Now this is how you reimagine a rock classic. During the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, Foo Fighters paid tribute to Led Zeppelin with a fiery performance of “Rock and Roll,” featuring Dave Grohl returning to his roots behind the drum kit and the late Taylor Hawkins stepping up to the mic. Known primarily as the band’s powerhouse drummer, Hawkins showed off his incredible range and presence as a frontman, belting out the high-energy anthem with raw passion and undeniable flair.
The band unleashed their turbocharged version of the 1971 Zeppelin hit in front of rock royalty—Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones—who were all visibly thrilled, grinning from ear to ear as they watched the performance. The Foo Fighters didn’t hold back, tearing through the song with all the energy and swagger that the original demanded, while putting their own stamp on it.
This standout moment marked Led Zeppelin’s induction into the Kennedy Center Honors and has since gained massive traction online, racking up over 16 million views on the Kennedy Center’s official YouTube channel. Fans flooded the comments with praise, noting Hawkins’ surprising vocal prowess and Grohl’s infectious energy on drums: “Rest in peace, Taylor Hawkins. I had no idea he had such a powerful voice,” wrote one viewer, while another remarked, “Watching Dave Grohl drum is pure joy—he’s a show all on his own.”
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time the Foos tackled “Rock and Roll.” Back in 2008 at Wembley Stadium, they performed the track live with none other than Robert Plant and John Paul Jones. Hawkins once again took on lead vocals, while Grohl and Jones formed a thunderous rhythm section, creating an unforgettable moment in rock history.
As for the original track, Led Zeppelin released “Rock and Roll” in early 1972 as part of their iconic Led Zeppelin IV album. The song’s roots trace back to a jam inspired by Little Richard’s “Keep A-Knockin’,” with drummer John Bonham riffing on its intro. Jimmy Page added a Chuck Berry-style guitar line over Bonham’s beat, creating a high-octane throwback to 1950s rock that remains one of Zeppelin’s most beloved tracks.