Led Zeppelin tribute capped with "Stairway to Heaven" performance

From left, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of the band Led Zeppelin attend the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House on Dec. 2, 2012, in Washington, D.C.

/ Brendan Hoffman/Getty

Wednesday night's Kennedy Center Honors concluded with a tribute performance of "Stairway to Heaven" that brought the audience to its feet and tears to the eyes of Led Zeppelin.

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Kennedy Center Honors 2012

The 1971 song, written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page for the group's fourth album, was performed by Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, backed by two bowler-wearing choirs, and an instrumental accompaniment that included brass and strings. The late John Bonham's son, Jason Bonham, was on drums.

Clearly misty-eyed (he was seen wiping more than one tear from his eyes) Plant watched the stirring tribute with Led Zeppelin smiling and nodding with bandmates Page and John Paul Jones.

The performance ended a musical tribute to the British-born band that included Led Zeppelin classics performed by Lenny Kravitz, Kid Rock, and the Foo Fighters.

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Also honored at the concert were actor Dustin Hoffman, talk-show host David Letterman, guitarist Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova. The 35th annual gala, which recognizes recipients for their lifetime contributions to American culture, was taped on Dec. 2 in Washington and aired Wednesday night on CBS.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were in the balcony with the honorees. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late president for whom the honors are named, served as host.

[garyjminter]

A well-deserved tribute. Wish I had been able to attend. Led Zep and the Rolling Stones are my favorite bands of all time. I didn't realize until many years later how deeply the music of these two great British bands, along with that of Eric Clapton, was influenced by the blues musicians of the American South.

[Mike_In_Fl]

Looks like we have a new National Anthem ;-)

[Mike_In_Fl]

Looks like we have a new National Anthem ;-)

[1986quadracer]

The best song ever. And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune Then the piper will lead us to reason, yuup.

[ccsongbird]

I'm sure when Led Zeppelin was in the early years of their "acid rock" so to speak, they never dreamed of being honored as they were at The Kennedy Center Awards. It was nice to see how touched they were. Ann Wilson's rendition of "Stairway To Heaven" was outstanding. The entire performance was a wonderful tribute to the band.

[mjb881]

stairway best song ever
its attack on materialism is balanced by Renaissance metaphysics, english medieval symbol, good stuff

[silver_fox_of_Texas]

I commend the Kennedys Center in recognizing one of the most contributory rock bands! They made good picks in the presenters that sang and played their music. I was very impressed with the Wilson's sisters in the rendition of Stairway to Heaven! I got so moved by the music and reminiscing that I played their songs all day today! Also, it was beautiful that John Bonham's son, Jason played in their recognition.

[Grampa1951]

Back in the early 1970s, Ann and Nancy Wilson, as the first incarnation of Heart, used to play a club near my home. They would come to our table during their breaks, and I got to know Nancy quite well. Covering a lot of Led Zeppelin, my favorite highlight of any night was to see and hear them play "Stairway to Heaven." When watching the honors last night, I wondered if Stairway would be part of the tribute, (it would have to be). When Ann and Nancy were introduced, I was very pleased. No one can do that song better than Robert Plant, but Ann Wilson is damn close. What a wonderful tribute. Wow.

[Grampa1951]

Back in the early 1970s, Ann and Nancy Wilson, as the first incarnation of Heart, used to play a club near my home. They would come to our table during their breaks, and I got to know Nancy quite well. Covering a lot of Led Zeppelin, my favorite highlight of any night was to see and hear them play "Stairway to Heaven." When watching the honors last night, I wondered if Stairway would be part of the tribute, (it would have to be). When Ann and Nancy were introduced, I was very pleased. No one can do that song better than Robert Plant, but Ann Wilson is damn close. What a wonderful tribute. Wow.

[jaimieandlis]

zeppelin up to and including Physical Graffiti ROCKED--everything after that completely sucked.

[nick23232323]

yeah right In through the out Door was brilliant