Heart’s “Stairway to Heaven” Performance: A Tribute That Moved Led Zeppelin to Tears**

In December 2012, during the Kennedy Center Honors, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson delivered a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” that left the iconic band deeply moved. This performance not only showcased the Wilson sisters’ musical prowess but also highlighted the profound impact of the song on both the performers and the original artists.

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### The Setting: A Night of Reverence

The Kennedy Center Honors is a prestigious event that celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture. That year, Led Zeppelin was among the honorees, and the evening culminated with a tribute to their legacy. Ann and Nancy Wilson, known for their powerful vocals and musical versatility, were chosen to perform “Stairway to Heaven,” a song that has become synonymous with the band’s name.

The performance was a grand affair, featuring a full orchestra, choir, and Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, on drums. The arrangement was lush and expansive, adding layers to the already intricate composition. As the music swelled, the audience, including the band members themselves, was swept up in the emotion of the moment.

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### The Emotional Impact on Led Zeppelin

As the Wilson sisters poured their hearts into the song, the reactions from Led Zeppelin were palpable. Robert Plant, the band’s lead vocalist, was seen wiping tears from his eyes, visibly touched by the tribute. Jimmy Page, the guitarist who co-wrote the song, smiled and nodded in approval, while John Paul Jones, the bassist and keyboardist, exhibited a mix of emotions. The presence of Jason Bonham on stage added a personal touch, as he donned the bowler hat his father was known for, further deepening the emotional resonance of the performance.

In an interview, Nancy Wilson recalled the moment, stating, “When we walked out, Ann and I gave each other a really long look and took a deep breath. I had to start all by my little old self. I thought: ‘Okay, I’ve played this song all my life and I know how it goes.’ Of course, my knees were shaking. But once Ann started singing, I thought: ‘We’re in!’” citeturn0search5

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### The Wilson Sisters’ Reflections

In the aftermath of the performance, both Ann and Nancy Wilson reflected on the experience with deep gratitude and reverence. Ann described the performance as “pretty damn close to orgasmic in terms of bliss,” emphasizing the authenticity and emotional depth they felt while performing. She noted that “Stairway to Heaven” represents a “whole universe of Led Zeppelin,” and the song’s universal themes of hope and unity resonated deeply with her during the performance. citeturn0search0

Nancy shared similar sentiments, expressing that the performance was a “life moment” she would never forget. She recounted the nerves leading up to the performance, joking, “Oh my god, no pressure, right?!” But once on stage, the connection between the sisters and the music was undeniable. citeturn0search5

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### The Band’s Praise

Following the performance, the members of Led Zeppelin expressed their appreciation to the Wilson sisters. Robert Plant, known for his candidness, told Nancy, “You played that so well.” Jimmy Page also offered his praise, saying, “You nailed the guitar part!” These accolades from the original artists underscored the authenticity and respect embedded in Heart’s rendition. citeturn0search6

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### A Lasting Legacy

The performance of “Stairway to Heaven” by Heart remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to bridge generations and evoke deep emotional responses. For both the performers and the honorees, it was a night that celebrated not only the song but also the shared love and respect for the art of music.

In the words of Ann Wilson, “I felt wide awake and alive, and I felt the emotional content of the song all the way down to the ground. It was really authentic.” citeturn0search0 This authenticity, combined with the profound connection between the artists and the music, ensured that the performance would be remembered as a defining moment in rock history.

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