Jason Bonham playing drums was a surprise. Robert Plant (Jason's godfather) asked Jason to be his guest, but Jason said he had a prior commitment. Jason is playing his father's drums and wearing his John's bowler hat.
Not only that, they had a different drummer do the sound check and Jason hid behind a couch when they came backstage before the event to say hello to the band.
This performance with Heart gets me everytime I see this video. I don't think any other band could make a cover better than Heart. Ann knocks this out of the park. And to see Robert Plant tear up and Jimmy Paige rockin out in his own way. And to see JPJ smile is proof that they approved of this performance
APROBACIÓN...? ALGÚN DÍA LOS SERES HUMANOS PODRÁN EXPRESAR LA VERDAD DE AQUELLO QUE SUS CUERPOS ESTÁN PRESENCIANDO...TODO ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO SERA REVELADO 👁☝️🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱
I seem to recall that Robert Plant stated that he didn't realize until that performance the impact that Stairway to Heaven had. It was iconic and historic.
The tears in Robert Plant's eyes followed by the smile on his face speaks volumes. There are definitely songs that are on the do not touch list, this is one of them, but this performance is one of the greatest tributes I have ever seen. Also, this song is an absolute masterpiece. Ann Wilson was 62 when she performed this and singers half her age couldn't kill this like she did.
Agreed, this is phenomenal, but I think the greatest cover so far is Disturbed’s cover of “Sound of Silence.” Idk, maybe it’s a tie. It’s hard to be sure. 😂
This is the shorter version of two versions available on UA-cam. The longer version has a MUCH better audio mix and Ann's vocals are about 25% louder after the guitar solo.
When you see Yo Yo Ma enjoying a performance like this, you know it's great. One of the best music performances in Kennedy Honors history. Robert Plant is so stoic looking.
Heart have covered Led Zeppelin songs for many years. Their versions have always been really good but this is just amazing. Who wouldn’t shed a tear when the choir joins in. 😢
So true and especially with a song called Stairway to Heaven.
5 місяців тому+71
This is actually the correct tempo as the studio original. What You experienced with the original live performance, was Zeppelin as they always did live - no song was exactly as the studio version. Lots of bands from the 60's and 70's always jammed live and made their songs longer, slower or faster. This is, despite me being a HUGE and OLD Zepp-fan, the best ever tribute/cover rendition of the song.
As good as that Led Zeppelin performance was, I’m sure I’ve seen other live performances they’ve done where they stayed closer to the studio version of the song. The guitar section was a jam, and as impressive as it was, in my opinion it lost something from the original song which just builds and builds, getting more and more epic as the track goes on. I feel that wasn’t the best Led Zeppelin performance of Stairway, I just can’t recall right now the one I prefer
There are few folks who can pull off playing Stairway IN FRONT of Led Zeppelin and wind up getting a standing ovation from them... Ann Wilson felt like she did it without breaking a sweat... and it is fun to watch Jimmy Page mentally playing the guitar solo during the guitar solo.... they were as enthralled with the performance as us mere mortals.
You just know that Ann is going to knock it out of the park, but can you imagine that guitarist getting a call to say can you play Stairway, live, in front of Jimmy Page … no pressure then!
If you were born after 1999, let me explain, they are watching rock legends- Heart- cover rock gods in front of said rock gods on a night the rock gods are being honored for their rock godliness, choosing the rock gods most famous song and they slayed it!! - this comment was an absolute tribute
The remaining members of Led Zeppelin are responding at 10:07 to not only the revelation of a bigger choir singing but that they are all wearing the customary bowler hat that deceased drummer John Bonham used to wear. Same one Jason, his son, is wearing while he plays in his father's place. Very emotional moment
Jason was invited by Robert and Jimmy to attend this tribute/award as their guest of honor in the place of his dad. he told them he had prior engagements and could not attend. imagine their feeling and surprise when they realized his prior engagement was being the drummer for said event!!!!!!
The original is a Masterpiece. This cover is a Masterpiece. Is not necessary to compare. Music is a language, is not a race. Every variation is another language, another way, another treasure; as you said. I'm a musician. Every *true* musician know this. Greetings from Italy. Thanks for your reaction. Andy
yes Bethany this is an edited for TV version. The longer version is available, and I see that other commenter(s) have sent the link...I'm a huge Heart fan, have seen them in concert several times over the years. Ann and Nancy are big Zep fans and often do Zep songs in their encores. I'm a senior citizen, a musician, and have been fortunate to see many great performances; this is among the best live performances of anything, anywhere. Brilliant beyond words.
This is one of the few performances I have to watch every time it pops back up in my feed. I just can't skip it. You know a band or a song has had an impact when you see everyone from Yo Yo Ma, to the Obama's appreciating it. Not sure if it's just folklore at this point but I did hear once that Robert Plant said Heart is the only band that has full license to cover any Zeppelin song any time they want.
Watching Jason look up at the end,as if to say "That was for you,dad",is the cherry on top. I can't even fathom the level of emotion in that place at that moment!
The longer version of this performance where the outside of the Kennedy Center is seen at the beginning is the full version of this performance. You hear Ann loud and clear throughout. What you watched is a cut version. Of course, the longer version has a slower progression of the song but it really is my personal preference. I hope all that made sense. Thanks for your reactions.
This is an absolute masterpiece. I am a huge Zeppelin and Heart fan and for the Wilson sisters to pull this off with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin in the audience attests to their musical skills. Imagine the pressure they must have been under. I've seen this probably 100 times and get choked up every time.
I lost track of how many times I've watched this being that Ann Wilson is my most favorite vocalist ever. I used to play it at work on repeat but my manager took the CD out of the player and handed it to me. (I got the hint but he doesn't appreciate great music. Doesn't know the difference) And I can so relate about getting emotional watching Ann impressing and enjoying every second of this performance. I read an article that they had one rehearsal which was the previous night and it was all sporadic due to the large ensemble. They were nervous. Very nervous but gosh, did those two ladies from HEART knock it out of the "Hall Park" Center!! I believe Ann Wilson will be remembered for decades on end as the best rock singer in history!!
The Wilson sisters had been preparing for this night for most of their careers. Heart were playing a gig when the news that Bonham had died, cut the playlist and the rest of the gig was a tribute to Led Zeppelin
One of the best, and one of my favorite live performances on UA-cam. The arrangement was awesome. Note, Heart often performed Led Zeppelin songs in concert, so they are no strangers to the song. The pressure to play this song in front of them.....Wow.
This video brings a tear to my eyes every time I've watched it. The reaction of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin. The emotions that must be going on inside them while watching this. I've seen Robert Plant and Jimmy Page perform together live. I've seen Jason Bonham performing his solo material and doing his "Led Zeppelin Experience". I've also watched him drumming with Heart to perform a cover of Rock and Roll and Black Dog. But this, this video invokes an emotional response.
Great reaction Bethany!! Heart was on tour and flew to Washington for 1 day rehearsal and then performed in the evening. Ann and Nancy were incredibly nervous before they hit the stage. They did meet the remaining members of Zep at the event after and it was a huge relief for them that the performance was loved by the band members. I'm sure Robert Plant was hoping to go the rest of his life without hearing Stairway to Heaven again....but he definitely seemed pleased by the performance and more importantly...by seeing Jason Bonham on stage. For those who are interested....this performance IS available for purchase on iTunes. I bought it...and its fun to drive with the windows down and the song ripping through the air!
5 місяців тому+4
This song gives me chills, especially when the choir came in. Seeing the reactions of the surviving members of Zeppelin made me realize I had just seen something special.
We cue up this performance fairly often and it never loses its profound effect on the soul. We have our own curated concert nights in our old age years now. We play our very best favorites from all the decades of popular music. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It’s like sharing our favorites with a fried. ❤️
Every time i see this performance i couldn't stop drop some tears. I'm 63 and It touch me so deep inside. Thanks for your honest reaction Keep on rocking beauty Greetings from Barcelona ❤
The version you just watched is actually a shortened version. This one missed a lot of the build-up at the beginning of the song. The longer version is also available online.
As other comments mentioned, watch the FULL VERSION and for some background "Jimmy Page: How Stairway to Heaven was Written": ua-cam.com/video/DDo4CA13LbY/v-deo.html and just for fun "Led Zeppelin on Letterman the day after Kennedy Honors" ua-cam.com/video/HA1gytJDo_E/v-deo.html
I, who love music without being a singer or musician, couldn't agree more with you. This is a great version, but I needed to hear the brilliance of Ann's voice, even over that wonderful choir. Thanks for the great reaction!
Robert Plant has been quoted many times as saying; he doesn't like covers of Stairway, but he really did like this one. Someone said "Rock Legends playing for Rock Gods!"
This is such a fantastic performance from Heart, the instrumentalists, and chorus. I really like that builds to a crescendo, then closes gently. I’m blown away every time I hear (and see) it. A fitting tribute to Led Zeppelin, John Bonham, and the song itself!
The guitarist is Shane Fontayne, an extremely accomplished musician and session guitarist. He also player for Crosby. Stills & Nash and Bruce Springsteen
This is the shorter version of two versions available on UA-cam. The longer version has a MUCH better audio mix and Ann's vocals are about 25% louder after the guitar solo.
Having viewed this performance many times I still hold to my belief that Robert Plant's smiles and tears during this song is due to his feeling that, in this performance, Stairway has risen to the majesty and scale that he originally envisioned but didn't quite realize and make happen. He's always been critical of people covering this song, but here he has Bonham's son playing his father's set, The Wilson sisters singing and playing their hearts out in worship of the inspiration they gained from LZ, and many other top-class musicians giving their all. It really is a masterpiece that stands alongside the original in every way.
I think you hit the nail on the head when it comes to covers. For me, when I'm listening to a cover (or working on one) I'm looking for the artist to do something new or interesting to the song, to take it to a new place as if they are just doing the same thing as the original artist why wouldn't I just listen to the original....for me the perfect example of this is Hurt. For me I love this version along with the original because they did manage to do new interesting things with it, as you pointed out, while also still keeping the soul of it to where you can see Jason feeling it at the end. I can watch this over and over but the fun part for me (once I got over being amazed by Anne the first time I saw it) is how nervous the guitarist has to have been with playing the most famous solo in history with Jimmy Page watching on but he still doesn't show any fear.
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.
One of the best live performances ever filled with emotion. Also hats off to the fab Shane Fontayne for doing an incredible guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page. Cajones!
Ann was 62 years old when she recorded this tribute. She recorded Don't Tell Me with Disturbed 3 years ago. Earlier this year she sang at the NHL Winter Classic. Cancer kept her from a new tour this year. Talk about staying power. Her technique has to be amazing to still be singing from 60 on.
UGH - TEARY-EYED for the 9,000th TIME, watching this!! (Well - seems like - and, no: that doesn't bother me - 'cause it's a GREAT COVER PERFORMANCE & TRIBUTE!! ...and, Jason Bonham on drums....and, the looks from JPJ, Plant, and Page: just CANNOT seem to hold it together in this one!! SO GOOD! HUGS!
Robert Plant never liked any covers of Stairway, but in an interview after this dedication, he spoke very favorably about Heart's performance. His eyes teared for two reasons. It was a complete surprise that Jason Bonham showed up, and then his thoughts drifted to John not being there and his eyed teared. I love watching Jimmy Page's face when the curtain rises to reveal the choir. Brilliant
Yes this is an edited / shortened version. The original unedited version I saw also has her voice higher in the mix, so it's a double win, you can appreciate Ann much more. Definitely worth tracking down. I'm not sure how anyone has the cajones to edit out half of one of the most iconic guitar solos ever. The unedited version is pretty true to the Zep studio version, though in Zep's version almost all the "orchestration" are guitars, no horns, no choir etc. And the power of the choir is from Plant's wailing 1971 vintage voice and range. edit: here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/LFxOaDeJmXk/v-deo.html Ann's voice is definitely higher in the mix at the end. Also nice glimpse of Bonnie Raitt in the audience loving it.
You listened to the LIVE version of Stairway to Heaven what... ONCE??? If you had listened to the original version for over 40 years, the way I have, you would have tears in your eyes instead of over-thinking Heart's performance. Do you not see that the original members of Led Zeppelin were in tears at how AWESOME a job Heart (and crew) did! THIS was Led Zeppelin being rewarded for all the hard work they did over many, many years.
Heart and Ann and Nancy just killed this song. You know you nailed it when you see how it affected the actual guys who wrote and made it famous. BTW the vocal coach in this clip is so damn pretty it's killing me!! She's so fine I'd love to marry her tonight.
Gosh this always gets me in the feels. I would love to know what was happening in the heads of the Led Zeppelin boys. They looked pretty happy with what treatment their song got. It had to be epic & it is. Especially with John Bonham's son on drums. The choir. All of it fantastic
This is definitely an edited version with a strange audio mix. The full performance is remarkable. I suggest you revisit. I bet you'll feel much more satisfied
When jimmy page did this arrangement, he intentionally wanted it to progress, open up and accelerate. So you could tell when the curtain raised on the 2nd choir from his reaction how heart took this to a new level-awesome!
I heard Robert say in an interview it took hearing Ann sing this song to realize the depth of the meaning of the song. Nice that he could sit back and hear it performed to the same level he did with it.
Congratulations !!! Every time i see this tribute i couldn't stop drop more than one tear. Best tribute for the best rock band ever. Keep on rocking beauty ❤❤ Greetings from Costa Brava !!!
Anne was reportedly quite sick with the flu for this performance, so the fact that she was able to perform like this is testament to just how good she is.
Stairway is supposed to be uncoverable. And here Heart is not only performing one of the best covers of any song, but they give what might be the best live performance of any song period.
Yessss!!... I agree 100%... Ann Wilson is by far, the best female vocalist on earth!. She is incredible!. My favorite songs by Heart showing Ann's incredible abilities are " Dog And Butterfly " ," What About Love ", and All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You "... just to name a few!. I also love the choir they used on this version of Stairway! I really appreciate your expertise and constructive comments... you are the best !.
As others have noted, this cover is closer to the studio version than the live was. Zep always varied the live versions from show to show as a matter of how they liked to perform. Again, as others have noted, this is a shortened version of what Heart actually performed. Highly worth watching the full version.
I can't express how much this song means to me, how many times I've (tried to) sing it, and played it with my band. This interpretation by the Wilson sisters and Jason moved me deeply.
BTW as a drummer for 53 of my 70 years, I can say w/o any reservations that John Bonham would be so proud of how good his son is. So many musicians of great musicians fail to deliver 'cause they didn't do the work. Jason has done the work to honor his dad, one of the top 2 rock drummers who ever played. I can describe John as a wild pocket drummer with no limits who just happen to have the best timing I've ever heard in my life.
Best story about this wonderful tribute: Jason Bonham was invited to the honours do by Plant, Page and JPJ but told them he had a gig somewhere he couldn't get out of..he did, at the Kennedy Centre, playing with Heart. That's why Plant is wagging his finger at him at the start of the vid. Good one Jason, good one Heart..
I love this video and this arrangement. The 1st time I saw it I got tears and sat there with my mouth hanging open. When the choir chimed in I was so shocked, I never expected it. I’m glad you finally watched it. Heart has always been so good. There were so few successful bands from Seattle and they served as mentors to a lot of the so called “grunge” bands of the late 80’s, early 90’s. There is great video available of Heart doing Barracuda when they were a lot younger and it’s a pretty good one considering it was filmed in 1977. I think you will enjoy it.
If you want to do more live Heart, the The Midnight Special channel has remastered performances they did on that show in the 70s. Both are phenomenal, but Magic Man is probably my favorite of the two.
For me, the beauty of this arrangement and performance is how it fills out the song so perfectly. It transforms the song from the rock icon it is into an almost orchestral masterpiece. Or something like that. Having trouble finding words. Thanks for your comments and insights.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Heart - Stairway to Heaven (Live at Kennedy Center Honors) [FULL VERSION]](/img/n.gif)
Jason Bonham playing drums was a surprise. Robert Plant (Jason's godfather) asked Jason to be his guest, but Jason said he had a prior commitment. Jason is playing his father's drums and wearing his John's bowler hat.
Not only that, they had a different drummer do the sound check and Jason hid behind a couch when they came backstage before the event to say hello to the band.
@@lz4005 This is so great!! Love that they did that and were able to surprise the group with that performance! EPIC
@@lz4005 From what I've read, it was Dave Grohl who played drums for the sound check.
Honestly, Robert Plant didn't look surprised at all.
Saw the 77 America tour and this was a great tribute to LZ.
This performance with Heart gets me everytime I see this video. I don't think any other band could make a cover better than Heart. Ann knocks this out of the park. And to see Robert Plant tear up and Jimmy Paige rockin out in his own way. And to see JPJ smile is proof that they approved of this performance
APROBACIÓN...? ALGÚN DÍA LOS SERES HUMANOS PODRÁN EXPRESAR LA VERDAD DE AQUELLO QUE SUS CUERPOS ESTÁN PRESENCIANDO...TODO ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO SERA REVELADO 👁☝️🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱
Anne and Nancy grew up as HUGE Zepplin fans. If you ever see them in concert you will always get to hear at least three Zepplin songs in their show.
AGREED 👍
I seem to recall that Robert Plant stated that he didn't realize until that performance the impact that Stairway to Heaven had. It was iconic and historic.
The tears in Robert Plant's eyes followed by the smile on his face speaks volumes. There are definitely songs that are on the do not touch list, this is one of them, but this performance is one of the greatest tributes I have ever seen.
Also, this song is an absolute masterpiece. Ann Wilson was 62 when she performed this and singers half her age couldn't kill this like she did.
I think the bowler hats on the choir brought out the tears, and the performance brought out the smile.
Plant said this was the only cover of the song he ever enjoyed.
What does age have to do with talent 😅
@@TaurusLaughGuru Have you never seen an old singer perform before? It usually doesn't go this well. Aging is real.
😂😂😂😂 Dude you had me ROLLING with the "On his DO NOT TOUCH LIST" You hit a home run on that one
Personally, I think this is the best cover ever...the arrangement is phenomenal...the horns, the violins, the choir... C'est magnifique 🔥
Agreed, this is phenomenal, but I think the greatest cover so far is Disturbed’s cover of “Sound of Silence.” Idk, maybe it’s a tie. It’s hard to be sure. 😂
@Morpheus903 ...ya, that's a great cover, but for me, I cannot stand that song, so 🤷😁
All that needs to be said is, when you see Robert Plant with watery eyes. You know that performance was special!
for her voice to cut thru ALL of that going on around her is absolutely spellbinding
This is the shorter version of two versions available on UA-cam. The longer version has a MUCH better audio mix and Ann's vocals are about 25% louder after the guitar solo.
This is a epic performance...this will be watchable for 100s of years
So will Ked Zepoelins live performances of this song
Not this video though, because it was cut short by some idiot. The full version is 7:59
Man, you are so right. It is truly Epic my brother. Its Watchable for ETERNITY
When you see Yo Yo Ma enjoying a performance like this, you know it's great. One of the best music performances in Kennedy Honors history. Robert Plant is so stoic looking.
Heart have covered Led Zeppelin songs for many years. Their versions have always been really good but this is just amazing. Who wouldn’t shed a tear when the choir joins in. 😢
Yeah, seen them with Def Leppard about 10 years ago. Boty bands kicked ass still and Heart did like three Zeppelin songs in their set.
It's possible Heart played this song in front of people more than Zep did.
Not only a great song and performance, but one of the most emotional videos in the UA-cam catalog.
This is not just beautiful but it is sooooo emotional, in a good way. Shocked and awed by this version of an iconic song.
The Choir in the background gets me every time. You can see it in their faces, the joy and pride and knowing how big a moment this was
So true and especially with a song called Stairway to Heaven.
This is actually the correct tempo as the studio original. What You experienced with the original live performance, was Zeppelin as they always did live - no song was exactly as the studio version. Lots of bands from the 60's and 70's always jammed live and made their songs longer, slower or faster.
This is, despite me being a HUGE and OLD Zepp-fan, the best ever tribute/cover rendition of the song.
Tempo is normal. Much shorter between verses. The stacking of the verses can make the song seem "faster".
As good as that Led Zeppelin performance was, I’m sure I’ve seen other live performances they’ve done where they stayed closer to the studio version of the song. The guitar section was a jam, and as impressive as it was, in my opinion it lost something from the original song which just builds and builds, getting more and more epic as the track goes on. I feel that wasn’t the best Led Zeppelin performance of Stairway, I just can’t recall right now the one I prefer
There are few folks who can pull off playing Stairway IN FRONT of Led Zeppelin and wind up getting a standing ovation from them... Ann Wilson felt like she did it without breaking a sweat... and it is fun to watch Jimmy Page mentally playing the guitar solo during the guitar solo.... they were as enthralled with the performance as us mere mortals.
To be fair, Heart has done that song as part of their live show dozens, if not hundreds of times.
@@lz4005 The band pretty much started out as a Led Zeppelin cover band 50 years ago.
You just know that Ann is going to knock it out of the park, but can you imagine that guitarist getting a call to say can you play Stairway, live, in front of Jimmy Page … no pressure then!
If you were born after 1999, let me explain, they are watching rock legends- Heart- cover rock gods in front of said rock gods on a night the rock gods are being honored for their rock godliness, choosing the rock gods most famous song and they slayed it!! - this comment was an absolute tribute
The remaining members of Led Zeppelin are responding at 10:07 to not only the revelation of a bigger choir singing but that they are all wearing the customary bowler hat that deceased drummer John Bonham used to wear. Same one Jason, his son, is wearing while he plays in his father's place. Very emotional moment
Jason is wearing his dad’s hat and playing his dad’s drums here!
GREATEST COVER EVER PERIOD, and also the greatest female rock voice ever and the best music video on you tube.
Jason was invited by Robert and Jimmy to attend this tribute/award as their guest of honor in the place of his dad. he told them he had prior engagements and could not attend. imagine their feeling and surprise when they realized his prior engagement was being the drummer for said event!!!!!!
The original is a Masterpiece. This cover is a Masterpiece. Is not necessary to compare. Music is a language, is not a race. Every variation is another language, another way, another treasure; as you said. I'm a musician. Every *true* musician know this.
Greetings from Italy.
Thanks for your reaction.
Andy
yes Bethany this is an edited for TV version. The longer version is available, and I see that other commenter(s) have sent the link...I'm a huge Heart fan, have seen them in concert several times over the years. Ann and Nancy are big Zep fans and often do Zep songs in their encores. I'm a senior citizen, a musician, and have been fortunate to see many great performances; this is among the best live performances of anything, anywhere. Brilliant beyond words.
The full version starts out with a shot of the Kennedy Center, and no CBS logo, in the bottom left.
This is one of the few performances I have to watch every time it pops back up in my feed. I just can't skip it. You know a band or a song has had an impact when you see everyone from Yo Yo Ma, to the Obama's appreciating it. Not sure if it's just folklore at this point but I did hear once that Robert Plant said Heart is the only band that has full license to cover any Zeppelin song any time they want.
Legally, any band can cover any song. Plant surely knows that; he was probably expressing his personal feelings about who can do a good job of it.
Watching Jason look up at the end,as if to say "That was for you,dad",is the cherry on top. I can't even fathom the level of emotion in that place at that moment!
The longer version of this performance where the outside of the Kennedy Center is seen at the beginning is the full version of this performance. You hear Ann loud and clear throughout. What you watched is a cut version. Of course, the longer version has a slower progression of the song but it really is my personal preference. I hope all that made sense. Thanks for your reactions.
Robert Plants face during Ann sing let it roll says everything I need to know.
Legends honoring legends in a room full of legends… with a legendary performance.
I absolutely love how as the song builds, more and more layers, the choirs etc, make it more and more emotive.
Brilliant, just brilliant. 🙌
you should watch the uncut version if you think That was something.
To have the best musicians you can gather to play your song back to you in a tribute. I bet that is the best recognition they ever dreamed of.
This is an absolute masterpiece. I am a huge Zeppelin and Heart fan and for the Wilson sisters to pull this off with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin in the audience attests to their musical skills. Imagine the pressure they must have been under. I've seen this probably 100 times and get choked up every time.
I lost track of how many times I've watched this being that Ann Wilson is my most favorite vocalist ever. I used to play it at work on repeat but my manager took the CD out of the player and handed it to me. (I got the hint but he doesn't appreciate great music. Doesn't know the difference) And I can so relate about getting emotional watching Ann impressing and enjoying every second of this performance. I read an article that they had one rehearsal which was the previous night and it was all sporadic due to the large ensemble. They were nervous. Very nervous but gosh, did those two ladies from HEART knock it out of the "Hall Park" Center!! I believe Ann Wilson will be remembered for decades on end as the best rock singer in history!!
The Wilson sisters had been preparing for this night for most of their careers. Heart were playing a gig when the news that Bonham had died, cut the playlist and the rest of the gig was a tribute to Led Zeppelin
I have watched this so many times, it's a masterpiece and very special moment in time.
One of the best, and one of my favorite live performances on UA-cam. The arrangement was awesome. Note, Heart often performed Led Zeppelin songs in concert, so they are no strangers to the song. The pressure to play this song in front of them.....Wow.
This video brings a tear to my eyes every time I've watched it. The reaction of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin. The emotions that must be going on inside them while watching this.
I've seen Robert Plant and Jimmy Page perform together live. I've seen Jason Bonham performing his solo material and doing his "Led Zeppelin Experience". I've also watched him drumming with Heart to perform a cover of Rock and Roll and Black Dog. But this, this video invokes an emotional response.
That performance is a masterpiece. Absolutely supernova level 🔥.
seeing jason up there rocking his old man's bowler and drum kit gets me every time.
This version gives me chills every time. ❤️
I was just gonna write this…
Favorite part of this is when the choir reveals and Jimmy says, "Wow! Fuck!"
This presentation at the. Kennedy center was incredible!
This is one of the greatest tribute covers ever.
It shows the respect that Heart has for Led Zeppelin and vice versa.
Great reaction Bethany!! Heart was on tour and flew to Washington for 1 day rehearsal and then performed in the evening. Ann and Nancy were incredibly nervous before they hit the stage. They did meet the remaining members of Zep at the event after and it was a huge relief for them that the performance was loved by the band members. I'm sure Robert Plant was hoping to go the rest of his life without hearing Stairway to Heaven again....but he definitely seemed pleased by the performance and more importantly...by seeing Jason Bonham on stage.
For those who are interested....this performance IS available for purchase on iTunes. I bought it...and its fun to drive with the windows down and the song ripping through the air!
This song gives me chills, especially when the choir came in. Seeing the reactions of the surviving members of Zeppelin made me realize I had just seen something special.
The marriage of Rock and Classical instruments it just awesome
What a beautiful reaction,...beautiful cover of a beautiful song, reacted to beautifully by a beautiful reactor!!👏👏👏
Overwhelming! Still makes me cry
Robert has been through a lot. Pain in his eyes with a smile.
We cue up this performance fairly often and it never loses its profound effect on the soul. We have our own curated concert nights in our old age years now. We play our very best favorites from all the decades of popular music. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It’s like sharing our favorites with a fried. ❤️
This is mind blowing at every possible level ❤️❤️❤️
Every time i see this performance i couldn't stop drop some tears. I'm 63 and It touch me so deep inside.
Thanks for your honest reaction
Keep on rocking beauty
Greetings from Barcelona ❤
The version you just watched is actually a shortened version. This one missed a lot of the build-up at the beginning of the song. The longer version is also available online.
As other comments mentioned, watch the FULL VERSION and for some background "Jimmy Page: How Stairway to Heaven was Written": ua-cam.com/video/DDo4CA13LbY/v-deo.html and just for fun "Led Zeppelin on Letterman the day after Kennedy Honors" ua-cam.com/video/HA1gytJDo_E/v-deo.html
This salute to Led Zeppelin made the original musicians cry .
I remember listening to heart back in my teens. Her voice is still so good.
This is the best live version of a cover ever performed IMO. Simply amazing.
I, who love music without being a singer or musician, couldn't agree more with you. This is a great version, but I needed to hear the brilliance of Ann's voice, even over that wonderful choir. Thanks for the great reaction!
Robert Plant has been quoted many times as saying; he doesn't like covers of Stairway, but he really did like this one.
Someone said "Rock Legends playing for Rock Gods!"
This is such a fantastic performance from Heart, the instrumentalists, and chorus. I really like that builds to a crescendo, then closes gently. I’m blown away every time I hear (and see) it. A fitting tribute to Led Zeppelin, John Bonham, and the song itself!
There seems to be so many cuts of this performance, presumably from different tv stations. It almost feels like a new experience.
The guitarist is Shane Fontayne, an extremely accomplished musician and session guitarist. He also player for Crosby. Stills & Nash and Bruce Springsteen
This is the shorter version of two versions available on UA-cam. The longer version has a MUCH better audio mix and Ann's vocals are about 25% louder after the guitar solo.
Having viewed this performance many times I still hold to my belief that Robert Plant's smiles and tears during this song is due to his feeling that, in this performance, Stairway has risen to the majesty and scale that he originally envisioned but didn't quite realize and make happen. He's always been critical of people covering this song, but here he has Bonham's son playing his father's set, The Wilson sisters singing and playing their hearts out in worship of the inspiration they gained from LZ, and many other top-class musicians giving their all.
It really is a masterpiece that stands alongside the original in every way.
I think you hit the nail on the head when it comes to covers. For me, when I'm listening to a cover (or working on one) I'm looking for the artist to do something new or interesting to the song, to take it to a new place as if they are just doing the same thing as the original artist why wouldn't I just listen to the original....for me the perfect example of this is Hurt.
For me I love this version along with the original because they did manage to do new interesting things with it, as you pointed out, while also still keeping the soul of it to where you can see Jason feeling it at the end. I can watch this over and over but the fun part for me (once I got over being amazed by Anne the first time I saw it) is how nervous the guitarist has to have been with playing the most famous solo in history with Jimmy Page watching on but he still doesn't show any fear.
Jimmy loved it too, you could see him enjoying it.
That would be Shane Fontayne on guitar, an accomplished musician in his own right who has worked with big names like Sting.
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.
I love Led Zeppelin's version but I get chills every single time I watch the Heart version.
One of the best live performances ever filled with emotion. Also hats off to the fab Shane Fontayne for doing an incredible guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page. Cajones!
Ann was 62 years old when she recorded this tribute. She recorded Don't Tell Me with Disturbed 3 years ago. Earlier this year she sang at the NHL Winter Classic. Cancer kept her from a new tour this year. Talk about staying power. Her technique has to be amazing to still be singing from 60 on.
I think I love this more than the original. Gives me major goosebumps every time I hear it ❤️
I have watched this video thousands of time and get emotional every time, especially when the gospel choir kicks in. best cover ever
I love watching your videos. Your elegant and beautiful presence on the camera grabs me. Your knowledge of music is so inspiring..
This to me is the best musical performance I have ever seen.
So glad to see you review this !! ❤ I’ve always thought this to be one of the most stirring performances I’ve ever seen.
UGH - TEARY-EYED for the 9,000th TIME, watching this!! (Well - seems like - and, no: that doesn't bother me - 'cause it's a GREAT COVER PERFORMANCE & TRIBUTE!! ...and, Jason Bonham on drums....and, the looks from JPJ, Plant, and Page: just CANNOT seem to hold it together in this one!! SO GOOD! HUGS!
Robert Plant never liked any covers of Stairway, but in an interview after this dedication, he spoke very favorably about Heart's performance. His eyes teared for two reasons. It was a complete surprise that Jason Bonham showed up, and then his thoughts drifted to John not being there and his eyed teared. I love watching Jimmy Page's face when the curtain rises to reveal the choir. Brilliant
This gets better with repeated viewings. It’s one of those videos I come back and rewatch at least once a year.
Yes this is an edited / shortened version. The original unedited version I saw also has her voice higher in the mix, so it's a double win, you can appreciate Ann much more. Definitely worth tracking down. I'm not sure how anyone has the cajones to edit out half of one of the most iconic guitar solos ever. The unedited version is pretty true to the Zep studio version, though in Zep's version almost all the "orchestration" are guitars, no horns, no choir etc. And the power of the choir is from Plant's wailing 1971 vintage voice and range. edit: here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/LFxOaDeJmXk/v-deo.html Ann's voice is definitely higher in the mix at the end. Also nice glimpse of Bonnie Raitt in the audience loving it.
I actually love the push that's needed to hear her....I really love the power of that last line pushing through, and you can tell it hits Robert hard.
You listened to the LIVE version of Stairway to Heaven what... ONCE??? If you had listened to the original version for over 40 years, the way I have, you would have tears in your eyes instead of over-thinking Heart's performance. Do you not see that the original members of Led Zeppelin were in tears at how AWESOME a job Heart (and crew) did! THIS was Led Zeppelin being rewarded for all the hard work they did over many, many years.
Heart and Ann and Nancy just killed this song. You know you nailed it when you see how it affected the actual guys who wrote and made it famous. BTW the vocal coach in this clip is so damn pretty it's killing me!! She's so fine I'd love to marry her tonight.
Gosh this always gets me in the feels. I would love to know what was happening in the heads of the Led Zeppelin boys. They looked pretty happy with what treatment their song got. It had to be epic & it is. Especially with John Bonham's son on drums. The choir. All of it fantastic
This is definitely an edited version with a strange audio mix. The full performance is remarkable. I suggest you revisit. I bet you'll feel much more satisfied
When jimmy page did this arrangement, he intentionally wanted it to progress, open up and accelerate. So you could tell when the curtain raised on the 2nd choir from his reaction how heart took this to a new level-awesome!
I heard Robert say in an interview it took hearing Ann sing this song to realize the depth of the meaning of the song. Nice that he could sit back and hear it performed to the same level he did with it.
I am still new on this channel, and I can't wrap my head around how beautiful this coach is, respectfully. Good Video.
Congratulations !!!
Every time i see this tribute i couldn't stop drop more than one tear.
Best tribute for the best rock band ever.
Keep on rocking beauty ❤❤
Greetings from Costa Brava !!!
You watch this the same way I do, with a permanent smile. Couldn't help but smile along with you. Beautiful!
Dear Vocalyst - I LOVE your work!!!
Anne was reportedly quite sick with the flu for this performance, so the fact that she was able to perform like this is testament to just how good she is.
Stairway is supposed to be uncoverable. And here Heart is not only performing one of the best covers of any song, but they give what might be the best live performance of any song period.
Yessss!!... I agree 100%... Ann Wilson is by far, the best female vocalist on earth!. She is incredible!. My favorite songs by Heart showing Ann's incredible abilities are " Dog And Butterfly " ," What About Love ", and All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You "... just to name a few!. I also love the choir they used on this version of Stairway! I really appreciate your expertise and constructive comments... you are the best !.
As others have noted, this cover is closer to the studio version than the live was. Zep always varied the live versions from show to show as a matter of how they liked to perform. Again, as others have noted, this is a shortened version of what Heart actually performed. Highly worth watching the full version.
Heart has played more Led Zeppelin covers in their concerts. The Battle of Evermore, sung by Ann and Nancy, is quite worth listening.
I can't express how much this song means to me, how many times I've (tried to) sing it, and played it with my band. This interpretation by the Wilson sisters and Jason moved me deeply.
The guitar playing by Ann Wilson is tonal perfection.
I hade a wonderful time watching this with you. Thank you.❤❤❤ Cheers from a finn in Sweden.
Oh heck yes! I saw this come up and had to click on it immediately. Love this emotional performance!
BTW as a drummer for 53 of my 70 years, I can say w/o any reservations that John Bonham would be so proud of how good his son is. So many musicians of great musicians fail to deliver 'cause they didn't do the work. Jason has done the work to honor his dad, one of the top 2 rock drummers who ever played. I can describe John as a wild pocket drummer with no limits who just happen to have the best timing I've ever heard in my life.
thank you for this Vocalyst .. good reaction
Best story about this wonderful tribute: Jason Bonham was invited to the honours do by Plant, Page and JPJ but told them he had a gig somewhere he couldn't get out of..he did, at the Kennedy Centre, playing with Heart.
That's why Plant is wagging his finger at him at the start of the vid.
Good one Jason, good one Heart..
I love this video and this arrangement. The 1st time I saw it I got tears and sat there with my mouth hanging open. When the choir chimed in I was so shocked, I never expected it. I’m glad you
finally watched it. Heart has always been so good. There were so few successful bands from Seattle and they served as mentors to a lot of the so called “grunge” bands of the late 80’s, early 90’s. There is great video available of Heart doing Barracuda when they were a lot younger and it’s a pretty good one considering it was filmed in 1977. I think you will enjoy it.
I love this video and Zepp’s reaction. Classic. Such well deserved accolades for Zepp! Love the reaction on this channel
This is the edited version for tv.. The full version is posted here on UA-cam..Couple more verses and longer guitar solo..
As soon as I see that CBS logo, I refuse to watch it and immediately comment that this is NOT the one to react to.
If you want to do more live Heart, the The Midnight Special channel has remastered performances they did on that show in the 70s. Both are phenomenal, but Magic Man is probably my favorite of the two.
For me, the beauty of this arrangement and performance is how it fills out the song so perfectly. It transforms the song from the rock icon it is into an almost orchestral masterpiece. Or something like that. Having trouble finding words.
Thanks for your comments and insights.