Heart’s flawless and emotional performance of “Stairway to Heaven.”
Heart’s rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors is widely considered one of the most memorable tribute performances in rock history. The event was designed to honor Led Zeppelin, with surviving members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones in attendance. The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, were joined by Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s original drummer John Bonham, adding a deeply personal element to the performance.
The decision to cover “Stairway to Heaven” came with significant pressure. The Wilson sisters only had one rehearsal and a soundcheck before the performance, which made the task even more daunting. Nancy Wilson recalled the cold temperatures backstage and the challenge of playing guitar with cold fingers, but she was determined to perform the song authentically. As she began the iconic intro, the weight of the moment was palpable, especially knowing the legendary figures watching from the balcony.
The arrangement of the song was both faithful and innovative. It started with a stripped-down approach, with Nancy on guitar and Ann delivering the vocals with a powerful, haunting quality. As the song progressed, it grew in complexity and grandeur, with a gospel choir and a full string section joining in. This crescendo added an emotional depth that resonated with the audience, especially with Robert Plant, who was visibly moved to tears. Plant has often expressed a complicated relationship with “Stairway to Heaven,” but he later admitted that Heart’s version was one of the few covers he truly appreciated.
Jason Bonham’s presence on the drums was another poignant aspect of the performance. For many, seeing Bonham play the song that his father originally performed with Led Zeppelin was a deeply emotional experience. Bonham himself described the experience as special, noting that it was a surprise for the Zeppelin members and that the entire arrangement felt like a fitting tribute to his late father.
The performance culminated in a powerful final chorus, with the choir, orchestra, and band coming together in a harmonious and triumphant rendition. The surviving members of Led Zeppelin were not only touched by the performance but also appreciative of how it honored their legacy. After the performance, Jimmy Page praised Nancy Wilson for nailing the guitar parts, a high compliment from the original creator of the song’s iconic riff.
For Heart, this performance was a career-defining moment. Despite their long history and many achievements, playing “Stairway to Heaven” in front of Led Zeppelin at such a prestigious event was a surreal experience that they both cherished and reflected on with pride. The performance has since become a benchmark for tribute performances, blending technical skill, emotional depth, and genuine respect for the original work.
In summary, Heart’s rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors stands as a testament to their talent and the enduring legacy of Led Zeppelin. It was a performance that transcended the usual tribute, creating a moment of pure musical magic that continues to be celebrated.
