Ann Wilson recently recalled Heart’s iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’ performance in Kennedy Center Honors in 2012 during a conversation with Zoom TV. She stated that being on stage with John Bonham’s son Jason was very touching.
One of the greatest rock and roll bands, Heart, had signed their name under an unforgettable performance in 2012 when they played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ at Kennedy Center Honors. It is considered the song’s most iconic cover and received a standing ovation from the Led Zeppelin members and the entire crowd, consisting of names like Barrack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jeff Beck, and many other influential figures.
Naturally, this was thrilling but, at the same time, a nerve-wracking situation for Heart. While Joyce Garrett Youth Choir accompanied them to top the performance, John Bonham’s son Jason Bonham was on the drums. The performance impressed Led Zeppelin so much that the members Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and Jimmy Page had tears in their eyes by the end.
For Heart, performing in front of Zeppelin was a big deal but performing with Jason Bonham made the entire thing more emotional. Ann Wilson stated recently that Jason’s presence made it very touching because he was just a kid when he watched his father during Zeppelin performances. Times have changed; Jason grew up and is now playing his father’s songs for iconic names.
Here is what Ann Wilson said about performing with Jason Bonham:
“I can’t help but think that just looking down and seeing Jason Bonham down there on drums, who was probably just a little baby kid running around their band practices back when Zeppelin was in their day, was really touching. So there is this site that this beautiful song is being done in this really big way, and then there’s the grown-up version of John Bonham, who has passed. That had to be totally poignant.”
You can watch the interview and the Kennedy Center Honors performance below.
