Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Nancy Wilson Walked Out on Led Zeppelin

jimmy page nancy wilson

Nancy Wilson tells us about discovering Led Zeppelin—from walking out on their opening set for 5th Dimension to eventually hearing them at the right place at the right time.


Before they hit it big, Heart found themselves ripping club gigs, where they earned the nickname “Little Led Zeppelin.” It’s a moniker that stuck as the band carried the torch first lit by their heroes for decades to come. If you’ve ever seen the Kennedy Center video of Heart covering “Stairway to Heaven” for Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, you know how bright that fire burns.

After covering Nancy Wilson on an earlier episode of 100 Guitarists, we knew we had to invite her to join us on our Jimmy Page episode! She tells us about discovering Led Zeppelin—from walking out on their opening set for 5th Dimension to eventually hearing them at the right place at the right time—and shares her favorite songs, what it was like meeting Jimmy for the first time, and then what it was like to play for him at the Kennedy Center.

On our current listening segment, we’re talking about releases from guitarists Niwel Tsumbu and drummer Nate Smith.

This episode is sponsored by Gibson.

We know Horsegirl as a band of musicians, but their friendships will always come before the music. From left to right: Nora Cheng, drummer Gigi Reece, and Penelope Lowenstein.

Photo by Ruby Faye

The Chicago-via-New York trio of best friends reinterpret the best bits of college-rock and ’90s indie on their new record, Phonetics On and On.

Horsegirl guitarists Nora Cheng and Penelope Lowenstein are back in their hometown of Chicago during winter break from New York University, where they share an apartment with drummer Gigi Reece. They’re both in the middle of writing papers. Cheng is working on one about Buckminster Fuller for a city planning class, and Lowenstein is untangling Austrian writer Ingeborg Bachmann’s short story, “Three Paths to the Lake.”

Read MoreShow less

Featuring torrefied solid Sitka Spruce tops, mahogany neck, back, and sides, and Fishman Presys VT EQ System, these guitars are designed to deliver quality tone and playability at an affordable price point.

Read MoreShow less

Moth Electric's C. regalis overdrive pedal offers massive boost, natural overdrive, and searing distortion for guitar and bass. With active treble and bass controls, clean blend, Smooth/Crunch modes, and true-bypass switching, this USA-made pedal is a versatile addition to any pedalboard.

Read MoreShow less

The rising guitar star talks gear, labels, genre troubles, and how to network.

Read MoreShow less