We took a break from watching American Idol last night (two times in a row is plenty), so we missed the surreal spectacle of soul music diva Mary J. Blige performing Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” with a band that included Travis Barker, Steve Vai, and Randy Jackson on bass. What would such a meeting of the minds sound like, you ask? A little something like this:
Videos by American Songwriter
You can also click here for Blige’s eight-and-a-half-minute studio rendition. “What people don’t know about me is I’ve been a rock ‘n’ roll fan for years,” Blige told the LA Times recently. “I loved soft rock as a child. I’m full of this stuff, naturally.”
Do you love or hate this cover? Is Robert Plant the only one who should even attempt this song, or is there something about Mary?
This was horrifying. Unbelieveably terrible. Did they really let this woman sing Stairway to Heaven? WTF. And what genius decided that Steve Vai, one of the best and most respected guitarist in the business should basically play backup to the little blond girl? Really WTF. What a travesty. Only saw this clip – because American Idol is not on my must watch list – but I suppose, considering the source, this shouldn’t surprise me. Sicken me, yes. Surprise me, no.
I thought she kicked it, man. Rock on woman. I LOVED IT. And I actually watched the entire show.
What were they thinking. Just because someone can sing their style song doesn’t mean they can do a classic like Stairway to Heaven. That was the worst thing I’ve ever heard. I kept waiting for someone to stop the spectacle. And to Mary’s post you must be tone deaf. It was AWFUL.
She rocked it. Good cover!
That song is a classic that shouldn’t have been messed with. Absolutely hated it!
Mary J Blige did an absolute fantastic job !!
I never heard this song before .. And really don’t care to much about Led Zeppelin’s music .. BUT .. Queen Mary shut that S**t down !!!
Horrible. She cannot sing and should never touch a Zeppelin song again. Travis Barker was the only good thing about this performance.
I just saw MJB perform this at the Lilith Fair in Chicago, July 17 – best song of the concert. It was an emotional, heartfelt rendition. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand (most excellent band too!)