Those of us of a certain age grew up listening to the iconic rock band Heart, comprised of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson and their incredible band. Naturally, when they came to Nashville in 2019, I wanted to see them perform, and they were outstanding despite being in their 60’s.
We later learned that Ann had experienced some health issues, so I was surprised to hear about their Royal Flush tour in 2025. This news rekindled my excitement, especially ahead of their last show of 2025 in Nashville, when I was privileged to speak with Nancy Wilson about their forthcoming show and promote their 2026 tour.
Heart’s songs are timeless. If you are 50+ years old and you listened to the radio at all, their songs are part of the soundtrack of your life. Reflecting on their music, the thing I like most about them is that their lyrics are as meaningful as their jamming melodies. Songs like “Straight On,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” and “These Dreams” don’t just sound great; they have something to say. When you combine Nancy’s rocking guitar riffs with Ann’s powerhouse vocals, you create an enduring sound that will be around long after they (we) are gone.
Nancy stated, “I feel lucky that we wrote a couple of pretty cool songs that people still want to come out and share them with us.”
Ann wrote “Dog and Butterfly” (based on a true story), the words for “Crazy On You,” and they collaborated on their massive hit, “Barracuda.” “Ann really cares about the lyrics,” Nancy reported. And don’t forget my favorite Heart song that the sisters wrote, “Magic Man.” The song connects with me on a personal level.
And while I am a huge fan of country music, seeing Heart in concert again reminded me of the many layers of their vibrant music. Nancy agreed, “With guitar playing, what you leave out is just as important as where you do play. It’s the breadth and the space between the parts that tell the story. When you restrain it a little bit, and you bring it back, it’s like double strength because you’ve restrained it first.”
One of the biggest influences on Nancy and Ann Wilson was the band Led Zeppelin. When Led Zeppelin were honored at the Kennedy Center in 2012, Heart’s cover of “Stairway to Heaven” was spellbinding. It is one of the most remarkable tributes ever done at a Kennedy Honors event. Robert Plant was brought to tears. You will hear a Led Zeppelin cover or two at their concert.
While Nancy still lives in their hometown of Seattle, Ann currently resides in Nashville, along with members of their backing band who are among the most talented rockers I have heard to date.
But what impressed me most was the band’s energy. Unlike some groups, there is nothing pre-recorded; every instrumental, vocal, and lick is live. The adrenaline kicks in, and a connection forms between the audience and the band. “You have a book of lyrics to sing, and with dreams of beautiful music and poetry to convey,” Nancy confirmed.
She continued, “Songs are the language that everyone speaks, and the songs are kind of bigger than we are in a lot of ways.”
As I was adding song links to this article, what struck me was that their live versions of their songs were every bit as good as their studio recordings, maybe even better. That is why you want to see them in person.
The good news is that Heart is continuing their Royal Flush tour in 2026 and will be playing all over the Midwest and Southeast.
Heart makes you remember in all the best ways possible. If you have a chance to see them live, go!
You can follow Heart on their website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and all streaming services.
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and X.
