Heart, the iconic rock band led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, made a powerful return to live music with their first concert in over four years. The event took place on December 27, 2023, at the Yaamava’ Theater in Highland, CA, and marked a significant moment for the band and its fans. This return was not initially branded as a reunion, but the energy and excitement around their performance certainly gave it that feel.
The Wilson sister’s shared the stage unexpectedly on October 10 during Ann’s concert in Santa Rosa, California, where Nancy made a surprise appearance. The duo performed Heart’s classic hit “Barracuda”, which was a notable moment since it was the first time they had performed together on stage since 2019. This reunion hinted at the possibility of more collaborative efforts, and indeed, Nancy had revealed in an interview that she was working on new music with Ann, indicating a resurgence in their creative partnership.
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The setlist for Heart’s comeback show was a striking blend of their classic hits, and a nod to their rock roots, with an homage to Led Zeppelin. The main set included beloved Heart songs such as “Magic Man”, “Barracuda”, and “Crazy On You”. This was followed by an encore that paid tribute to Zeppelin by covering “The Battle of Evermore” and “Stairway to Heaven”.
The choice of Led Zeppelin songs for the encore held special significance, particularly with “Stairway to Heaven”. Heart’s rendition of this iconic song has a storied past, most notably when they performed it at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012, in the presence of Led Zeppelin members themselves. Their powerful performance was so moving that it famously brought Robert Plant to tears, a testament to the depth and emotion Heart infused into the song. The fact that Robert Plant was in attendance at this recent Heart concert added an extra layer of resonance to their performance of “Stairway to Heaven” during the encore, echoing a moment that has become a poignant part of rock history.
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Their relationship, both as sisters and bandmates, has experienced its challenges over the years. A family dispute in 2016 led to a significant rift, impacting their professional collaboration. However, they managed to overcome these challenges and reunite for the “Love Alive” tour in 2019. Despite these ups and downs, their recent performances show a renewed commitment to their music and to each other.
In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Heart has planned a series of performances. These include various U.S. stadium shows where they will be opening for Def Leppard and Journey, as well as festival dates in Europe. The setlist for their comeback show included a mix of Heart classics and Led Zeppelin covers, showcasing their versatility and enduring appeal as a rock band.
The band’s live dates for 2023 and 2024 have been announced, including performances in Cleveland, Toronto, Boston, Oslo, and at the Bospop Festival in the Netherlands.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjodnYKhMNw?si=BAvvwJH-uuwA-WXn]
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Sources:
– Best Classic Bands. “Heart Plays First Concert in 4 Years.” December 28, 2023. Best Classic Bands.
– Blabbermouth. “Watch: HEART Plays First Concert In More Than Four Years.” December 28, 2023. Blabbermouth.net.
– Nancy Wilson of Heart. “HEART LIVE DATES ANNOUNCED.” December 14, 2023. Nancy Wilson of Heart Official Website.
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