While honoring music legend Led Zeppelin Sunday (December 2), President Barack Obama used the occasion to have some fun at the band members expense.
With a twinkle in his eye, Obama told the audience that Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones "redefined the rock-n-roll lifestyle" and that "there were some hotel rooms trashed and mayhem all around."
"It's fitting that we're doing this in a room with windows that are about three inches thick and Secret Service all around," he chuckled. "So guys, just settle down. These paintings are valuable."
Led Zeppelin was recognized alongside entertainers from stage and screen for their contributions to the arts and American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors, lifetime achievement awards for performing artists.
Jimmy Page, 68, was the guitar impresario who anchored the compositions with vocalist Robert Plant, 64, howling and screeching out the soul. Bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, 66, rounded out the band with drummer John Bonham, who died in 1980.