So basically at the halfway mark on I was trying not to cry…thus I’m kinda quiet

Ann Wilson was 63 when they did this. She just walked on stage and figuratively asked all the guests who'd sang earlier "Is that all ya got? Hold my beer"

The drummer is the son of John Bonham, the drummer for Led Zeppelin. He had been invited by the band members to be there with them, but he said he couldn't make it, he had a prior commitment. They had no idea he would be there. That's why Robert Plant is on the verge of tears.

This is one of the greatest performances in music history. Heart are incomparable, from way back to now. I get emotional the second it begins. To watch Led Zeppelin feel what was happening, is a gift.

Not only a great cover, it's the absolutely greatest cover of any cover ever covered.

I got emotional when I saw Robert crying and seeing Jason Bonham there playing his Dad's drums and him and the choir wearing John's bowler hat. The Kennedy Centre Honours, pays tribute to artists for their contribution to the arts. This was in 2012

When Led Zeppelin gets up to applaud you for singing one of their songs you know you’ve created music history

This performance is not just a tribute - it's a freaking religious experience! I've watched this 2012 performance countless times and it gets better each time. Thanks for the reaction!

Ann Wilson is imo the best female rock vocalist ever!! Her and sister Nancy have quite an extensive list of great music...this performance is phenomenal in every way...the full version is even better... I have enjoyed watching your reactions 🙂

"Why is it emotional...I feel like im going to cry.." - that kind sir, is the power of this uniquely human invention called MUSIC! honestly, if you DONT get goosebumps then you're dead.

This hopefully shows that when people say zeppelin are rock Gods , it's not an opnion it is just a fact. The impact they had on music is undeniable. I could be wrong, but I don't think the other members knew that Jason Bonham was going to be there. The hat he, and rhe choir, are wearing is the same hat his dad used to wear.

Robert crying...always the emotional one...JPJ quiet and smiling as always...Jimmy with his gorgeous smile enjoying it!

I bet you felt like you wanted to cry in part, because Robert Plant's eyes look so sad when they show him.

The addition of the choir is what made me cry. So darn good . Heart has a history of playing Zep tunes live. Robert Plant usually hates covers , But not Heart ❤️

I've watched this probably 20 times, and I get a tear in my eye every time. Every. Single. Time.

Heart , sisters Anne and Nancy Wilson, began in the 70s, as a Led Zeppelin tribute band. So, incredible they came full circle! They can both sing amazingly so now I'm guessing you need to go back to their early days. I suggest, Barracuda and Magic Man from the 70s. Later to the 80s. Best rock chick voices in my opinion

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it fifty times; this here is Led Zeppelin finally hearing, for the first time, what we’ve all been hearing every time we listen to Stairway for the last 52 years.

It's emotional because 1) this is an incredibly emotional song anyway 2) Jon Bonham's own son is wearing his Dad's bowler hat and playing on his original drum set. 3) the legends Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart are singing this 4) A great gospel choir behind them 5) Led Zeppelin themselves had tears in their eyes and really loved the performance. What's not to love and what's not to get emotional about? I always cry & get goosebumps when I watch this.

And that was the night Heart took Led Zeppelin to church with their own song.

Only four bands to date have received the Kennedy Center Honors, which is awarded annually to those performing artists for their contribution to American culture. I would recommend watching the entire Led Zeppelin tribute which begins with an introduction and history of band by Jack Black. It is 22 minutes long with performances by Foo Fighters, Kid Rock and Lenny Kravitz with Heart closing out the show. If you choose to react to it, would love to see it.

I don't know why it was emotional for you, but I can tell you why for me. I've been listening to this song since I was little kid. At one time, even though Zeppelin had a lot of fans, there was a lot of criticism too about the style of music. Ya know that (evil rock music!!) To see them being honored in this way, with Obama and half of DC present was something. also, Heart has been covering Zeppelin beautifully for decades, so having Anne and Nancy Wilson doing this was also something. Not to forget Jason Bonham on the drums, honoring his late father in front of the surviving members. All of that combined made my eyes water first time I saw it.

What a KILLER performance. One for the ages!!

I got a kick out of seeing the iconic classical cellist (cello player), Yo Yo Ma, "rocking out" in the audience, at 5:38 (on your vid), when the piece was really wailing. Excellent composition, arrangement, & production crosses all musical boundaries.

The Kennedy Center Honors are awards that are given to artists from various creative areas. This is from 2012 and the honorees then were, Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, and Led Zeppelin. Each honoree gets a tribute with other artists showcasing their work. For Zep, Jack Black did the introduction, Lenny Kravitz, and the Foo Fighters performed and Heart with this tribute. Heart is comprised of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson and are huge Zep fans; they often play Zep songs in their concerts and singer Ann Wilson's voice has often been described as the "female Robert Plant". Drummer Jason Bonham is John's son and a fantastic drummer in his own right. Jason also drummed with the remaining members of Zep for their Celebration Day concert in 2007. Jason tells a story that for the Kennedy Center Honors, each honoree could bring a guest and Robert had invited him. Jason couldn't tell him he had to turn him down because he would be onstage performing for their tribute. He said it was the hardest secret he had to keep. The bowler hats people were wearing was a nod to John who'd wear one occasionally onstage. Why is this performance so moving? Because art so often is. Zeppelin's music, especially, is emotional and will touch heart, mind, body, and soul.

Yes, Led Zeppelin was being honored in 2012. Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart(lead singer and guitarist) sang this when they were 62 and 58 respectively. They were huge Led Zeppelin fans and covered a lot of their songs. I would venture to say you've heard some of their songs too. They're a kickass rock band! Barracuda Magic man These dreams Crazy on you Many more! Thanks for your great reactions! 👍❤ BTW, there's a better version of this that starts with a shot of the outside of the Kennedy Center. You get to see it REALLY build up and it's more moving, IMHO. (This is an edited version)

IT was a full tribute with many performances but they sure gave Stairway the full treatment that it deserves. So many emotional parts with Bonzos son playing for his Dad the choir all wearing the Bonzo hats Heart being contemporaries and long time fangirls of Led zep. A big performance done beautifully but done originally by 4 guys spectacularly unequalled.

A CLASSIC and Heart did a great job singing it. ❤ Robert Plant was enjoying😁

Led Zeppelin is everything!

Heart is a band out of the Seattle area in the ‘70’s. Ann Wilson has one of the best female rock voices ever. Her sister Nancy is a great guitarist & singer also. Heart was big in the 70’s & 80’s (although they lost some of their rock edge in the 80’s due to label pressure to make them “marketable”). They are still performing together today. Barracuda (about record execs/managers) Magic Man They are 2 of their early songs that are a great place to start with them. They’ve been friends with Zeppelin since the 70’s.

Heart performed many Zeppelin songs in their concerts to honor the grand impact of Zep on music history and culture. Heart greatly loved Zep !!! Thx !

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. The honors have been presented annually since 1978, culminating each December in a star-studded gala celebrating the honorees in the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. (from Wikipedia)

I am brought to tears every time I watch it. Led Zeppelin was the music of about 40 years of my life.

Rock legends paying homage to rock GODS!

Actually the whole 20 minutes or so Kennedy center’s tribute was great. Jack Black kicked things off with a hilariously epic introduction. Then the Foo Fighters with Taylor Hawkins (RIP) on vocals did an energetic rendition of Rock n Roll, followed by Kid Rock doing a cool version of Ramble On, then Lenny Kravitz giving every inch of his love on Whole Lotta Love and finally culminating in an epic performance of Stairway by Heart and company. Great stuff!!

You know who Heart is now! American rock band Heart consists of 15 studio albums, nine live albums, nine compilation albums, 64 singles and 35 music videos. They have sold about 35 million records worldwide. They're been rocking with the big boys since the 70s. This version was cut and edited for TV, it's not the entire song. You can find the full version on youtube.

A moving performance for sure, it chokes me up seeing Led Zep react to the performance. I think every girl in my freshman dorm brought their Heart and Frampton Comes Alive albums to school with them, they were that good. And yes, we took our stereos and vinyl to school with us in the ‘70s. Peace from Ohio …

If you don't know Heart, you're in for a treat if you start reacting to them. Kennedy Center Honors are lifetime awards given out to entertainers in every genre. Other entertainers perform the honorees' works. There's a super Kennedy Center Honors video of Adam Lambert doing Cher's "Believe".

Heart is amazing, such talent in these sisters...Def worth a deep dive into their music...This is a beautiful song, never thought anyone else could do this song, but the grls did a phenomenal job with it and you can see it in the fellas faces that they were very impressed and emotional...Just awesome...Thanx so much for reaction, Peace

No one could have paid a better tribute to the official #1 Classic Rock song of all time, & the great Led Zeppelin, than the sisters, Ann & Nancy Wilson, & Mr. Jason Bonham. Thanks for your reaction.

Thanks for this one. So emotional. Heart paid much respect to Zep. Heart is so worth checking out. Their Dream Boat Annie album is one of my favorites.

Heart is fantastic, definitely check them out. One of the many great groups that were influenced by Led Zeppelin. Before you move on you should definitely check out something from Royal Albert Hall 1970. I think How Many More Times (medley) is the best but Dazed and Confused is also stellar. Also Traveling Riverside Blues from The BBC Sessions is a must. It was recorded for BBC Radio in 1971 or so but not released until much later - 1991 maybe. It was created at the recording session on the spot according to Jimmy Page.

Wow!! Then your in for a great Tribute . 👌✨🙏✨💖✌️ Damn 62 yrs. Ole,. & Belts it like she is 20 yrs. Kennedy Center Tribute

Can you imagine the nerve it took to play that solo in front of the God King James Patrick Page? I'd be so nervous! Props to Heart (Seattle's own baby!) for bringing it home in style! Great performance

Gives you goosebumps and tears... incredible performance!

I'm listening to music over 60 years this is one of the greatest performances ever. Anne Wilson is one of the greatest singers ever. I suggest checking out a few of their songs Barracuda, Alone, Crazy on You! This was in 2012. Incredible performance. Best success on yr channel

HEART is an epic band that still performs..They have many great songs..Barracuda, Magic Man, Crazy On You, Straight On, Dog And Butterfly, Alone, among many others..Ann Wilson is considered by many the best Female Rock Voice..They've been around since the early 70's...

😊I thought the tribute was great. It was heart felt and huge. That is a tribute to Led Zeppelin! This was a moving performance and even the members of Led Zeppelin enjoyed the performance. Great job by Heart, the singers and orchestra. Loved it.

It’s emotional because LZ’s beloved drummer Jon Bonham died young and he loved wearing Bowler hats and to see his son Jason there playing the drums wearing the Bowler hat and the huge choir wearing them too. I’m a big LZ fan and I cried my eyes out when I saw this.

When you’ve got Yo Yo Ma rocking. You hit your mark.❤

TRULY one of the best tributes ever, so good it stirs deep emotions and tears will flow if you allow them.

I envy you hearing Anne Wilson for the first time! If I could I would get you to give Heart's entire catalog a reaction

The Kennedy Center annually honors artists. It airs on CBS sometime between Thanksgiving and New Year's. I DVR it, so I never miss it. This performance, however, is the most powerful and spirit lifting performance I've ever watched.

Jimmy Page and JPJones appear with the foo fighters to do rock and roll and ramble on. Worth a look

You have to listen to more Heart now! They were a hugely popular rock band in the 70s/80s and deservedly so.

That was the edited-down version, but still good. Maybe the best cover of any rock song, ever. Jason Bonham, who was not known by the band to be coming to this event, was playing his dad's drum kit. Heart is its own (mini) rabbit hole, and yes, Jason is quite an accomplished drummer in his own right. When you get to the end of the reviews of the studio albums, you need to watch the entire 2007 Celebration Day Zeppelin reunion concert at the O2 arena in London. Zeppelin played for two hours, with Jason on the drums, and they were magnificent - very emotional.

The Kennedy Center Honors are annual honors given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. They have been presented annually since 1978, culminating each December in a gala celebrating five honorees in the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C.. While the awards are primarily given to individuals, they have occasionally been given to couples or musical groups, as well as to one Broadway musical and one television show. The Bowler hats were there for a reason, John Bonham had a particular love for them and frequently wore them on stage.

Heart has many hits of their own and are worthy of a deep dive into them. But Ann and Nancy are big fans of Led Zeppelin and have several covers on KZfaq. One of my favorites is their cover of "Battle of Evermore" but all their Zeppelin covers are great.

The Wilson sisters are AMAZING

Ann Wilson is arguably one of the greatest voices in music history. I’m so excited for you that you found her!

Heart, Goddesses of ROCK!!! A great picture of Rock legends singing to Rock Gods lol! Nancy Wilson has one of the greatest female rock voices of all time...This is almost a religious experience every time I hear it...just wow. The event is usually a tribute to someone. Ya emotional for sure.

HEART (Ann and Nancy Wilson) are one of the most legendary iconic female rock bands. They are from my era. I used to listen to them on repeat. Please check out some of their music.

The Kennedy Centers Honorees is like a Hall of Fame, so a full tribute for several minutes for several recipients, so lengthy production annually. This Stairway production is like a tie for "best Kennedy Center moment ever" when Aretha Franklin did "Natural Woman" for song composer, Carole King". Here: Jason Bonham had honor of "last note" at end of song.

Ann Wilson was 62 when she delivered this astounding performance. Best cover ever of this song. Epic

Watched this too many times to count. If this doesn’t give you chills, you aren’t human.

When the originators of a song, the ones who brought it into the world and gave it a single breath that their listeners then gave an unending life to, not just though fandom but through imitation and inspiration for decades and more.... When those people give a standing ovation to a cover performance of their work, tears in eyes and an uplifted heart... THAT is a dedicated performance. You cannot help but feel the structural majesty of 'Stairway' in this performance. Jimmy Page was loving every note of that guitar solo played almost perfectly to his own style. LZ stepped away from stardom in their ascendancy out of respect for their love of John, when it certainly would have been possible to find someone else to take his role as so many bands have done. They knew though that their music had a certain majesty and cooperative input level that could never be filled the same way. Maybe it was deeper than just that, as pushing the cutting edge of modern rock will burn you out, as so many have found in their descent into personal self-destruction. Regardless, they left an indelible mark on the history of rock, influenced and inspired so many more famous musicians, and have lived to see that love from their fans being given back to them in tribute. I cant think of too many better things to be faced with after a career like theirs.

You should watch the entire Kennedy center tribute to zep. It's pretty cool.

What a stunning tribute to Led Zeppelin and this is where you first heard Heart for thr firsr time, isn't it? They are fantastic, please check out more Heart.❤

I watched this when it came out on television and it was an absolute treat. Absolutely no one except Ann Wilson of heart could sing led Zeppelin and do it absolute Justice.

You probably weren’t even born when this song was played on the radio. Respect. Thank you. Respect.

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event honoring cuktural figures. Some of the best live performances.

Ann Wilson.... hands down has the best womans voice in rock ! Nuff said !

Every time I watch it I cry. Nobody can come close to it. This is the Kennedy Center honors

It’s emotional for all of us. Especially those of us in our 60’s. The 70’s was the best! My little sister dated Heart’s managers son back in the 70’s. We got to watch them practice in Seattle. Great times!

I think of Heart as Led Zep's gypsy sisters. No one covers them like Heart.

I have seen this video several dozen times & it always gives me the feels in my eyes. Each person on that stage is channeling their long enjoyment of the band & paying tribute to them each. That reveal of the choir in the bowler hats as an homage to John Bonham with his son on drums is powerful. I have to be in the proper mood to see this, or it overwhelms my emotions.

I get what you mean about fine wine. Her voice is rich, robust and full bodied. There is no one like Ann Wilson. IMO, musical goddess.

My favorite cover song ever! The expression on Lad Zeppelin members faces was great.

The part that got this old mans tears streaming down my face, is when Jason looked to heaven, i could almost see John Bonham (his dad and original drummer) smiling down on his boy and his mates !

So much power and emotion... ❤ Timeless....

LOVE BOTH bands!!!

Jack black introduction of zeppelin is a must see. Its the Kennedy honors and yes zeppelin was honored. Lenny Kravitz many other band sang zeppelin songs but ann and nancy Wilson killed it. Especially with Jason Bonham on drums.

Thanks for reviewing this tribute to Led Zepplin! Yes, Heart is definitely a band to look into - especially their early material recorded in the 70s. Ann Wilson kept her voice and range as strong as it's ever been over the decades of her career!

The Chinese American gentleman in the audience, shown twice, is world famous cellist Yo Yo Ma. He loves it!

The Kennedy Center Honors are awarded in the late part of every year. The Honorees come from different arts. Poets, dancers, actors, musicians. It's my favorite thing to watch.

Kennedy Honor Awards People that have made a contribution to society. David Lettermen was next to Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin was being recognized as a Award Winner

Barracuda, Crazy On You.. got to check out Heart. Girls can rock!

Just freaking outstanding, gets me every time.

Ann Wilson is simply incomparable.

to be able to sing and perfom at 60+ years of age is amazing....... the power and control she has....

Best cover ever, so so so great.

A great live performance.

Next year is my 50th year as a Zeppelin fan. Seeing those three smile and be awarded made my month. Thanks.

I've seen this close to 10pX's and cry everytime. the drummer is the son of the late drummer for Led Zeplin who die at the height of their being famous. and the band split soon after his death. he was amazing as are all the members. And heart did such an amazing job, I can't see anyone else doing this tribute. Thus is my Generation Loved seeing that performance. Made me feel young again . . .

Kennedy honors on every years . They honor different people ..

Ann Wilson is the greatest singer of all time. And her sister, Nancy is one the greatest guitarist ❤

Close to 100 people on stage, pouring their soul into a song and you wonder why it feels emotional. Well sir, that's why.

I wish you could’ve been there in the 70s. It was awesome. Awesome rock ‘n’ roll coming out everywhere! Heart is one of the best. And so is Led Zeppelin. And countless others. It was a great time for music.

This makes me cry every time, it is very emotional ♡

Yeah that was such an emotional performance! Not only was the performance itself stunning, but seeing the remaining members of Led Zeppelin watching and reacting made it hit so much harder. That performance made Robert effing Plant cry! He told her (Anne Wilson) after the show that she is the only one he wants to sing that from now on. 🥲

My guess on Robert Plant he is thinking back all of those many years and how he started what turned out to be the greatest band alive with his best friend & band mate John Bonham who is now looking down on his old band mates ❤ ....and his son Jason, who is filling in and playing on his old drum kit ✌️🙂 plus Ann & Nancy Wilson, who were brilliant !