Ann Wilson Ignites Hampton Beach with a Soul-Shaking Rendition of “Black Dog”

On August 18, 2021, Ann Wilson, the legendary voice of Heart, delivered a powerful performance at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire. Taking the stage with commanding presence, she led her band through a dynamic setlist that blurred the lines between nostalgia and raw rock energy. It was a night built for purists and new fans alike.

The setlist featured a blend of Heart classics and iconic rock covers, and among them, Wilson’s rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” was a standout. It wasn’t just a replication—it was an emotional, fierce homage to one of the greatest bands of all time. Her vocals roared, soared, and carried the song with fresh vitality.

Her take on “Black Dog” channeled both reverence and originality. While staying true to the rhythm and intensity of the original, she wove her own phrasing and soulful grit into the performance. The crowd responded with wild enthusiasm, clearly moved by her ability to embody and reimagine such a monumental track.

This performance was part of Wilson’s 2021 solo tour, which featured her backing band The Amazing Dawgs. Together, they created a cohesive and powerful sound. With musicians like Tom Bukovac and Paul Moak in the mix, every note was handled with both technical finesse and real heart.

The chemistry between Wilson and her band was electric. They moved through the setlist with seamless flow, shifting between epic rock anthems and more introspective pieces with ease. Each band member contributed to the wall of sound, but it was Ann’s voice that remained the glowing centerpiece.

The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom offered the perfect atmosphere for this type of concert. With its intimate size and storied past, the venue elevated the experience into something special. Fans were close enough to feel the energy radiating off the stage, and every lyric hit with clarity and force.

Wilson’s connection to Led Zeppelin goes back decades. She and her sister Nancy have often cited the band as a major influence on Heart’s early sound. Their 2012 performance of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors brought Robert Plant to tears—and her continued tributes show how deep that respect runs.

Throughout the night, Wilson interwove classic covers with new material, reminding the crowd that her artistry continues to evolve. Songs like “Greed” and “Black Wing” brought modern textures and lyricism to the stage. Still, each piece carried that unmistakable Ann Wilson fire that has captivated audiences for generations.

Her performance of “Black Dog” served as more than a nostalgic nod; it was a testament to her vocal endurance and stage command. Even in her 70s, Wilson sang with the intensity of her early career, never missing a beat. The audience fed off her energy, roaring back with every scream and growl.

The band’s arrangement of “Black Dog” also deserves praise. Rather than mimicking Zeppelin’s exact setup, they brought in fresh instrumentation, layered textures, and slightly reworked transitions that made the song feel reborn. It retained the power of the original while offering a new musical lens.

The setlist also included other covers like Queen’s “Love of My Life” and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Each interpretation was handled with care and passion, blending the familiar with Wilson’s distinct vocal identity. These songs weren’t just performed—they were lived on stage.

The audience at Hampton Beach responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. From the opening number to the final encore, fans were locked in. You could see people singing along with tears in their eyes, completely immersed in the music and the legacy unfolding in front of them.

Ann Wilson’s live presence remains unmatched. She doesn’t rely on theatrics or spectacle—only the strength of her voice, the power of her band, and the deep emotional well she draws from. It’s why she continues to draw packed venues and multi-generational fans wherever she goes.

The emotional weight of the night was impossible to ignore. Wilson didn’t just play songs—she invited the audience into her world. Her stories, her humor, and her humility gave the performance a personal, human dimension that made the entire night unforgettable.

As the final notes of “Black Dog” rang out, the crowd rose for a standing ovation. It was a fitting end to a performance that proved Ann Wilson is still a towering force in rock music. Her passion is undimmed, her voice unstoppable, and her legacy, as always, untouchable.