British guitarist analyses Heart's tribute to Led Zeppelin in 2012! 

I was part of the choir for this show, it was an amazing experience. Dave Grohl was on drums for all the rehearsals, so it was a surprise to everyone when Jason Bonham came out for the final performance. Also, this video has footage both from the dress rehearsal, and the live performance. After the show was over, Stephen Colbert came up to me and 2 of my fellow choir members to tell us that we did a great job, it was surreal. Choral arrangement was done by Rob Mathes, and our chorus director is Joyce Garrett. Our choir was also at Obama's inauguration, Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl, and every Christmas in Washington performance on TNT, until it was canceled. We were drawn from a lot of different sources around the DC area, including some former High School choirs after we all graduated, some church choirs, and eventually some University of Maryland choir members. We rehearsed every day including weekends for about 3 weeks for this, and for most of our performances

This wasn't a cover- it was a celebration. Fine work, ladies.

I know this is an older post, but just read an interview given by Ann in the weeks following this performance. She said she was very humbled by all the compliments her and Nancy received, but was only really worried about what the band, especially Robert, thought. At a dinner following the event, Robert approached her table, said hello to everyone and then Ann. He paused for a moment, kind of staring off into space, then said, I've never liked that song over the years. Ann literally started to tear up, Robert looked down realizing the misunderstanding of his words and said, no no dear, I meant I've always thought it dreadful because It's been covered so many times over the years, and no artist has ever done the song justice....until tonight. He took her hand and kissed it, and said, Bravo my dear, and walked off. Ann said she knew right then she could die a happy women and have no regrets.

I'm 73 years old and this is the greatest live performance I've ever heard of a rock song 💗

If you can do a Zeppelin cover and move Robert Plant to tears, then you have nothing more to prove in my oppinon. Your work is done.

Many consider this as the best cover of anyone, ever. I agree.

You know when you bring a tear to the eyes of Robert Plant and the exuberance to the face of Jimmy Paige you’ve performed a masterpiece of the masterpiece.

I'm in awe of the guts it took to perform one of the (if not *the*) most iconic songs in rock history and to do it in front of the men who wrote it.

The Wilson sisters sound as great now as they did 40 years ago. Criminally underrated band.

It’s amazing how Ann’s voice can hold off everything behind her in a live program… the walls of sound from the chorus and band is huge, and her voice is still there, clear and perfect…

She was a ripe 62 years young and her voice didn't let her down she nailed it

I don't think there was ever a performance so intently listened to by an artist, you can see it on their faces. Jimmy, was mouthing that solo note for note and replaying in his head. It was a master's class by Ann Wilson in performance, if you don't get goosebumps listening to this performance you're dead inside..

One thing that really stands out to me is Ann Wilson's restraint. Seriously, we know she could have shredded this to bits and yet, she never lets her vocals overshadow the song.

The best "stairway" cover I have heard. Ann Wilson is one of the greatest vocalists in rock music. Nancy absolutely nailed the 12 string acoustic. Bonham made his daddy proud.

The joy on Jimmy Page’s face is a wonderful thing.

People who like music think Heart were a decent but short lived group but people who know better know the truth, Heart are maybe the most underrated band ever. Hugely respected by other artists nowhere near as huge as they should be mainstream. This is quite simply, one of the best covers ever.

At work one night in the 80's listening to a radio show called Rock Talk. Heart was the featured band and Anne and Nancy were in the studio being interviewed and taking calls from fans. A fan called in and asked them if they thought they would ever record a Zeppelin song as they always ended their shows with a Zeppelin encore. Nancy related this story of their first outdoor concert. They had just released their first album and were the last band on for the evening. They finished their set and the crowd wanted more so they kept going. Long story to short, they played the entire album and the crowd still wanted more so Nancy went up to Anne and asked what they were going to do to which she replied "We were a cover band for years, why not?" So they closed out the night with Led Zeppelin left the stage and went to their trailer on an amazing high. They were sitting in the trailer soaking up the feeling when there was a knock at the door. They opened it to Jimmy Page standing there and he told them that was the first time he had ever heard anyone cover one of his songs and do it justice and he told them they had his blessings to cover him anytime. Adds a new dynamic to that performance doesn't it?

I'm baffled how anyone pulls off a performance like this. The choir, all those strings and brass, the way it all builds up, leaving space for the solos and vocals, giving Jason room for unbelievable drums. The magnitude of the arrangement is overwhelming. And somehow, not only does it not turn into a muddled mess, it's pure magic!

The fact that Ann's voice still stands out above all others in the choirs shows what a spectacular vocalist she truly is.

the smiles on John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page and the tears in Robert Plants' eye's when he picked up on the Bowler Hats worn by the Choir, in tribute to John Bonham says it all....Heart has ALWAYS done a couple Zepplin tunes on their tours and Ann is friends with Robert. Also when Jason looked towards the heavens thinking about his dad at end....i'll admit, i teared up

The Wilsons are the only ones who could pull this off. Robert is mesmerized.

The way Jimmy stands up at the end he looks like an extremely proud parent applauding his kids at a school concert. When the writers of one of the best songs ever written give a cover of that song a standing ovation then there is no need for anymore analysis

Whoever did the arrangement of this experience is a musical genius. Full, multi-layered, cascade of instruments and vocals, all the parts - we climbed the stairway.

Nancy Wilson should be spoken about as one of rocks great guitarists.

As someone on the original video posted: "You are watching Rock Legends, cover Rock Gods, in front of said Rock Gods, on a night the Rock Gods are being honored for their rock godliness, choosing the Rock Gods' most famous song. And they slayed it."

Ann said after the performance Robert came up to her and said "I usually don't like when people cover Stairway but ...tonite I liked it " Ann said ..." that was gold from the golden God ...sprinkled " I love that quote from Ann

There has never been a cover like that. Just the way it kept getting bigger and bigger it's so impressive. Like a moment in history just happened.

"Jim Parsons" kills it again on lead. With Heart, Jason on drums, plus the choir, this has to be the greatest cover in history.

Chills every time I hear this. Heart should get a Kennedy Center Honor just for this performance.

I absolutely love how Jimmy Page is reacting. He seems less guarded than when he was younger and when he smiles, his face is like the sun. It’s beautiful to see.

This video has the 3 stages of emotion - Yo Yo Ma in a groove Bonnie Raitt rocking off her seat Robert Plant in tears

Hey Fil: I’ve found that a lot of younger people don’t understand music from the Golden Era of Rock: roughly from 1964 to 1984. For one thing, most local Gen-Xers (and those who are even younger) don’t know that Heart is from our hometown of Vancouver. Second - and this is really interesting- it seems that a lot of younger people don’t have the patience to listen to or watch performances of songs that are longer than 3 minutes. When I got my wife, who’s a Gen-Xer, to watch this tribute to Led Zeppelin, she said it was boring because it took so long to get to the fast part. Someone else who I showed it to - a Gen-Yer fellow from Eastern Europe whose second language is English - said: “I don’t like it, but I can see why you like it. It’s music from and for your generation”. It seems that the idea of music creating a journey and telling a story that builds and builds to a crescendo is a foreign concept to people who are post-Baby-Boomers. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” were songs that transported people of my generation to a place that not only told a story, but conveyed a message and connected us together as a community. And listening to music on a home stereo was a communal experience shared by groups of friends who found common ground in the music they listened to. Today’s 16-second Tik Tok videos are a far cry from the days when we Boomers would listen to a complete album, almost in silence, as we connected with the music and each other.

Ann Wilson brings Robert Plant to tears. That pretty much covers it

There's nothing better than watching original artists genuinely enjoying someone else playing their music.

Shout out to the choir and backup vocals on this performance! Totally underrated and what really gave me chills!

I was in high school when Stairway to Heaven was released. I remember my best friend and I discussing the song, right after its release, one morning while walking to school. I am now 67 years old. This performance always makes me emotional and teary-eyed. I think partly because of the performance itself. But also as an older person relating to older Plant, Page and Jones and how this must feel for them at this point in their lives.

Standing ovation from John Paul Jones.

Ann Wilson is without doubt one of THE very best vocalists ever IMO

Not only is this a great performance, they both make it look incredible easy. Neither is straining. That's true artistry.

It’s been decades since we worked together on Dog & Butterfly yet I most remember their warmth, their great humor, their boundless joy for performing - like it was yesterday. Amazingly they still give the same goosebumps; if anything, better. Forever grateful to Ann and Nancy.

Thats the first time ive ever noticed Jason seem to struuggle thinking about John.Everyone loves and misses their dad once he's gone, imagine the whole world constantly reminding you how great he was.

Having John Bonham's son on the drums tied the whole thing together

I have been a female fan of Ann's since I was 12 years old and first heard Dreamboat Annie. Her voice was amazing. It still is. I am 54 years old now and she still has been blessed with an amazing voice. This was her most stunning performance. My jaw dropped as I watched it live on the Kennedy Honors that year. She's my gal, and I'll be a fan forever. God blessed her with an amazing voice, and she was born to sing. You go girl! I don't think any band could top this.

I don’t care what ANYONE says, ANN WILSON is THE ultimate female ROCKSTAR period, done . I will physically fight ANYONE who disagrees, TEXAS!

I forgot how strong Anne’s voice is. Time has not diminished her capabilities.

there are not many artist who could have pulled this off IN FRONT OF THE ORIGINAL BAND and get tears and a standing ovation at the end. HEART nailed it over the top

One of the reasons Robert Plant looked like he was about to cry during the Heart tribute performance was because he had just prior to the show been talking to his bandmates about Jason. Robert Plant was best friends with the father, and told his bandmates that he regretted that they had not invited his son Jason to the Kennedy Center Honors to enjoy it on behalf of his Dad. Then he all of a sudden Jason appeared on stage with Heart and Robert Plant was overcome seeing him.

A legendary band paying tribute to a legendary band by playing their greatest hit for them live and getting a standing ovation from them. Can't get any better than that.

Even more than the standing O, Jimmy Page's clear delight and Robert Plant's clear struggle to not break down in tears are the best signs of what a great job the ladies and the rest all did.

I'm not ashamed to admit I cry every time I watch/listen to this stunning cover 👍

What impressed me the most was how Ann could--when she wanted--use exactly the same articulation and phrasing that Robert Plant used in the song, but she didn't do so throughout, adding instead her own flourishes and syncopations here and there. A very studied and masterful cover. She didn't "make it her own" the way Hendrix owned Watchtower, because that's not what was called for.

Firstly, this performance is breathtaking. Secondly, your analysis of it helps the mind understand the Magic the ears have just experienced....as the senses are on maximum overload trying to drink it all in. I'm curious how many people listen to this orchestrated version a couple times in succession to "digest" it's sheer awesomeness. A very big WELL DONE to Led Zeppelin, Heart, & "Wings of Pegasus"....I bow before you all.

What I really love about it is that the things they added sound great but never overpower or detract from the beauty or perfection of the original song!

I never noticed the choir all wearing bowling hats like Jason is... it’s a huge tribute to Bonzo 👍

I saw Led Zeppelin in the mid 70's. John Paul Jones played the acoustic intro, alone onstage sitting on a tall stool. Jimmy appeared for the loud parts. JPJ contributed more than he is usually credited for. It is his arrangements that help make Stairway and Kashmir, (and many more) the masterpieces they are. Hats off to a great band and a great rendition by Heart.

Watched this live in 2012, and like everyone was amazed by the overall production. As mentioned, Ann & Nancy are incredible to start with, and what an undertaking this was: Heart, a symphony orchestra, amazing backing vocals (couldn't count how many during the song) and then a crowd,/choir at the end!! Not to mention the coordination of all this. The icing on the cake is of course, having Robert Plant and Jimmy Page right there, having them enjoying every note, and tears in Robert Plant's eyes! Amazing. Thank you for presenting this!

That performance just sends chills and goosebumps through me! Getting a standing ovation from Led Zeppelin themselves = you've reached the pinnacle.

I think it's more than "Ann brought tears to Robert's eyes". I think the whole thing, the amazing choir, Jason up there, all of it added up to bring a tear to his eye.

The problem with nailing such an iconic song like this one, in front of the original artists, and knocking it out of the park, is where do you go from there. That entire band, choir, Jason, Ann, and Nancy, just crushed this. There is nothing left for them to do.

The Wilson Sisters are the only ones who could’ve done them justice on Stairway to Heaven. I had chills watching them.

Who dislikes these videos? I been playing guitar for 37 years, and even though i don’t always dig the music he’s talking about, the dude is always spot on in his analysis. Great enthusiasm for the tunes. Respect man.

Recently saw (separate) interviews of Plant and Jason Bonham talking about Plant's tears here. I guess one of the reasons Plant was moved to the point of tears was because Zeppelin did not know Jason was going to be playing the drums.

one of the all time great rock performances. it felt like a precious gift that they presented to robert, jimmy and john. and we got to listen in.

If I was going to pick anyone to do a tribute to Led Zeppelin with this song, it would be HEART. This is my all-time most favorite song ever written and has been for over 40 years and this version brings tears to my eyes EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.

Jason played his ass off to honor his father. Much respect. One of the great performances, with crowd reactions, you'll ever see all the way around.

Nancys opening guitar work is simply incredible

Seeing Plant say “he’s bad” (which means he’s really good for those of us who weren’t around in the 60’s and early 70’s)when the electric guitar begins to take us to next level. I started to cry when I heard her sing. It reminds me of the little girl I was listening to am/fm portable radio. Before bed. I loved this song! And you are right there is no genre in this song. It has something for everyone. Thank you for your analysis of this performance. WATCH THE 2012 Kennedy Center Honor Led Zeppelin . Heart takes us to church with this performance!!

Best reaction and breakdown to a classic..TY !

Performing this in front of the surviving Zep members. No pressure...

Ann Wilson's voice is so powerful and absolutely beautiful! She owned the audience and had them in a trance. The musicians and choirs were perfect. This is the best live performance I've ever seen! ♥️♥️♥️

Heart didn't just cover this, they made it their own and absolutely knocked it out of the park. fine work indeed from a truly great band.

This wasn’t a performance, it was a religious experience

Not only the standing ovation from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones but the smiles on their faces, that really tells a tale in itself.

I have seen this 20+ times and always am mesmerized with a lump in my throat. Watching the reactions from everyone. The choral back up adds a other worldly spiritual experience also. Love this performance!

I love the mutual love and respect going on here between Led Zeppelin and Heart! Seeing Robert tear up is so sweet!

This song has been done to death, which makes it even harder to cover. Everybody knows how it’s SUPPOSED to sound. They remained true to the original while making it fresh. Adding that gospel choir was a stroke of genius.

I can't help but wonder what's going thru Plant's and Page's and Jones's minds, all the memories that must be connected to this song...to get to this place. And at the end when Jason looks up..damn. Awesome video.

Thanks Fil, this has got to rank near or at the top of the best covers ever.

Everyone in the theatre is having tons of fun, we're having tons of fun here on RU-vid. What a soaring performance! I love the transition to a gospel feeling crescendo.

This version actually brings me to tears. Outstanding performance.

Note master cellist Yo Yo Ma in the crowd. What a glorious performance.

Near the end Ann absolutely shreds it with her voice. HER VOICE! No words...

Aside from Led Zeppelin, I think the Wilson sisters are the only ones that can do this song justice.

I saw Heart at a roller rink in Seattle in 1974 before they made it big, and they were singing Stairway to Heaven back then and my 17 year old brain thought they were AMAZING!

This is the greatest cover IMHO. Consider this: they're playing infront of their President, infront of the remaining members of Zep, of having the son of the much missed and beloved drummer behind them and everyone is looking for flaws so they can say 'yeah, but it's not as good as the original'. Well, no it's not - it's a cover - but there are very, very few bands/singers that I'd credit to cover this particular song. Ann and Nancy have been covering Zep for years - often billed as the 'female' Led Zeppelin in their early years. Finally; the reaction from RP, JPJ and JP. The emotion that they demonstrate during this song. You can't fake that. You can't beat that...

Yes I got weepy, absolutely beautiful. What a stunning tribute. Thank you again.

Heart killed it... They’re amazing ❤️❤️

Ann is not only amazing, but if you ever want to see a performer have COMPLETE command of the stage, this is the best example you'll ever see.

That has got to be one of the finest live performances ever. Heart and the rest unbelievable.

Don't you just love it , when a plan comes together .

I go back to this performance every now and then.. and every single time I get goosebumps! So so good. Heart and this band performed exceptionally good!

On Heart's 1995 unplugged album, The Road Home, John Paul Jones arranged music, and played various instruments including a mandolin. Heart did that album live with an orchestra. It's one of my favorite albums. They expand so much on their talents there. It seems they went from hit rock band to serious, accomplished musicians at that point. They are still touring and I see them ever time they come close enough to make it to a venue to see them.

Yes! Writing it in the first place! This transcends just guitar. This is the Hammer of the Gods!!!

She's the only one that could have pulled this song off.

“Imagine how nervous Nancy must have been playing in front of Jimmy Page.“ Spoken like a true musician, Fil - never mind that the President and First Lady were in the front row, that’s Jimmy freakin’ Page!

No other singer could have pulled off that sensational performance with more class than Ann Wilson performed that one!. A standing ovation from Led Zepplin says it all.

Ann Wilson is in the pantheon of great and true vocalists. Ella, Streisand, Aretha, Ronstadt, a handful of others, but they dont come along too often.

Great choice! Probably the best cover of this iconic song. Ann Wilson "kills it".

The absolute best tribute to any band I have ever seen in my life ever. They took this version beyond heaven....

The smiles on John Paul, Robert, & especially Jimmy’s faces said everything to me. However, it is fun reading other interpretations of one of the finest musical performances ever !!!