Heart Shatters Expectations in Salt Lake City with a Soul-Stirring “Alone / What About Love” Medley

On March 8, 2025, Heart took over Salt Lake City’s Maverik Center with a performance that blended nostalgia, resilience, and sheer rock brilliance. Despite Ann Wilson’s recent elbow injury, she took the stage seated, delivering a powerhouse show that proved physical setbacks couldn’t dull her vocal thunder. The moment she appeared, fans roared not just for the music, but for the spirit that’s always defined Heart.

The night opened with Squeeze, whose tight performance warmed up the audience with a vibe straight out of the late ’70s. Their presence was a nod to Heart’s era, setting the scene for what would be a memory-laden evening. Once Ann and Nancy hit the spotlight, the mood shifted from excitement to reverence. These weren’t just rock stars—they were legends standing in front of a crowd that had grown up on their songs.

From the first note of “Bebe Le Strange,” it was clear this wouldn’t be a routine tour stop. Ann’s voice soared through the rafters of the arena, unwavering and rich with decades of emotion. Her seated position didn’t hinder her vocal firepower one bit—if anything, it added to the drama. She sang like someone with nothing to prove but everything to give.

Nancy Wilson lit up the stage with guitar licks that felt both comforting and wild. Her presence was effortless, especially during “Crazy On You” where her famous on-stage high kick drew massive cheers. Decades may have passed since the song first dropped, but in that moment, it felt brand new. She delivered every note with the confidence of someone who’s lived and breathed each chord.

A particularly poignant moment came when Nancy paused to honor Eddie Van Halen. She played her tribute piece “4 Edward,” recounting how she once gifted him a guitar only to have him return it the next day—played, loved, and changed forever. That kind of backstage story transformed the show into more than a concert—it was rock ‘n’ roll oral history told in real time.

Midway through the show, the crowd was treated to a breathtaking version of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” Ann’s delivery drew goosebumps across the crowd. The performance reminded fans how Heart, more than most, channeled Zeppelin’s influence into their own musical DNA—something the Wilson sisters have never hidden, only honored.

What made this performance even more memorable was the seamless flow of songs from across their catalogue. Tracks like “Little Queen,” “Love Alive,” and “Straight On” were performed with passion and polish. But it was the emotional medley of “Alone” into “What About Love” that stole the night. Fans stood frozen as those massive ’80s ballads swelled into one another, filling the arena with collective memories.

The Maverik Center became a time machine. People who first heard Heart on vinyl were standing next to teens who discovered them on Spotify, yet everyone knew every word. There was a shared reverence in the room—of witnessing not just a concert, but a piece of living rock history unfold.

Backing the Wilson sisters was a band that clearly knew their assignment. Guitarists Ryan Wariner and Ryan Waters, alongside Paul Moak, Tony Lucido, and Sean Lane, provided muscle and groove without overshadowing the main act. Their chemistry kept the sound tight and vibrant, giving the music a modern edge without losing its vintage soul.

There were quieter moments, too. Songs like “Dreamboat Annie” and “Dog & Butterfly” brought an acoustic softness that wrapped the audience in warmth. In these ballads, Ann’s voice seemed to grow even more expressive, reaching into places only seasoned performers can access—where memory and melody intertwine.

When it came time for “Barracuda,” the crowd erupted. The song’s opening riff might be one of rock’s most recognizable—and Nancy played it like it was the first time. Fans leapt from their seats, fists in the air, shouting lyrics that once blasted from car radios in the ’70s. That raw energy brought the entire performance full circle.

What stood out most was the sense of genuine connection between the band and the audience. Ann and Nancy weren’t putting on a show—they were sharing a chapter of their life’s work. Their stage banter, jokes, and memories added a personal touch that drew fans even closer. It felt like being invited into the family living room of rock royalty.

As the encore unfolded with “The Ocean” and a reprise of “Barracuda,” it became clear that this wasn’t just a night of nostalgia. This was a celebration of longevity, resilience, and artistry. The audience was left exhilarated—not just by the hits, but by the power of two women who shaped a genre and refused to let anything stop them.

Salt Lake City may have been one stop on Heart’s Royal Flush Tour, but it felt like a chapter finale. Fans poured out into the night with voices hoarse, hearts full, and the kind of joy only a great rock show can summon. For many, it was a reminder that true legends don’t just perform—they endure.