Heart’s Unstoppable Spirit: Ann and Nancy Wilson Shine with “Straight On” and “Let’s Dance” in 2025
Ann Wilson’s seated return to the stage at Crypto.com Arena on March 3, 2025—just weeks after completing chemotherapy—was more than a performance; it was a declaration. Dressed in her new short hair look and seated because of a fractured elbow (not cancer)—she radiated sheer resolve. The late-evening lights revealed not frailty but ferocity.
Nancy Wilson, always poised, delivered a stunning counterbalance—by her side, her guitar singing as soulfully as ever. Together they embodied resilience through melody, proof that decades of legacy don’t slow artistry. At 71, Nancy looked vibrant and powerful—and her harmony with Ann was simply breathtaking.
The show opened with an evocative montage of Heart’s journey—year by year, flash by flash—soundtracked by Peter Gabriel, building anticipation until “Bébé Le Strange” burst into red-lit life. It was a perfect moment of emergence, a phoenix rising from adversity.
Ann, seated but soaring, launched into “Never” with her unbridled power intact. Her voice shook the arena, reminding everyone that true rock doesn’t require standing—it requires spirit, and she had it in spades.
She slowed the pace with “Love Alive,” one of their earliest songs, sharing memories of Heart’s beginnings and the sting of a scathing review likening their music to foghorns. But here they stood, triumphant and unbowed.
Then came “Straight On,” followed by an electrifying pivot into David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The transition mirrored the sisters’ journey: bold, unexpected, and filled with elegant energy. Nancy’s backing guitar added shimmering layers, proving her presence as indispensable as ever.
“These Dreams” saw Nancy step forward with tender vocals that captivated. That graceful delivery—soft, heartfelt—reminded the audience why Heart’s emotional range remains unmatched. At 71, Nancy delivers nuance with the confidence of a lifetime in music.
The iconic flurry of acoustic notes in “Crazy on You” ignited the crowd, Ann’s vocals cascading like a storm. Despite the physical challenges, the raw power poured forth undiminished. Sitting down, singing that hard—it’s harder on the diaphragm, yet she nailed every note.
Between songs, Ann paid tribute to Los Angeles, reflecting on recording there and surviving wildfires. Her voice softened, eyes glistening—this wasn’t just a show, but a homecoming, a thread connecting hardship to hope.
“Dog & Butterfly” retained a sense of reverence—Ann’s storytelling voice invited everyone into a moment of quiet introspection. It felt like wisdom distilled into melody—an older artist, still curious, still fearless.
Nancy gazed at the audience before guiding them into Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” capturing suspense and serenity simultaneously. It was more than a cover—it was a statement: Nancy’s artistry bends genres without breaking her essence.
Then came “4 Edward,” Nancy’s tribute to Eddie Van Halen. She recounted gifting him a guitar and his late-night call playing something magical. That memory became a moving instrumental piece—beautiful, haunting, full of love.
From there the set throbbed with hits. “Alone” and “What About Love” flowed together, then “Magic Man” summoned every ounce of Heart’s fire. The arena pulsed with shared memory, celebration, and awe.
Rather than pause for an encore, Heart barreled straight into “Sand,” a Lovemongers deep cut dedicated to a friend lost to AIDS. It was tender, sobering, and moving—Ann’s and Nancy’s voices weaving grief and gratitude in the same chord.
The finale erupted: Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” launched headbanging energy, and then “Barracuda” ripped through the arena, feathers in full flight. Ann’s vocals crashed like waves; Nancy’s riffs struck with precision. The show ended in glorious roar.
Ann at 74, seated and unstoppable, reminded us why we’ve loved her for 50 years. Nancy at 71—still radiant, still masterful. Their courage, their confidence, their art—this night wasn’t just a concert. It was a testament: some voices don’t fade; they transform, they transcend.
