The Daily Doug breaks down Stairway to Heaven (Heart Cover at the Kennedy Center) | (Episode 244)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2021
- #LedZeppelin #Heart #StairwayToHeaven
In this edition of #TheDailyDoug, I'm taking some time to break down one of the more iconic rock songs of all time, Stairway to Heaven. For this video, we're listening to the cover version done by Heart (and friends) at the Kennedy Center in 2012. We dig into the chords a bit, but most of my focus here goes to the lyrics and connecting their meaning to the music. Come along for the ride!
Reference Video: • Heart - Stairway to He...
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That's an amazing critique, Doug. There are some thoughts there that I hadn't previously considered. Thanks for your devotion and empathy. Love from the U.K.
Well said Tony and if I may repeat it from this Brit living in France.
@@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270 Thanks, Kia. Anywhere near either Beziers or Nice?
@@tonyanderton3521 We are in the Deux-Sevres about 50 km west from Niort, 60 south of Poitiers. Making our first trip to UK in 2 years in Sunday. Good to know there is another Doug fan in France!...His warmth and love of the music I grew up with in the early 70s makes for great viewing and is educational for me. At 65 years young I am taking piano lessons again so to listening to a music prof explaining what is going on in the music is brilliant.
@@kiae-nirodiariesencore4270 Oh, yes, I know the location of Deux-Sevres but I've never been. I only ask because I've just got back from a holiday in l'Herault (Bédarieux, to be precise, where I have friends) and Nice. I'm also trying to learn the language. Me? just going on 63, so we're of same generation that grew up with Led Zep (and, for me, Yes - another band that Doug has reacted to). Safe trip, and best wishes.
@@tonyanderton3521 So you live in that region or just visiting from the UK? We stayed in Clermont Herault last year, the Languedoc is wonderful, in 3 days we swam in lake, river and sea. If you check out Kia e-Niro Diaries on TH-cam ...Languedoc trip you will see who we are. I am a big fan of Yes, bought ‘Fragile’ in 1971 with the money from my paper round, saw them live in 1974 in Manchester, Close to the Edge live was incredible.
I was in the choir for this performance. One of the best moments of my life. Some fun facts:
* Jason Bonham being on drums was a surprise to EVERYONE. He had told Led Zeppelin that he had a prior commitment and couldn't make it to the ceremony, and Dave Grohl had been on drums for all the rehearsals, including the live dress rehearsal.
* This broadcast version has footage from both the dress rehearsal and the final performance
* Nancy Wilson is super nice in person
* Stephen Colbert came up to me and some other choir members after the show to tell us we did a great job
* We rehearsed every day for 2 or 3 weeks for this performance.
* When only the small choir is shown, the full choir is still singing, just behind the curtains
Ann Wilson holding out that line "to be a rock and not to roll" gives me goosebumbs no matter how many times I watch this. Just spectacular
Yeah, that distortion on "roll".... Ahhh.... :-)
Same. She was just so on that night.
Yes. Among so many stand-out moments, that's one of the best, maybe even the best. It's the moment "juke box" brothel "rock and roll" grew up, the next influenced generation taking it into real pertinent poetry. And in doing so, made it able to live forever.
Even the emphasis on “rock” gets me. “To be a ROCK! And not to ROOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL”
I feel the same about “ when all are one, and one is all …yeah” 👍🏽
This is NOT a cover it is a TRIBUTE
Shortly before Jason Bonham came onto the stage, Robert Plant turned to Jimmy Page and said ''We should have brought Jason with us'' then he came on hence the surprise. Jason's hat was his dad's hat. John Bonham often wore a Bowler hat off and on stage. This is one of the best renditions of the song IMO and one of the best reactions, Thanks Doug.
I think Jason had already played with the Guys before this event.
LZ asked Jason to sit in the same box as them, he replied that he had a prior obligation and couldn't sit with them so LZ had no idea that Jason would be there. That is why Robert Plant stood up in the introduction and pointed to Jason... I believe Jason requested that he perform with the Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy.
A BETTER Led Zepp cover does not exist, IMO... They definitely pulled out ALL the stops here, with the orchestral/choral support, but it worked for me. Thanx for reacting to this classic cover tune!
there are very VERY few good led zeppelin covers out there. they pretty much never live up to the greatness of the original... this cover and Tools cover of No Quarter are the only exceptions I can think of.
I actually like several Heart covers of other Zepp songs, @@JungleScene...
yes it does. they're called Dread Zeppelin :D
Heart started out as a Zeppelin cover band!
You should check out Tool's cover of No Quarter, that is bound to blow your mind!
50 years later, Ann can still belt it as good as rockers a third her age, and Nancy is just as smooth on the guitar.
The first time I heard this version I had all the oxygen sucked out of my soul! Been playing this song in bands for 40 years and now have a better understanding of the lyrics. I was busy trying to get the guitar right but I'm grateful for this review decades later.
Ann sung this at the tender age of 62. She released an album in April 2022, at the even more tender age of 72, called Fierce Bliss (yes I'm promoting it) with great guests like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Warren Haynes and his friends from Gov't Mule, and Vince Gill. It's a great rock n roll album. Sadly, Nancy does not appear on it. They were not able to agree on a direction for a new Heart album, but of course they remain close and maybe they will come to some decision sooner or later :-).
When I hear “I look west” I’m reminded of how much Robert Plant loved J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. The elves leave and go west to exist forever. Bilbo, Frodo and then Sam are allowed to take a ship and … head west. “Men of the West” was said by Aragorn prior to battle.
For these, and more reasons, is why I’ve always felt that Robert Plant derived those specific words from his love of Tolkien’s works.
Exactly, it has always been my first association with that verse. Led Zeppelin are known for their Tolkien references and crying for leaving to "The West" is an obvious reference to Valinor and yearning for paradise.
Yep. it's well documented that Plant was highly influenced by Tolkien and there are lots of LOTR references in Stairway (and other LZ songs of this period). My guess is that the 'lady' in the song may be in part, a representation of Galadriel who returns to Valinor, the undying lands in the West. Her speech to Frodo when she rejects his offer of the ring is one of the most beautifully written and dramatic in the book. A better description of awe and the sublime is hard to find and one of the best scenes in Jackson's film played by Cate Blanchett.
th-cam.com/video/K3VOf3CBGvw/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TheLotrTV
This is how I always interpreted it. There are so many Tolkien and general Celtic pagan references in their work that I just assumed this was a reference to Valinor, or potentially Avalon.
Really?? I always think of Tolkien when I hear this line!! I didn't know it was a reference?
Ann Wilson is the greatest female vocalist in rock period. Gorgeous voice.
Watching Jason Bonham look up to the sky when Ann sung that last word "Heaven"at 13:30 .....wow, thats heavy.
I can't watch this without getting tears in my eyes, The way it builds and builds to the point when the choir comes in, Jason Bonham paying tribute to his Dad, the beautiful acoustic guitar start by Nancy and ,of course, the powerhouse voice of Ann, It all combines to make this my favourite cover version ever.
Tears. Fucking tears every time I watch this.
Hell yeah!
Ann.
Same here .
Definitely the best Stairway cover ever, and one of the best, if not THE best, rock covers ever. Not only Nancy and Anne killing it, but the inclusion of Jason on the drums? And the additional arrangement? Seeing the reactions of Jimmy, Robert, and John Paul just makes it that much better.
Two years ago Labor Day I had unexpected heart surgery, a quad bypass. After making it off the table I was sent to cardiac rehab which was mostly 20 minutes of recumbent bike and 20 minutes of treadmill. Over the three months of the rehab I watched this video almost every session, usually multiple times. I feel like Heart's "Stairway to Heaven" got my heart through the recovery. BTW, the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors included Dave Letterman. You can see him sitting beside Robert Plant. Letterman had cardiac bypass surgery in 2000. I don't know what TH-cam video he watched during his rehab. 🙂 Also when the audience camera shows Yo Yo Ma rocking out I laugh every time!
I am not always one for covers, but Heart knocked this one out of the park. Thanks for sharing.
So great to see Jimmy, John-Paul and Robert enjoying their own music. So special to have Jason on drums as well.
Killed it ! Robert Plant’s face speaks volumes . What a treat !
The drummer in this performance, is Jason Bonham. Son of John Bonham. The guys in Zeppelin were not told he was going to be there. Another emotional element to this performance. Great version. The heart sisters used to cover Zeppelin tunes back in their early days.
Ann and Nancy have covered Zeppelin throughout their entire career.
The best female singer in Rock n Roll ever!
As a fan of Pink Floyd, Nightwish, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and the like, I've always loved Heart. They're right up there with the very best. And this rendition was masterful. Well done Ann, Nancy and co
You're music taste is mine lol
Same type of music I like and I'll even through harder metal in there for me, but I love Heart. Amazing band and I honestly just adore Ann and Nancy. Ann is my favorite female rock singer. She's just so damn good.
It's even hard to call this version "a cover", this is masterpiece itself.
Jason crying at the end always gets to me.
One of the best cover versions of any song by any band, ever. Heart deserves their spot in Rock Hall of Fame. It would have been so easy to fuck this up, but they hit it out of the park. Moving, and brilliant.
Hendrix playing watchtower is "the" best cover, the lead on this cover is pretty weak
@@sgtbigballs666 That would be my second choice. It, too is a masterpiece!
The greatest song written by the only band that could have composed it. Ann absolutely killed it because of the immense adoration she has for the music.
can't help but tear up... every damn time.
Absolutely LOVE the drumming in this version. Go Bonham!
DNA.
Controversial; I think this is the greatest LIVE version of this song EVER. When Zep played it live, they only had 3 musicians (other than vocals) to try and render a song that is positively orchestral in harmony and instrumentation. The reason this version really works is because they actually have enough musicians/instruments on the stage to properly, fully portray the absolute majesty of this song.
Probably the best cover I have ever heard of Stairway To Heaven. Ann knocks the vocals out of the park. I still get chills hearing this version of Stairway. Jimmy Page was definitely loving it.
Greatest song ever written.
woww that was Awesome !! Stairway to heaven by Heart, I love Heart it brought tears to my eyes
They did it so perfectly. It's amazing. No words can put into words how great it is! Thanks Ann and Nancy......❤❤
Robert Plant is crying. Great emotions!
The emotion / elation in Robert Plant’s face tells us how good the performance is without a doubt. Love your interpretation of the lyrics - I think you nailed it.
the Wilson sisters are AMAZING
First time I saw this I cried. Tears of joy at the magnificence of Ann's voice singing this anthem from my youth that has become an iconic piece of music history. I was 13 years old when this came out and now I'm, well, 50 years older and this monster still kicks arse!
I always thought that "the west" was a reference to Tolkien's Lord of the rings.
True. The song’s been interpreted as having multiple Tolkien/LOTR references…
Thought this too. Especially with the other Tolkien references on that album .
I think Battle of Evermore was a true LOTR song, many lines of Stairway to Heaven can be taken as references to Tolkien. Given those two songs, it would be hard to believe that Misty Mountain Hop isn't another reference.
This performance brings me to tears every time
Same here ❤
I'm just glad to be alive to hear this song. It's a masterpiece.
The great thing about this tribute is it feels like they are saying that no one can do it better than you but we will make it special and give you one heck of a show.
I absolutely adore the job they did covering this. They went all out just as the song deserved. Never gets old.
Doug, this leads us to orchestral prog rock: the three great Rick Wakeman albums of the 1970s: The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. These were the glory days of concept albums and rock operas. Tommy. The Wall. Jesus Christ Superstar. Wakeman, the virtuosic keyboard player from Yes's best albums, was inspired. You can listen to individual Renaissance tracks, even from Scheherazade, but these Wakeman works must be taken in whole.
Don't forget Rush "2112".
This tribute gives me chills. John Bonham's son on the drums with his dad's hat on, Ann's voice, the bands awesome rendition - Nancy's playing - the choir really gives me chills. Led Zeppelin watching with tears and approval (Jimmy approves of guitarist :) Love Robert Plant's intense listening to Ann;s voice on this. Lovely. It makes me cry with tears of joy and longing.
Love the look to the west line - reminds me of Bilbo Baggins longing for return to his journey blowing smoke rings from his house in the shire.
edit: listened to your reaction about the lady - I think about greed in the US and then the band being from the UK and the royalty with their ability to do anything they want with their money and power - even though the Queen is a figurehead they still have lots of power.
I had the experience of seeing Led zeppelin play at Kezar Stadium, and vividly remember how you could have literally heard a pin drop when the last note of Stairway faded out. Spectacular, and this performance by Heart et al does it supreme justice!
10:55 always make me happy. They look so happy together, what a moment- pure magic!
Zappa’s version is a stunner. He scored the guitar solo for brass.
Indeed! Saw them do it live. Fantastic.
She absolutely nails this
I can’t watch this enough. 🕺🕺❤️❤️✌️✌️
Love your critiques Doug...I learn from you and it's really cool to get some insight into some of the songs that we've loved for decades.
Heart built their skills playing Led Zeppelin cover songs in Seattle Clubs in the early 1970s, so they were a perfect choice for this tribute.
Absolutely Amazing !
Ain't real music wonderful ........and people will still be sitting open mouthed in another 50 years after watching and listening to this. The song and the the band(s) are timeless!
Saw LZ perform this live at Knebworth in 1979 so I have a high bar for cover versions which Ms Wilson easily clears. Fabulous (good to see Messrs Plant and Page agree :D)! Thank you Doug
Both weekends?
Their eyes were glistening from the balcony. And *that* Made me cry that night for sure. Another magical night ✨. Thank you Doug
When that curtain raises at the back, wow.... this performance gets me every time... so powerful. Everything I love about music is there and they couldn't have picked better musicians for such a faithful tribute to such an excellent song from an excellent band! Simply timeless.
Until that performance, I'd been a firm believer that only one person, and one band, should ever be allowed to perform that song. I'd never considered Ann and Nancy as an option - just hadn't crossed my mind. I'll live the rest of my life with the firm belief that only *two* people, and two bands, should ever be allowed to perform that song.
Thank you as always, Ann and Nancy, for changing my whole outlook on life. Again.
Ann Wilson has said in repeated interviews that they grew up listening, emulating and covering Led Zepellin music as a young band in late ‘60’s/early 1970’s era Seattle music scene…
imo, the best live cover of a classic track
love the shots of YoYo Ma enjoying it!
Such an amazing version of this iconic song !!! Even for the Led Zeppelin members...
A few things I’d like to point out, as a guitar player and a massive Zeppelin fan.
They didn’t know Jason was there till they announced his name that’s why Plant was so happy at the start, John Bonham was his best friend they grew up together. Plant was the one who came to the house and sat down a young Jason to tell him John had passed. Jason’s hat (and the whole choir) was paying homage to John famously wearing that style of hat. And as a guitar player myself (not even saying I’m very talented or anything) I can’t imagine the pressure to try and play that solo in front of Jimmy Page, but after having watched this dozens of times every time I’m a bit bummed out I think it’s the only flaw in this performance, he just doesn’t absolutely kill it like everyone else on the stage.
geez man he did alright considering the pressure
They should’ve got Zakk Wylde. His solo on the cover he did of this with Jason Bonham & Paul Rogers is better than Page’s
I just don't understand why he starts the solo as the original, but then chooses to do his own interpretation, which is way inferior IMO.
It seemed like Jimmy Page enjoyed the show...that is all you need!
I've seen reactors do this Many Times, Yours is the best! One of the Funniest Comments I saw said, "When did Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) Learn to Play Electric Guitar?" hyuk-hyuk!
Heart started as a Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd cover band so I feel there could never have been a better band to cover this song. They were true fans of it
I've seen this performance many times. One of the absolute best live ever.
Loved your reaction to "who She is!" And, I totally agree, and this still gives me chills when I hear it. Thanks Doug ✌🙏✌
I love watching Plant's reaction during this performance.. I would love to know what was going through his mind while he was watching. Excellent review...
I was thinking exactly the same thing!
"And as we wind on down the road, Our shadows taller than our soul"..
I like the way you consider the lyrics as well as the musical structure. Great channel. Keep up the fantastic work.
Thanks for this reaction Doug. This was such a moving rendition of the song and a wonderful tribute.
The greatest cover of all time
This moves me to tears every time. Thanks Doug
When I saw Heart in concert ('80's) they sang a few Led Zep songs. Her voice matched Plant's perfectly.
Pure magic, every time! Speaks to the midst of me, the heart. Amazing! Nice reaction, thanks!
Rock legends covering rock legends most legendary song in front of other rock legends at event that honors rock legends and absolutely crushing it has got to be one of the best performances ever.
Just about perfect 👌🏼 Seeing the three remaining guys made me cry.
Ann and Nancy Rock and they are still beautiful ladies. Ann is 71 now and Nancy is 66. Ann may have lost some range but still sounds great.Yiu should check out some of Ann's singles and her current tour. Nancy released her first solo album this year.
On the topic of favorite lyrics, one of my favorites is from Bob Dylan's "She belongs to me" - "She never stumbles, she's got no place to fall".
Thanks Doug, great analysis. Interesting that Anne was sick with a cold/flu when she performed this so it is even more amazing.
Arguably the greatest cover of all time!!!
when the big choir kicks in at the end it brings tears to my eyes. And theirs as well. Sensational
Thanks for breaking this song down and explaining the lyrics. I've heard this song since it came out and really never knew it's true meaning till today...Bravo.
Watched this cover so many times, perfection from start to end. Ann really nails it, amazing voice.
5:19 love the symbols passing through the background. The same ones used on the cover of Zeppelin IV and each one individually chosen by a member of the band to be their own representation instead of using their faces to sell the album. Instead, they use their music. The album opens with the lyrics ". . .gonna make you groove" and thats exactly what they did.
I’d never thought about this until you specifically pointed out “there’s a feeling I get when I look to the west,” but I wonder if that’s one of Zeppelin’s stealth Tolkien references. The West, capital W, is very significant in the Tolkien mythos, it’s what is used to refer to Valinor, or Elven Home, the place where (spoiler) the elves, Gandalf, Bilbo, and Frodo go at the end of Lord of the Rings. Basically the undying lands, a place where they can be separated from the troubles of Middle Earth and live out their lives peacefully… kind of like a heaven.
I've always thought that too. This song is not an explicit Tolkien song but it seems to have some references thrown here and there
@@fokofi Yeah, nowhere near as explicit as “the Ringwraiths ride in black,” or “Misty Mountain Hop,” but here and there you can see things that scratch that itch.
Heart grave out hats like the one Jason was wearing on their 2013 tour with Jason's band opening. They were part of the meet and greet package. I got one when I saw them in SF California,along with a seat front row center.
Been listening to music like this for over 50 years. I have a greater appreciation for the music, thanks to your knowledge and analysis. I am amazed and appreciative of your knowledge. Music is more complex than I first thought. Love your frequent use of the word “y’all. Good ole southern word. Thanks for your videos. Peace! ✌️
Yeah, this is one of the best (live) covers ever. Even the original Led Zeppelin bandmembers like it a lot.
this is just one of the best musical moments...for me...I love heart, and the zep, of course...I have to go back and watch this periodically ...it brings tears usually...
Just wow Doug, wow. I’ve felt like I understood the message. I was close but you really brought the juxtaposition of the “two paths” to light! Thank you!
"The West".. where the sun sets.. I agree that part is about the end of the day/life/etc. and that Choir.. yeah baby
These two are incredible and this is the best cover of this song
Probably the best hard-rock song of all time. An Anthem. Epic
The best part for me, is Robert, Jimmy, and Paul all seem to enjoy and agree with the performance.
I love your interpretations of the lyrics. You present ideas that I never considered before.
Thanks for the effort and validation here. I can’t put the connection to this performance in words.
That’s a first for me. 🙏🏼
Thanks for your great review and insightful commentary. You are a welcome learned ear and have, more than once helped me to see the key ideas that shaped the tunes I grew up with.
Great cover. Heart did it justice.
If you like music,
Then it's pretty impossible to not only like this version but also be moved by it!
A few things, Ann was in her early 60's when performing this.
What a voice, She truly is a Goddess..
Nancy was also amazing, She's the Rock of Heart.
And so underrated...
When Heart first started out they were a Zep cover band.
Heard this story from a few different people, The version I heard was
Zep was playing a concert & when it was finished Jimmy & Robert & The Boy's wanted to go for a beer,
One of the arena staff suggested for them to go to a certain bar, In which they did.
Well Heart was playing at that bar doing their amazing Zep cover's..
I guess after Heart's last set,
Jimmy & Robert went to talk to them,
Giving them amazing praise along with their approval
To Heart,
Saying they could cover anyone of their (Zep) song's anytime anywhere.
No questions asked.
Pretty Special!
Thanks Doug Super Happy That You Did This
Kevin
I never really examined the lyrics, I enjoyed them and the actual melody,and the tone of Roberts voice, Ann is killing it! I’ve heard this version before, and they do a fantastic cover. I have heard this song a gazillion times,there is a reason it’s a classic ,it’s awesome, my favorite part is when the drums kick in, ah man it’s just so good.
It´s a real joy watching the original members appreciating this performance! Maybe they where thinking: "Boy, why didnt we ever come up with such an arrangement!"
not many things make my eyes leak, especially not music, but this, this rendition is one of them.
Thank you so much for doing this.
Well done Doug. You've helped me re-love this old classic. I bought this album in the early seventies back in Scotland. 💙
I was on boat on the Ganges river at Varanasi in India, and another boat floated by containing a old hippie with a guitar, playing Stairway to Heaven, lol. I guess my rock wasn't big enough to hide from this song, either.
I'll tell you how good this song is:
My MOM liked it, and it wasn't easy for her to like any R&R.
She was a choral music teacher in public school, and it was the choirs in this presentation that really brought it home for her.