Ann Wilson Sets Hampton Beach Ablaze With a Blistering “Black Dog” Performance

On August 18, 2021, Ann Wilson walked onto the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom stage with an authority that instantly reminded everyone why she remains one of rock’s most commanding voices. Her first steps into the spotlight sent a ripple of anticipation through the crowd, setting the tone for a performance that blended decades of musical legacy with an unshakable sense of presence. What followed was a night charged with emotion, strength, and a level of authenticity that only a true icon can deliver.

The setlist she brought to Hampton Beach felt like a curated journey through rock history—balancing Heart’s most cherished material with the classic tracks she’s carried with her throughout her career. Among these moments, her fearless rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” struck with immediate impact. Instead of mirroring the original, she infused it with her own textured power, turning a legendary riff into a fresh, electrifying experience that fans felt deep in their bones.

Her delivery of “Black Dog” moved far beyond imitation. She honored the song’s raw intensity while reshaping it with her volcanic phrasing and emotional weight. Audience reactions were instantaneous—fists in the air, voices raised, and applause erupting with every line she launched into. It was the kind of performance that dissolves the barrier between artist and audience, drawing everyone into the same burst of adrenaline-fueled excitement.

This tour stop was part of her 2021 solo run, accompanied by The Amazing Dawgs, a band of highly skilled musicians whose precision and sensitivity made the entire show feel seamless. Their chemistry with Ann was undeniable. Guitarist Tom Bukovac and producer-musician Paul Moak moved through every shift with practiced ease, providing a foundation that allowed her vocals to soar without restraint.

The synergy between Ann and her band illuminated the entire performance. They navigated every dynamic rise and subtle mood change with instinctive unity, creating a soundscape rich in depth and character. And while the band’s contribution elevated the show, it was Ann’s unmistakable voice—commanding, expressive, and fiercely alive—that remained the gravitational center, gripping the room from start to finish.

The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, with its storied history and close-up atmosphere, intensified every aspect of the show. Fans stood only steps away from the stage, absorbing the full impact of Ann’s vocal force and the band’s booming presence. The venue’s intimacy turned each note into something immediate and visceral, making the performance feel less like a concert and more like a shared chapter in rock’s living history.

Ann’s history with Led Zeppelin has always extended far beyond simple admiration. Heart’s deep connection to the band shaped their artistic identity from the beginning, culminating in the unforgettable Kennedy Center Honors tribute that famously brought Robert Plant to tears. That profound influence still echoes through Ann’s performances, and her tributes carry a sincerity that reveals just how deeply Zeppelin’s music helped sculpt her artistic spirit.

Throughout the evening, Ann mixed fresh creative works with timeless classics, proving she is still evolving rather than relying on past achievements. Tracks like “Greed” and “Black Wing” revealed new dimensions of her songwriting—moody, poetic, and powerful. Even as she debuted newer music, the fiery essence that defined her earliest days remained wholly intact, reminding fans that her creative flame continues to burn with undiminished intensity.

Her interpretation of “Black Dog” resonated not as a nostalgic callback but as a fierce demonstration of her enduring mastery. Approaching the song with the same grit and agility that defined her early career, she delivered each vocal leap and growling line with breathtaking force. The audience responded in kind, their cheers rising to meet her intensity, reaffirming her place among rock’s most unshakeable legends.

The Amazing Dawgs’ reimagined arrangement amplified the performance even further. Instead of replicating Zeppelin’s original blueprint, they infused the song with modern edges and shifting dynamics that made it both familiar and thrillingly new. Their interpretation preserved the song’s thunderous core while giving Ann all the space she needed to dominate the spotlight with her unmistakable voice.

The rest of the set delivered equally unforgettable moments, including soaring renditions of Queen’s “Love of My Life” and The Who’s explosive “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Each cover reflected her deep admiration for rock’s greatest architects while showcasing her rare gift for transforming iconic material into something deeply personal. These performances weren’t mere recreations—they were living expressions of songs that continue to define entire generations.

Every corner of the venue seemed fully immersed in the moment. Voices rose in unison, smiles spread across the crowd, and emotions ran visibly high as fans lost themselves in the music. The atmosphere felt electric yet intimate, as though everyone in the room understood they were part of a performance that would echo in memory long after the final notes faded.

Ann Wilson’s artistry endures because she relies on nothing but authenticity. No gimmicks, no props—only unmatched vocal power and the sincerity of someone who sings with her entire being. Her legacy grows not because she clings to the past, but because she continues to evolve while staying rooted in pure emotional truth. It’s why fans across generations remain fiercely loyal and why her influence only deepens with time.

When the final surge of “Black Dog” thundered through the ballroom, the room erupted into an ovation that shook the walls. It was a fitting end to a performance that showcased Ann Wilson at full strength—fearless, timeless, and utterly commanding. The evening reaffirmed what rock fans have known for decades: Ann Wilson doesn’t simply perform music—she embodies it.