Led Zeppelin Reunited to Play Kashmir Live from Celebration Day

For ‘Celebration Day,’ Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones appeared together in performance after a 27-year gap. Led Zeppelin’s reunion at London’s O2 included Jason Bonham, son of original drummer John Bonham, joining them for “Kashmir.” The live recording accumulated 143 million views, while fans continued discussing the importance of the performance.

Several elements made “Kashmir” especially significant on that occasion. It demonstrated how Led Zeppelin combined rock with additional musical influences, and the song’s status as a fan favourite—frequently described as a masterpiece—made it appropriate for the reunion. Jason’s presence behind the drums also gave the performance added poignancy. The concert honoured Ahmet Ertegun while paying tribute to John Bonham, whose premature death in 1980 resulted in Led Zeppelin disbanding.

A different tribute came in 2012, when President Barack Obama presented Led Zeppelin with the Kennedy Centre Honors in recognition of the band’s contribution and impact. The award acknowledges significant contributions to American culture, and previous recipients included Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr., along with Joni Mitchell and Frank Sinatra. Honorees are celebrated during a gala at the Kennedy Centre.

Led Zeppelin had influenced numerous successful performers who followed the band. Metallica and Def Leppard were among the rock groups that credited its work, as did Alice Cooper and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The broader range of artists named as having drawn inspiration from Led Zeppelin also extended to Beastie Boys, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Heart, meanwhile, had achieved substantial success during the 1970s and held the distinction of being the only widely successful rock band fronted entirely by women. Its hits included “Alone,” “These Dreams” plus “All I Wanna Do Is in this telling Make Love To You.”

At the 2012 gala, Heart members Ann and Nancy Wilson performed “Stairway To Heaven” with Jason Bonham in Led Zeppelin’s honour. Heart had previously played the song, but this rendition took place before Plant, Page and Jones, with the president, dignitaries and celebrities also present. Ann and Nancy later admitted that performing such a cherished song under those circumstances had been frightening.

Watch the full performance on page two