Heart and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: “What About Love” Live at the Royal Albert Hall
On a warm June evening in 2016, Heart took to the stage of London’s Royal Albert Hall for a career-first performance that paired their signature rock sound with the majesty of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The setting itself was historic—this was not only Heart’s debut in the storied venue, but also their first full-length concert with an orchestra. The anticipation in the room was palpable, as fans waited to see how Ann and Nancy Wilson’s music would expand within one of the world’s most revered concert halls.
The concert began with the band’s classics, immediately demonstrating how comfortably their catalog translated to orchestral textures. The sweeping strings and dramatic brass framed Nancy’s guitar playing and Ann’s vocals with new dimensions. The acoustic brilliance of the Hall amplified every detail, from subtle harmonies to towering crescendos. This was not a band being drowned by symphonic excess; it was a dialogue between two forces that complemented one another perfectly.
Ann Wilson later described the Royal Albert Hall itself as “another actor” in the performance. That rings true to anyone who has played or witnessed a show there. The space doesn’t just contain sound—it shapes it. For Heart, this meant that every note of “Dreamboat Annie” or “Magic Man” hung in the air longer, blooming with warmth, before dissolving into the expectant hush of the audience.
The orchestra’s contribution elevated familiar material into cinematic experiences. On songs like “Heaven” and “Sweet Darlin’,” woodwinds danced softly around Ann’s vocals, while in harder numbers, the brass punched alongside the guitars with military precision. For listeners, it was like hearing beloved songs through a new lens, suddenly more panoramic and textured, without losing their rock core.
When “What About Love” began, the partnership between Heart and the orchestra truly crystallized. The song’s natural drama was amplified, the strings shadowing Ann’s phrases, and the orchestra swelling into the choruses like a wave lifting her voice ever higher. Her delivery was raw and commanding, matched by an orchestral arrangement that respected the song’s dynamics. The audience response was instant—this was a moment they would remember long after the last note faded.
Online, this particular performance became one of the standout clips from the concert, accumulating millions of views. Part of its appeal lies in the restraint of the arrangement. The orchestra doesn’t overwhelm or over-embellish; instead, it builds suspense and then releases it, making Ann’s voice sound even more powerful. For a band that has always thrived on emotion, the symphonic context was a perfect fit.
The setlist moved gracefully between eras, stitching together the band’s biggest hits with deeper cuts and even new material from their album “Beautiful Broken.” This avoided the trap of turning the evening into a nostalgic greatest-hits revue. Instead, it underscored the band’s continuing evolution. The orchestral backing refreshed older songs and framed newer ones as part of the same grand narrative.
“Crazy on You” provided one of the night’s most thrilling sequences. Nancy’s delicate acoustic intro led into a full-on explosion of guitars, drums, and strings. The orchestra mirrored the shift, matching every surge in intensity. This interplay of delicate beginnings and explosive payoffs perfectly symbolized Heart’s musical range, magnified in scale by the Royal Philharmonic’s expansive palette.
Equally captivating was “Alone,” one of Heart’s signature ballads. Ann’s voice soared over the hushed start, every syllable reverberating in the Hall’s impeccable acoustics. As the orchestra swelled into the choruses, the arrangement reached cinematic heights. The song, already a dramatic centerpiece of any Heart show, became a showstopper of operatic proportions that evening.
The collaboration worked so well in part because of the Royal Philharmonic’s adaptability. Their ability to lock in rhythmically with the band was crucial. The low strings aligned tightly with the drum kit, giving songs like “What About Love” and “Alone” a visceral punch. This synergy transformed the orchestra from a supporting act into a co-star, one that elevated the rock framework rather than merely decorating it.
For Ann and Nancy, the night was about more than just the music. It was about stepping into a historic venue with a sense of reverence and proving that their songs belonged there. The Royal Albert Hall has hosted everyone from classical greats to rock legends, and Heart’s presence added another chapter to that lineage. Their music, already timeless to fans, gained a new layer of legitimacy in such a prestigious setting.
The show was recorded and later released across multiple formats—Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and vinyl. This ensured that the magic of that night could be revisited by fans worldwide. The visual production emphasized the interplay between band and orchestra, with camera work that lingered on both Ann’s emotive singing and the bows of the string section. It captured not just a concert, but a conversation between musical worlds.
Beyond its artistic achievement, the release also served as a milestone in Heart’s career. It was the first official concert film of theirs with a full orchestra and a celebration of their ability to keep reinventing themselves nearly five decades into their journey. Few rock bands can claim such longevity, and fewer still can reinvent their catalog in such a powerful way.
“What About Love” epitomized the triumph of the evening. A song about vulnerability and longing found new resonance when surrounded by lush orchestral swells. Ann’s voice, strong as ever, carried the weight of years and experience, while the orchestra elevated every note into something that felt transcendent. It was not just another performance; it was a declaration of artistry that grows richer with time.
Looking back, the concert at the Royal Albert Hall stands as a testament to Heart’s resilience, creativity, and enduring bond with their audience. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra added grandeur without diluting the band’s identity, and the Hall itself lent gravitas that only heightened the experience. For fans, it was a night to remember; for Heart, it was proof that their music remains as vital and breathtaking as ever.
