Also in the audience was President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama who really seemed to enjoy Lenny Kravitz‘s rendition of Whole Lotta Love.”
“These guys redefined the rock-and-roll lifestyle,” Obama said. “We do not have video of this, but there was some hotel rooms trashed and mayhem all around. So it’s fitting that we’re doing this in a room with windows that are 3 inches thick—and Secret Service all around. So, guys, just settle down.”
Jack Black, a presenter during the evening sang Led Zeppelin’s praises: “The jams of Led Zeppelin are second to none. Just ask anyone, from Oliver Stone to Paul Ryan and everyone in between! They sang songs about love, about Vikings, about Vikings making love. You know, they say Led Zeppelin sold their souls to Satan. Come on, guys, you know you did. There’s no other way to explain your ungodly talents!”
Caroline Kennedy, hosted the ceremony for the 10th year in a row. She started off the night by quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Congratulate yourselves if you have done something strange and extravagant and broken the monotony of a decorous age.”
Also honored was David Letterman, who was given a tribute from fellow comedians: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Jimmy Kimmel.
“Tonight, we declare it officially: My mom was right,” Tina said. “David Letterman is an American treasure, like the Grand Canyon, or the Chicago skyline, or the top two Kardashians.”
Watch the video below!
[CBS]