This excerpt was filmed during the Kennedy Center Honors from earlier this month.
I have seen it bouncing around the internet for several days now, and I have watched it myself probably at least a half dozen times.
There is something about how Robert Plant, the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, tears up almost before the song even starts that gets me every time. And it certainly doesn't hurt that this song is one of my all time favorites.
Anyhow I thought I would share it with all of you today so that we could all take our minds off of politics for awhile and recharge our batteries.
Wow. I remember seeing Heart as the house band of a crappy little nightclub in Vancouver in the early 70's...they'd occasionally do a Led Zepellin song and bring down the house.
ReplyDeleteBut it never sounded remotely like THIS! No wonder it looked like everyone was tearing up (I sure did.)
I think he teared up so early because the drummer backing Nancy and Ann Wilson was Jason Bonham. It was a pretty emotional scene when he started. If you haven't seen the whole show, see if you can find it playing on PBS or online-some awesome footage of our handsome Predident and Michelle. They rocked out (in a I'm in a tux at the Kennedy Center kind of way) to earlier Le's Zeppelin covers...
ReplyDeleteThanks... ing...
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. Kennedy Center Honors never disappoints. The show is my favorite 2 hours on TV every year. This year was no different and this was the highlight of the night --- and, of course, the tribute to David Letterman led by Tina Fey!
ReplyDeleteI am totally teared up. I am so happy I was young and impressionable when these musicians were all the rage!
ReplyDeleteWhen is the last time that Sarah Palin appeared on "Meet the Press?"
ReplyDeleteOh, excuse me, that's way far over that airhead's head...
I'm with you. I've watched about a dozen times and shared it with everyone. Ann and Nancy have never got the kudos they deserve. They are true rockers and this production is one of the best I've ever seen of ANY song - especially one so ICONIC! I wonder if you can buy from iTunes and wonder what LZ's comments were on the performance.
ReplyDeleteIn 1976, you weren't anybody if you didn't have Heart's "Dreamboat Annie," and Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" in your vinyl stash.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Gryph! Thanks!
Thanks for posting that! I nodded off before this came on and missed it. My favourite song - the first one I heard on stereo headphones in about 1974 with my first boyfriend. I loved this version and it was very touching to see the reactions of the band.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! This is one of my all time favorites...I was a child growing up in the sixties and we had such great music and musicians...those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, that is fabulous! Could not, could not be better!
ReplyDeleteThat. Was. F-ing. Amazing. I love, love, love both LZ and Heart. Ann Wilson has such an amazing voice. I agree with the earlier comment. Those two ladies have never been given proper recognition for their contributions to rock music. Think about it...how many females have been a success in that industry?
ReplyDeleteI will be sharing this. Thanks Gryph! The memories come flooding back! That was emotional.
ReplyDeleteAnn Wilson's voice is just as crystal clear and strong as it was 20-30 years ago. What a performance!
ReplyDeleteI loved the backup singers all in bowler's hats- nice touch!
ReplyDeleteMy how those men have aged well!!! And Heart did this song justice! This years Kennedy Honors was fantastic! Bonnie Raitt, Lenny Kravitz, the Wilson Sisters and Letterman. Was kind of funny seeing YoYo Maas getting his groove on in the audience.
Oh...is THAT who that was? It went by so quickly I figured it was the Gangnam Style guy!
DeleteI used to lug a round a portable 8 track player -one speaker, bright red -looked like a TNT detonator, remember those?, and a backpack full of tapes. Led Zepplin one was always in the machine. And Heart was in the backpack.
ReplyDeleteAwesome cover by Heart.
Thank you for that, Gryphen. I was too young for the song the first time around but seeing it done live by Heart just overwhelmed me. What a fantastic tribute.
ReplyDeleteWow, Gryph! Thank you so much for posting this video! You totally rock, as always.
ReplyDeleteAnn and Nancy Wilson continue to amaze.
Led Zeppelin 4 was the first album (OK, cassette tape) I ever owned. I loved, loved, loved that record. Still do. Isn't it amazing how many of us, including the musicians and famous folks in the audience, have that Stairway to Heaven guitar solo utterly memorized?
The only down point int he whole show is that Oblama had his face plastered on the screen. Edit that part out and it's great.
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