Heart’s Enduring Power: Ann and Nancy Wilson Dazzle with “Straight On” and “Let’s Dance” in 2025
Ann Wilson’s seated comeback at Crypto.com Arena on March 3, 2025—just weeks after finishing chemotherapy—was more than music; it was a declaration of defiance. With her cropped new hairstyle and resting her fractured elbow on the chair (unrelated to her cancer), she exuded strength. Under the late-evening glow, what shone through wasn’t fragility but sheer fire.
Nancy Wilson, graceful as ever, brought balance and brilliance—her guitar resonating with soulful clarity. Together, the sisters embodied perseverance in motion, proving that decades of legacy don’t diminish artistry. At 71, Nancy’s radiant energy and flawless harmonies with Ann left the audience breathless.
The concert began with a powerful visual montage of Heart’s journey, set to Peter Gabriel’s music, retracing their rise year by year until “Bébé Le Strange” erupted in red light. The moment felt like a phoenix rising, the perfect signal of rebirth.
Seated yet unstoppable, Ann unleashed “Never” with unshaken force. Her voice reverberated across the arena, reminding everyone that rock isn’t about standing tall—it’s about spirit. And hers filled every corner of the room.
She slowed the tempo with “Love Alive,” reflecting on Heart’s early days and the sting of an old review that once dismissed their sound as “foghorns.” Yet here she was, decades later, triumphant, the very embodiment of endurance.
“Straight On” surged next, morphing into a dazzling take on David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The shift felt symbolic—bold, surprising, and filled with elegance. Nancy’s shimmering guitar gave the song depth, her presence as vital as ever.
“These Dreams” found Nancy stepping forward with tender, haunting vocals that melted the crowd. At 71, she delivered nuance and poise that only years of artistry could bring, reaffirming Heart’s unmatched emotional range.
The iconic acoustic flurry of “Crazy on You” set the arena ablaze. Ann’s voice, like a storm breaking loose, cascaded with raw power. Singing that hard while seated is punishing on the diaphragm—but she conquered every note.
Between songs, Ann spoke warmly of Los Angeles, reflecting on recording sessions and surviving wildfires. Her voice softened, her eyes glistened—this wasn’t just a concert, but a homecoming stitched with memories of hardship and hope.
“Dog & Butterfly” carried a hushed reverence, Ann’s storytelling tone guiding the audience into reflection. It felt like distilled wisdom—an artist still searching, still unafraid to be vulnerable.
Nancy then took the crowd into Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” weaving suspense and serenity. It was more than homage—it was a testament to her own artistry, seamlessly bending genres without ever losing her identity.
She followed with “4 Edward,” her tribute to Eddie Van Halen. Nancy recalled gifting him a guitar and his late-night call playing something unforgettable. That memory transformed into a moving instrumental—haunting, tender, and radiant with love.
The momentum built with a rush of classics: “Alone” flowed into “What About Love,” then “Magic Man” ignited the arena, filling it with fire and nostalgia. Every note was a celebration of Heart’s legacy.
Instead of breaking for an encore, the sisters dove straight into “Sand,” a Lovemongers deep cut dedicated to a friend lost to AIDS. It was sobering yet uplifting, grief and gratitude carried in perfect harmony.
The finale roared to life with Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean,” sparking waves of headbanging energy, before “Barracuda” ripped through the arena like lightning. Ann’s vocals struck with ferocity, Nancy’s riffs cut sharp and true. The closing moments felt like a glorious storm unleashed.
Ann, 74, seated but indomitable, proved why her voice has defined five decades of rock. Nancy, 71, radiant and masterful, reminded the world that her artistry still burns bright. This was more than a concert—it was a testament to courage, transformation, and the unbreakable spirit of rock and roll.
