Jump to content

Led Zeppelin to receive Kennedy Center Honor

Janvier

By Janvier
in News

Recommended Posts

Walter

Walter

Posted
Posted

To each his, or her, own but I think it all just spoke to the aura and legend created by and around the band. The Zeppelin mystique is second only to the music and what can the POTUS say about that, which hasn't already been said?

:peace:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
in_the_evening

in_the_evening

Posted
Posted

To each his, or her, own but I think it all just spoke to the aura and legend created by and around the band. The Zeppelin mystique is second only to the music and what can the POTUS say about that, which hasn't already been said?

:peace:

Agree with this. And like he said at the very beginning, here is a group of people that would never be found together anywhere else!! So it's a bit hard to jump from Letterman, to Hoffman, to a ballerina, to Zep. And the guys did seem to be enjoying it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Patrizia

Patrizia

Posted
Posted

I just think they deserved a little more respect than a speech about trashing hotels is all. For a minute I thought he was doing a tribute for Charlie Sheen :) No doubt Zeppelin must think the media, et al, are out to lunch with some of the things they say, and questions they ask. Only the true fans really "get" who Zeppelin are anyway. Nice try Obama. You'd make a great stand up comic. With all that to say, I'm proud of the boys. They certainly don't need a public honoring to make an impression. That impression was made years ago and the foot print will always remain for decades.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rock Historian

Rock Historian

Posted
Posted

I just think they deserved a little more respect than a speech about trashing hotels is all. For a minute I thought he was doing a tribute for Charlie Sheen :) No doubt Zeppelin must think the media, et al, are out to lunch with some of the things they say, and questions they ask. Only the true fans really "get" who Zeppelin are anyway. Nice try Obama. You'd make a great stand up comic. With all that to say, I'm proud of the boys. They certainly don't need a public honoring to make an impression. That impression was made years ago and the foot print will always remain for decades.

I have to 100% agree with this comment. You could tell the speech was NOT genuine or heartfelt. It was nice to see the President and Led Zeppelin together in the White House, but the speech was a disconnection in some ways. Does Obama even own a Zep album??? I don't think so. Maybe he's heard Stairway once.

Oh well, he did the best he could with that one.

Would have been nice if he'd mentioned them selling 300 million records, how they were in control of their music opposed to the record company (and changed that for future acts), or being as influential as the Beatles, or something else of real significance to the meaning and legacy of the band in which he was honoring....but that's just me observing from the outside and maybe expecting too much.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DE12

DE12

Posted
Posted

I have to 100% agree with this comment. You could tell the speech was NOT genuine or heartfelt. It was nice to see the President and Led Zeppelin together in the White House, but the speech was a disconnection in some ways. Does Obama even own a Zep album??? I don't think so. Maybe he's heard Stairway once. Oh well, he did the best he could with that one.

Would have been nice if he'd mentioned them selling 300 million records, how they were in control of their music opposed to the record company (and changed that for future acts), or being as influential as the Beatles, or something else of real significance to the meaning and legacy of the band in which he was honoring....but that's just me observing from the outside and maybe expecting too much.

That's your opinion but it doesn't it make it fact. I'm pretty sure every American who's been alive since the 70s has heard Stairway MANY more times than once. Why would he need to talk about The Beatles? Or a music business that is completely different today than it was in LZ days? Or sales which don't always equal talent or influence. These would have been very crass references.

I don't understand this idea that Obama (or Letterman or anyone who interviews them) HAS to be a fan... Why? He's POTUS delivering a national arts honor for recipients selected by a bipartisan committee. He has zero obligation to be a fan.

He used a casual, comedic tone with Dustin Hoffman, Letterman, and Buddy Guy. And btw, Zeppelin had no problem with a similar speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame given by Ahmet. Jimmy was backstage nodding right along. Why should it be whitewashed now?

I just think they deserved a little more respect than a speech about trashing hotels is all. For a minute I thought he was doing a tribute for Charlie Sheen :) No doubt Zeppelin must think the media, et al, are out to lunch with some of the things they say, and questions they ask. Only the true fans really "get" who Zeppelin are anyway. Nice try Obama. You'd make a great stand up comic. With all that to say, I'm proud of the boys. They certainly don't need a public honoring to make an impression. That impression was made years ago and the foot print will always remain for decades.

There is no higher arts honor that can be bestowed by the US government. What more respect should they be extended? The speech ended with comments about their antics - he was very complimentary in his introductory comments. And they did act like Charlie Sheen at the height of their fame - albeit, with a hell of a lot more talent. (Or better, Charlie Sheen has been aping their antics for years - and no, I'm not suggesting any of them are Charlie Sheen - I'm talking about the dangerous lifestyle.)

Where do you think the phrase sex, drugs, and rock n' roll comes from?

Way too serious people, it's ROCK AND ROLL!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rock Historian

Rock Historian

Posted
Posted

That's your opinion but it doesn't it make it fact. I'm pretty sure every American who's been alive since the 70s has heard Stairway MANY more times than once. Why would he need to talk about The Beatles? Or a music business that is completely different today than it was in LZ days? Or sales which don't always equal talent or influence. These would have been very crass references.

I don't understand this idea that Obama (or Letterman or anyone who interviews them) HAS to be a fan... Why? He's POTUS delivering a national arts honor for recipients selected by a bipartisan committee. He has zero obligation to be a fan.

He used a casual, comedic tone with Dustin Hoffman, Letterman, and Buddy Guy. And btw, Zeppelin had no problem with a similar speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame given by Ahmet. Jimmy was backstage nodding right along. Why should it be whitewashed now?

There is no higher arts honor that can be bestowed by the US government. What more respect should they be extended? The speech ended with comments about their antics - he was very complimentary in his introductory comments. And they did act like Charlie Sheen at the height of their fame - albeit, with a hell of a lot more talent. (Or better, Charlie Sheen has been aping their antics for years - and no, I'm not suggesting any of them are Charlie Sheen - I'm talking about the dangerous lifestyle.)

Where do you think the phrase sex, drugs, and rock n' roll comes from?

Way too serious people, it's ROCK AND ROLL!

Must you CREATE an argument with every statement someone writes that is different than yours...???

Gee Whiz- Your something for the books....

Life holds much much more than a silly debate with you over what or wasn't said at an induction or over how many times you think Obama really heard Stairway...Please...your so ridiculous....(Do you take everything literally?) I'll pass-and stick with my humble thoughts.

If you wanna mention someone else being "way too serious"...you should look in the mirror. Nobody stated anything as a FACT..it's an observation(s)...and an honest one. Sorry if you took it so personal (of your beloved Obama) That wasn't the intention.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DE12

DE12

Posted
Posted

Must you CREATE an argument with every statement someone writes that is different than yours...???Your something for the books....Life holds much more than a debate with you....I'll pass-and stick with my thoughts

As many of my posts here - in fact,on this very thread - reflect, I don't create arguments with every statement that is different from mine. I post opinions, links, thanks for posted info, dissent from opinions presented as facts, etc. The opinion + dissent parts seem to trouble you.. But yes, we can agree, I am something for the books. Thanks for the compliment!

fdm12, great post!!! I just want to enjoy this without political statements:-)

Thank you - and yes, I agree. It has nothing to do with politics - it's all about enjoying their moment!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rock Historian

Rock Historian

Posted
Posted

As many of my posts here - in fact,on this very thread - reflect, I don't create arguments with every statement that is different from mine. I post opinions, links, thanks for posted info, dissent from opinions presented as facts, etc. The opinion + dissent parts seem to trouble you.. But yes, we can agree, I am something for the books. Thanks for the compliment!

:rolleyes: Don't flatter yourself...

It's not a compliment

Now I have Letterman to go watch...

Toodles :wave:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JP78

JP78

Posted
Posted

it's part of being President to give tribute to Kennedy Center Honorees. and i'm sure there have been many who got the honor that the President at the Time may either not be a big fan or that familiar with. i'm guessing Obama isn't a huge fan but he knows them(who doesn't ?) and how important they are .

i think what he did was better than to try to come across as some huge fan when he really isn't.

but what i liked best about his speech was he included Bonham in the tribute even though those who have passed can't be honorees.

i would love to have heard their interaction with Bill Clinton. they seemed to be having a lot of fun.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Patrizia

Patrizia

Posted
Posted

Are you kidding me? I'm in Led Zeppelin's corner here. As a passionate fan, I felt Zeppelin deserved a standing ovation instead of a room full of cackles. Anything short of that is arrogance to the 10th power!!

I would even go as far to say that POTUS (or anyone for that matter) should have bent down and kissed the feet of these legendary rock and roll gods. hehe

5 minutes till show time (Zeppelin on Letterman).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SteveAJones

SteveAJones

Posted
Posted

This from Jason Bonham's Facebook:

Ok so here is what happened. I was contacted about 4 weeks ago to go and be a part of the kennedy award show. There were Dave and the Foo's there was Kid Rock there was Lenny Kravitz and the Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart with me on Drums and a choir plus an orchestra !!! We all were paying tribute to the greatest band in the world Led Zeppelin . The Guys knew who was playing but they didn't know I would be on drums !!!!! There faces lit up and the smiles and tears ...... Well you can see it on dec 26th on CBS. Cheers JB ps it was Fantastic

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Gigi

Gigi

Posted
Posted

Okay...here we go. My thoughts about the Zeppelin tribute....this is long....sorry.

Jack Black was awesome! He was funny as shit albeit somewhat nervous. You could tell he really wanted to impress the LZ boys. The video following Jack’s speech was, to me, goose bump worthy. While most of the footage we have all seen before, there were a few surprises. Don’t want to give away too much here! You will ALL love it when you see it on the 26th....just set your DVRs...trust me.

Then, the Foos take the stage. I’ll start by saying that next to LZ, FFs are my favorite band. (No ugly comments please!). Imagine my disappointment when Taylor takes the stage singing Black Dog and Rock and Roll. Taylor screwed up the words on BD....really? I really think that Dave just wanted to honor Bonzo by playing the drums (and he was awesome on the drums!) but I think they did a disservice to the tribute to the band....and I LOVE Taylor as a drummer. It just would have been great if Dave would have said a few words about how much JB influenced him, which he clearly did, and then he should have just sung his heart out. Again, this is coming from someone who adores Dave and Taylor and Chris and Nate and Pat.....FF are forever on my playlist!

Next on was Kid Rock. Well, he was sparkly and he was awesome!! It was a bit unorthodox but it made me happy just to sing along. And the fact that he did BIGLY was a bonus! Ramble on was pretty much a given.

Now we have Lenny....OMG...he was awesome....I have never seen him live before, but he put his heart and soul into this performance. He kept looking up at the box where the Zep boys were. He made WWL his own! It was loud and it was awesome!!

So, now the stage is shifting and the drums are coming to the center and I said to my Mom (who was with me) "I think Jason must be coming out because that resembles his kit from the O2!" Lo and behold the announcer says very loudly "ladies and gentlemen...the son of John Bonham...JASON BONHAM on the drums " and the crowd goes wild! It was so awesome! I don’t know if Jason even realizes the magnitude of his appearance....

Then out come Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Ann, as always, sung her heart out on STH. That woman can sing dammit. Well, she’s no Robert, but who the hell is!? They had a full orchestra and symphony supporting them. I could have done without Nancy...she’s just kind of filler and a distraction in my opinion.

Sadly for Jason, he played on STH....not exactly a drum extravaganza, but he was still so great! To be honest, that made the night for me. The fact that he was there was so great. And, the fact that I was in the same room with Jason Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jeff Beck, Bonnie Raitt, etc. was the greatest thing. My words cannot even describe my excitement. I had goosebumps the entire night. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was awesome..it was fabulous...it was LOUD!

One last note....as I’ve already told a few friends here..all I kept thinking the whole time was... nobody, and I mean nobody, can do it the same as the original Zeppelin. There were a lot of great musicians in the house last night, but none of them can compare to Zeppelin. I’m listening to the studio version of STH right now....just listen to it again if you haven’t in a while. It’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s Jimmy, it’s Robert, it’s JPJ, it’s John B, and it’s perfect!

Okay....I’m done. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rock Historian

Rock Historian

Posted
Posted

Okay...here we go. My thoughts about the Zeppelin tribute....this is long....sorry.

Jack Black was awesome! He was funny as shit albeit somewhat nervous. You could tell he really wanted to impress the LZ boys. The video following Jack’s speech was, to me, goose bump worthy. While most of the footage we have all seen before, there were a few surprises. Don’t want to give away too much here! You will ALL love it when you see it on the 26th....just set your DVRs...trust me.

Then, the Foos take the stage. I’ll start by saying that next to LZ, FFs are my favorite band. (No ugly comments please!). Imagine my disappointment when Taylor takes the stage singing Black Dog and Rock and Roll. Taylor screwed up the words on BD....really? I really think that Dave just wanted to honor Bonzo by playing the drums (and he was awesome on the drums!) but I think they did a disservice to the tribute to the band....and I LOVE Taylor as a drummer. It just would have been great if Dave would have said a few words about how much JB influenced him, which he clearly did, and then he should have just sung his heart out. Again, this is coming from someone who adores Dave and Taylor and Chris and Nate and Pat.....FF are forever on my playlist!

Next on was Kid Rock. Well, he was sparkly and he was awesome!! It was a bit unorthodox but it made me happy just to sing along. And the fact that he did BIGLY was a bonus! Ramble on was pretty much a given.

Now we have Lenny....OMG...he was awesome....I have never seen him live before, but he put his heart and soul into this performance. He kept looking up at the box where the Zep boys were. He made WWL his own! It was loud and it was awesome!!

So, now the stage is shifting and the drums are coming to the center and I said to my Mom (who was with me) "I think Jason must be coming out because that resembles his kit from the O2!" Lo and behold the announcer says very loudly "ladies and gentlemen...the son of John Bonham...JASON BONHAM on the drums " and the crowd goes wild! It was so awesome! I don’t know if Jason even realizes the magnitude of his appearance....

Then out come Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Ann, as always, sung her heart out on STH. That woman can sing dammit. Well, she’s no Robert, but who the hell is!? They had a full orchestra and symphony supporting them. I could have done without Nancy...she’s just kind of filler and a distraction in my opinion.

Sadly for Jason, he played on STH....not exactly a drum extravaganza, but he was still so great! To be honest, that made the night for me. The fact that he was there was so great. And, the fact that I was in the same room with Jason Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jeff Beck, Bonnie Raitt, etc. was the greatest thing. My words cannot even describe my excitement. I had goosebumps the entire night. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was awesome..it was fabulous...it was LOUD!

One last note....as I’ve already told a few friends here..all I kept thinking the whole time was... nobody, and I mean nobody, can do it the same as the original Zeppelin. There were a lot of great musicians in the house last night, but none of them can compare to Zeppelin. I’m listening to the studio version of STH right now....just listen to it again if you haven’t in a while. It’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s Jimmy, it’s Robert, it’s JPJ, it’s John B, and it’s perfect!

Okay....I’m done. :)

That was a FABULOUS write-up Gigi....I can only imagine the excitement of being there and experiencing something of that magnitude. That moment will live with you forever. Pretty overwhelming, isn't it?

When I met JPJ in 2000 (Zooma tour) at the HOB backstage, we talked for about 10 min. took pictures, autographs, etc. I was numb for a week over that, and for days after-I couldn't believe I had met the man. I even directed/escorted him and his small crew to the "best" nearest pub. I still think of that from time to time.

That's the closest I've gotten to your wonderful adventure.

Again, great read-thanks for the info!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Wandering_Spirit

Wandering_Spirit

Posted
Posted

Okay...here we go. My thoughts about the Zeppelin tribute....this is long....sorry.

Jack Black was awesome! He was funny as shit albeit somewhat nervous. You could tell he really wanted to impress the LZ boys. The video following Jack’s speech was, to me, goose bump worthy. While most of the footage we have all seen before, there were a few surprises. Don’t want to give away too much here! You will ALL love it when you see it on the 26th....just set your DVRs...trust me.

Then, the Foos take the stage. I’ll start by saying that next to LZ, FFs are my favorite band. (No ugly comments please!). Imagine my disappointment when Taylor takes the stage singing Black Dog and Rock and Roll. Taylor screwed up the words on BD....really? I really think that Dave just wanted to honor Bonzo by playing the drums (and he was awesome on the drums!) but I think they did a disservice to the tribute to the band....and I LOVE Taylor as a drummer. It just would have been great if Dave would have said a few words about how much JB influenced him, which he clearly did, and then he should have just sung his heart out. Again, this is coming from someone who adores Dave and Taylor and Chris and Nate and Pat.....FF are forever on my playlist!

Next on was Kid Rock. Well, he was sparkly and he was awesome!! It was a bit unorthodox but it made me happy just to sing along. And the fact that he did BIGLY was a bonus! Ramble on was pretty much a given.

Now we have Lenny....OMG...he was awesome....I have never seen him live before, but he put his heart and soul into this performance. He kept looking up at the box where the Zep boys were. He made WWL his own! It was loud and it was awesome!!

So, now the stage is shifting and the drums are coming to the center and I said to my Mom (who was with me) "I think Jason must be coming out because that resembles his kit from the O2!" Lo and behold the announcer says very loudly "ladies and gentlemen...the son of John Bonham...JASON BONHAM on the drums " and the crowd goes wild! It was so awesome! I don’t know if Jason even realizes the magnitude of his appearance....

Then out come Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Ann, as always, sung her heart out on STH. That woman can sing dammit. Well, she’s no Robert, but who the hell is!? They had a full orchestra and symphony supporting them. I could have done without Nancy...she’s just kind of filler and a distraction in my opinion.

Sadly for Jason, he played on STH....not exactly a drum extravaganza, but he was still so great! To be honest, that made the night for me. The fact that he was there was so great. And, the fact that I was in the same room with Jason Bonham, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jeff Beck, Bonnie Raitt, etc. was the greatest thing. My words cannot even describe my excitement. I had goosebumps the entire night. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. It was awesome..it was fabulous...it was LOUD!

One last note....as I’ve already told a few friends here..all I kept thinking the whole time was... nobody, and I mean nobody, can do it the same as the original Zeppelin. There were a lot of great musicians in the house last night, but none of them can compare to Zeppelin. I’m listening to the studio version of STH right now....just listen to it again if you haven’t in a while. It’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s Jimmy, it’s Robert, it’s JPJ, it’s John B, and it’s perfect!

Okay....I’m done. :)

Awww, Gigi, you make it come alive by the way you tell it. Thanks so much :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

LEDZEPPELIN.com

Site Navigation

  • LedZeppelin.com Home
  • News
  • Discography
  • Merchandise
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

    • Led Zeppelin Timeline

  • Concert Timeline / Database
  • Events
  • Photos
  • Video
    • ×
    ×
    • Create New...