Ann Wilson could be the only other artist who could have done the song justice! But RP, JP & JPJ's reaction to the Heart performance was the highlight of the show. The range of emotions they displayed was a great tribute to Heart.
Heart plays many LZ songs. At any given Heart concert, you can bet on them playing “Rock ‘n’ Roll” as an encore. I’ve also seen or heard them play "Immigrant Song”, “Battle of Evermore”, "Stairway…”, and many others. Even before their debut album, they were known to be good at playing Led Zeppelin. The Kennedy Center performance, though-I can see why they were freaked out. Not only did they have the honor of playing it for the people who wrote it, but also the President and First Lady.
I am 62 years old, and this song has been with me since I was a girl. I have never grown weary of this tune, and still today, the moment I hear, “There’s a lady who’s sure,” I’m taken back to the days of MY youth, and my heart remembers the hope, wonder and magic that I so completely believed in back then, to the depths of my soul. I still believe in that hope, magic and wonder, and I truly believe that this song is a big part of what has kept that part of me alive. To quote a piece of Cameron Crow’s Sapphire, “To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.” That love and pain fills my soul as much at 62 as it did at 15. Thanks, guys. I will always love you.
The crazy part about the first 4 albums is how frigging young they were. Stairway was recorded in December 1970. Bonham and Plant were only 22 at the time of the recording of the 4th album. Page and Jones were 25. Simply astonishing.
beatles broke up before all were 30.. every beatles song was done while they were in their 20s...these bands all got started so early...love it because they all had that youthful energy
I make the same point about Lynyrd Skynyrd. They wrote Free Bird ages ranging from 18-23 in the band. And released all their albums/hits (before plane crash) before most of them were mid 20s
My facorite story about the Heart version of Stairway at the Kennedy Center, was that the guys invited Jason Bonham to sit with them, and he declined, only telling them that he had a gig. Of course they all understood that "a gig is a gig", so that comes first. It wasn't until they saw him on stage that they found out what the gig was.
After listening to "Stairway" for years, I went to my local record shop and bought the 12-string I'd been eyeing since they first got it. I worked there, so I made a deal with my boss to work for "free" until it was paid off. It didn't matter because I had so much fun working there. More money than I made went to support my record collection. I still have those LPs, including that life-changing Zeppelin album. As an aside, my guitar playing never amounted to much; but oh, what a beautiful sound from my $125 12-string.
My father was a musician so I grew up listening to all the greats, and I too was caught listening to stairway on my father's stereo in the front room with the head phones on. My father snuck up on me ( I was NEVER to touch his stereo or equipment without asking) but instead of interrupting me he sat and watched how I was transfixed by the song, staring at the wall quietly tapping out the drums on my leg. Fast forward 30 years and I'm playing all the greats for my children to teach them what real music is. We get in the car one day for a road trip and my daughter starts to complain about the Stevie nicks cd I had on. I asked " you don't like Stevie?" She says " no ,I do, not but I want to hear the song with the pretty screaming." ( She is only 7 her sister 5) I told her to give me more than that to go on and she replied " you know the pretty screaming about the golden staircase." I knew what she meant right away and for 55 miles we listened to stairway to heaven with both my extremely talkative children as transfixed as I was when my father caught me. Probably the quietest raod trip we have ever taken. The only words they spoke were to ask me to play it again when it was over. They are now 3rd generation Zeppelin fans. And will no doubt pass it along to their kids.
Love this story! I also had the stereo on all day with tons of 45’s, and albums playing for my daughter. She knew at about age 10 she would be a Music Therapist, and she never faltered! She is now 56, and now working with foster care children for the state! My favorite memory is of her little student who couldn’t communicate with spoken words, so she used music, and sign language to help the handicapped child learn to converse. Your story touched me, and I saw many similarities to things I experienced! Thanks for sharing! 😊
@Jesse Arment That’s such a great story. I can just picture those kids listening to that beautiful music. That must have been a very gratifying experience.
There is a deleted scene from Almost Famous where they do essentially the same thing, they just sit there and listen to Stairway To Heaven as it unfolds on the stereo.
I really bawled the first time I saw it on RUclips. It’s still causes me to tear up. I think it’s possibly the greatest of all live performances of any song. And to know how much Ann and Nancy admired Led Zep made it even better. Ann got to induct their other favorite band, The Moody Blues, into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame. It’s so cool when a great band admires other great bands.
He actually was tearing over Jason Bonham.. The son of his best friend who passed too soon. Robert always felt a deep pain over Bonzo's death. Seeing Jason wear the bolo hat and the performance overcame him.
I get chills every time I see Heart honoring Led Zeppelin with their performance and the emotional reaction of Plant, Jones and Page. Their performance was sensational to say the least.
Heart was one of my favorite bands in the 70s--so much so that I have about a half dozen live bootleg albums. they were incredible live, as was zep. check out LZ's "Destroyer" recorded off of the mixing board during the concert (I was there) in '77.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I had to watch it again. Pure artistry! Seeing the bands faces and even the clip of Jason Bonham with his eyes closed how can you not feel the emotion! Epic!!!
Oh gawd! I was in tears watching Nancy and Ann do Stairway. It was the most incredible rendition! I was amazed and so is everyone I know who saw it. So moving! I think Ann's most powerful moment.
I couldn't agree more. It brings me to tears every time. Especially seeing the expressions on the faces of the original band members... a timeless moment.
I believe when Heart started they were a Zep cover band. Sincerest form of flattery. Robert had tears in his eyes as well, it was a very powerful tribute,
As a teen in rural Louisiana, I had a transmitting tower a block away from my house broadcasting country music all day. II waited impatiently for the national anthem sign off for the local radio station. Then I was able to get reception for a rock station from Chicago, and was introduced to Stairway to Heaven. Mind blown, changed forever.
The Kennedy Center performance by Heart deserves it's own feature! With Jon Bonhams son on the drums, the orchestra, the chorus (all in bowlers)- it was magical...
Stairway to Heaven is like a "Led Zeppelin Sampler" of everything they had done prior to that track. Acoustic, gentle, mystical lyrics, electric, hard, powerful drums, masterful solo, intense vocal climax.... Stairway has it all.
That performance by heart with Jason Bonham on drums gets me choked up and teary eyed every single time I watch it. The first time I saw it every hair on my body was standing on end and tingles went up and down my spine. And while Jimmi Page was smiling and laughing with JPJ like he was saying "look at these people paying us the homage we deserve", Robert Plant was clearly in awe and the gift being presented to them by the incredible musical talents on stage (Heart, Jason and and orchestra and choir included). The reverence and care, not to mention the spirit and passion all the performers put into his song were not lost on him. As a general rule, I don't like many covers or live recordings. This one has to, at least for me, the greatest performance of a cover song EVER.
Best tribute to Stairway was by Heart at the Kennedy Center Honors when Zepplin was inducted. It was well conceived, well produced, well performed by everyone involved. I love Zepplin's original recording, but invariably after listening to it I dig up this performance and listen again.
They were stepping up to fill some huge shoes in front of some gods of rock and roll. The three surviving members looking down upon them. Backed up by Jason Bonham who was the last connection to their lost brother.
@@StLProgressive That is probably the only performance of a zeppelin song that is actually better than Led Zeppelin’s. Kind of like Elton John doing Lucy in the sky with diamonds or the Pinball Wizard.
I am 67 years old and these two songs were master pieces from the late sixties and early seventies. Moody Blues Nights in White Satin, and Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven.
Goosebumps every time, it never gets old. A timeless masterpiece. I've made sure to pass it to the next generation so they can understand what it is to listen to the hammer of the Gods!
Adam, today you truly earned your "Professor of Rock" moniker, leading us listeners on the Stairway's journey for the um-teenth time, but with a few new sign posts provided by your patient, insightful commentary, and seasoned with details not well known, now cherished. Well done! Thank you!
I’ll 2nd that. Adam, this is one of your very best. Including your Heart tribute and the interaction story when your Dad discovered you listening to Stairway were the icing on the Cake! Beautifully written and recorded!
I first heard this on the radio and I was completely enthralled. It made my spirit vibrate. None of my friends had heard it and would not for months. I told them over and over how good it was, but they were skeptical... until, one by one, they heard it for the first time and understood. The song is timeless and magical!
The lyrics are mysterious mystical sounding nonsense -don't get me wrong I LOVE IT - Bowie did the same thing - make it sound deep and meaningful (less) and let the audience decide - probably learned from Andy Warhol (talent free but famous)
I’m 41, and I am a competitive practitioner of Korean sword. In one of our events we are to create a routine with the option of setting it to music. I set my routine to this song. I won a world championship with it. The nuance of the song, helped bring out the nuance of the blade. And the two danced together while I watched from the end of my grip. It was surreal.
Fair. I however, can't stand it 😬😬 as a zeppelin fan everyone plays it /just for me/ I have never been able to take it seriously, it's a Zeppelin cliché. It's the same with Charls Dickens's " a tale of two cities" I started to read it late in life and it started with " It was the best of times it was the worst of time"..... I felt like throwing the book out the window. The overuse in pop culture of these two masterpieces ruined them for me. I Feel bad about this.
Good but they riped all stuff off. Hear Spirit song. Not 1rst part but second. They riped it. Whole lota lovin' is Small Faces ,You Need Lovin' song. It's like when Beatles riped of Boch (a Lutheran) & his Arioso song. The Beatles just added an extra note at the beginning.
The most fascinating thing about Stairway to Heaven for me, is that it gets better every time I hear it, and continues to do long after I heard it a couple of hundred times. Starting out as a great song it became a spiritual experience to me at some point.
I truly enjoyed Anne and Nancy's rendition of "Stairway" awesome job though I think for all the people on stage it wasn't as powerful as when zep played it live.
Man, you are an amazing storyteller. The retelling of your father knocking on the door and the one word - just magic. This whole video was fantastic. Thank you.
The song is a song for the ages. It survies the test of time. This song says so much for and intertwines in the lives of people at so many times snd levels. It has the ablity to so relevant at so many points in peoples lives its impact on the person and the persons life is immedsurable. People can pinpoint specific moments in life snd history itsrlf when they would listen and think back. It servers for many as a shiny light that you begin to see as you approach a lomg journeys end. It memorizes and hypnotized. Its one of thise songs thst just as soon as you think youve heard all you want and your getting ready to switch the dial your suddenly struck with the inablity to do so. You find your sellf listening till the last nite that Jimmy and Robert lend to this epic fabel. Its a song that not only registars mentally as you listen , but also physically. That by the end you get that sense of exhustion you might feel at rhe end of an epic adventure it leaces you spent has as you think back on what just had occured. Mentally its an onslought of possiblities and outcomes. In the simplest terms Stairwsy to Heaven is a fabel or legend only prestebed to us in and with todays words snd terms. Its a telling story for all of us and is valid in its message at so many pounts in our lives. It tells of the stiry of life and the journey we all must undertake like ut ie not. It talks about the things we seek and how in the end they may not turn out be ad we saw them or that we nay not reach or find out we dont want to reach them. It talks of the adversities distractions and lies you may incounter along the way. It warns of prople and how there are those who's only goal is to stop disrupt or destroy as you try to procede. More importantly if i were to be asked, its a story that has a real message a person should consider. In the simplest terns its asks us to ask outselves as to wether or not what we seek is really what we want or what we should want It points out that in many points of our lifes journey some of the things we sought to aquire were in the end not the best things for us. Its a wsrming to all thst one should be careful in what we want and ask for. It forshadows that the paths we pick for ourselves can and do have a profound impact in what we are and become. In the end it says without saying it that maybe we facing a path on which to procede that we should value the things you have and those you know. That when s person becomes blind ny what ever the disteaction may be the out come may not be as you thought. That what you currentl have and wrr your at it may not be as bad ad you thought. Its a fabel like the fabels from the past. It teaches and warns. Its a story that all people from all walks of life and upbringing may get a thing or to listeing to it.
The Heart cover at the Kennedy Center is just fantastic. I still tear up when I watch it. And yes, Stairway IS the Holy Grail of Rock. One of your best presentations, Professor.
I spent years of my life trying to derive some deep meaning from this epic song. I have finally come to realize that the deep meaning for me has been the hours upon hours of pure musical joy this song has gifted me. Led Zeppelin was very important to me and building my musical tastes. Robert Plant is a true treasure to us all. Even if you hate the band and the sound of his voice they have influenced every aspect of modern music. Led Zeppelin has as big an impact on music as say Mozart or Beethoven, I know that is saying a lot but I personally think it is a fair statement. I can't express how watching someone who derives as much joy from this song as I do warms my heart. Thank you for this one Prof.
Hey Professor, first .. Thank You for all you do, my wife and I love your channel. My first experience with "Zeppelin 4" was on my 12th birthday, Oct 9, 1983. My step father was a very old-fashioned man, in every aspect life, including music. My Mother had the family and some of my friends over for my birthday. It was a Sunday I will never forget. My step father insisted that I open his present first. He was so proud of himself because he had shopped for this present on his own and he hated shopping for anything. I unwrapped the square package and I flipped out. It was Zeppelin 4! All kinds of emotions went through my body and mind. this man whom I thought despised me actually really knew and understood me. With a prideful grin he says out loud "Put it on, let's hear it" which blew me away because since I could ever remember he always called the music I listened to "Garbage" or "The Devils work" I slid the album out of the cover, placed it on my Mom's record player with the diamond tip needle with great anticipation. Within a second Robert Plant belts out "Hey Hey Momma said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you grove" and before he could finish my step father jumped up out of his chair, yelled "WHAT IS THIS S**T" ran across the room, smacked the needle off the record, picked it up and snapped it in half. I ran out the door down the street to my uncles, angry and distraught. I told him what happened. He took me by the hand, walked me out to his '69 Cuda and put his Zeppelin 4 8-track in the player and left me alone to listen to it. When it got to Stairway I was overcome with emotions and broke down crying. As Levee started to play my Mother opened the drivers door, sat down and held my hand. When the album was over she said "I'll get you the cassette for your walkman. Your father has no taste in music now come home and have some cake. That album and my step father started a very long childish/teen rebellion that lasted for years and memories I will have for a lifetime! Thank you again for all you do and don't stop being you. Rob
@@cosmicHalArizona no need to apologize. Over the years I've learned that he did the best he could with the tools he was given as child. I now have two sons and a step daughter and the tools he gave me have helped me create a phenomenal bond with all three kids.
@@TNT-km2eg Well thank you. And yes, I do have a "Proud Dad" shirt. Both of my sons are remarkable, with one in University and the other well on his way in his career, both creating their own healthy and successful life. As for talking underwater, it is a skill I have yet to master, but do practice in the summer seson while out on expeditions.
Professor, I know it's a long shot you'll read this given that it's 3 weeks after the video dropped, but this video included a particularly great moment for me, and I felt a connection to you in a very specific way. I'm sure many of your subscribers can probably relate. I lost my Dad earlier this year, and the sting of his loss is still very present. He was very conservative during my childhood, although he lightened up quite a bit in his later years. While none of our stories would likely match in context, the emotion of those special moments like your dad's single word of understanding & confident approval do. So I thank you for every time you share stories about your father. On a deeply emotional level, they stir up happy memories of my own. I appreciate you for it, and I hope others do as well.
I’m 55 and after my accident in 83 I listened to Comfortably Numb and Stairway to Heaven and they both brought me back to reality. I was so close to ending my life. They still settle me when I’m feeling depressed. Thanks for being you.
As a die hard Zep fan, I’m wondering if my experience with Stairway to Heaven is common. Stairway was the song that got me into Led Zeppelin. I heard others talking about it, and when I finally heard it, I said “Yeah. This is a good song.” And I listened to it over and over. This got me into the fourth album, then the band. But I was new into Zeppelin, and, if asked, would definitely say Stairway was their best song. Then I got deeper into Zeppelin’s discography, and I became more of a Zep aficionado. As a result, my Zep taste became more “sophisticated.” When asked if Stairway was their best song, my response was “definitely not.” It’s a great song and all; but now that I’m more of a Zeppelin expert, I’ve come to enjoy the more obscure songs better. I liked Battle of Evermore better than Stairway on the fourth album. Kashmir and Achilles Last Stand were better. That’s the Way, The Rain Song, and Ten Years Gone we’re all better. I was a sophisticated Zeppelin fan who was in the know. Then, as my Zeppelin fanship matured to its proper level. I looked back at Stairway and realized how silly I’d been. I realized how great the song truly was. I realized why this song was the incredible anthem it was. And I humbly came to the logical conclusion that-yes-Stairway to Heaven really is Led Zeppelin’s best song, even though they have a myriad of others that are almost as good, even though it is “popular.” Yes, I’ve come full circle, back to Stairway because, as far as rock songs go, it is heaven.
So glad you included my favorite Zeppelin song..."Rain Song". One thing is undeniable...they have created a RIDICULOUS amount of incredible music. Which is best is a matter of preference, obviously, but you have listed some great ones
My brother was 10 yrs my senior and a bit of a guitar player so I'd heard the main riff from Heartbreaker but, it was Stairway that really started things for me. I related to your story almost right down to the song choices. I'm a lifelong and die hard fan and I'll never get back that first experience with Stairway but, I started to avoid it after the 1st thousand times. Now once every 6 or 8 months I listen to it again. Something just came up but, I could have written most of your comment myself with of course my own personal experiences with Zeppelin. I never thought say "Ten Years Gone" was _better_ but, I did get sick of hearing it 5 times a day and _enjoyed_ some of the lesser known but, truly great songs . Stairway though is ...ya know how movie critics say "A near perfect film" or "A perfect movie" Once you've seen a movie enough times you want a new story right? Even if it's perfect The arts can't be judged like a sporting event right? Stairway resonates with _everyone_ .... it's magic. It's been played to death but it won't die . Right now (I imagine) there's some kid out there hearing it for the first or 4th time that has never heard _anything_ like it and they will never be the same. I still remember. Now I gotta take a leak man 😂 ✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
Great job, Professor. Yes, we’ve all heard it many times on the radio, the reason is simple. Imagery, composition, production, musicianship, the vocal, it really has it all. This song, and the musicians who created it are the standard without question. It’s as close to perfection as humanly possible. I agree the vagueness of the lyrics allow the listener to create their own story every time it’s heard, or just let Plant’s magical voice tell the story. I’d wager this song influenced more musicians and inspired more people to pick up a guitar than any other. There is this band, then all others, period.
I remember waiting in the car for my Mum to come back from the grocery shop. I must have been 7 years old. She'd left the radio on & this song came on. I had never been so emotionally affected by one song on my 1st recalled listening. Mum got back to the car just as the song finished & I had tears in my eyes. It still hits me, & I'm happy I still don't know what it all means. ❤️
I just turned 70 and saw The Beatles in concert. Led Zeppelin, is my all-time favorite. I had that album, don't know where it ended up, but I downloaded Stairway onto my phone and listen to it over and over with my headphones. I have watched The Kennedy Center Honors many times and still get goosebumps. I will stop meandering and put on my headphones. Peace !!!
Led Zeppelin is classic rock's most legendary band of the 70's and "Stairway To Heaven" is their signature song and masterpiece. Back in the 1980's, there was a local classic rock radio station that I listened to. Every Fourth Of July, they would put together a very special countdown called The Firecracker Top 500. It was a listener-voted survey. The listeners would vote and send in a list of their 3 favorite classic rock songs. The radio station would then compile the results which put together their Top 500. They did this annually. Many of the songs would change and their rankings on the countdown would also change. However, there was one constant that remained the same every year. "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin finished #1 every year that they did the listener-voted Firecracker 500. That's why I've always said that "Stairway To Heaven" is classic rock's most classic song. Every year, that's how classic rock fans voted.
WDVE in Pittsburgh for years has had a similar thing called the "Memorial Day 500", I haven't listened to it in years or checked the results but Stairway and Freebird were always #1 and #2 on their list.
Sorry I love Led Zeppelin but I am so sorry but I hate hearing that song it is so overplayed. Give me all of my love, immigrant song, for your life any day
@@dpjacobs28 No, I live in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan area. However, I understand every city around the country had a classic rock radio station. So, I'm sure you had one in the San Diego area, too, doing a similar annual countdown.
Well freakin’ done, man! Well freakin’ done. You did this majestic gift from the Gods of Rock the justice it deserves. Chills, man. You had me in tears upon sharing your deeply personal story about your dad. Somewhere in Heaven, he is watching you with that half-smile in approval. Rock on, brother! 🤘🎸🎤🥁🎹🤘
The intro’s “definite medieval feel” made me feel like the song has existed for a thousand years and Zeppelin just brought it up to date with electrified instruments. Great Video! Seeing the guys with tears in their eyes while their song is played to them made me tear up too.
I recall getting Zeppelin IV when it was released in 1971. I was 13. I played Stairway over and over while reading the lyrics which were printed on the inside cover. I studied the artwork from the old man hauling sticks to the wizard holding a lantern atop the mountain. I'm recalling these things as I write and haven't seen a Zep IV album cover in years. Yes, Stairway holds a special place in my heart since the first time I heard it.
Stairway To Heaven and Hotel California are the best mystical songs in my lifetime! Absolute classics. I love watching and listening to the stories on your videos!
I think that “The Rain Song” is one of the most underrated songs that Led Zeppelin ever recorded, and it is also one of their more mystical songs too. I don’t recall you featuring “The Rain Song” before, unless I missed it. Thank you for posting these videos! Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨
@@patriciasamora5600 Oh, Girl . . . I could not agree with you more! I will clarify further by saying this: "The Rain Song" is, BY FAR, my most favorite guitar piece ever composed. "Ten Years Gone" is THE BEST song ever written.
Sublime. That is the word. I can remember the first time I noodled the chords out on guitar. It just sounded, right. Then while listening with my Pioneer headphones, I was blown away by the drumming. Simply sublime. Every time I hear those opening notes, I realize I am smiling. Thanks guys.
I was never into drugs….but this song put me into a place of pensive bliss, distracted from everything else around me. It was that good. That’s all I ever needed….
I still believe it’s the greatest written, arranged, produced and recorded song ever. It has a magical draw that only those 4 guys could have achieved.
You may have explained to me why I still won't listen to Heart's version of Stairway. I love Heart. I love the Wilson sisters. They are a force. But somehow anyone doing certain Zeppelin songs, like Stairway, I can't deal with. and it is probably due to the magic these 4 guys conjured up with this song. With alot of their music. It would not sound right and left me unsettled
@@dianelake7802 The Zepp guys even said that they WOULD have liked to perform Stairway the way Heart did, but they couldn't transport all the singers around with them on tour. It wasn't feasible (or affordable). They wanted a big crescendo in the middle-end, and the singers gave that added push! You have your own likes, but I love the Heart version.
@@exectar I absolutely love Heart. They have been a favorite for years. No one compares to the Wilson sisters. Pure talent. I love Heart. For me it is a matter of not wanting anything to redefine the song of my high school years. So, please don't think I have anything against Heart. Or the music they do. and I am aware that many musicians are very generous with others doing their works - especially when they do a great cover. I just prefer to leave this song in the hands of Led Zeppelin. Only this one song.
I remember hearing this for the first time with my dad when I was 7 or 8. It came on the radio on the classic rock station and we sat in the car in the parking lot of a grocery store and listened to the whole song. Even as a young kid I listened and never felt bored. Timeless classic
This is one of the best channels on RUclips. Thank you so much for every episode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I was in High School, my friends & I would gather around together in a circle, with our arms wrapped around each other’s arms and we’d sway, back n’ forth like one big human huddle, or human wave, moving in and out to the rhythm & sounds coming out of a giant silver boom box, or a suped up car stereo with added killer EQ & mad speakers, to the musical journey of “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepplin. We would rock out this way at the end of our weekend hang outs at the Friday Night Drive-Ins, Saturday Night football games, after other Rock Concerts of other bands, or Summer nights on our speedboats on the Three Rivers! It was an Epic way for us to celebrate our youth with one of the most epic rock songs ever created! Thank you Rock Prof for this reminder & lesson & thank you @ledzepplin for the epic song & music!!!
What is fascinating to me personally is how clearly I remember hearing it for the first. In 1971 your friends just showed up without you expecting them. I heard an almost frantic knocking at the front door and two of my close friends we standing there with the album. “Jimmy, you’ve got to hear this!” My dad had a state of the art system in the living room. They insisted that I play it there rather than going to my room. It was almost life-altering.
James, this is an incredibly endearing recollection. And yes. We RODE OUR BIKES to our friends' houses. There were no scheduled play dates and no parental chauffeurs back then, partly because we had only one car and dad drove that to work. Also only one TV. I know lots of bad stuff happened back then, but it all seemed so much simpler. By the way, I'm aware of the irony of appearing on the Internet in order to decry it, so don't bother pointing that out. 🤨
@@juliehughes1258 I wouldn’t have pointed that out. We live the lives that work with the zeitgeist we find ourselves in. I am grateful that we were able to come of age when we did. I’m a historian so I might view it all a bit differently. I’m not certain that it was that things were simpler. I think we saw a lot of change. A lot of it was inspiring. I find myself somewhat jaded now. In my case, I have two older sisters and when they went to college, my parents seemed to think that their young son didn’t need the supervision the girls did. So, I miss the freedom I had.
FOr me, it's very different. Stairway came out at a particularly dark time of my life. I was in serious mental distress, the world was going to pot, and I was convinced life wasn't worth living. Stairway seeped into my consciousness, and kept me living, there was no "first time", it's always been with me, even before I heard it
Watching the Kennedy center tribute literally brought tears to my eyes, not so much the actual song but the guys reaction to it, i think they finally got to feel how the rest of us feel when we hear it, beautiful, just beautiful, not a word i often use being a metal head 👍
It was January 1972, I was 18 and on my way to school when I first heard the song on the car radio. I was stunned at its magnificence as I still am today.
This album was my cure all when I was pregnant. I was sick all 9 months. Every time it was was so bad. I would put this cassette in and my baby would mellow as would my sickness. Have to say this album made that pregnancy bearable.
I always wonder if when they played their last notes, while recording Stairway, did they understand what they had done? Like, did they have goosebumps? Were they aware that they had created a song that would impact generations? Did they know they had just forged a masterpiece?
I think they were just thinking, "wow, this will sell and we'll be on tour, destroy hotel rooms, fuck those teenage groupies, get drunk and puke all over the hotel carpet, and go to another concert and start all over again." That's probably all they thought about.
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Most music was NOT left for others to complete in the mid 60's through the mid 90's and Jimmy Page produced every Led Zeppelin track that ever was...from start to finish. You could have Googled or Wikipedia the info on Zeppelin/Page if you cared. You are 100% mistaken...in fact it wasn't until the late 90's/2000's with the collapse of artist control of their music by the record companies and producers to get the Lion share of monies earned by the artists.
Great cover as always, Adam. You bring back memories for me the first time I hear this song. It was at a high school dance. We had a live band. They were a classic rock band who’s lead singer looked like Robert Plant. Turns out, he was my guitar teacher. Their cover of Stairway connects with me. Of course, not quite the original, but amazing just the same. Made me want to hear it again and again. Since that night, I’ve probably listened to that song a million times. No. I never tire of it. Who would? As for the meaning: my interpretation is there is no intended meaning. As Plant implied, meaning changes with your mood, point of view, context, and age. What doesn’t change is how I feel when I hear it - moved…. Truly moved. When Heart covered it at the Kennedy center, I was moved to tears.
In 1970 this was just new rock and roll by a band with a catchy name. Now, it's a classic that is 50 plus years old. Hearing it again sends me back 50 years. I close my eyes and I'm 17 years old again for just a few minutes. (Other than various bones and muscles in my body telling me, wrong !!)
The first album I ever bought. It was 1974 and I was 14 years old. My love for rock and roll began that day. Then I saw them at Madison Square Garden June 10, 1977. I thought I died and went to heaven.
I agree..Their catalog is absolutely incredible! No other band has a catalog as loaded with absolutely instrumentally epic and creative songs as Zep. The Beatles catalog may match them in lyrical creativity but the Beatles aren’t in the same league with instrumental talent or creativity.
I managed to record ,all be the first 2 mins of the song on my cassette player. But what I did record, I listened to that version of it over and over again with my friend Shawn. We listened to it all the way up the mountain on a ski trip when we were 16. It was the anthem of our ski tripping adventures for years after that. In fact I’m talking to my friend tomorrow and will bring this up to him. He’s recently suffered from several strokes,but aLed Zeppelin always seems to bring us from the grave of old age again and again. Thanks Adam.! You are the bomb!!!
Stairway is the stuff of legends ... and we get to hear it for ever more. All these years later, every time I hear it, play it, sing it or just having it running in my head, I hear new things in it and experience new sensations thanks to its remarkable composition and its brilliant use of lyrics, rhythms, melodies, instrumentals, solos, and vocals. If magic exists, Stairway to Heaven is what one of the greatest spells sounds like.
Well said... Stairway is truly the HOLY GRAIL of rock and roll. At 59 yrs, I don't know how many times I've listened to it, but I still get emotional with physical goose bumps. No other band's music moves me like the greatest in all history...the one and only Led Zeppelin!
Hearts tour immediately after this appearance, played Stairway in exactly the same way. John Bonhams son played drums and a 12 person choir backed them up. Unexpected, beautiful, memorable, outstanding.
My first memory of Stairway was when I was 15, and I had never actually listened to the song. A girl I had a crush on in school really loved the song, and I was telling her I had never listened to it. so she wrote the entire lyrics down for me, and I read it over and over. The first time I sat down and listened to it, I already knew all the words by heart.
Normally, gushing over songs is overwrought and never matches the realty. In this case, this video is 100% on-point. It's been 40+ years since I first heard Stairway and it STILL gives me shivers.
We could pick apart all the technicalities and possible meanings of this song all day but, it simply boils down to this; it makes ones spirit soar. From the first I heard it 50 years ago to this day.
I watched this episode with a smile throughout, and when you started talking about the covers, I kept screaming you better talk of Heart’s rendition of the song. When you pulled that snippet of your interview …. 🤯🤯🤯
I saw Heart in the early '80s... 'Stairway' was their encore! The crowd went crazy! It was the next best thing to seeing Zeppelin doing it! They rocked it.
When you watch Heart's cover and with Jason Bonham on his father's kit, it felt like a religious experience. One version of that video, Jason is introduced and Plant is pointing at him like I see now. I heard that earlier Plant called him up and asked him to join them for his father and Jason told him that he couldn't because he had a prior engagement which was playing with Heart there but he didnt tell them that.
The night I met my wife in 1974 I danced with her for the first time to Stairway ,and is 50 years later it is still one of my most cherished moments in my life.
Adam I just watched this video. I love hearing you talk about the song and the band. You bring tears to my eyes quite often hearing you talk about your dad. I am 68 years old and shared my love for music with my sons. They are 46 and 44 now my oldest son named his boy Dylan after Bob of course. I remember taking them to hear Lonnie Mack in Louisville my hometown and putting them on my shoulders to watch him. Such great memories. Keep up the great work.
I just finished watching this video and you have SO caught the essence and magic of this song. I could listen to Stairway a million times and not tire of it. Back in the early '80's as a twenty something, I remember a Toronto rock station - Q107 - that had a situation where someone left with the key to the vinyl vault (back when radio played vinyl) and the only song the DJ had was Stairway. They played the song over and over and person after person would call in with requests to play Stairway - it was hilarious. Of course, they played it and played it - for hours until finally someone came back with the key. It was classic - but was more classic was that every time you heard it - you loved it more. You really captured this emotion. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm a music lover - always was; always will be. I truly love watching your channel. Keep up the awesome work!
Comparing Led Zeppelin music to music in the last 40+ years! Nothing compares. So fortunate to have grown up in the 60s & 70s and listened as music evolved!
Nobody could ever predict that one of the most biggest most iconic rock albums would have a picture of an old man with a bundle of sticks strapped to his back on the cover .. PRICELESS
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes it is and it draws you in when you fist look at it and makes you wonder what this album will sound like,, It was many many years back when I had that fresh thought ..
These were the days when a new album would drop, and TOTALLY change your life FOREVER! So many! One after the other! A great time in music! People have NO IDEA these days! I’m just afraid they don’t really value music like we did back in the ‘70s!!
I'm also 66, and I remember when this song came out, you could literally hear it on the radio every half hour. I think that's the reason why a lot of people can't stand the song, including Robert Plant himself. Same thing with Smells Like Teen Spirit, Kurt Cobain couldn't stand singing it anymore.
@@oldschoolhawking8191 I too, resolved to never listen to this song ever again, yet, the lady pulls me in to this day! Stairway To Heaven is the most complete, perfect, profound, eloquent, mystical piece of music genius to ever grace humanity, and I love it with a passion
I showed up for the deep dives into the music. While I continue to engage here for that, I've observed another component that I'm connecting with. The stories of your Dad, and his influence on how your conversation with music started, are, encouraging, heartwarming, and inspirational. I hope young Dads out there pick up on this. Love your kids with art, creativity and exploration. Its a lifeline for many.
I have recently become addicted to your channel, really love your insights, opinions and explainations of so much music I grew up on myself and that I have shared with friends, and later on my own children. Stairway was always the last song played at school dances, 40 years later I remember those times each time I hear Stairway, for me that makes it legendary. I have also seeked out many of the covers, noting their own subtleties and twists to the original, my favourite - without trying to come across as blasphemous - is Dread Zeppelin's light-hearted take on this classic, a reggae type rendition with a "tongue-in-cheek" Elvis impersonator supplying the lyrics. It is not for everyone, but still paying homage to this classic. Keep up the great work Adam.
There are no words to describe what Zepp were. The chemistry between the players is beyond this realm. They’ve said as much about why replacing Bonzo was not possible. No 2 shows were the same - they never knew what tangent one of them would go out on. The others adapted and brought it back. Zoso is an album where you can here something different or new every time you hear it. I know there’s other albums like that but not too many. Adam - I have to say. The magic of your episodes is that it makes me look and listen from a new perspective. And I’ve heard this song a million times and looked at the album cover about the same. Today it had a different light. THANK YOU!!!! Your dedication and content is one of the best parts of each day. ❤
I moved from rural Tennessee to Staten Island New York when I was 6, and the radio station played Stairway and Knights in White Satin every night as I was falling asleep. Considering the stress I was under at the time, I found these songs terrifying and hated them. As I grew older, I ignored them for the joys of 80's music. But coming back to Stairway as an adult, I can't help but be swept up and emotionally transformed every time I listen. It's a special experience, and one I seek out rarely to avoid cheapening it.
As a Zep fan since 1975, of course I know that Stairway to Heaven deserves every bit of love and admiration. All these years later, it’s not often my choice of song when I listen to Zep, but every time it plays I find myself completely mesmerized and lost in the music as it pulls you into its magic. Chills every time! Sacred to the soul. ❤️ LZ Kudos Prof. of Rock!
I grew up in a family that loved rock and folk music so I must have heard it a 100 times. It wasn't 'til I got bought the CD for my birthday that I actually sat alone and really listened to it, I was captivated by it's beauty then and still haven't heard anything better. Excelent review of a song that changed the world of music forever.
Powerful song for sure... I learned about rock-'n'-roll from my father as well.. your story about taking your dad's record was awesome and gave me chills...love your show brother
Just watched this. I graduated from high school in 1974 and Stairway To Heaven was our class song. Trying t find a band that could play it at our Senior Prom was a huge challenge. 😸 This song still pulls at my heart strings and I found myself tearing up one more time watching the part when Heart performed the song for Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy center. Thanks!
Every time I watch one of your song breakdowns I always immediately go and listen to the song again (even though I've heard most of them 1000 times) so that I can listen to it with the added context you bring and it hits every time. You consistently make me love songs I already love even more.
In 1979 my parents had split up and my dad remarried to a ready made replacement family. I struggled with the decision to move in with my alcoholic mother and my grandma and the night I finally made that decision my stomach was in such knots that I actually threw up. As I was sitting alone in my uncles bedroom, I picked up his Zeppelin 4 album. I didn’t know it then but music would get me through that tough, tough time. Zeppelin was a huge part of that.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Poll: What is your pick for the most mystical song of the rock era?
Spill the wine by War with Eric Burdon.
"The End" by The Doors, perhaps?
The Macarena Los Del Rios. After four pints of lager.
Sara Fleetwood Mac
November Rain Guns and Roses
Hotel California The Eagles
Kansas - Dust In The Wind
All Along The Watchtower
Whiter Shade Of Pale - Procul Harum
Nights in White Satin - Moody Blues
That Heart performance was one of the greatest moments in the history of rock music. Legends honoring legends. That's powerful stuff.
I found out just today that Ann Wilson lives less than an hour drive from my house. I felt like I just got blessed.
It was great with the full orchestra and choir. Loved it. Very special.
Ann Wilson could be the only other artist who could have done the song justice! But RP, JP & JPJ's reaction to the Heart performance was the highlight of the show. The range of emotions they displayed was a great tribute to Heart.
Heart plays many LZ songs. At any given Heart concert, you can bet on them playing “Rock ‘n’ Roll” as an encore. I’ve also seen or heard them play "Immigrant Song”, “Battle of Evermore”, "Stairway…”, and many others. Even before their debut album, they were known to be good at playing Led Zeppelin.
The Kennedy Center performance, though-I can see why they were freaked out. Not only did they have the honor of playing it for the people who wrote it, but also the President and First Lady.
Check out Great White's cover of Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
Adam, you are the Casey Kasem of your generation. Your enthusiasm for music combined with your story-telling talent is second to none.
I am 62 years old, and this song has been with me since I was a girl. I have never grown weary of this tune, and still today, the moment I hear, “There’s a lady who’s sure,” I’m taken back to the days of MY youth, and my heart remembers the hope, wonder and magic that I so completely believed in back then, to the depths of my soul. I still believe in that hope, magic and wonder, and I truly believe that this song is a big part of what has kept that part of me alive.
To quote a piece of Cameron Crow’s Sapphire, “To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.” That love and pain fills my soul as much at 62 as it did at 15. Thanks, guys. I will always love you.
I’m 61
The crazy part about the first 4 albums is how frigging young they were. Stairway was recorded in December 1970. Bonham and Plant were only 22 at the time of the recording of the 4th album. Page and Jones were 25. Simply astonishing.
Great Point!!!
Agree. They were immersed in music and a music scene at the time that simply bred creativity. Those were magical days!
That’s an amazing observation. You’re 💯 correct.
beatles broke up before all were 30.. every beatles song was done while they were in their 20s...these bands all got started so early...love it because they all had that youthful energy
I make the same point about Lynyrd Skynyrd. They wrote Free Bird ages ranging from 18-23 in the band. And released all their albums/hits (before plane crash) before most of them were mid 20s
My facorite story about the Heart version of Stairway at the Kennedy Center, was that the guys invited Jason Bonham to sit with them, and he declined, only telling them that he had a gig. Of course they all understood that "a gig is a gig", so that comes first. It wasn't until they saw him on stage that they found out what the gig was.
Yes my fav cover as well!!! Iconic!!!
After listening to "Stairway" for years, I went to my local record shop and bought the 12-string I'd been eyeing since they first got it. I worked there, so I made a deal with my boss to work for "free" until it was paid off. It didn't matter because I had so much fun working there. More money than I made went to support my record collection. I still have those LPs, including that life-changing Zeppelin album. As an aside, my guitar playing never amounted to much; but oh, what a beautiful sound from my $125 12-string.
Ann Wilson cemented her legacy with that tribute. And Zeppelin too. What a moment.
My father was a musician so I grew up listening to all the greats, and I too was caught listening to stairway on my father's stereo in the front room with the head phones on. My father snuck up on me ( I was NEVER to touch his stereo or equipment without asking) but instead of interrupting me he sat and watched how I was transfixed by the song, staring at the wall quietly tapping out the drums on my leg. Fast forward 30 years and I'm playing all the greats for my children to teach them what real music is. We get in the car one day for a road trip and my daughter starts to complain about the Stevie nicks cd I had on. I asked " you don't like Stevie?" She says " no ,I do, not but I want to hear the song with the pretty screaming." ( She is only 7 her sister 5)
I told her to give me more than that to go on and she replied " you know the pretty screaming about the golden staircase." I knew what she meant right away and for 55 miles we listened to stairway to heaven with both my extremely talkative children as transfixed as I was when my father caught me. Probably the quietest raod trip we have ever taken. The only words they spoke were to ask me to play it again when it was over.
They are now 3rd generation Zeppelin fans. And will no doubt pass it along to their kids.
Love this story! I also had the stereo on all day with tons of 45’s, and albums playing for my daughter. She knew at about age 10 she would be a Music Therapist, and she never faltered! She is now 56, and now working with foster care children for the state! My favorite memory is of her little student who couldn’t communicate with spoken words, so she used music, and sign language to help the handicapped child learn to converse. Your story touched me, and I saw many similarities to things I experienced! Thanks for sharing! 😊
@Jesse Arment
That’s such a great story. I can just picture those kids listening to that beautiful music. That must have been a very gratifying experience.
Awesome story ... Thank You for sharing! Music is transcendent ... touching people of all ages in their souls!
There is a deleted scene from Almost Famous where they do essentially the same thing, they just sit there and listen to Stairway To Heaven as it unfolds on the stereo.
❤
To see Robert Plant cry with Ann's singing of Stairway, gives me chills. Completely awesome respect.
I really bawled the first time I saw it on RUclips. It’s still causes me to tear up. I think it’s possibly the greatest of all live performances of any song. And to know how much Ann and Nancy admired Led Zep made it even better. Ann got to induct their other favorite band, The Moody Blues, into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame. It’s so cool when a great band admires other great bands.
One of the greatest moments in music... it's hard not to have tears of joy...
He actually was tearing over Jason Bonham.. The son of his best friend who passed too soon. Robert always felt a deep pain over Bonzo's death. Seeing Jason wear the bolo hat and the performance overcame him.
So lucky to have grown up with the music of Led Zeppelin and Rush , the GOATS in rock music in my humble opinion
I get chills every time I see Heart honoring Led Zeppelin with their performance and the emotional reaction of Plant, Jones and Page. Their performance was sensational to say the least.
The Heart performance made me…I can’t even type it here. 😢
Heart was one of my favorite bands in the 70s--so much so that I have about a half dozen live bootleg albums. they were incredible live, as was zep. check out LZ's "Destroyer" recorded off of the mixing board during the concert (I was there) in '77.
Heart killed it at the Kennedy Center!
Me too! It makes me cry, tbh
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I had to watch it again. Pure artistry! Seeing the bands faces and even the clip of Jason Bonham with his eyes closed how can you not feel the emotion! Epic!!!
Oh gawd! I was in tears watching Nancy and Ann do Stairway. It was the most incredible rendition! I was amazed and so is everyone I know who saw it. So moving! I think Ann's most powerful moment.
The symphony certainly helped the rendition 😊
The entire production of that performance was spectacular too. It also brought me to tears. Beautiful from start to finish
I couldn't agree more. It brings me to tears every time. Especially seeing the expressions on the faces of the original band members... a timeless moment.
Not impressed. Female doing male's key. Had they have it in Dm then it's a different story.
I believe when Heart started they were a Zep cover band. Sincerest form of flattery. Robert had tears in his eyes as well, it was a very powerful tribute,
As a teen in rural Louisiana, I had a transmitting tower a block away from my house broadcasting country music all day. II waited impatiently for the national anthem sign off for the local radio station. Then I was able to get reception for a rock station from Chicago, and was introduced to Stairway to Heaven. Mind blown, changed forever.
Probably WLS although possibly WCFL. That was the big midwest station. I once heard it in Montana,
Grew up in southern Louisiana and had the same experience!
I grew up in Kentucky, and I too waited for the National Anthem to play, for the same reason, I also got WLS in Cleveland Tenn, when i lived there
It had to be WLS. I;m in Rockford, IL - about an hour nw of Chicago. They were the biggest rock station of the era
Lived in Southern Illinois and got wls also
The Kennedy Center performance by Heart deserves it's own feature! With Jon Bonhams son on the drums, the orchestra, the chorus (all in bowlers)- it was magical...
Hear, hear!
Wish I had been there!
AGREE
Oh yeah, I've re-watched that several times. Love when the cameras pan in on Plant and Page's faces - their expression and tears in their eyes.
YEAH!!!
Stairway to Heaven is like a "Led Zeppelin Sampler" of everything they had done prior to that track. Acoustic, gentle, mystical lyrics, electric, hard, powerful drums, masterful solo, intense vocal climax.... Stairway has it all.
That performance by heart with Jason Bonham on drums gets me choked up and teary eyed every single time I watch it. The first time I saw it every hair on my body was standing on end and tingles went up and down my spine. And while Jimmi Page was smiling and laughing with JPJ like he was saying "look at these people paying us the homage we deserve", Robert Plant was clearly in awe and the gift being presented to them by the incredible musical talents on stage (Heart, Jason and and orchestra and choir included). The reverence and care, not to mention the spirit and passion all the performers put into his song were not lost on him.
As a general rule, I don't like many covers or live recordings. This one has to, at least for me, the greatest performance of a cover song EVER.
Best tribute to Stairway was by Heart at the Kennedy Center Honors when Zepplin was inducted. It was well conceived, well produced, well performed by everyone involved. I love Zepplin's original recording, but invariably after listening to it I dig up this performance and listen again.
They were stepping up to fill some huge shoes in front of some gods of rock and roll. The three surviving members looking down upon them. Backed up by Jason Bonham who was the last connection to their lost brother.
Yes!
Robert Plant was in tears! What a performance!!
They also did a great live cover of The Battle of Evermore, on Alive in Seattle and the Singles soundtrack.
@@StLProgressive That is probably the only performance of a zeppelin song that is actually better than Led Zeppelin’s. Kind of like Elton John doing Lucy in the sky with diamonds or the Pinball Wizard.
I am 67 years old and these two songs were master pieces from the late sixties and early seventies. Moody Blues Nights in White Satin, and Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven.
I am still in love with Jimmy Page, and have been since i was 12 years young, when i first heard Stairway To Heaven❤
Goosebumps every time, it never gets old. A timeless masterpiece. I've made sure to pass it to the next generation so they can understand what it is to listen to the hammer of the Gods!
Adam, today you truly earned your "Professor of Rock" moniker, leading us listeners on the Stairway's journey for the um-teenth time, but with a few new sign posts provided by your patient, insightful commentary, and seasoned with details not well known, now cherished. Well done! Thank you!
Thanks Bill! Means a lot.
Amen to that!
I’ll 2nd that. Adam, this is one of your very best. Including your Heart tribute and the interaction story when your Dad discovered you listening to Stairway were the icing on the Cake! Beautifully written and recorded!
Understated perfectly! He was, as it turns out, worthy to talk on the subject of Stairway.
I first heard this on the radio and I was completely enthralled. It made my spirit vibrate. None of my friends had heard it and would not for months. I told them over and over how good it was, but they were skeptical... until, one by one, they heard it for the first time and understood. The song is timeless and magical!
It is one of the greatest stone cold classics.
“It made my spirit vibrate”, what a beautiful, mystical and powerful way to describe it! That’s exactly how it makes me feel.
The lyrics are mysterious mystical sounding nonsense -don't get me wrong I LOVE IT - Bowie did the same thing - make it sound deep and meaningful (less) and let the audience decide - probably learned from Andy Warhol (talent free but famous)
I’m 41, and I am a competitive practitioner of Korean sword. In one of our events we are to create a routine with the option of setting it to music. I set my routine to this song. I won a world championship with it. The nuance of the song, helped bring out the nuance of the blade. And the two danced together while I watched from the end of my grip. It was surreal.
I still get goosebumps when I hear Stairway to Heaven after having heard it for almost all of my life. There's no other song that does that to me.
I'm no Heart fan but kudos where kudos are due ! They did pull off a great version of it.
Fair. I however, can't stand it 😬😬 as a zeppelin fan everyone plays it /just for me/ I have never been able to take it seriously, it's a Zeppelin cliché. It's the same with Charls Dickens's " a tale of two cities" I started to read it late in life and it started with " It was the best of times it was the worst of time"..... I felt like throwing the book out the window. The overuse in pop culture of these two masterpieces ruined them for me. I Feel bad about this.
Good but they riped all stuff off. Hear Spirit song. Not 1rst part but second. They riped it. Whole lota lovin' is Small Faces ,You Need Lovin' song. It's like when Beatles riped of Boch (a Lutheran) & his Arioso song. The Beatles just added an extra note at the beginning.
We played it at my o6 year old mother’s funeral’s. She adored Jimmy Page
96 year old
The most fascinating thing about Stairway to Heaven for me, is that it gets better every time I hear it, and continues to do long after I heard it a couple of hundred times. Starting out as a great song it became a spiritual experience to me at some point.
Hearts performance blew me away. Chills every time. Best cover
I truly enjoyed Anne and Nancy's rendition of "Stairway" awesome job though I think for all the people on stage it wasn't as powerful as when zep played it live.
Man, you are an amazing storyteller. The retelling of your father knocking on the door and the one word - just magic. This whole video was fantastic. Thank you.
My sons were born in 76 & 79. They loved the music of the 60s & 70s. Were very seldom tuned in to music of their day. Thank You Jesus!
The most talented band in the stratosphere! Never to be equaled.
The song is a song for the ages. It survies the test of time. This song says so much for and intertwines in the lives of people at so many times snd levels. It has the ablity to so relevant at so many points in peoples lives its impact on the person and the persons life is immedsurable. People can pinpoint specific moments in life snd history itsrlf when they would listen and think back. It servers for many as a shiny light that you begin to see as you approach a lomg journeys end.
It memorizes and hypnotized. Its one of thise songs thst just as soon as you think youve heard all you want and your getting ready to switch the dial your suddenly struck with the inablity to do so. You find your sellf listening till the last nite that Jimmy and Robert lend to this epic fabel. Its a song that not only registars mentally as you listen , but also physically. That by the end you get that sense of exhustion you might feel at rhe end of an epic adventure it leaces you spent has as you think back on what just had occured. Mentally its an onslought of possiblities and outcomes.
In the simplest terms Stairwsy to Heaven is a fabel or legend only prestebed to us in and with todays words snd terms. Its a telling story for all of us and is valid in its message at so many pounts in our lives. It tells of the stiry of life and the journey we all must undertake like ut ie not. It talks about the things we seek and how in the end they may not turn out be ad we saw them or that we nay not reach or find out we dont want to reach them. It talks of the adversities distractions and lies you may incounter along the way. It warns of prople and how there are those who's only goal is to stop disrupt or destroy as you try to procede.
More importantly if i were to be asked, its a story that has a real message a person should consider. In the simplest terns its asks us to ask outselves as to wether or not what we seek is really what we want or what we should want
It points out that in many points of our lifes journey some of the things we sought to aquire were in the end not the best things for us. Its a wsrming to all thst one should be careful in what we want and ask for. It forshadows that the paths we pick for ourselves can and do have a profound impact in what we are and become. In the end it says without saying it that maybe we facing a path on which to procede that we should value the things you have and those you know. That when s person becomes blind ny what ever the disteaction may be the out come may not be as you thought. That what you currentl have and wrr your at it may not be as bad ad you thought.
Its a fabel like the fabels from the past. It teaches and warns. Its a story that all people from all walks of life and upbringing may get a thing or to listeing to it.
True poetry
The Heart cover at the Kennedy Center is just fantastic. I still tear up when I watch it. And yes, Stairway IS the Holy Grail of Rock. One of your best presentations, Professor.
I must listened to this album a thousand times in the 70s. It never gets old and I'm still amazed by it.
I spent years of my life trying to derive some deep meaning from this epic song. I have finally come to realize that the deep meaning for me has been the hours upon hours of pure musical joy this song has gifted me. Led Zeppelin was very important to me and building my musical tastes. Robert Plant is a true treasure to us all. Even if you hate the band and the sound of his voice they have influenced every aspect of modern music. Led Zeppelin has as big an impact on music as say Mozart or Beethoven, I know that is saying a lot but I personally think it is a fair statement. I can't express how watching someone who derives as much joy from this song as I do warms my heart. Thank you for this one Prof.
In truth they've been MORE influential and impactful than any classical composer
Reaching into your soul for meaning makes the song a success
It is timeless. It transcends time. It is like a classical piece of music. Bach or Handle.
It's awesome seeing how the remaining members of Led Zeppelin accepting the compliment of Heart performing Stairway of Heaven. song. That was great.
The song itself is like a stairway, getting higher and higher and leading to the climax.
Hey Professor, first .. Thank You for all you do, my wife and I love your channel. My first experience with "Zeppelin 4" was on my 12th birthday, Oct 9, 1983. My step father was a very old-fashioned man, in every aspect life, including music. My Mother had the family and some of my friends over for my birthday. It was a Sunday I will never forget. My step father insisted that I open his present first. He was so proud of himself because he had shopped for this present on his own and he hated shopping for anything. I unwrapped the square package and I flipped out. It was Zeppelin 4! All kinds of emotions went through my body and mind. this man whom I thought despised me actually really knew and understood me. With a prideful grin he says out loud "Put it on, let's hear it" which blew me away because since I could ever remember he always called the music I listened to "Garbage" or "The Devils work" I slid the album out of the cover, placed it on my Mom's record player with the diamond tip needle with great anticipation. Within a second Robert Plant belts out "Hey Hey Momma said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you grove" and before he could finish my step father jumped up out of his chair, yelled "WHAT IS THIS S**T" ran across the room, smacked the needle off the record, picked it up and snapped it in half. I ran out the door down the street to my uncles, angry and distraught. I told him what happened. He took me by the hand, walked me out to his '69 Cuda and put his Zeppelin 4 8-track in the player and left me alone to listen to it. When it got to Stairway I was overcome with emotions and broke down crying. As Levee started to play my Mother opened the drivers door, sat down and held my hand. When the album was over she said "I'll get you the cassette for your walkman. Your father has no taste in music now come home and have some cake. That album and my step father started a very long childish/teen rebellion that lasted for years and memories I will have for a lifetime! Thank you again for all you do and don't stop being you. Rob
Having had a stepson, I appologize for the emotional emptiness we exude.
@@cosmicHalArizona no need to apologize. Over the years I've learned that he did the best he could with the tools he was given as child. I now have two sons and a step daughter and the tools he gave me have helped me create a phenomenal bond with all three kids.
Ontario Camp Couple
What a remarkable personality ! Wearing a " Proud Dad" shirt ? Can you talk under water ?
@@TNT-km2eg Well thank you. And yes, I do have a "Proud Dad" shirt. Both of my sons are remarkable, with one in University and the other well on his way in his career, both creating their own healthy and successful life. As for talking underwater, it is a skill I have yet to master, but do practice in the summer seson while out on expeditions.
My favourite band and yes! Stairway to heaven is the ultimate essence of Zeppelin! ❤
I was a teenager in the 70's and heard this song daily, sometimes several times daily, and to this day I love it every time I hear it.
Professor, I know it's a long shot you'll read this given that it's 3 weeks after the video dropped, but this video included a particularly great moment for me, and I felt a connection to you in a very specific way. I'm sure many of your subscribers can probably relate.
I lost my Dad earlier this year, and the sting of his loss is still very present. He was very conservative during my childhood, although he lightened up quite a bit in his later years. While none of our stories would likely match in context, the emotion of those special moments like your dad's single word of understanding & confident approval do. So I thank you for every time you share stories about your father. On a deeply emotional level, they stir up happy memories of my own. I appreciate you for it, and I hope others do as well.
I’m 55 and after my accident in 83 I listened to Comfortably Numb and Stairway to Heaven and they both brought me back to reality. I was so close to ending my life. They still settle me when I’m feeling depressed. Thanks for being you.
As a die hard Zep fan, I’m wondering if my experience with Stairway to Heaven is common. Stairway was the song that got me into Led Zeppelin. I heard others talking about it, and when I finally heard it, I said “Yeah. This is a good song.” And I listened to it over and over. This got me into the fourth album, then the band. But I was new into Zeppelin, and, if asked, would definitely say Stairway was their best song.
Then I got deeper into Zeppelin’s discography, and I became more of a Zep aficionado. As a result, my Zep taste became more “sophisticated.” When asked if Stairway was their best song, my response was “definitely not.” It’s a great song and all; but now that I’m more of a Zeppelin expert, I’ve come to enjoy the more obscure songs better. I liked Battle of Evermore better than Stairway on the fourth album. Kashmir and Achilles Last Stand were better. That’s the Way, The Rain Song, and Ten Years Gone we’re all better. I was a sophisticated Zeppelin fan who was in the know.
Then, as my Zeppelin fanship matured to its proper level. I looked back at Stairway and realized how silly I’d been. I realized how great the song truly was. I realized why this song was the incredible anthem it was. And I humbly came to the logical conclusion that-yes-Stairway to Heaven really is Led Zeppelin’s best song, even though they have a myriad of others that are almost as good, even though it is “popular.” Yes, I’ve come full circle, back to Stairway because, as far as rock songs go, it is heaven.
Ramble On might be my favorite.
Sounds almost like my experience getting into Led Zep. A girl I really liked mentioned she liked "Stairway..." & my interest began.
Well said.
So glad you included my favorite Zeppelin song..."Rain Song". One thing is undeniable...they have created a RIDICULOUS amount of incredible music. Which is best is a matter of preference, obviously, but you have listed some great ones
My brother was 10 yrs my senior and a bit of a guitar player so I'd heard the main riff from Heartbreaker but, it was Stairway that really started things for me.
I related to your story almost right down to the song choices.
I'm a lifelong and die hard fan and I'll never get back that first experience with Stairway but, I started to avoid it after the 1st thousand times. Now once every 6 or 8 months I listen to it again.
Something just came up but, I could have written most of your comment myself with of course my own personal experiences with Zeppelin.
I never thought say "Ten Years Gone" was _better_ but, I did get sick of hearing it 5 times a day and _enjoyed_ some of the lesser known but, truly great songs .
Stairway though is ...ya know how movie critics say "A near perfect film" or "A perfect movie"
Once you've seen a movie enough times you want a new story right? Even if it's perfect
The arts can't be judged like a sporting event right?
Stairway resonates with _everyone_ .... it's magic. It's been played to death but it won't die .
Right now (I imagine) there's some kid out there hearing it for the first or 4th time that has never heard _anything_ like it and they will never be the same.
I still remember.
Now I gotta take a leak man 😂
✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
Great job, Professor. Yes, we’ve all heard it many times on the radio, the reason is simple. Imagery, composition, production, musicianship, the vocal, it really has it all. This song, and the musicians who created it are the standard without question. It’s as close to perfection as humanly possible. I agree the vagueness of the lyrics allow the listener to create their own story every time it’s heard, or just let Plant’s magical voice tell the story. I’d wager this song influenced more musicians and inspired more people to pick up a guitar than any other. There is this band, then all others, period.
I'm 80 and it rocked my world. I get chills every time and I've heard it hundreds of times. Zep is in a class by itself.
I remember waiting in the car for my Mum to come back from the grocery shop. I must have been 7 years old. She'd left the radio on & this song came on. I had never been so emotionally affected by one song on my 1st recalled listening. Mum got back to the car just as the song finished & I had tears in my eyes. It still hits me, & I'm happy I still don't know what it all means. ❤️
Can't argue with this. It's a song that really stirs one's soul. LZ had many one those, but this is probably the best.
I just turned 70 and saw The Beatles in concert. Led Zeppelin, is my all-time favorite. I had that album, don't know where it ended up, but I downloaded Stairway onto my phone and listen to it over and over with my headphones. I have watched The Kennedy Center Honors many times and still get goosebumps. I will stop meandering and put on my headphones. Peace !!!
Led Zeppelin is classic rock's most legendary band of the 70's and "Stairway To Heaven" is their signature song and masterpiece. Back in the 1980's, there was a local classic rock radio station that I listened to. Every Fourth Of July, they would put together a very special countdown called The Firecracker Top 500. It was a listener-voted survey. The listeners would vote and send in a list of their 3 favorite classic rock songs. The radio station would then compile the results which put together their Top 500. They did this annually. Many of the songs would change and their rankings on the countdown would also change. However, there was one constant that remained the same every year. "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin finished #1 every year that they did the listener-voted Firecracker 500. That's why I've always said that "Stairway To Heaven" is classic rock's most classic song. Every year, that's how classic rock fans voted.
I’ve heard so many great things about the Firecracker Top 500. I agree with them. Stairway may be in the contender for Best Song of All Time.
WDVE in Pittsburgh for years has had a similar thing called the "Memorial Day 500", I haven't listened to it in years or checked the results but Stairway and Freebird were always #1 and #2 on their list.
Sorry I love Led Zeppelin but I am so sorry but I hate hearing that song it is so overplayed. Give me all of my love, immigrant song, for your life any day
Was that in the San Diego area? I seem to remember that countdown as a kid when I grew up in SD area.
@@dpjacobs28 No, I live in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan area. However, I understand every city around the country had a classic rock radio station. So, I'm sure you had one in the San Diego area, too, doing a similar annual countdown.
Well freakin’ done, man! Well freakin’ done. You did this majestic gift from the Gods of Rock the justice it deserves. Chills, man. You had me in tears upon sharing your deeply personal story about your dad. Somewhere in Heaven, he is watching you with that half-smile in approval. Rock on, brother! 🤘🎸🎤🥁🎹🤘
The intro’s “definite medieval feel” made me feel like the song has existed for a thousand years and Zeppelin just brought it up to date with electrified instruments.
Great Video! Seeing the guys with tears in their eyes while their song is played to them made me tear up too.
I recall getting Zeppelin IV when it was released in 1971. I was 13. I played Stairway over and over while reading the lyrics which were printed on the inside cover. I studied the artwork from the old man hauling sticks to the wizard holding a lantern atop the mountain. I'm recalling these things as I write and haven't seen a Zep IV album cover in years. Yes, Stairway holds a special place in my heart since the first time I heard it.
Stairway To Heaven and Hotel California are the best mystical songs in my lifetime! Absolute classics. I love watching and listening to the stories on your videos!
I think that “The Rain Song” is one of the most underrated songs that Led Zeppelin ever recorded, and it is also one of their more mystical songs too.
I don’t recall you featuring “The Rain Song” before, unless I missed it.
Thank you for posting these videos!
Please have an excellent and awesome day! ☀️✨
Excellent shout there. The Rain Song is definitely in their top ten.
Rain Song and Tens Years Gone are my favorites
@@patriciasamora5600 Oh, Girl . . . I could not agree with you more! I will clarify further by saying this: "The Rain Song" is, BY FAR, my most favorite guitar piece ever composed. "Ten Years Gone" is THE BEST song ever written.
He did do one on The Rain Song saying George Harrison challenged Jimmy Page to write a ballad. Maybe he did it after this episode. Check it out.
Sublime. That is the word. I can remember the first time I noodled the chords out on guitar. It just sounded, right. Then while listening with my Pioneer headphones, I was blown away by the drumming. Simply sublime. Every time I hear those opening notes, I realize I am smiling. Thanks guys.
I was never into drugs….but this song put me into a place of pensive bliss, distracted from everything else around me. It was that good. That’s all I ever needed….
That Kennedy Centre performance is utterly sublime and never fails to give me goosebumps.
I still believe it’s the greatest written, arranged, produced and recorded song ever. It has a magical draw that only those 4 guys could have achieved.
You may have explained to me why I still won't listen to Heart's version of Stairway.
I love Heart. I love the Wilson sisters. They are a force.
But somehow anyone doing certain Zeppelin songs, like Stairway, I can't deal with. and it is probably due to the magic these 4 guys conjured up with this song. With alot of their music. It would not sound right and left me unsettled
Greatest Rock Song no doubt. I've head that some old guy named "Mozart" wrote and arranged some good stuff but the original recordings are missing. 😉
'Magic'
@@dianelake7802 The Zepp guys even said that they WOULD have liked to perform Stairway the way Heart did, but they couldn't transport all the singers around with them on tour. It wasn't feasible (or affordable). They wanted a big crescendo in the middle-end, and the singers gave that added push! You have your own likes, but I love the Heart version.
@@exectar I absolutely love Heart. They have been a favorite for years. No one compares to the Wilson sisters. Pure talent.
I love Heart.
For me it is a matter of not wanting anything to redefine the song of my high school years.
So, please don't think I have anything against Heart. Or the music they do. and I am aware that many musicians are very generous with others doing their works - especially when they do a great cover.
I just prefer to leave this song in the hands of Led Zeppelin.
Only this one song.
Embarrassed that I was meh when they were popular. But married a Led fan & love them now! 🎶💙
I remember hearing this for the first time with my dad when I was 7 or 8. It came on the radio on the classic rock station and we sat in the car in the parking lot of a grocery store and listened to the whole song. Even as a young kid I listened and never felt bored. Timeless classic
This is one of the best channels on RUclips. Thank you so much for every episode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I was in High School, my friends & I would gather around together in a circle, with our arms wrapped around each other’s arms and we’d sway, back n’ forth like one big human huddle, or human wave, moving in and out to the rhythm & sounds coming out of a giant silver boom box, or a suped up car stereo with added killer EQ & mad speakers, to the musical journey of “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepplin. We would rock out this way at the end of our weekend hang outs at the Friday Night Drive-Ins, Saturday Night football games, after other Rock Concerts of other bands, or Summer nights on our speedboats on the Three Rivers! It was an Epic way for us to celebrate our youth with one of the most epic rock songs ever created! Thank you Rock Prof for this reminder & lesson & thank you @ledzepplin for the epic song & music!!!
What is fascinating to me personally is how clearly I remember hearing it for the first. In 1971 your friends just showed up without you expecting them. I heard an almost frantic knocking at the front door and two of my close friends we standing there with the album. “Jimmy, you’ve got to hear this!” My dad had a state of the art system in the living room. They insisted that I play it there rather than going to my room. It was almost life-altering.
James, this is an incredibly endearing recollection. And yes. We RODE OUR BIKES to our friends' houses. There were no scheduled play dates and no parental chauffeurs back then, partly because we had only one car and dad drove that to work. Also only one TV. I know lots of bad stuff happened back then, but it all seemed so much simpler. By the way, I'm aware of the irony of appearing on the Internet in order to decry it, so don't bother pointing that out. 🤨
@@juliehughes1258 I wouldn’t have pointed that out. We live the lives that work with the zeitgeist we find ourselves in. I am grateful that we were able to come of age when we did. I’m a historian so I might view it all a bit differently. I’m not certain that it was that things were simpler. I think we saw a lot of change. A lot of it was inspiring. I find myself somewhat jaded now. In my case, I have two older sisters and when they went to college, my parents seemed to think that their young son didn’t need the supervision the girls did. So, I miss the freedom I had.
FOr me, it's very different. Stairway came out at a particularly dark time of my life. I was in serious mental distress, the world was going to pot, and I was convinced life wasn't worth living. Stairway seeped into my consciousness, and kept me living, there was no "first time", it's always been with me, even before I heard it
Almost?
@@whitebeardskydaddy6756 Point taken
Watching the Kennedy center tribute literally brought tears to my eyes, not so much the actual song but the guys reaction to it, i think they finally got to feel how the rest of us feel when we hear it, beautiful, just beautiful, not a word i often use being a metal head 👍
Yep, i just watched it again and seeing Jason playing his dads parts made me cry once again, dam it i should be head banging not wiping tears away 👍
Me too. Every time.
Robert Plant’s reaction just had me bawling, it was unstoppable!
Jack Black brought me to tears of laughter with his perfect homage to the band.
@@IronSikh44 Same.
It was January 1972, I was 18 and on my way to school when I first heard the song on the car radio. I was stunned at its magnificence as I still am today.
This album was my cure all when I was pregnant. I was sick all 9 months. Every time it was was so bad. I would put this cassette in and my baby would mellow as would my sickness. Have to say this album made that pregnancy bearable.
Boy or girl? 🍼
Your child is now blessed with quality music and hopefully carries it on to future genes.
Sorry you went through that. Pregnancy can be tough.
Beautiful story. Not the sickness of course.
I always wonder if when they played their last notes, while recording Stairway, did they understand what they had done? Like, did they have goosebumps? Were they aware that they had created a song that would impact generations? Did they know they had just forged a masterpiece?
I think they were just thinking, "wow, this will sell and we'll be on tour, destroy hotel rooms, fuck those teenage groupies, get drunk and puke all over the hotel carpet, and go to another concert and start all over again." That's probably all they thought about.
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Most music was NOT left for others to complete in the mid 60's through the mid 90's and Jimmy Page produced every Led Zeppelin track that ever was...from start to finish. You could have Googled or Wikipedia the info on Zeppelin/Page if you cared. You are 100% mistaken...in fact it wasn't until the late 90's/2000's with the collapse of artist control of their music by the record companies and producers to get the Lion share of monies earned by the artists.
Probably not
@@Creamstp🥰👍
That has always been a prime question in my mind. At what point do you realize that you're holding pure Gold.
This is a great song of Led Zeppelin. Love this group.❤️👍
Great cover as always, Adam. You bring back memories for me the first time I hear this song. It was at a high school dance. We had a live band. They were a classic rock band who’s lead singer looked like Robert Plant. Turns out, he was my guitar teacher. Their cover of Stairway connects with me. Of course, not quite the original, but amazing just the same. Made me want to hear it again and again. Since that night, I’ve probably listened to that song a million times. No. I never tire of it. Who would?
As for the meaning: my interpretation is there is no intended meaning. As Plant implied, meaning changes with your mood, point of view, context, and age. What doesn’t change is how I feel when I hear it - moved…. Truly moved. When Heart covered it at the Kennedy center, I was moved to tears.
In 1970 this was just new rock and roll by a band with a catchy name. Now, it's a classic that is 50 plus years old. Hearing it again sends me back 50 years. I close my eyes and I'm 17 years old again for just a few minutes. (Other than various bones and muscles in my body telling me, wrong !!)
lol I hear you!
I am right there with you!
I saw an interview with Robert Plant, and he said his favorite song is Kashmir. Absolutely Amazing 😍 👏 ❤️
The first album I ever bought. It was 1974 and I was 14 years old. My love for rock and roll began that day. Then I saw them at Madison Square Garden June 10, 1977. I thought I died and went to heaven.
We also bought it that year I was 12 and my brother 14 we played that album so often it wore out.
As celebrated as Stairway and Led Zep has been over the years, I still say they are underrated.
Good point.
They’re easily the greatest band of the 70s.
I agree..Their catalog is absolutely incredible! No other band has a catalog as loaded with absolutely instrumentally epic and creative songs as Zep. The Beatles catalog may match them in lyrical creativity but the Beatles aren’t in the same league with instrumental talent or creativity.
Gentle Giant is underrated. Buckethead is underrated. Zep was never underrated.
I managed to record ,all be the first 2 mins of the song on my cassette player. But what I did record, I listened to that version of it over and over again with my friend Shawn. We listened to it all the way up the mountain on a ski trip when we were 16. It was the anthem of our ski tripping adventures for years after that. In fact I’m talking to my friend tomorrow and will bring this up to him. He’s recently suffered from several strokes,but aLed Zeppelin always seems to bring us from the grave of old age again and again. Thanks Adam.! You are the bomb!!!
Stairway is the stuff of legends ... and we get to hear it for ever more. All these years later, every time I hear it, play it, sing it or just having it running in my head, I hear new things in it and experience new sensations thanks to its remarkable composition and its brilliant use of lyrics, rhythms, melodies, instrumentals, solos, and vocals. If magic exists, Stairway to Heaven is what one of the greatest spells sounds like.
Well said... Stairway is truly the HOLY GRAIL of rock and roll. At 59 yrs, I don't know how many times I've listened to it, but I still get emotional with physical goose bumps. No other band's music moves me like the greatest in all history...the one and only Led Zeppelin!
Hearts tour immediately after this appearance, played Stairway in exactly the same way. John Bonhams son played drums and a 12 person choir backed them up. Unexpected, beautiful, memorable, outstanding.
My first memory of Stairway was when I was 15, and I had never actually listened to the song. A girl I had a crush on in school really loved the song, and I was telling her I had never listened to it. so she wrote the entire lyrics down for me, and I read it over and over. The first time I sat down and listened to it, I already knew all the words by heart.
Normally, gushing over songs is overwrought and never matches the realty. In this case, this video is 100% on-point. It's been 40+ years since I first heard Stairway and it STILL gives me shivers.
We could pick apart all the technicalities and possible meanings of this song all day but, it simply boils down to this; it makes ones spirit soar. From the first I heard it 50 years ago to this day.
I watched this episode with a smile throughout, and when you started talking about the covers, I kept screaming you better talk of Heart’s rendition of the song. When you pulled that snippet of your interview …. 🤯🤯🤯
I saw Heart in the early '80s... 'Stairway' was their encore! The crowd went crazy! It was the next best thing to seeing Zeppelin doing it! They rocked it.
When you watch Heart's cover and with Jason Bonham on his father's kit, it felt like a religious experience. One version of that video, Jason is introduced and Plant is pointing at him like I see now. I heard that earlier Plant called him up and asked him to join them for his father and Jason told him that he couldn't because he had a prior engagement which was playing with Heart there but he didnt tell them that.
chills from the first few seconds of you playing the song with Roberts voice.
The night I met my wife in 1974 I danced with her for the first time to Stairway ,and is 50 years later it is still one of my most cherished moments in my life.
Adam I just watched this video. I love hearing you talk about the song and the band. You bring tears to my eyes quite often hearing you talk about your dad. I am 68 years old and shared my love for music with my sons. They are 46 and 44 now my oldest son named his boy Dylan after Bob of course. I remember taking them to hear Lonnie Mack in Louisville my hometown and putting them on my shoulders to watch him. Such great memories. Keep up the great work.
I just finished watching this video and you have SO caught the essence and magic of this song. I could listen to Stairway a million times and not tire of it. Back in the early '80's as a twenty something, I remember a Toronto rock station - Q107 - that had a situation where someone left with the key to the vinyl vault (back when radio played vinyl) and the only song the DJ had was Stairway. They played the song over and over and person after person would call in with requests to play Stairway - it was hilarious. Of course, they played it and played it - for hours until finally someone came back with the key. It was classic - but was more classic was that every time you heard it - you loved it more. You really captured this emotion. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm a music lover - always was; always will be. I truly love watching your channel. Keep up the awesome work!
Comparing Led Zeppelin music to music in the last 40+ years! Nothing compares. So fortunate to have grown up in the 60s & 70s and listened as music evolved!
Nobody could ever predict that one of the most biggest most iconic rock albums would have a picture of an old man with a bundle of sticks strapped to his back on the cover .. PRICELESS
One of the most iconic photos ever.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes it is and it draws you in when you fist look at it and makes you wonder what this album will sound like,, It was many many years back when I had that fresh thought ..
@@VIDSTORAGE Ahh…the days when album covers were so vivid…
These were the days when a new album would drop, and TOTALLY change your life FOREVER! So many! One after the other! A great time in music! People have NO IDEA these days! I’m just afraid they don’t really value music like we did back in the ‘70s!!
And NO title or text!
I bet, anyone aged between 70 and 50, this song had an impact in their life. I am 66 and this song is almost mythical.
"mythical"...yup. 👍
I'm also 66, and I remember when this song came out, you could literally hear it on the radio every half hour. I think that's the reason why a lot of people can't stand the song, including Robert Plant himself. Same thing with Smells Like Teen Spirit, Kurt Cobain couldn't stand singing it anymore.
@@oldschoolhawking8191 I too, resolved to never listen to this song ever again, yet, the lady pulls me in to this day! Stairway To Heaven is the most complete, perfect, profound, eloquent, mystical piece of music genius to ever grace humanity, and I love it with a passion
@@ozvaleron
What's also cool about Stairway is, it becomes even more mystical when performed live.
No Quarter also, especially on the movie TSRTS.
Yep. .my first yr. In college. 1971
Dude seriously The story about your dad made me cry. Thanks for sharing That really appreciate it.
I never get sick of hearing this song.
Likewise. I used to list en to Stairway on my way to work at 5:30 am
I showed up for the deep dives into the music. While I continue to engage here for that, I've observed another component that I'm connecting with. The stories of your Dad, and his influence on how your conversation with music started, are, encouraging, heartwarming, and inspirational. I hope young Dads out there pick up on this. Love your kids with art, creativity and exploration. Its a lifeline for many.
I have recently become addicted to your channel, really love your insights, opinions and explainations of so much music I grew up on myself and that I have shared with friends, and later on my own children.
Stairway was always the last song played at school dances, 40 years later I remember those times each time I hear Stairway, for me that makes it legendary.
I have also seeked out many of the covers, noting their own subtleties and twists to the original, my favourite - without trying to come across as blasphemous - is Dread Zeppelin's light-hearted take on this classic, a reggae type rendition with a "tongue-in-cheek" Elvis impersonator supplying the lyrics. It is not for everyone, but still paying homage to this classic.
Keep up the great work Adam.
There are no words to describe what Zepp were. The chemistry between the players is beyond this realm. They’ve said as much about why replacing Bonzo was not possible. No 2 shows were the same - they never knew what tangent one of them would go out on. The others adapted and brought it back. Zoso is an album where you can here something different or new every time you hear it. I know there’s other albums like that but not too many.
Adam - I have to say. The magic of your episodes is that it makes me look and listen from a new perspective. And I’ve heard this song a million times and looked at the album cover about the same. Today it had a different light. THANK YOU!!!! Your dedication and content is one of the best parts of each day. ❤
They’re the greatest band of the 70s, no doubt. They put so many layers to their music.
I moved from rural Tennessee to Staten Island New York when I was 6, and the radio station played Stairway and Knights in White Satin every night as I was falling asleep. Considering the stress I was under at the time, I found these songs terrifying and hated them. As I grew older, I ignored them for the joys of 80's music. But coming back to Stairway as an adult, I can't help but be swept up and emotionally transformed every time I listen. It's a special experience, and one I seek out rarely to avoid cheapening it.
An excellent platform for showcasing music and the stories behind it.
As a Zep fan since 1975, of course I know that Stairway to Heaven deserves every bit of love and admiration. All these years later, it’s not often my choice of song when I listen to Zep, but every time it plays I find myself completely mesmerized and lost in the music as it pulls you into its magic. Chills every time! Sacred to the soul. ❤️ LZ Kudos Prof. of Rock!
I grew up in a family that loved rock and folk music so I must have heard it a 100 times. It wasn't 'til I got bought the CD for my birthday that I actually sat alone and really listened to it, I was captivated by it's beauty then and still haven't heard anything better. Excelent review of a song that changed the world of music forever.
Powerful song for sure... I learned about rock-'n'-roll from my father as well.. your story about taking your dad's record was awesome and gave me chills...love your show brother
Just watched this. I graduated from high school in 1974 and Stairway To Heaven was our class song. Trying t find a band that could play it at our Senior Prom was a huge challenge. 😸 This song still pulls at my heart strings and I found myself tearing up one more time watching the part when Heart performed the song for Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy center. Thanks!
Every time I watch one of your song breakdowns I always immediately go and listen to the song again (even though I've heard most of them 1000 times) so that I can listen to it with the added context you bring and it hits every time. You consistently make me love songs I already love even more.
In 1979 my parents had split up and my dad remarried to a ready made replacement family. I struggled with the decision to move in with my alcoholic mother and my grandma and the night I finally made that decision my stomach was in such knots that I actually threw up. As I was sitting alone in my uncles bedroom, I picked up his Zeppelin 4 album. I didn’t know it then but music would get me through that tough, tough time. Zeppelin was a huge part of that.