Led Zeppelin Tribute at Kennedy Center Honors Moves Robert Plant to Tears

Since Lenny Kravitz turns 60 years old today, we wanted to share this. During the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, the Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, and Lenny Kravitz delivered a stunning tribute to Led Zeppelin, electrifying the audience with their powerful performances. The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts, and in 2012, Led Zeppelin was one of the honorees, acknowledging their profound impact on rock music and their influence on generations of musicians.

Foo Fighters kicked off the tribute with Taylor Hawkins stepping into the role of lead vocalist while Dave Grohl played the drums. Their performance of “Rock and Roll” was a high-energy start, capturing the raw power and spirit of Led Zeppelin. Grohl, known for his drumming skills and his work with Nirvana, paid homage to John Bonham, Zeppelin’s legendary drummer, bringing a powerful and authentic energy to the performance.

Next up was Kid Rock, who delivered a spirited rendition of “Ramble On.” Known for his versatile musical style that blends rock, hip-hop, and country, Kid Rock brought his unique flair to the tribute. Despite the brevity of his performance, he managed to capture the essence of the song, demonstrating his respect and admiration for Led Zeppelin.

Lenny Kravitz followed with a powerful performance of “Whole Lotta Love.” Kravitz, celebrated for his retro sound that fuses rock, soul, funk, and reggae, brought a soulful intensity to the song. His rendition was particularly notable as it even prompted President Obama, who was in the audience, to sing along. Kravitz’s performance reminded everyone of his exceptional talent and why he is considered one of the most underrated rockers of the last 30 years.

The tribute reached its emotional peak with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart performing “Stairway to Heaven,” joined by Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin’s original drummer. Their rendition was powerful and heartfelt, moving Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, to tears. The inclusion of a choir added a grand and emotional finale to the performance, highlighting the song’s epic nature and enduring legacy.

Led Zeppelin’s influence on rock music is undeniable, and the tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors showcased the band’s lasting impact on contemporary musicians. The diverse group of artists who performed in their honor demonstrated the wide-ranging influence of Zeppelin’s music. From the hard-hitting rock of the Foo Fighters to the soulful intensity of Lenny Kravitz, each performance paid homage to the band’s groundbreaking contributions to music.

Lenny Kravitz, who turned 60 today, has had a storied career spanning over three decades. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend various genres, Kravitz has released numerous hit songs and albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards along the way. His performance at the Kennedy Center Honors was a reminder of his talent and the respect he commands in the music industry.

The 2012 Kennedy Center Honors not only celebrated Led Zeppelin’s legacy but also highlighted the continued relevance and influence of their music. The performances by the Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, and Heart were a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and the profound impact they have had on the world of rock music.