Heart Proves Their Power in 2025 with a Fiery “Straight On” and “Let’s Dance” Performance

Ann Wilson’s return to the stage at Crypto.com Arena on March 3, 2025 came only weeks after she finished chemotherapy, yet she performed with the unmistakable intensity that has defined her career. Sitting due to a fractured elbow rather than illness, she appeared with her newly short hair and a presence bursting with determination. The spotlight revealed not vulnerability, but fierce resolve. Every expression and every breath underscored a message: she was still here, still powerful, and absolutely unafraid to show it.

Beside her, Nancy Wilson radiated her own kind of strength. With the comfort and grace of someone who has commanded stages for decades, her guitar lines shimmered and her harmonies wrapped seamlessly around Ann’s voice. At 71, she looked energized and confident, offering a perfect counterbalance to her sister’s seated stance. Together, their connection seemed almost telepathic, two artists moving as one while celebrating a shared legacy that refuses to dim.

The show opened with a powerful video montage tracing Heart’s evolution through the years, accompanied by music from Peter Gabriel that heightened the anticipation in the room. As the final images faded, a burst of red lighting introduced “Bébé Le Strange” with explosive force. It was a triumphant declaration that despite recent challenges, the heart of Heart still beats with undying fire, stronger than any adversity they have faced.

Even while seated, Ann proved that her ability to command a stage transcends physical position. She attacked “Never” with soaring stamina, sending her voice echoing upward toward the rafters of the arena. Not being able to stand didn’t limit her in the slightest; her tone was steady, bold, and utterly dominant. It was clear to every person watching that her spirit remained unbreakable, and the rock in her voice had only sharpened with time.

A tender shift followed as she performed “Love Alive,” a track from Heart’s earliest days. Ann reflected briefly on the criticism the band once received, including a cruel review comparing their music to foghorns. Yet the moment turned reflective rather than bitter, as the packed arena served as living proof of just how far those early doubts had been left behind. Heart endured, evolved, and ultimately defined the very sound they once had to defend.

The energy spiked again when “Straight On” crashed into an unexpected transition: David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The shift from groove to glam felt smooth and celebratory, illuminating the Wilson sisters’ instinct for revitalizing rock classics in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. Nancy’s guitar added shimmering texture while Ann’s phrasing delivered attitude and excitement. It was a thrilling example of reinvention, fueled by fearlessness and pure musical joy.

Later in the evening, Nancy stepped forward to take center stage for “These Dreams.” Her voice carried a soft vulnerability that hushed the arena into admiration, revealing a different side of her talent. Years on the road have deepened her musical intuition, refining the emotional control behind each note. It reaffirmed why Heart remains unmatched in their ability to move seamlessly between intensity and reflection, always guided by authenticity.

The unmistakable flurry of acoustic guitar that opens “Crazy on You” sent a bolt of excitement through the crowd. Nancy delivered the intricate introduction with sharp confidence, setting the stage for Ann’s storm of vocals. Despite the physical challenge of singing such a demanding song while seated, Ann showed no sign of limitation. Every belt, every run hit with accuracy and passion, proving that true vocal power is rooted in heart, not posture.

During a quiet moment between songs, Ann spoke about her long connection to Los Angeles—the place where Heart recorded, performed, and lived through challenges, including surviving devastating wildfires. Her voice softened as she connected those memories to her current journey. It felt like the walls of the arena held the history with her, turning a massive venue into a space of shared emotion and gratitude for everything she has overcome.

“Dog & Butterfly” followed with a reflective tone, its storytelling lyrics delivered like a gentle conversation between artist and audience. Ann brought a sense of maturity to the song, shaped by decades of life both beautiful and brutal. It showed the continued evolution of her relationship with the music she helped create—older, wiser, but just as passionate as when it first emerged into the world.

Then Nancy took a turn leading into Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” a cover she has perfected with grace. Her delicate voice carried the song with a balance of nostalgia and new discovery, capturing both longing and peace. The performance highlighted her ability to interpret classics in a way that never compromises her own artistic core, a testament to the depth of her musicianship.

Her tribute continued with “4 Edward,” a personal instrumental homage to Eddie Van Halen. She recounted gifting him a guitar years ago and the magical late-night call he once made to share the sound she would later transform into this piece. The music vibrated with warmth and sorrow, turning memory into melody—both a farewell and a celebration of a friend’s enduring influence.

The concert soon surged into a wave of powerhouse hits. “Alone,” “What About Love,” and “Magic Man” unleashed nostalgia and excitement across the arena, with audiences singing along to every word. These songs reminded everyone of Heart’s monumental impact on rock history and how their music continues to resonate with a new generation discovering those classics for the first time.

Choosing to bypass the tradition of an encore break, the band powered directly into “Sand,” a piece tied deeply to personal memory. The song, once performed by the Wilsons’ side project The Lovemongers, honored a friend lost to AIDS. The harmonies folded grief and affection into every note, proving that music can hold pain and healing at the same time, offering comfort in moments of remembrance.

The finale burst open with Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean,” filling the arena with irresistible rock energy, followed by a fiery blast of “Barracuda.” The audience roared as Ann’s vocals crashed forward like thunder and Nancy’s riffs tore through the mix with precision and power. It was a climax built on decades of mastery—loud, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

Ann Wilson, 74 and performing seated, reminded the world that a true icon needs no physical stature to deliver greatness. Nancy Wilson, 71, remains a beacon of musical poise and spirit. Together, they didn’t merely perform—they proved that legacy is not about age or circumstance. It is about courage, reinvention, and a love for music so strong that it refuses to fade. This night stood as undeniable proof: legends do not lose their spark. They shine brighter.