham, original drummer for Led Zeppelin who passed away in 1980. The band's surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones decided to call it quits after Bonham died on September 25, 1980. Although they continued making music, they did not officially reunite as a band again after losing the drummer.
The drummer, John Bonham died young. That’s his son Jason playing drums in this version. He has since created a band called the Led Zeppelin experience and when you see them it’s awesome. He found people that sound Exactly like the original guys and he tells stories about his father and him being a child during the Led Zeppelin days in between songs. Puts on a great show
For you younger folks that don't know a lot about Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant's little boy, Karac, passed away in 1977, at 5 years old, while Led Zeppelin was on tour. I thunk that's why Robert never wanted to sing Stairway to Heaven after that. Also, legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, died in September of 1980 at age 32. Karac and John's deaths were devastating to the band. That Jason Bonham (John Bonham's son) played the drums for Heart's tribute to Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy Center, and the magnificent performance of Heart, and all others on stage, made this spectacular performance very emotional for Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and fans around the world that know the history behind it all. It couldn't have been a better, and more appropriate, tribute. It still makes my cry every time I watch this... and I watch it often. I've been listen to Zeppelin since the 1970s. I'm a little bummed that Jimmy Page just turned 80 years old, John Paul Jones is 78 yrs old, and Robert Plant is 76 yrs old. I often wish we could turn the clocks back so we could live Led Zeppelin all over again. Best rock band ever! ❤❤❤
I think Robert Plant's tears were caused from knowing that one short time in music history Led Zeppelin was the greatest band ever and now those years are gone. So sad I had tears too but they will always share the spotlight with the Beatles for me.
"The guy with the tophat..." As mentioned, that's John Bonham's son, Jason. The original members, especially Robert Plant (John Bonham's friend since they were teens), had NO IDEA he was going to be there on drums. Emotional, to say the least... Led F❤❤❤ing Zeppelin.
The Wilson sisters met Jason at this event, after which they decided they should tour together. So my then-16-year-old zep-head daughter and I saw Heart with Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience at the Greek Theatre in L.A. We both shed quite a few tears that night! 🥲🥲
John Bonham was a drummer of extraordinary power and he was so much of what made LZs sound, pacing the music perfectly. His son, Jason, lost his dad very young and it was then LZ closed up shop. It was a great moment for Jason. I am American and grew up with the British invasion, progressive rock and all the later influences. This band, drew on every element frrom folk, medieval, literature, the blues, jazz, popular, classical. We had all the great forerunners such as the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan and Hendrix. But Led Zeppelin and this song are the apex of everthing rock music can be.
Can we just talk about Ann singing this in 2023 when she started her career in the early ’70’s? What other female rocker (or male, for that matter) can still light a 🔥 like that after almost 50 years?!? She still sounds AMAZING!!!
There are some classic songs you don’t touch because they are so iconic. This is one of them, but Ann Wilson and Heart are well respected and kill the hell out of a song. Not to mention having Jason Bonham there. Seeing the emotion from LZ is everything you need to know.
Ann and Nancy do by far the best covers of Zeppelin by far. Plant has such a high vocal range that the best covers are done by women recording artists namely Ann and Nancy Wilson.
I’ve watched this video at least 50 times and every time I watch it I get emotional and tear up- it is so powerful and so perfect! I absolutely love watching the three surviving members of Led Zeppelin reactions- Jimmy Page created what is in my opinion, the number one Rock song of all time. Nancy and Anne Wilson perhaps the best cover of any original song! Just incredible.
The members of Heart both Ann and Nancy Wilson were both influenced by Led Zeppelin, and then, the SON of the original Drummer John Bonham is Jason Bonham. And he is playing SOOOO passionately, playing homage to his father. That's what make this SO beautiful!
Hey Polo, when you see the drummer in the bowler hat step out on stage, Robert Plant ( lead singer ) stands and points at him and has a HUGE smile. That's because it's Jason Bonham. ( the dead drummer, John Bonham's son ) This moment caught the remaining three band members COMPLETELY by surprise. They asked Jason to sit with them to represent his father but he declined. He told the band that he had a REALLY important gig to play and he wasn't gonna miss it for anything in the world. This band IS THE GREATEST. And you've only experiences the electric songs. Over 50 % of their songs are acoustic. Check out "I've got a girl that won't be true" ...
Thanks for watching this was amazing please be sure to like the video on your way out. Support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾
You should see the full length version of this. This one is edited to be quite a bit shorter.
Not only is Jason the original drummer son he's wearing his dad's head and playing his dad's drum kit
Just Epic
That's not the FULL version, search YT for the one that says Complete.
Led Zeppelin - Kennedy Center Honors (complete)
(I would put the link but You Tube hides or deletes comments with links)
Thank you for doing this one! I've been waiting sooooo long and you did it justice. 🙏🙏👍👍❤❤
The drummer was Jason Bonham, son of the original LZ drummer John Bonham. That made the whole performance that much more emotional for the original guys in the band, Robert Plant in particular. You don't even have to be a big Led Zeppelin fan (or a big Heart fan for that matter) to get goose bumps from this performance. Kennedy Center Honors has had some truly amazing performances over the years, but this one is right up near the top of the list for sure!
When they all had on hats…😢
Chokes me up every time...
Jason's presence was a surprise to the band.
They had invited him to sit with them but he told them he had a gig that night... 😂
Couldn't agree more, amazing performance
I can only imagine that pressure to perform that funderfull peace of music in front of its creators, over 40 years its original been performed. And it still is live today, one of new classics.
This wasn't a cover.... It was Artists paying Homage to legends.
Ann & Nancy should legally be the only people allowed to play this live.
I'm sure Robert, Jimmy and John Paul would agree with you. Don't they dislike whenever anyone covers this song?
Its legends playing homage to legends
@@paulinestavaris3114 It's not so much Jimmy or John Paul as they, especially Jimmy, really get their contribution to rock and can appreciate those who want to emulate them as part of their growth into their own style. Robert Plant is the one who really took issue with people trying to cover Stairway and felt no one could ever do it justice. Heart was really the only group they gave real exception to for covering their songs. This cover of Stairway really hit all the marks in style and paid true homage to the band, something you can see in Plant's approval of the performance at the end.
When the members of Led Zeppelin give you a standing ovation for their own most popular song, you know you've done something amazing.
Ann Wilson talked about this performance some time later. She talked about running into Robert Plant at this show and he said to Ann, "You know, I never like when someone performs that song. But I liked it tonight." And you can see it. Plant was moved to tears up in that balcony. Just a magical performance all around.
I grew up in Seattle - Heart was notorious for playing zeppelin covers and killing them - zeppelin apparently was a fan of them. Coincidentally, Cameron Crow was married to Nancy Wilson - and was the first entity that zeppelin allowed to license thier songs (see almost famous). They are a tight circle and it's really cool. Used to see heart in clubs in BC belting this out.
As was my thought when I heard someone was attempting a cover. It was a major production and it was very well done. Not the original but worth appreciation
@@jeffblevins5899 The tough part is that time is a harsh master to all of us. I heard Ann & Nancy doing Barracuda earlier in October '23 and it hurt me to hear Ann use voice tricks and curveballs to get through it.
@@982spyder5 She would be in her 70's, so after 60 or more years of singing, how would your voice be?
@@jeffblevins5899I grew up in Vancouver BC and remember Heart being regulars up here in the 70s, although damn it I wasn’t old enough to see them in the bars. I didn’t know Nancy was married to Cameron Crowe. Very cool so thanks for sharing that tidbit and the Zeppelin connection. I’ve watched Almost Famous a few times and never get tired of it.
Robert had actually invited Jason to accompany LZ to this event. Jason replied he had a gig scheduled for that night and declined. That's why you see the reaction from Robert when Jason is introduced. Beautiful.
Too cool!
Beautiful surprise
It was so special
Wow. Thanks for the bit of data there. Been watching this for years and never knew that. 🤙🏽
Story goes that he was pretty angry at Jason since it was such a huge honor to his dad and it seemed like he was ditching for a minor gig. Imagine being invited to play your dad's set on a performance of one of his group's most revered songs.... could you really resist a bit of a prank on of the legends you grew up knowing?
It was later publicized that Led Zeppelin went back stage to the Heart sisters and said they and the orchestra played the best version of the song ever. I've listened to this rendition no less than 30 times.
Stairway as originally played was fantastic, but this performance really illustrates how something can originally be missing that grandiose level that brings it to the heights it should have. It's a song that was always destined to be bigger in scope and detail than it ever was.
The fact that Jason was playing his dad's part AND his DRUMS! That gets me every time!
Those were his dad's??? Phenomenal.
He was also wearing one of his hats.@@1hankmeister
@@1hankmeister Yes. That was his dad's set. I haven't been able to figure out if it is the one that originally played Stairway but it probably is since it was recorded for LZ IV. Drummers tend to have an eclectic personality when it comes to sets, though. Some stuff HAS to stay the same, and then some stuff just HAS to change. The Throne being the most important and sacred of all.. :D
Seeing Robert Plant welling up says it all. The loss of John Bonham was deeply personal to the band and resulted in their end. Being a huge Led Zeppelin fan and seeing Jason playing the amazing tribute on his dad drums also gets me choked up each time I see it.
Can you believe Ann was 62 here? Talk about aging into your voice!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
And imagine the stones it took for Shane Fontayne to play that solo right in front of Jimmy Page!
Every time I watch this video and it gets to his solo I think about that. Guts!
@@tm2bee Would have been so easy to totally murder it... "Hang on! Go back a couple of bars, let's go again"
I imagine he'd been practicing it so much he could play it in a coma if need be.
And he introduced some of his own ideas, perfectly synthesized with page’s original licks: excellent playing !
I can’t imagine doing it. And Jimmy acted like he enjoyed it too. Talk about kudos on a great performance. It was magical.
Jimmy Page - greatest guitarist of the past 100 yrs in my opinion but I’m a led zep fan from my teen yrs
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.
Nancy isn’t to shabby on the vocals either.
Most definitely, Ann can sing sweet or hard and anything in between.
That's interesting because I was thinking who in today's music industry could have pulled this off . I couldn't think of anyone . Lady GA GA maybe ? Cheers .
@@grayd509Brandi Carlisle maybe? After seeing the Joni Mitchell Blue album live at the Gorge show she did this summer, she could probably do it justice. But Heart aced this - especially with Jason on the kit and everyone wearing bowlers. Peace from Toronto
Ann Wilson & Gracie Slick are the powerhouse female singer/rockers.
No one comes close to them.
"Magic Man" is my favorite of Heart's songs.
My Dad came home one day to find me watching a music special of Heart. He said, "Ugh, a girl band." And I replied, "That's right. they're Sisters, & they're terrific. Sit down & listen." Well, when the concert was over, Dad said, "Wow, they girls really know how to rock." I came home the next week to find my Dad watching a rebroadcast of that concert. That's how much he liked them.
I am physically unable to watch this clip without having tears running down my cheeks. The gravitas behind it all just grabs me emotionally and pulls me in. Jason on the drums, and that this was the culmination of a show where many world class musicians had paid tribute to Led Zep. It's just beautiful.
I'm right there with you😢
Same here. I have watched this so many times. Perfectly produced and performed.
The only thing, it would of been nice to hear the whole song..
Same! And the memories this song brings up and Ann Wilson's voice... the song of my childhood with the singer of my teenage years. It brings me to tears every damn time and trust me, it takes a lot to make me cry. This does it though.
I can't imagine what it must have been like for that guitarist to play THAT solo right in front of Jimmy Page. Wonderful performance - and the guys being honored genuinely seemed to enjoy it.
Yes very brave, who is he?
@@annettehesselius74 His name is Shayne Fontayne. He was probably best known for being in the band, Lone Justice, in the 1980s, but he played and toured with lots of folks - from Bruce Springsteen to Ian Hunter.
@@citizenghosttown Thank you !
Fun fact they had to reinforce the stage to account for the massive weight of his balls
I've seen this so many times now and I never get tired of it. To me, it's the perfect combination of bringing something new to the song, and being faithful to the original.
I've seen several times myself and I always get goose bumps and come to tears. Emotionally gratifying.
lol. I make a POINT of watching it on a regular basis. It truly IS a magical moment.
I cannot get enough!
I love how Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were admiring the performance and seeing a few tears from Robert, priceless!!!
Can you imagine playing that solo in front of Jimmy Page live?
Robert Plant and Jimmy raised Jon's son as their own and made sure his he & his mom were well taken care of for life
Can you imagine leaving this kind of legacy behind? This will song will be remembered forever.
John "Bonzo" Bonham died in 1980, He and lead singer Robert Plant were best buds since their teen. Bonzo often wore a black bowler hat, so when the choir and John's son Jason had them on-well, Robert just could not hold back. Neither could I when I watched it. Glad you did this one, Polo.
Apparently Bonzo was also the only member of the band to attend the funeral of Plant's young son.
Yes so many people forget that's as much at the heart of the tribute is still wearing the bowlers the choir that brings me to tears more than anything else
The queens of rock and roll performing to the best rock band in history. A legendary moment. Growing up with these bands was the best! Hearing them again brings back a flood of wonderful memories seeing them live.
Probably the best tribute to a band I’ve ever seen. Everyone absolutely killed it. Like you said, a magical moment.
I agree 💯% !!
I remember seeing this live on TV when my dad and I were just flipping through channels. We caught it just as they were introducing Heart, and when it was done, my dad and I just kind of looked at each other because we couldn't believe how incredible it was. Makes me cry almost every time I hear it.
Simply put, the best cover of one of the best songs ever recorded.
Absolutely incredible!! This is possibly the greatest “cover song” ever!! The emotions from everyone just give it another level of incredible!! Ann Wilson proves once again why she is regarded as on of the best vocalist in music!!
Thank you for the fantastic reaction!👏👏
The drummer in the cover is the son of the original drummer of Led Zeppelin. The father passed away, so it's more than just a tribute to the band, it's also a tribute from son to father.
Respect to Heart for taking that gig. Cant imagine the pressure of doing this in front of Plant and Page. Drummer is son of original Led Zepp drummer.
Don't forget John Paul Jones!
There is a story behind the lack of time they had to prep !! 5:12
Yeah man, what else can we say? This is simply magical. Worth noting that Heart has performed several Led Zeppelin covers at their live shows over the years, such as Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, Battle of Evermore, and they nail it every time. Something about Anne's tone, range, and charisma; even though she doesnt sound like Robert Plant, she still perfectly matches the energy, emotion, and story of those songs. Five Stars.
When Heart were starting out in Vancouver Canada they were basically a Led Zeppelin cover band.
The bowler hat was a trademark of John Bonham, their drummer and Jason’s father (RIP). Such a great tribute ❤
cellist Yo Yo Ma rockin out. Incredible.
It would have been so much great fun to have been amongst any of these great & fantastic musicians. They were brilliant collaborating & 🎉🎉working as a team of stars they are!
I love that.
Best rendition ever. Heart did a stellar job on this. I listen to it over and over
Listen AND watch ... loooove seeing the reactions, the head nods .. note for note .. waiting .. watching .. hearing .. and the damp eyes .. lol .. love it, pure emotions!
This version, cover, rendition, call it what you choose... is one of THE most POWERFUL covers of all time. Few songs have a cover that does justice to the original, but with Jason on the drum kit, Anne's pipes belting, and the choir coming in and taking us to church...
I've seen Robert Plant in several forms outside of LZ, and he's not an outwardly emotional kind of guy in tears and Jason almost looking like his Dad while performing, it is VERY hard to not be just moved by this!
Some tunes move you. Some tunes change you. This rendition does both. Nothing but tears of appreciation here. So thankful to have a song this moving.
As others have mentioned, drummer Jason Bonham is the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The bowler hat he and others were wearing was also in tribute to John, as he would occasionally wear one in concert onstage (you can look up images online of John Bonham wearing a bowler). Jason tells a story that Robert had invited him as his guest to attend the honors however, Jason had to turn him down because he was performing - he said it was the most difficult secret he'd ever had to keep. I hope you react to the band perform this from Madison Square Garden. Trust me, it is not overkill and will be worth it.
Robert Plant is Jason Bonham's godfather...
Everything you said, ditto.
Neil Peart of Rush will always and forever be my favorite percussionist, but John Bonham, with his flawless technique and unique sound, has a special place with me as well.
I've heard several of the Wilson sisters' covers of Zeppelin's songs, and Ann's voice and Nancy's guitar virtuosity are among the few that could do them justice.
This gets better every time I watch it. Wonder what it was like to be Plant, Jones, and Page sitting there reflecting on their lives in music and realizing they actually made a dent in the culture.
This brings me to tears. The music of my generation will live forever! Thanks Polo!!
In 1971 I was 4. I grew up listening to music. My brother was 7 years older. He listened to music all of the time. I don’t remember hearing this for the first time. It was just part of the fabric of my life. I so enjoy 70s music. My parents finally bought him some headphones. 😂
I love the way layers are added as the song progresses and the reaction of the band when the curtain rises revealing the huge choir in back! When the creators of the music are wowed then you know it’s a magical moment. I have seen this performance many time and I still cry every time!
Heart outdid themselves and with Bonham’s son on drums it was magic! The original was magic but this version really paid homage to Led Zeppelin! Nicely done!
Imagine performing this to Led Zeppelin themselves. Awesome
Led Zeppelin's lead singer, Robert Plant, was brought to tears because of the drummer, Jason Bonham. Jason is the son of John Bonham, the band's original drummer and Robert's best friend, whose death in 1980 resulted in the end of the band. They had invited Jason to represent his Dad at this ceremony honoring Led Zeppelin. But Jason told them he had a scheduling conflict. The conflict turned out to be walking out on stage to surprise the band by playing the drums during the tribute. Look at how surprised and happy Robert is when they introduced Jason at the beginning. The tears came as Robert thought about his friend and was sad he could not be there. It's also very poignant to watch Jason look up toward heaven, thinking undoubtedly about his Dad, as Anne sings the word heaven in last line of the song.
Love Anne Wilson. Her voice is untouchable to me. Best female singer ever IMO.
Again. I am 76 and watching YOU. GET IT. THRILLS ME....THRILLS COME FAR AND BETWEEN, ,,THANK YOU
Amazing performance. What I loved most of all, besides Ann & Nancy Wilson, was the presence of singers and artists of all races and backgrounds up on that stage. Just goes to show you that Rock 'n' Roll is for EVERYBODY. 🤘🏻🫶🏻🤘🏻
i don't know how Robert Plant held it together during this. he kind of looked stunned. i am in tears
watched this performance hundreds of times... and it still can move this man to tears...
Same here!
I get the chills and emotional EVERY SINGLE time I watch this ❤️ especially because The drummer Jason, his dad was the drummer for Led Zeppelin. He did his dad proud ❤️
Ann Wilson is 62 years old in this video. Think about that for a sec. Legends performing for legends in front of legends. whew.
Yes. "Supernatural." ❤️
I grew up on Led Zeppelin. My parents were huge fans. This is a great cover! ❤
I was born a child of the 50s and cut my teeth on the music of the likes of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and such. Stairway to Heaven was THE tune that was almost like an anthem. This cover brings me such joy and tears at the same time. I'm 69 years old but I pride myself in exploring the newest music talent out there and there are certainly some folks cutting their teeth on today's talent. Still...my rock heroes are slowly leaving us. Hearing this cover rockets me back to those years. Ahhh...when we were young...
I love that Robert Plant is emotional.
The drummer is the son of John Bonum, the original drummer who passed
I can't tell you how many times I've watched this performance, including all the reactions to it out there and it still brings tears to my eyes. The one you reviewed was an edited version, the longer complete 7-minute one is out there too with a better more pronounced edit of Nancy's incredible vocals.
This edit is 100% trash, and a crime against the masterpiece of the full performance!
I agree. The 7 minute version has the whole build up, which is really important to the song. The short version shouldn't even exist.
Ann honored this song well. Such a great performer. Even more amazing was watching the emotion on the faces of LZ as she performed. Even better when the choir joined! I have watched this two many times to count. It's excellent!!
I shed a tear for Jason Bonham, as Robert Plant just managed to hold it back... Fantastic music, fantastic version, and a fantastic audience...
There is a “full version” of this video which has fuller vocal sound. It’s magic.
The drummer was the son of the original drummers son.
Actually as they introduced him he is Jason Bonham's Son not son of his son
It honestly just gave me chills and I’ve seen it a dozen times
This cover by Heart is one of the best tributes of all time
When Ann opens up and let’s those pipes rip, that’s something else.
Ann and Nancy sister legends!!!!!
The 4 older men in the box are the original band. They were being honored. Couple of them got a little teary eyed. Amazing.
3
only Ann has the pipes to do this song justice
Kennedy Center tributes are the best!
Another iconic performance: Aretha Franklin singing Natural Woman to composer of the song, Carol King.
Perfection! A song from the past bringing together all people who treasure it!
Having Jason on the drums was amazing by itself but, holy hell Ann and Nancy turned this into something that may be better than the original.
Yes! Supernatural and Magical! I have watched that performance about 20 times! It gives me chills each time. To see the original composers and performers enjoying it was so special! Thank you for sharing your reaction.
Heart did the best cover EVER of Stairway to Heaven! ❤
Seeing Yo-Yo Ma grooving to the song in the audience, you know you're doing something right. I can only imagine the electricity in the theater that night. What an amazing tribute.
Ann and Nancy commented on how they were performing in front of Led Zeppelin AND the President. “No pressure” they said. They had also bumped into Robert, Jimmy and JPJ beforehand but couldn’t say why they were in town. You probably know the meaning behind the hats (Bonzo wore it).. Robert got tired of the song, but with Jason there, etc. it brought tears to his eyes.
The drummer was John Bonhams son. That is why he is so special, and passionate.
This is the best tribute ever.
From Ann and Nancy, to Jason, to the amazing Choir, there is nothing about this performance that isn't perfect.
And all the men were moved to tears, absolutely beautiful moment.
The guy at 05:42 grooving to the sound is Yo Yo Ma, possibly the premier classical cellist in the world today, and someone who is able to appreciate both the old and new masters of classical music.
I’ve watched this performance probably close to 100 times over the last decade. Still brings me to tears, and I’m not a led zeppelin fan or heart fan really, I just find this performance and song to be absolutely phenomenal
The Jack Black intro speech and video presentation is great too. He said "Best band ever, sorry Beatles, sorry Stones"
The drummer was Jason Bonum, his father was the original drummer who died too young and he wore that same hat
Her talent and their reactions had me in TEARS. This was INCREDIBLE.
This performance gave me goosebumps despite hearing it many times before.
The drummer was emotional because he's the son of the original drummer who died. He took over playing with LZ after.
This song just builds and builds. One of the most beautiful musical rides ever.
The guy in the top hat playing the drums was Jason Bonham - son of John Bonham, original drummer for Led Zeppelin who passed away in 1980. The band's surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones decided to call it quits after Bonham died on September 25, 1980. Although they continued making music, they did not officially reunite as a band again after losing the drummer.
Lightfoot’s best song! Still get chills hearing it decades later!
The drummer, John Bonham died young. That’s his son Jason playing drums in this version. He has since created a band called the Led Zeppelin experience and when you see them it’s awesome. He found people that sound Exactly like the original guys and he tells stories about his father and him being a child during the Led Zeppelin days in between songs. Puts on a great show
If that doesn't give you the chills, it brought tears to Robert Plants eyes when Heart's Ann Wilson hit those notes at the end.
For you younger folks that don't know a lot about Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant's little boy, Karac, passed away in 1977, at 5 years old, while Led Zeppelin was on tour. I thunk that's why Robert never wanted to sing Stairway to Heaven after that. Also, legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, died in September of 1980 at age 32. Karac and John's deaths were devastating to the band. That Jason Bonham (John Bonham's son) played the drums for Heart's tribute to Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy Center, and the magnificent performance of Heart, and all others on stage, made this spectacular performance very emotional for Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and fans around the world that know the history behind it all. It couldn't have been a better, and more appropriate, tribute. It still makes my cry every time I watch this... and I watch it often. I've been listen to Zeppelin since the 1970s. I'm a little bummed that Jimmy Page just turned 80 years old, John Paul Jones is 78 yrs old, and Robert Plant is 76 yrs old. I often wish we could turn the clocks back so we could live Led Zeppelin all over again. Best rock band ever! ❤❤❤
I think Robert Plant's tears were caused from knowing that one short time in music history Led Zeppelin was the greatest band ever and now those years are gone. So sad I had tears too but they will always share the spotlight with the Beatles for me.
I cry every time I see this video. It is truly supernatural. I love love love it.
"The guy with the tophat..."
As mentioned, that's John Bonham's son, Jason. The original members, especially Robert Plant (John Bonham's friend since they were teens), had NO IDEA he was going to be there on drums. Emotional, to say the least... Led F❤❤❤ing Zeppelin.
The Wilson sisters met Jason at this event, after which they decided they should tour together. So my then-16-year-old zep-head daughter and I saw Heart with Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience at the Greek Theatre in L.A. We both shed quite a few tears that night! 🥲🥲
I could watch it every day and not get tired of it
Few could argue that this song is cast in history as the number one RnR song of all time by most people.
our greatest music is when we sing as one
Moved to tears the first time I saw it a few years back. It has the gift of bringing them back each and every time I see it.
John Bonham was a drummer of extraordinary power and he was so much of what made LZs sound, pacing the music perfectly. His son, Jason, lost his dad very young and it was then LZ
closed up shop. It was a great moment for Jason.
I am American and grew up with the British invasion, progressive rock and all the later influences. This band, drew on every element frrom folk, medieval, literature, the blues, jazz, popular, classical. We had all the great forerunners such as the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan and Hendrix. But Led Zeppelin and this song are the apex of everthing rock music can be.
Can we just talk about Ann singing this in 2023 when she started her career in the early ’70’s? What other female rocker (or male, for that matter) can still light a 🔥 like that after almost 50 years?!? She still sounds AMAZING!!!
There are some classic songs you don’t touch because they are so iconic. This is one of them, but Ann Wilson and Heart are well respected and kill the hell out of a song. Not to mention having Jason Bonham there. Seeing the emotion from LZ is everything you need to know.
Epic lighting also added to the MAGIC of that performance.
Ann and Nancy do by far the best covers of Zeppelin by far. Plant has such a high vocal range that the best covers are done by women recording artists namely Ann and Nancy Wilson.
Love HEART❤ Ann Wilson just got better and better over time! What a God given blessing she is! ❤❤❤
I’ve watched this video at least 50 times and every time I watch it I get emotional and tear up- it is so powerful and so perfect! I absolutely love watching the three surviving members of Led Zeppelin reactions- Jimmy Page created what is in my opinion, the number one Rock song of all time. Nancy and Anne Wilson perhaps the best cover of any original song! Just incredible.
The members of Heart both Ann and Nancy Wilson were both influenced by Led Zeppelin, and then, the SON of the original Drummer John Bonham is Jason Bonham. And he is playing SOOOO passionately, playing homage to his father. That's what make this SO beautiful!
And Ann Wilson made Robert Plant cry
Hey Polo, when you see the drummer in the bowler hat step out on stage, Robert Plant ( lead singer ) stands and points at him and has a HUGE smile. That's because it's Jason Bonham. ( the dead drummer, John Bonham's son ) This moment caught the remaining three band members COMPLETELY by surprise. They asked Jason to sit with them to represent his father but he declined. He told the band that he had a REALLY important gig to play and he wasn't gonna miss it for anything in the world. This band IS THE GREATEST. And you've only experiences the electric songs. Over 50 % of their songs are acoustic. Check out "I've got a girl that won't be true" ...