It seems that you weren’t aware of the most touching thing about this performance. Yes Heart was phenomenal and the bands reaction was so awesome. But what really makes this video is Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham who died, was playing drums. He did it as a surprise for the band who did not know he would be there. And the black bowler hats he and the choir were wearing is the same as what his father wore with Zeppelin back in the 70s. Very touching moment!
Thanks Ed!! We did not know about this until after the fact which definitely makes it even more of a renowned performance! As always, we really appreciate all your support with the channel! 🙏
@@barsandbarbells2022 Sure! Just sent a Paypal request for Zep's Since Ive Been Loving You Live 73, let me know if someone else beat me to it and I will send different song... thanks!
He's also wearing Bonzo's actual hat and playing one of his drum kits too. I have heard people say that it is the kit that John used on the original recording of "Stairway....." but I can't find official confirmation of that.
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.
@@juliemanarin4127 AGREE - their rendition of Battle Of Evermore was STUNNING!!! Although, I just say, it's very difficult to find a decent recording of it, now. Won't ever forget THAT one, either!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Significantly, Ann & Nancy Wilson were also chosen to front the live performance of "Good Vibrations" at "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson" at Radio City Music Hall in 2001, emceed by Chazz Palminteri, with that show-stopper introduced by Sir George Martin; Martin emphasized how hard "G.V." is to do live: "But this band can do it!"
I just wanted to mention the gentleman who played the guitar solo. His name is Shane Fontayne. This guy was given the task of playing what is arguably the most well-known guitar solo in rock music history, in front of one of the greatest guitar players of all time, who is also the guy that created and recorded that solo. Fontayne touches on all the iconic moments of the original, but it's not a note-for-note reproduction. Mostly, the differences are just in the phrasing; he might hold one bend a little longer here, or push a little faster there. But it never goes too far away from Page's version, just enough so that you know another guy, who seems to be pretty damn good, is playing it. It's an incredible artistic achievement, only heightened by the fact that he seems pretty comfortable (not cocky, comfortable) doing it...
Glad you mentioned him because most people are only going to recognize Ann & Nancy Wilson maybe Jason Bonham. Everyone did a great job of not doing a direct copy but coming up with an original cover that didn't stray to far. Must have been a lot of pressure to honor them with a good performance.
Actually, LZ saw Heart cover their song way back in the seventies at a Heart concert, and were so impressed that they gave them their blessing to the cover.
True story, Ann once said heart started out as as a led zeppelin cover band, and your right about zeppelin giving them there blessing, the record company was going to sue them and Robert plant said hell no,and legally gave heart the right to play any zeppelin songs they wanted!
One of the GREATEST covers ever . Jason Bonham being the drummer to honor his Dad John makes it even better . Thanks for reacting to this ! Zeppelin were so into it . Robert Plant was even teary eyed.
That was Jason Bonham on drums, son of the late drummer John Bonham. He and Robert Plant are very close when his father died Robert stepped in. And it’s very sweet that they let him play drums for them on tour! ❤
He was probably the only person who could do it justice. He used to sit in with the band on occasion as a kid. Robert Plant once told the story that one time back in the late 70s they were doing a sound check and mid way through the song he saw John out in front of the stage and was like wtf. He looked back and it was Jason playing the drums.
This song transcends every generation. My mother saw LZ perform it live in the late 60s. This song was what my friends and I listened to every night as teens getting ready to go out in the 80s & 90s, and now my kids love it.
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.
Even such an iconic and legendary band like Heart, (who have often been referred to as the "Female Led Zeppelin") to play arguably the greatest rock song ever written in front of the very band it was made famous by. It has to be extremely nerve-wracking and intimidating. However, they absolutely blew it out of the water! Only one other band could do this song justice, and they were sitting in the crowd being honored! Truly epic performance by all involved! 🙌
It's a great performance...Yo-Yo Ma grooving out in the front row, the Obamas at full-chill, then a 70 person choir in bowler hats explodes from the floor and it becomes a once in a generation celebration for the song that defines modern Rock-and-Roll.
@@drjag1155 For the same reason i think , I'm 62 i love Led Zep , i saw this video hundrets times and when i see the Robert face and the reactions from Page and Johns i could not stop drop some tears.
Can you imagine having the masters looking on while you perform? Incredible! Robert Plant got a tear in his eye. From what I understand, Robert Plant asked Jason Bonham to sit with them to represent his dad, but Jason said he had a prior engagement. He didn' t let on that he was going to perform.
Ann Wilson is one of the greatest singers ever. Actually I'm listening to music over 60 years this performance may be the best. Kudos to everyone involved in this phenomenal performance. Ann Wilson mid 70s is still performing at this moment. No doubt its a great concert
Imagine performing one of the most legendary songs by one of the most legendary bands, in front of said band. Add to it, having the son of their deceased drummer on the drums. No pressure. They made it look like a walk in the park. Gives me chills every time.
Probably the best Zep tribute of this song of all time, never to be repeated. Heart, a fully orchestra, a full choir, and the son of the original Zep drummer , Jason. It simply will never be any better than this.
It was a surprise to everyone that Jason was going to play drums on this song, apparently he even took out his dad's old derby hat for the performance. What is extra special is that John Bonham was Robert Plants best friend and after his passing the band was never the same. Plant was moved to tears this evening seeing his best friends son playing on stage with his dads hat on. Near the end of the song Jason looked up as to say Dad this was for you! Very powerful evening for all who witnessed this. Heart is a Class Act! As a side note, at the after party Robert Plant told Ann & Nancy Wilson that was the best version of that song he has ever heard. GREAT REACTION B&B.
Ann Wilson the best female singer of all time her voice is absolutely electrifying. What a performance I can't get over her voice then Shivers up and down my spine every time I hear her.
I adore Ann Wilson, and think she’s the greatest female rock singer of her generation….and perhaps she has never been equaled in that genre…but best female vocalist of all time in all genres? That’s quite a claim. You might wish to narrow it a bit to the rock genre…..I mean, if you haven’t heard Lara Fabian, you should. Ditto with Floor Jansen, current lead vocalist with the symphonic metal band Nightwish. I don’t know how broad your taste is, but sample around a bit.
You are correct. Always listen to the original before the cover. You can’t decide as the quality of the cover unless you witness the artistry of the original. After the show…. “It went off really great. Afterward, the Zeppelin guys each came back individually. Jones was like, ‘Wow, you did a great job’ and Robert Plant goes, ‘Whoah, I learned to just hate that song because everybody murders it - but you did it justice. Way to go!’ And Jimmy Page goes ‘You played that great; just lovely.‘” Side note, the lead guitarist that played the solo, is at mostly all Kennedy Center Honors to play the guitar solos. Michael Barakan, known as Shane Fontayne, is an English rock guitarist. Shane was a lead guitarist with the house band at the Kennedy Center Honors for seven years from 2008 to 2014.
I started to tear up in the finale being so moved by the performance and the history I personally feel for the music, and probably more than anything else seeing Jason play so well, and recognising what it must have meant for him and Robert for him to be up there representing and celebrating his dad.
I always feel a bit of anxiety for the guy doing the guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page 😂 had to be nerve wracking. Heart covers a few Led Zeppelin songs in their live shows. 🔥
I've been blessed to see some of the greats in many different avenues. I saw Page and Plant at the last show they did at the original Boston Garden for the Hangman tour with the infamous Hurdy Gurdy guru but also on Stairway they did similar to hear and raised the curtain and the entire Boston Symphony was backing them. Absolutely out of this world, that being said this performance is as good as it will ever get without the guys I promise you with pure truth. This is why Jimmy and Robert both had a hard time with attempts at covering. Ann possesses everything needed from range to grit to pure god given ability. God Bless all involved in this magical tribute especially Jason paying respects to dad ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
There's a different version of this where Jason Bonham was introduced he smiles and points up to the 3 with his drumsticks and Robert Plant stands up and smiles and points down at Jason. The reason is Plant called and asked Jason to come and represent his father but lied to his Godfather and said he had a gig that night and couldn't get out of. The bowler hats were to honor John Bonham it was his hat of choice and the one Jason is wearing is his dad's hat. Also the drum kit his playing is his dad's.
I believe Robert had asked Jason Bonham to come to represent his dad and he said he had something he couldn’t miss so when he walked on stage to play the drums they were truly surprised. 💜
There will NEVER be another Rock icons like Zeppelin truly legends getting their tribute by Rock Royalty Wilson sisters, Jason Bonham and the kick ass band with the choir! Never again in our lifetime will we get it done better.
Didn't surprise me Heart pulled this off. Ann Wilson's voice can peel the paint off the walls. I was fortunate enough to see Heart with the original band members in Sacramento in the early 80s - 82, 83 time frame? To this day that show is in my top 3 concerts I've seen. They absolutely ripped it that night.
So glad to see you react to this performance! I can't imagine anyone doing a better cover of this job. There are several vocalists that could do a decent job with this song, but nobody is going to truly outrank Ann Wilson. So much fun watching such great moment among the surviving band members. They had wanted Jason Bohnam (the son of Led Zepplin drummer John Bohnam) to sit with them in the audience, but were disappointed when he said he had a gig that night. You see the surprise in their faces when they realize that THIS was the gig he had. Jimmy Page watching his own guitar solo masterfully played and shining with his approval. And watching Robert Page say "My God!" when the large choir was revealed. Just one of the best Rock and Roll performances of all time. 💯
My favorite song, and Robert's, of all time "Kashmir" up next? AFTER watch them perform it in the one day reunion in 2007 Celebration Day (32 years later). Jason plays drums & destroys it. John Paul Jones playing keyboard & bass with his feet. Jimmy as cool as ever shredding it. Robert's vocals are gonna blow you away. 20 million people tried to get tickets in a lotto system. 😂 Trust me, your mind will be blown & they will show you why Led Zepplin are the greatest of all time. That riff gets in your soul.
Jason calls Robert, Jimmy and Jon his three uncles, whom he said were and continue to be there for him after his father tragically died. I love that someone else recognised YoYo Ma rocking out. Annie and Nancy are the only ones who could do this iconic song justice. Plus we also appreciate the guitar skills of the Sheldon Cooper lookalike.
I've watched this performance probably hundreds of times and get chills every time. If there's ever anybody to do a Zeppelin cover it's Heart. Actually Robert Plant is the one who said he couldn't stand people covering this song, he told Ann after this he was impressed with this. There are a bunch of them on RUclips. I've seen them do "Rock n Roll" as a tribute to Elvis on the day he died 46 years ago.
Utter perfection! They ALL worked together! The guitarist getting Jimmy's solo down,that amazing choir,Jon Bonham's son killing it on drums to honor his late,great,father,Anne's guitar playing and harmonies,and Nancy's powerful vocals carrying us through every part! Jimmy Paige grinning ear to ear was the icing on the musical cake!🎛🥁🎸🎶👊😛🤯🤘
The overall performance was fantastic, but I didn’t really think Shayne nailed the solo. It’s weird to me that they didn’t get another guitar icon who professed Jimmy Page love to do the most iconic solo of all time. That guy was a good player, but he injected an 80s feel to it and just works better as a minor blues. He’s a studio musician who’s not really a huge rock guy and is not really that influenced by Page. Even Slash could’ve nailed it better. Although his tone wasn’t bad so all in all I’d say it was pretty good but didn’t reach Ann Wilson level of glory. Just my opinion.
@@markdecker6190 it wasn’t by any means a bad solo. The guy is a pro. But it’s just a weird choice made by non- guitarist producers. It’s such an iconic treasure in music you think they would’ve handled it with greater care and got someone as adored as Ann Wilson, even if just for the optics. I mean, they used an unknown guitarist who looks like he belongs in The Killers rather than one of the hundreds of Page acolytes who are also better rock players. Hammett? Satriani? Vai? Slash? They’re all recognizable, publicly known Page worshipers, and MUCH better guitarists than that dude. Jeff Beck? For that matter, how have the Foo Fighters become the Zeligs of rock? Kid Rock doing Ramble On? Lenny Kravitz? They’re all Ok but far from Zep level. It’s like Jan Wenner produced this. All that being said, it was still enjoyable, and Jack Black was super fun.
IMO there is more soul in this performance than in a whole lotta churches. The word “epic” gets tossed around like confetti these days, but I think this performance truly embodies that word.
Heart actually started out as a Led Zeppelin cover band called WhiteHeart before they started writing their own music. They have been playing Led Zeppelin songs since 1973, so of course Ann knew how to lay it down here.
Heart were huge fans of Led Zeppelin clear back at the beginning of both their careers. I have heard Ann and Nancy talking about how they would be blaring Zeppelin as they went from gig to gig.
heart actually formed because the sisters loved led zeppelin so much. and it feels like this performance was kind of like them finally being fully appreciated by led zeppelin
My two favorite moments: 1) The reaction of the band and people around them when they realize a gospel choir was added. 2) Jason Bonham's quick look up to his father in heaven just before closing out the song with the symbol roll. That look tells you why he played for only this song during the concert.
Yes I agree. I would add Pink Floyd "Comfortably Numb" live at Pulse. There are a number of live performances in symphonic metal that stand out such as Nightwish "Ghost Love Score" live at Tampere 2016, Epica "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith ..
Best cover of all time! Great job you guys in having the full version of the performance most other reactors have a redacted version so kudos to both of you.
No one could pull this classic off like Heart did. They have theat Zeplin flavor already. I saw them live in the 70s and they were awesome. And to have John Bonhams son on the drums was just amazing, they all killed it. I loved every second of this performance and your reaction
This is easily the best cover version of stairway. In fact the entire LZ Kennedy Centre Honours tribute is worth watching: Jack Black introducing it followed by performances by Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz and the Heart performance you saw here was the culmination.
I saw both Heart and Led Zepplin in concert in the 70's in NYC. Heart always played their encore song from Zep "Been a long time since I rock and rolled" in tribute even back then. Zep was an inspiration to Heart from their start in music.
Ann and Nancy Wilson are underappreciated beasts! Imagine the pressure of being on that stage in that moment in front of those people doing that song with that drummer. I think I along with most people would still be curled up in a ball backstage repeating "I can't I can't I can't"
Every time I watch this wonderful, marvelous production, I get teary-eyed. The only other live performance of this song I will ever watch besides by Zepp.
This version is mindblowing never thought I'd say that for a cover of a Zeppelin classic. Once again Nancy and those incredible pipes. What a great performance by everybody on stage. Adding that choir at the height of the song was a brilliant move 😊
Watched this, to be honest 300 times. Still cry when Jason (Son of the original drummer) shows respect to his daddies in mind. They where a family. Could talk about Def Leppard. But thaths another story of humanity ..
As a drummer I cried very hard the first time I saw this because I can imagine God letting John Bonham look down on this performance with his son at the helm of the engine-the heartbeat of the Zeppelin legacy and smiling with Pride! The look on Plant’s face says it all and I think he too felt Bonzo’s presence! Hats off to Heart and all the musicians in stage! It was epic!
The lead gutarist fled the draft during the Veitnam War and Heart moved up to my town to wait out the war. They usually closed the night playing Led Zepplin covers I recall. They have a lot of hits, I'd suggest 'Crazy On You' next or 'Magic Man'. Both from the debut album which really does not have a bad song on it. Cheers.
Jason Bonham...son of John Bonham...did a wonderful job here! I thought Robert was going to cry. Heats sisters did a fabulous job! All 3 of them were loving it!
So much to love. Jason Bonham. The derby/bowler hats. Shane Fontaine. Ann and Nancy’s epic rendering. The choir(s). Plant’s genuine tears. And to round it out, Yo-Yo Ma rocking it. A gorgeous cover.
Hart was one of the few bands that LZ officially sanctioned to perform covers of their music. During the career of the band they performed this song and many others of LZ.
I wonder if any music / guitar shop has had Nancy or Jimmy Page come in, start riffing on Stairway To Heaven and everyone's thinking 'not this again' only to turn and be shocked!
It seems that you weren’t aware of the most touching thing about this performance. Yes Heart was phenomenal and the bands reaction was so awesome. But what really makes this video is Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham who died, was playing drums. He did it as a surprise for the band who did not know he would be there. And the black bowler hats he and the choir were wearing is the same as what his father wore with Zeppelin back in the 70s. Very touching moment!
Thanks Ed!! We did not know about this until after the fact which definitely makes it even more of a renowned performance! As always, we really appreciate all your support with the channel! 🙏
@@barsandbarbells2022 Sure! Just sent a Paypal request for Zep's Since Ive Been Loving You Live 73, let me know if someone else beat me to it and I will send different song... thanks!
Great! The hat thing hadn't occurred to me! Just when I was able to get through watching this performance without shedding a tear. Thanks a lot.
Jason Bonham is also the godson of Robert Plant.
The hat and the drum kit that Jason is playing were his father Johns
Jason Bonham, drummer, doing his late dad proud. Another great reaction, guys. 👍
He's also wearing Bonzo's actual hat and playing one of his drum kits too. I have heard people say that it is the kit that John used on the original recording of "Stairway....." but I can't find official confirmation of that.
Yes he did!
Sure did! Just like the 2007 concert!
The only person qualified to play drums for Led Zeppelin. He destroyed "Kashmir" Celebration Day!
they were "proud Dads" as they all watched Jason grow up.
The drummer is Jason Bonham, son of the original drummer Great performance. When you see Yo Yo Ma rocking out, you know it is good
Original was John Bonham
And he's playing his father's drum kit.
And Bonnie Raitt
plant invited him to come and represent his dad and he said he could not make it. so total surprise
The tophats were in his honor as well.
Ann was 62 years old when this event happened, and she was also a little under the weather. It’s amazing that she was able to sing this song SO WELL!
No, I didn't know that.
Heart started in the early seventies doing Led Zeppelin covers. Ann was one of the very few who could hit those crazy soulful Robert Plant notes.
Steven Tyler ( Abby Road Medley) Kenedy Center Honors Paul McCartney 2010
Also Epic. A must reaction!!
She is a pro and a fantastic vocalist. I loved this but I'm not surprised. 😊
Robert Plant is nearly 80 and has got the voice still
When you can make Jimmy Page smile, bobing his head and bring Robert Plant to tears, you know you did a great job.
Robert Plant tearing up is the greatest compliment ever given. No matter how many times I see this, I tear up every time.
Same🥹
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.
Heart loves Zeppelin! Watch their live Battle Of Evermore...they did a fine job with it! Also Barracuda was inspired by a Zeppelin riff!
@@juliemanarin4127 AGREE - their rendition of Battle Of Evermore was STUNNING!!! Although, I just say, it's very difficult to find a decent recording of it, now. Won't ever forget THAT one, either!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Magic Man will be our next one from Heart!
Significantly, Ann & Nancy Wilson were also chosen to front the live performance of "Good Vibrations" at "An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson" at Radio City Music Hall in 2001, emceed by Chazz Palminteri, with that show-stopper introduced by Sir George Martin; Martin emphasized how hard "G.V." is to do live: "But this band can do it!"
I just wanted to mention the gentleman who played the guitar solo. His name is Shane Fontayne. This guy was given the task of playing what is arguably the most well-known guitar solo in rock music history, in front of one of the greatest guitar players of all time, who is also the guy that created and recorded that solo. Fontayne touches on all the iconic moments of the original, but it's not a note-for-note reproduction. Mostly, the differences are just in the phrasing; he might hold one bend a little longer here, or push a little faster there. But it never goes too far away from Page's version, just enough so that you know another guy, who seems to be pretty damn good, is playing it. It's an incredible artistic achievement, only heightened by the fact that he seems pretty comfortable (not cocky, comfortable) doing it...
I thought the same and have left a similar comment on other videos of this. Good show mate!
Shane Fontaine has been around since the 70’s, he was pushing 60 when that was filmed… He is a pro.
Glad you mentioned him because most people are only going to recognize Ann & Nancy Wilson maybe Jason Bonham. Everyone did a great job of not doing a direct copy but coming up with an original cover that didn't stray to far. Must have been a lot of pressure to honor them with a good performance.
Thought it was Pee-wee Herman
Definitely, the guy had serious balls to do this.
Actually, LZ saw Heart cover their song way back in the seventies at a Heart concert, and were so impressed that they gave them their blessing to the cover.
When I saw Heart live, back in the early 90s, they did a Led Zep cover as their encore. Nancy killed it on the guitar!
True story, Ann once said heart started out as as a led zeppelin cover band, and your right about zeppelin giving them there blessing, the record company was going to sue them and Robert plant said hell no,and legally gave heart the right to play any zeppelin songs they wanted!
TRUTH
Ann Wilson is easily a top 10 female vocalist
Top 1 in my opinion
One of the GREATEST covers ever . Jason Bonham being the drummer to honor his Dad John makes it even better . Thanks for reacting to this ! Zeppelin were so into it . Robert Plant was even teary eyed.
👍👍💯💯
That was Jason Bonham on drums, son of the late drummer John Bonham. He and Robert Plant are very close when his father died Robert stepped in. And it’s very sweet that they let him play drums for them on tour! ❤
He was probably the only person who could do it justice. He used to sit in with the band on occasion as a kid. Robert Plant once told the story that one time back in the late 70s they were doing a sound check and mid way through the song he saw John out in front of the stage and was like wtf. He looked back and it was Jason playing the drums.
Really doesn’t get much better than this tribute and the emotional reactions.
This song transcends every generation. My mother saw LZ perform it live in the late 60s. This song was what my friends and I listened to every night as teens getting ready to go out in the 80s & 90s, and now my kids love it.
Song was recorded in 1971
@@quentinfort9032 Maybe it was 70 or 71. She was a late teenager.
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.
Even such an iconic and legendary band like Heart, (who have often been referred to as the "Female Led Zeppelin") to play arguably the greatest rock song ever written in front of the very band it was made famous by. It has to be extremely nerve-wracking and intimidating. However, they absolutely blew it out of the water! Only one other band could do this song justice, and they were sitting in the crowd being honored! Truly epic performance by all involved! 🙌
It's a great performance...Yo-Yo Ma grooving out in the front row, the Obamas at full-chill, then a 70 person choir in bowler hats explodes from the floor and it becomes a once in a generation celebration for the song that defines modern Rock-and-Roll.
Don't forget to mention Bonnie Raitt was also jamming it.
Great performance. Big "Heart" fan.
This song is so iconic... This performance is awesome, i can't help but cry at the end, just like Robert 🙏
Same as you !!
@@jaumepiquebernaus1853 why?
@@drjag1155 For the same reason i think , I'm 62 i love Led Zep , i saw this video hundrets times and when i see the Robert face and the reactions from Page and Johns i could not stop drop some tears.
Me too
@drjag1155 because Jason Bonham was there and it was a beautiful tribute! I'm nearly 64 and I grew up on Zeppelin...my favorite since I was 10!
Can you imagine having the masters looking on while you perform? Incredible! Robert Plant got a tear in his eye. From what I understand, Robert Plant asked Jason Bonham to sit with them to represent his dad, but Jason said he had a prior engagement. He didn' t let on that he was going to perform.
Ann Wilson is one of the greatest singers ever. Actually I'm listening to music over 60 years this performance may be the best. Kudos to everyone involved in this phenomenal performance. Ann Wilson mid 70s is still performing at this moment. No doubt its a great concert
Imagine performing one of the most legendary songs by one of the most legendary bands, in front of said band. Add to it, having the son of their deceased drummer on the drums.
No pressure. They made it look like a walk in the park. Gives me chills every time.
I love the subtle tribute to Bonzo with Jason and the choir wearing Bonham’s iconic bowler hat.
The Rock Goddesses singing to the Rock God's and they killed it.
Jason Bonham did his Dad proud. I know he was smiling down from heaven at the top of that Stairway! ❤❤❤
Probably the best Zep tribute of this song of all time, never to be repeated. Heart, a fully orchestra, a full choir, and the son of the original Zep drummer , Jason. It simply will never be any better than this.
I have seen this hundred of times and get goosebumps every time!!
they kept the fact that Jason was going to be playing the drums a surprise from the guys in Led Zeppelin.
It was a surprise to everyone that Jason was going to play drums on this song, apparently he even took out his dad's old derby hat for the performance. What is extra special is that John Bonham was Robert Plants best friend and after his passing the band was never the same. Plant was moved to tears this evening seeing his best friends son playing on stage with his dads hat on. Near the end of the song Jason looked up as to say Dad this was for you! Very powerful evening for all who witnessed this. Heart is a Class Act! As a side note, at the after party Robert Plant told Ann & Nancy Wilson that was the best version of that song he has ever heard. GREAT REACTION B&B.
He was also playing on his Dad's drum kit, I think that's easily overlooked in this spectacular video.
Heart has been doing a "mini set" of LZ covers in their concerts for years. It is EPIC!
Ann Wilson the best female singer of all time her voice is absolutely electrifying. What a performance I can't get over her voice then Shivers up and down my spine every time I hear her.
I adore Ann Wilson, and think she’s the greatest female rock singer of her generation….and perhaps she has never been equaled in that genre…but best female vocalist of all time in all genres? That’s quite a claim. You might wish to narrow it a bit to the rock genre…..I mean, if you haven’t heard Lara Fabian, you should. Ditto with Floor Jansen, current lead vocalist with the symphonic metal band Nightwish. I don’t know how broad your taste is, but sample around a bit.
I'm 68 years old I've heard all the great voices I respect your opinion have a great day.
I’ve seen this video about 50 times. I was fortunate enough to catch it when it first aired. Nothing else compares.
You are correct. Always listen to the original before the cover. You can’t decide as the quality of the cover unless you witness the artistry of the original. After the show…. “It went off really great. Afterward, the Zeppelin guys each came back individually. Jones was like, ‘Wow, you did a great job’ and Robert Plant goes, ‘Whoah, I learned to just hate that song because everybody murders it - but you did it justice. Way to go!’ And Jimmy Page goes ‘You played that great; just lovely.‘”
Side note, the lead guitarist that played the solo, is at mostly all Kennedy Center Honors to play the guitar solos. Michael Barakan, known as Shane Fontayne, is an English rock guitarist. Shane was a lead guitarist with the house band at the Kennedy Center Honors for seven years from 2008 to 2014.
I like to go back and watch this performance every once in a while. Rock legends
I started to tear up in the finale being so moved by the performance and the history I personally feel for the music, and probably more than anything else seeing Jason play so well, and recognising what it must have meant for him and Robert for him to be up there representing and celebrating his dad.
I can't imagine the pressure Heart was under to perform such an iconic song in front of the people who made it iconic.
I always feel a bit of anxiety for the guy doing the guitar solo in front of Jimmy Page 😂 had to be nerve wracking. Heart covers a few Led Zeppelin songs in their live shows. 🔥
Shout out to English guitarist Shane Fontayne!
This ain't his first rodeo
Ann was 62 at the time & still sounded remarkable.
Jason playing in his Dad's place makes everything better!
I've been blessed to see some of the greats in many different avenues. I saw Page and Plant at the last show they did at the original Boston Garden for the Hangman tour with the infamous Hurdy Gurdy guru but also on Stairway they did similar to hear and raised the curtain and the entire Boston Symphony was backing them. Absolutely out of this world, that being said this performance is as good as it will ever get without the guys I promise you with pure truth. This is why Jimmy and Robert both had a hard time with attempts at covering. Ann possesses everything needed from range to grit to pure god given ability. God Bless all involved in this magical tribute especially Jason paying respects to dad ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
IMHO one of the best covers of anything I have ever heard.
Maybe the best “cover” ever!! Such an emotional moment for everyone involved!!
For you Blues Brothers fans, you can see 'Blue' Lou Marini onstage there.
There's a different version of this where Jason Bonham was introduced he smiles and points up to the 3 with his drumsticks and Robert Plant stands up and smiles and points down at Jason. The reason is Plant called and asked Jason to come and represent his father but lied to his Godfather and said he had a gig that night and couldn't get out of. The bowler hats were to honor John Bonham it was his hat of choice and the one Jason is wearing is his dad's hat. Also the drum kit his playing is his dad's.
Robert Plant is Jason's godfather.
@baskervillebee6097 yeah that's what I said Jason lied tp his Godfather
Maybe the greatest cover of a great song, ever!
I believe Robert had asked Jason Bonham to come to represent his dad and he said he had something he couldn’t miss so when he walked on stage to play the drums they were truly surprised. 💜
Everything about the performance was epic and Anne's voice (she's in her seventies now) is just incredible. They are still touring!
Can you believe that Ann the singer is 66 years old when she did this song. Amazing 😍😍🤩😮❤
There will NEVER be another Rock icons like Zeppelin truly legends getting their tribute by Rock Royalty Wilson sisters, Jason Bonham and the kick ass band with the choir! Never again in our lifetime will we get it done better.
Didn't surprise me Heart pulled this off. Ann Wilson's voice can peel the paint off the walls. I was fortunate enough to see Heart with the original band members in Sacramento in the early 80s - 82, 83 time frame? To this day that show is in my top 3 concerts I've seen. They absolutely ripped it that night.
Got Lucky enough to see ZEPPELIN Live in the (70's) Best Concert
when LZ gives a standing ovation to a song THEY wrote,you did everything right.
This is the greatest cover of Stairway To Heaven ever! It’s just one of those songs nobody else can cover, but Heart nailed it! Great reaction!
I aspire to rock that hard when I'm in my 60s.
It was wonderful to watch them see how much we love them!
So glad to see you react to this performance! I can't imagine anyone doing a better cover of this job. There are several vocalists that could do a decent job with this song, but nobody is going to truly outrank Ann Wilson. So much fun watching such great moment among the surviving band members. They had wanted Jason Bohnam (the son of Led Zepplin drummer John Bohnam) to sit with them in the audience, but were disappointed when he said he had a gig that night. You see the surprise in their faces when they realize that THIS was the gig he had. Jimmy Page watching his own guitar solo masterfully played and shining with his approval. And watching Robert Page say "My God!" when the large choir was revealed. Just one of the best Rock and Roll performances of all time. 💯
Greatest Performance ❤
My favorite song, and Robert's, of all time "Kashmir" up next? AFTER watch them perform it in the one day reunion in 2007 Celebration Day (32 years later). Jason plays drums & destroys it. John Paul Jones playing keyboard & bass with his feet. Jimmy as cool as ever shredding it. Robert's vocals are gonna blow you away. 20 million people tried to get tickets in a lotto system. 😂 Trust me, your mind will be blown & they will show you why Led Zepplin are the greatest of all time. That riff gets in your soul.
Jason calls Robert, Jimmy and Jon his three uncles, whom he said were and continue to be there for him after his father tragically died. I love that someone else recognised YoYo Ma rocking out. Annie and Nancy are the only ones who could do this iconic song justice. Plus we also appreciate the guitar skills of the Sheldon Cooper lookalike.
I've watched this performance probably hundreds of times and get chills every time.
If there's ever anybody to do a Zeppelin cover it's Heart. Actually Robert Plant is the one who said he couldn't stand people covering this song, he told Ann after this he was impressed with this.
There are a bunch of them on RUclips.
I've seen them do "Rock n Roll" as a tribute to Elvis on the day he died 46 years ago.
To think that they had the guts to perform such an iconic song. And in front of the original band . They just got it perfect.
Gives me goosebumps and chills every time.
Same!🥰
Don't attack me Led Zepplin fans but i like this version way more than the original.. i got the chills everytime, her voice is amazing
Utter perfection! They ALL worked together! The guitarist getting Jimmy's solo down,that amazing choir,Jon Bonham's son killing it on drums to honor his late,great,father,Anne's guitar playing and harmonies,and Nancy's powerful vocals carrying us through every part! Jimmy Paige grinning ear to ear was the icing on the musical cake!🎛🥁🎸🎶👊😛🤯🤘
That was English guitarist Shane Fontayne, whom you might have seen playing with Springsteen's band after E-Street.
As it says on a couple buttons I own-Ann's the brunette, Nancy's the blonde.
The overall performance was fantastic, but I didn’t really think Shayne nailed the solo. It’s weird to me that they didn’t get another guitar icon who professed Jimmy Page love to do the most iconic solo of all time. That guy was a good player, but he injected an 80s feel to it and just works better as a minor blues. He’s a studio musician who’s not really a huge rock guy and is not really that influenced by Page. Even Slash could’ve nailed it better. Although his tone wasn’t bad so all in all I’d say it was pretty good but didn’t reach Ann Wilson level of glory. Just my opinion.
Page seemed to dig it though, judging by his reactions, although they could've been edited in for effect.@@Dan-zq5wt
@@markdecker6190 it wasn’t by any means a bad solo. The guy is a pro. But it’s just a weird choice made by non- guitarist producers. It’s such an iconic treasure in music you think they would’ve handled it with greater care and got someone as adored as Ann Wilson, even if just for the optics. I mean, they used an unknown guitarist who looks like he belongs in The Killers rather than one of the hundreds of Page acolytes who are also better rock players. Hammett? Satriani? Vai? Slash? They’re all recognizable, publicly known Page worshipers, and MUCH better guitarists than that dude. Jeff Beck? For that matter, how have the Foo Fighters become the Zeligs of rock? Kid Rock doing Ramble On? Lenny Kravitz? They’re all Ok but far from Zep level. It’s like Jan Wenner produced this. All that being said, it was still enjoyable, and Jack Black was super fun.
Sheldon Cooper was really tearing it up on that guitar solo, made Jimmy proud, I'm sure.
His name is Shane Fontayne.
IMO there is more soul in this performance than in a whole lotta churches. The word “epic” gets tossed around like confetti these days, but I think this performance truly embodies that word.
Heart actually started out as a Led Zeppelin cover band called WhiteHeart before they started writing their own music. They have been playing Led Zeppelin songs since 1973, so of course Ann knew how to lay it down here.
I still tear up at the end. Great reaction.
Heart were huge fans of Led Zeppelin clear back at the beginning of both their careers. I have heard Ann and Nancy talking about how they would be blaring Zeppelin as they went from gig to gig.
Rock legends performing in front of the Gods .. And they absolutely killed it ..
It may be my favorite performance ever. Always chokes me up.
heart actually formed because the sisters loved led zeppelin so much. and it feels like this performance was kind of like them finally being fully appreciated by led zeppelin
My two favorite moments: 1) The reaction of the band and people around them when they realize a gospel choir was added. 2) Jason Bonham's quick look up to his father in heaven just before closing out the song with the symbol roll. That look tells you why he played for only this song during the concert.
One of the best live performances in Rock and Roll. Change my mind.
Yes I agree. I would add Pink Floyd "Comfortably Numb" live at Pulse.
There are a number of live performances in symphonic metal that stand out such as Nightwish "Ghost Love Score" live at Tampere 2016, Epica "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith ..
If there has ever been a cover for this song,you just watched the most beautiful one I have ever seen!!!! 🥰
Greatest live cover ever!
Best cover of all time! Great job you guys in having the full version of the performance most other reactors have a redacted version so kudos to both of you.
Nice choice! I listen to this version more then the original.
Us 50 year oldies were blessed being born when we were. Fact!!!
Ann Wilson’s vocal power is incredible. Every time I hear this version I get chills. The strings and the choir hit different.
This was a super performance and I really enjoyed your reaction.
No one could pull this classic off like Heart did. They have theat Zeplin flavor already. I saw them live in the 70s and they were awesome. And to have John Bonhams son on the drums was just amazing, they all killed it. I loved every second of this performance and your reaction
This is easily the best cover version of stairway. In fact the entire LZ Kennedy Centre Honours tribute is worth watching: Jack Black introducing it followed by performances by Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz and the Heart performance you saw here was the culmination.
I saw both Heart and Led Zepplin in concert in the 70's in NYC. Heart always played their encore song from Zep "Been a long time since I rock and rolled" in tribute even back then. Zep was an inspiration to Heart from their start in music.
Ann and Nancy Wilson are underappreciated beasts! Imagine the pressure of being on that stage in that moment in front of those people doing that song with that drummer. I think I along with most people would still be curled up in a ball backstage repeating "I can't I can't I can't"
I'm so glad you saw this. It's one of the best things ever ever. And I've seen it a thousand times
Every time I watch this wonderful, marvelous production, I get teary-eyed. The only other live performance of this song I will ever watch besides by Zepp.
This version is mindblowing never thought I'd say that for a cover of a Zeppelin classic. Once again Nancy and those incredible pipes. What a great performance by everybody on stage. Adding that choir at the height of the song was a brilliant move 😊
I love the choral singers at the end depicting the ascension into Heaven.
This performance always gives me chills. Great reaction. Glad I found your channel. I’ve really been enjoying it.
Just when I. thought I'd never want to hear this again.. Wow!
Love Jimmy Page. Loved the choir!
Watched this, to be honest 300 times. Still cry when Jason (Son of the original drummer) shows respect to his daddies in mind. They where a family. Could talk about Def Leppard. But thaths another story of humanity
..
This a Iconic Song ,that Will be here Forever ..............💯👌✨🙏✨✌️💞 Heart is Fantastic .. What a Tribute !!!
Love= Heart, Brilliant rendition.
As a drummer I cried very hard the first time I saw this because I can imagine God letting John Bonham look down on this performance with his son at the helm of the engine-the heartbeat of the Zeppelin legacy and smiling with Pride! The look on Plant’s face says it all and I think he too felt Bonzo’s presence! Hats off to Heart and all the musicians in stage! It was epic!
The lead gutarist fled the draft during the Veitnam War and Heart moved up to my town to wait out the war. They usually closed the night playing Led Zepplin covers I recall.
They have a lot of hits, I'd suggest 'Crazy On You' next or 'Magic Man'. Both from the debut album which really does not have a bad song on it. Cheers.
Jason Bonham...son of John Bonham...did a wonderful job here! I thought Robert was going to cry. Heats sisters did a fabulous job! All 3 of them were loving it!
So much to love. Jason Bonham. The derby/bowler hats. Shane Fontaine. Ann and Nancy’s epic rendering. The choir(s). Plant’s genuine tears.
And to round it out, Yo-Yo Ma rocking it.
A gorgeous cover.
Heart is my favorite band!!!!
Hart was one of the few bands that LZ officially sanctioned to perform covers of their music. During the career of the band they performed this song and many others of LZ.
I wonder if any music / guitar shop has had Nancy or Jimmy Page come in, start riffing on Stairway To Heaven and everyone's thinking 'not this again' only to turn and be shocked!