A Kennedy Center homage moved Led Zeppelin. Now it's the stage for political drama
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been closed by the Trump administration for repairs, sparking controversy over the future of the historic cultural landmark. The article explores the center's history and the political tension surrounding its potential demolition.
Why it matters
The closure of a major cultural institution by a political administration highlights the intersection of national heritage and partisan policy.
The Kennedy Center has been closed since Donald Trump's hand-picked board voted to close for repairs earlier this week. ( AP: Jacquelyn Martin )
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Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones sit perched above a crowd.
Below them, Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson belt out a cover of the UK rock band's hit Stairway to Heaven, backed by a gospel choir.
As a crescendo fills the room, the camera pans to Plant .
Robert Plant (centre) was visibly emotional during the tribute. ( Reuters: Jason Reed )
There is little that rattles hard rock godfathers such as Plant, but a Kennedy Center performance is known to have that effect.
Take then-president Barack Obama at Aretha Franklin's 2015 performance . Or Cher watching Adam Lambert sing Believe.
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