Heart’s Emotional Performance of Stairway to Heaven Leaves Its Creators in Tears, Highlighting Its Special Influence

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart delivered a memorable performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors on December 2, 2012. This event was a tribute to Led Zeppelin, with members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones in attendance, making the atmosphere charged with reverence and nostalgia. The Wilson sisters, known for their powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence, were joined by Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, which added a poignant familial connection to the tribute.

The rendition began with a subdued and intimate arrangement, gradually building in intensity as a string section and the Joyce Garrett Youth Choir enriched the song’s orchestration. Jason Bonham’s presence on drums, clad in a bowler hat reminiscent of his father’s iconic style, added a deeply personal touch that resonated with both the audience and the honorees.

Robert Plant, often ambivalent about “Stairway to Heaven” due to its immense popularity and complex legacy, was visibly moved by the performance, with tears welling in his eyes. He later expressed profound gratitude for the Wilson sisters’ rendition, acknowledging the emotional depth and respect they brought to the song’s interpretation.

Nancy Wilson admitted feeling the weight of performing such a beloved and iconic piece in front of Led Zeppelin themselves, along with dignitaries like the President and First Lady. Despite the pressure, the Wilson sisters delivered a technically flawless and emotionally charged performance that garnered praise not only from the audience but also from the honored band members themselves.

Ann Wilson described the experience as profoundly emotional, likening it to a transcendent moment where the music and the occasion fused into something almost “orgasmic” in its intensity. The feedback from Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones was overwhelmingly positive, with all three expressing deep appreciation for the Wilsons’ interpretation and the enduring legacy of their music.

This performance at the Kennedy Center Honors is celebrated as a landmark moment in rock history, showcasing Heart’s ability to pay homage to a classic while infusing it with their distinctive musical style and passion. It underscored the timeless appeal of Led Zeppelin’s music and highlighted the enduring influence of both bands on the rock genre.