At the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, something magical happened—something loud, raw, and deeply reverent. As the Foo Fighters stormed the stage to perform Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Rock and Roll,” the energy in the room shifted. Dave Grohl, returning to his throne behind the drums, unleashed the kind of power only he can, while the late Taylor Hawkins stepped into the spotlight with a fearless, electrifying vocal performance. His voice—gritty, howling, and heartfelt—channeled the spirit of classic rock with a ferocity that few can match.
But the real show might’ve been in the audience. There sat Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones, their faces lighting up as the Foo Fighters tore into the track like it was the last song they’d ever play. Plant, in particular, couldn’t hide his delight—his goofy, heartfelt grin said it all. This wasn’t just a tribute; it was a full-throttle celebration of rock’s unbreakable spirit.
Hawkins, usually behind the kit, transformed into a wildfire—untamed and radiant—proving he was more than a drummer. He was a frontman in his own right, and in this moment, he burned brighter than ever. Grohl’s drumming thundered beneath him, anchoring the performance with precision and passion.
The Foo Fighters didn’t just cover “Rock and Roll”—they reignited it. With Zeppelin watching, they delivered a joyful, unapologetic love letter to the music that shaped them, and in doing so, honored not only the song but the unrelenting power of rock itself. If you’ve never witnessed Hawkins fronting the band, this is your must-see moment. It’s loud, it’s wild, and it’s pure rock and roll.
