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Led Zeppelin Kennedy Center Honors: Band Moved to Tears by Heart's 'Stairway'

led zeppelin kennedy center honorsKris Connor, Getty Images

The prestigious 35th-annual Kennedy Center Honors aired Dec. 26 on national television, highlighting the awesomeness of rock gods Led Zeppelin. The program, which was taped Dec. 2, also honored bluesman Buddy Guy and featured performances from Lenny Kravitz and Heart.

"These guys redefined the rock-and-roll lifestyle," President Obama told the crowd of celebrities and diplomats. "We do not have video of this, but there was some hotel rooms trashed and mayhem all around. So it's fitting that we're doing this in a room with windows that are 3 inches thick -- and Secret Service all around. So, guys, just settle down."

Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page held court in the audience together, tearing up at one point when Nancy and Ann Wilson of Heart performed "Stairway to Heaven."

"The jams of Led Zeppelin are second to none," presenter/actor Jack Black told the audience. "Just ask anyone, from Oliver Stone to Paul Ryan and everyone in between! They sang songs about love, about Vikings, about Vikings making love. You know, they say Led Zeppelin sold their souls to Satan. Come on, guys, you know you did. There's no other way to explain your ungodly talents!"

Check out some video highlights of the show below.

Watch Heart Perform "Stairway to Heaven"

Watch a Preview of the Kennedy Center Honors


Download Led Zeppelin Songs | Buy Led Zeppelin Albums

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Tim Shumway

The best cover of that song I've ever heard.And I've heard quite a few.

December 28 2012 at 9:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jonesingmm

Love me some Zep!!!!

December 28 2012 at 7:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lorie

I seen them at Hartford cicvic center years back they were great. My niece took me who has since passed away. That was for you Jen Jen through aunties eyes. God bless them guys !!!

December 27 2012 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lorie

Awesome !! Finally some good entertaiment they did that LOVELY !!

December 27 2012 at 1:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Maggie Bunten

AMAZING

December 27 2012 at 1:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply