Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Heart is back on tour and celebrating fifty-plus years since their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, was released to critical acclaim. Helping to define the hard rock sound of the 1970s, the rock and roll outfit fronted by the exceptionally talented sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson is still a force to be reckoned with. They have released 16 studio albums, along with multiple live albums and compilation albums, and have, in turn, sold over 35 million albums worldwide.
For their current “Royal Flush Tour”, the Wilson sisters brought along their new band which features guitarists Ryan Wariner and Ryan Waters, multi-instrumentalist Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards, mandolin, banjo and backing vocals), bassist Tony Lucido and drummer Sean T. Lane. Together, the band treated their loyal fans who traveled far and near to a trip down memory lane with almost two hours of their monster hits and memorable performances that pay homage to Led Zeppelin and the late Eddie Van Halen.
This tour has been eagerly awaited, not only by legions of devoted fans spanning generations but also as a testament to Ann Wilson’s resilience following recent health challenges. As the lights dimmed in Boston’s Agganis Arena on April 13th, a roar erupted from the crowd, and it was clear that this night would be more than just a concert; it would be a celebration of enduring music and an unwavering rock and roll spirit.
From the moment Nancy Wilson took center stage, strumming the opening chords of “Bebe Le Strange,” a wave of pure rock energy washed over the audience. The band, a tight and dynamic ensemble, locked into a powerful groove, providing the perfect foundation for Ann Wilson’s unmistakable vocals. Despite performing this initial leg of the tour seated in a wheelchair due to a broken elbow, Ann’s voice soared through the venue with its signature power and emotive depth. Any concerns about her physical limitations were instantly dispelled as she effortlessly navigated the complex melodies and powerful high notes that have defined Heart’s sound for decades.
The setlist was carefully curated through Heart’s extensive and beloved catalog, seamlessly blending their hard-rocking anthems with more introspective and acoustic moments. Classics like “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You” ignited the crowd, transforming the arena into a sea of singing and dancing fans. The raw energy and passion with which these timeless songs were delivered were infectious, proving their enduring appeal. The band’s crew then helped transform the stage into the Wilson’s “living room” by bringing a downsized drum kit and helping the band don acoustic instruments for “Dog & Butterfly”- which offered a beautiful change of pace, showcasing the band’s versatility and the intricate harmonies between the sisters.
A particularly poignant moment arrived when Nancy took the lead vocals for the 80’s chart-topping ballad “These Dreams.” It served as a beautiful reminder of Nancy’s own significant contributions to Heart’s musical legacy, her delicate vocals a perfect complement to her powerful guitar work. Throughout the night, her masterful guitar playing was a constant highlight, weaving intricate melodies and delivering those iconic riffs with the same fire and precision that have made her a rock icon in her own right.
Heart paid homage to one of their most significant influences with a stirring acoustic cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” Ann’s interpretation of Robert Plant’s vocals was respectful and uniquely her own, highlighting the deep connection between the legendary bands. Nancy’s delicate acoustic guitar work provided a perfect backdrop, creating a truly mesmerizing and goosebump-inducing moment for the audience. This segued beautifully into Nancy’s instrumental tribute to the late Eddie Van Halen, “4 Edward”, a heartfelt and technically brilliant display of her guitar prowess that drew enthusiastic applause.
The latter part of the show built towards a powerful crescendo, with the band delivering electrifying performances of “Alone” and “What About Love,” performed in a combined arrangement that showcased the raw emotional power of Ann’s voice. The newer band members proved to be more than capable of handling Heart’s demanding material, adding their energy and flair while remaining true to the spirit of the original recordings.
The anticipation for the encore was palpable as the main set drew to a close. The band, who actually never left the stage – joked about performing a “fake” encore, and they did so with a three-song finale that included “Sand,” a deep cut from the Wilson sisters’ side project, Lovemongers – which paid homage to Ann’s personal gardener whom she said became part of her family. After “Sand”, Ann noted that their set may have started to become a bit “schizophrenic” and asked, “Should we rock now?” – much to the audience’s joy. This was followed by a blistering cover of Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean.”
And, of course, no Heart concert would be complete without the iconic riff and powerhouse vocals of “Barracuda.” Earlier in the set, Nancy quipped that she first heard their tune on a passerby’s car radio while shopping outside a local boutique in Boston. As she launched into that unmistakable galloping riff, the arena erupted into a frenzy. At the same time, Ann’s vocal performance was a final display of the raw power and control that have made her one of the greatest voices in rock history. Those who chose to leave early after the “Alone/What About Love” medley surely missed out.
Leaving the arena, the echoes of “Barracuda” still ringing in the ears, there was a profound sense of witnessing something truly special. Heart’s concert was a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of rock and roll, the unbreakable bond between sisters, and the inspiring resilience of the human spirit.
