BRITISH music legends Led Zeppelin, considered one of the most influential music bands of all time, were honored by President Obama Sunday night for their lifetime contribution to American culture at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Led Zeppelin band members – keyboardist/bassist John Paul Jones, guitarist Jimmy Page, and singer Robert Plant received a medallion each.

Along with Led Zeppelin, actor Dustin Hoffman, talk show host David Letterman, blues guitar and singer George “Buddy” Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova were also honored.

“Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant transformed the sound of rock and roll with their lyricism and innovative song structures, infusing blues into the sound of rock and roll and laying the foundation for countless rock bands,” said David M. Rubenstein, Kennedy Center Chairman.

“It’s been said that a generation of young people survived teenage angst with a pair of headphones and a Zeppelin album … but even now, 32 years after John Bonham’s passing – and we all I think appreciate the fact – the Zeppelin legacy lives on,” said Obama paying them tribute.

“We honour Led Zeppelin for making us all feel young, and for showing us that some guys who are not completely youthful can still rock!”

Obama also jokingly thanked Led Zeppelin for their table manners at the White House as they have a reputation of “hotel rooms trashed and mayhem all around.”

The event was attended by President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and host of other dignitaries from Hollywood and Washington.

The band broke up following the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. The trio have reunited for Live Aid concert at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, 1985; in 1988 for Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert and Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert at the O2 Arena in London in 2007.

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