Heart's Stairway to Heaven tribute steals the show at the Kennedy Center

The day the Wilson sisters made Led Zeppelin's anthem their own

What artist dares to cover 'Stairway to Heaven' without getting tomatoes thrown at them? In 2012, the Wilson sisters of Heart did it at the Kennedy Center Honors, and the result was so powerful that it still resonates today. While others like Foo Fighters or Kid Rock stumbled, Ann and Nancy Wilson proved they are far more than "those sisters of".

The performance that brought the house down

The 2012 ceremony honored Led Zeppelin, and the highlight was the rendition of their most iconic song. Heart, with their guitars and Ann's voice, brought the audience to its feet. Critics agree it was the only performance worthy of the legend. Neither Foo Fighters, nor Lenny Kravitz, nor Kid Rock managed the same impact. Heart's version has become a benchmark, even for those who consider the original untouchable.

The eternal debate over rock's anthem

'Stairway to Heaven' stirs conflicting passions. Some argue that only the final solo saves the song, while others consider it rock's crowning achievement. Heart's version, faithful yet with a personal touch, managed to unite both camps. Even the song's skeptics admit the Wilsons' execution was flawless. Irony of ironies: it took a 70s female band to show the young rockers how it's done.

Ironic, isn't it? While purists argue over whether the solo justifies the eight minutes, the Wilsons already have their place in rock history. And not precisely for being "those sisters of".