Heart gave a mesmerizing performance of “Going to California” on the Stern Show.
Heart’s performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” on The Howard Stern Show was a captivating moment that reaffirmed the Wilson sisters’ deep admiration for Led Zeppelin. Known for their previous tributes to the legendary band, this particular rendition showcased the more delicate, acoustic side of Led Zeppelin’s catalog, allowing Ann and Nancy Wilson to reinterpret the classic in their own style while still respecting the original’s emotional depth.
Ann Wilson’s powerful yet nuanced vocals were a key highlight, capturing the ethereal quality of the song. She demonstrated her impressive vocal control, delivering the lyrics with a sense of longing that resonated with both fans of Heart and Led Zeppelin alike. The acoustic arrangement provided a spacious soundscape, which Ann used to express the layered emotions within the song, contrasting with her more familiar hard-rock style. Nancy Wilson’s precise guitar playing mirrored the intricate acoustic textures of the original, offering a faithful yet personal interpretation of Jimmy Page’s composition.
The performance was part of Heart’s broader homage to Led Zeppelin, which has been a recurring theme throughout their career. Heart has performed Zeppelin classics such as “Stairway to Heaven,” and their admiration for the band was solidified when they brought Robert Plant to tears during their famous 2012 Kennedy Center Honors performance. On Stern’s show, Ann and Nancy shared insights into their connection with Led Zeppelin, emphasizing how much the band’s music has influenced their own artistic journey. This performance of “Going to California” reflected that bond and their ability to honor rock legends while bringing their unique sound to the forefront.
The acoustic nature of “Going to California” allowed Heart to shift away from their signature rock anthems, such as “Barracuda” and “Magic Man,” which they also performed during the Stern Show appearance. This versatility displayed their depth as musicians, able to seamlessly transition between the power of hard rock and the subtlety of folk-inspired acoustic arrangements. The choice to perform this particular Zeppelin song was well-suited to their talents, as it demanded both precision and emotional restraint.
Heart’s appearance on The Howard Stern Show also coincided with the promotion of their highly anticipated Royal Flush Tour, their first major tour in five years. During this tour, they aimed to strike a balance between new material and their classic hits, much to the delight of long-time fans. However, it was their acoustic performance of “Going to California” that left the most lasting impression, illustrating the duo’s continued reverence for Led Zeppelin’s music while showcasing their ability to reinterpret it in a way that felt both timeless and fresh.
Ann and Nancy Wilson’s decades-long career has been intertwined with their love for Led Zeppelin, and performances like this are a testament to their enduring respect for the band. Their ability to capture the spirit of Zeppelin’s music, while adding their own artistic flair, is what makes their covers so compelling. This performance served as yet another reminder of Heart’s place in rock history as both innovators and preservers of classic rock’s legacy.
