Ann Wilson Ignites Hampton Beach With a Thunderous “Black Dog” Triumph

On August 18, 2021, Ann Wilson stepped onto the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom stage with the kind of confidence and command that instantly reminds everyone why she is considered one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. The moment she appeared under the lights, the audience knew they were in for something extraordinary. Her set fused decades of history with the kind of power that refuses to fade, and fans from every era found themselves swept up in a night that honored both the past and the present. The energy in the room wasn’t just appreciation; it was admiration for a performer who still pours her entire soul into every moment she spends in front of a crowd.

That evening’s setlist showcased a balanced mix of beloved Heart material and Wilson’s favorite rock staples, offering audiences a rollercoaster of emotional highs and gritty musical excellence. Among the standout moments, her bold take on Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” hit like a lightning bolt. Rather than simply echoing Robert Plant’s delivery, she reconstructed the song through her own rich vocal texture, bringing a daring sense of drama that fans could feel deep in their chests. There was something thrilling about watching a legend reclaim a classic so fearlessly.

Her approach to “Black Dog” bridged the divide between tribute and reinvention. She paid respect to the song’s original ferocity, yet refused to hold back from injecting it with her own signature style, punctuated by fiery phrasing and raw, emotional grit. Audience members could be seen raising fists, belting lyrics, and reacting with explosive applause as she tore into each line with unwavering confidence. It was more than music; it felt like a shared awakening between artist and audience.

This show was a part of Wilson’s solo run in 2021, supported by her band The Amazing Dawgs, a group of seasoned musicians who understood exactly how to follow her lead without overshadowing the magnetism of her voice. With players like Tom Bukovac and Paul Moak locking into every transition, the sound that filled the venue carried both precision and personality. Their musicianship elevated the performance, giving each song a vibrant pulse that fit Wilson’s artistry like a glove.

The bond between Ann and the band radiated through their performance. They navigated shifts in mood and tempo with effortlessness, proving their musical chemistry had been forged through genuine passion and respect for the craft. While every instrument played a vital role in building the powerful sonic landscape, it was Ann’s unmistakable vocal presence that soared above it all, holding the audience’s complete attention from first note to last. No theatrics were needed—just pure rock force.

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, with its intimate layout and legendary history, amplified the experience in the best way. Fans stood close to the stage, able to feel the sheer volume of sound pushing forward as Wilson delivered line after line with exhilarating force. Every scream, whisper, and sustained note landed directly in their ears with an intensity that simply cannot exist in massive arenas. It was the kind of venue where rock history doesn’t just live—it breathes.

Her connection with Led Zeppelin has always been more than casual admiration. Heart long credited Zeppelin as a cornerstone of their musical identity, and the Wilson sisters’ unforgettable Kennedy Center Honors tribute to “Stairway to Heaven” remains a defining moment in rock history. That emotional performance once moved Robert Plant to tears, and Ann continues to carry that reverence into each tribute, demonstrating just how deeply their artistry shaped her own journey.

Throughout the evening, Ann seamlessly blended fresh creations with timeless favorites, reminding everyone that she is still writing her musical story rather than simply retelling it. Songs such as “Greed” and “Black Wing” introduced new angles of her creativity, layered with poetic lyricism and evolving musical experimentation. Yet even with new material in the mix, the unmistakable fire of Ann Wilson—the one fans fell in love with decades ago—remained fully intact and blazing bright.

Her version of “Black Dog” did not land as nostalgia alone—it hit as proof of her enduring strength and performance mastery. Even in her 70s, she carried the aggression and agility of her younger self with zero hesitation. The crowd erupted with every powerful vocal leap and raspy growl, mirroring her energy back at full volume. It was a reminder that true rock icons don’t fade; they ignite again and again.

The band’s fresh arrangement deserves equal recognition. Instead of copying Zeppelin’s exact blueprint, they modernized the piece with new textures and dynamic shifts that gave listeners something familiar yet unpredictably exciting. The reinvention preserved the thunderous energy of the original, while also giving space for Ann’s voice to command every second of the spotlight. It was a respectful reimagining that stood proudly on its own artistic merit.

The rest of the set also featured covers like “Love of My Life” from Queen and The Who’s bold anthem “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Each cover showcased a deep love for rock history combined with Wilson’s rare ability to make even legendary tracks feel personal and newly alive. Fans weren’t just watching performances—they were experiencing living interpretations of songs that have helped shape rock culture for generations.

Every part of the audience seemed fully locked into the moment. Many sang along, their emotions visible in wide smiles, tear-filled eyes, and tightly clutched memories. The intensity in the room felt shared—every person recognizing they were witnessing something both historic and deeply human. It was the type of show that stays imprinted on hearts long after the lights come up.

Ann Wilson’s presence has always been unmatched because she doesn’t rely on anything artificial. There are no gimmicks, no distractions—only her voice, her passion, and the weight of her truth delivered through every syllable she sings. Her career continues to thrive on raw authenticity, which is why her fanbase spans generations and grows instead of fades. She remains one of rock’s most fearless storytellers.

As the final blast of “Black Dog” shook the ballroom, the entire venue erupted into a roaring ovation. It was a perfect conclusion to a performance that showcased Ann Wilson still towering above the genre she helped shape. Her power remains unstoppable, her influence undeniable, and her legacy untouchable—proving yet again that rock royalty never relinquishes the crown.