How Heart’s Stairway To Heaven Deeply Moved Its Original Creators

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart delivered a memorable and emotionally charged performance of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Stairway to Heaven” during the Kennedy Center Honors on December 2, 2012. This tribute was a significant highlight of the evening, honoring Led Zeppelin, with the band’s surviving members—Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones—present in the audience. The performance took on an added layer of significance given the occasion, making it a deeply heartfelt and reverent gesture from the Wilson sisters.

The Wilsons’ rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” began with a subtle, stripped-down arrangement that set a reflective tone for the piece. The performance was marked by its gradual build-up, moving from intimate beginnings to a powerful crescendo. The addition of a string section and the Joyce Garrett Youth Choir contributed an orchestral richness that enhanced the emotional depth of the song, creating a backdrop that underscored the profound nature of the tribute.

A particularly touching aspect of the performance was the presence of Jason Bonham on drums. Jason, the son of the late John Bonham, Led Zeppelin’s original drummer, added a nostalgic and respectful element to the tribute. His choice to wear a bowler hat reminiscent of his father’s iconic style added a layer of reverence and continuity to the performance, symbolizing a connection between past and present.

Throughout the performance, Robert Plant’s reaction was notably poignant. Known for his complex and often emotional relationship with “Stairway to Heaven,” Plant was visibly moved, with tears in his eyes reflecting the depth of the moment. His response highlighted the song’s enduring significance and the profound impact it continues to have on both the band and its audience.

Nancy Wilson later expressed her anxiety about performing such a revered and monumental piece in front of distinguished guests, including the President and First Lady. Despite the high-pressure environment, the Wilson sisters delivered a performance that was both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. Their ability to honor Led Zeppelin’s legacy while injecting their own artistic interpretation earned admiration from the members of Led Zeppelin themselves.

Ann Wilson described the experience as an incredibly profound and nearly transcendental moment of musical fulfillment. She likened it to an “orgasmic” experience, emphasizing the deep emotional and spiritual connection that the song evoked. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from Led Zeppelin’s members confirmed that Heart had succeeded in paying homage to the band’s storied legacy while presenting their own unique artistic vision.

Overall, Heart’s performance at the Kennedy Center Honors not only demonstrated their technical skill and musicality but also their profound respect for Led Zeppelin’s influence on rock music. The performance stands as a testament to the enduring power of both the song and the artists who came together to celebrate its legacy.