In a highly anticipated return to the stage, veteran rock band HEART is proving that resilience and talent can overcome adversity. The band recently launched the 2025 leg of their "Royal Flush" tour, featuring lead singer Ann Wilson, who is performing in a wheelchair due to a broken elbow sustained just days before the tour's kick-off. Despite this setback, the iconic duo of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson is wowing audiences across North America with their powerful performances.
The tour commenced on February 28, 2025, in Las Vegas, and sees HEART playing an impressive array of hits from their extensive catalog. Ann, who celebrated the successful completion of her cancer treatment last year, is back and sounding strong even from her seated position. "Well, the show's been really rolling out beautifully," Nancy Wilson noted in a recent interview with WIVB-TV in Buffalo. "Right before we came out, Ann was starting to really be moving and looking and sounding amazingly well after what she endured for about eight months, getting over the chemo." While Nancy is optimistic about Ann's recovery, the injury meant a change in the performance dynamic, with Ann having to adapt to singing while seated.
Ann reflected on her wheelchair situation in her podcast, "After Dinner Thinks," clarifying that her current condition is not a result of her cancer but rather from an accident where she broke her elbow in three places. She explained that she has "too much pain" to stand during performances, requiring her to sit in order to focus on singing. “I think some people thought that I was in a wheelchair because of cancer, which I just kicked its ass and I'm nice and clear now,” she stated, emphasizing that her current struggle is simply due to a mishap. Fans have shown immense support, understanding the nature of her performance challenges, and they continue to cheer for her while she adjusts to singing from the chair.
During the show, the Wilson sisters deliver a captivating setlist that includes beloved tracks, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for the audience. "The HEART show is pretty diverse and there’s big rock, heavy rock and then there’s super-powerful romantic ballads and emotional stuff and storytelling and acoustic fireplace moments," Nancy highlighted during the interview. The combination of energetic rock anthems and heartfelt ballads creates a dynamic experience for fans of all ages. The current tour has led them through cities like Milwaukee, Montreal, and Boston while concluding on April 16, 2025, in New York City.
The broad appeal of HEART stems from their evolution as artists. In the early years, the sisters faced challenges, including inherent sexism in the rock industry, but they persevered, culminating in their Rock And Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2013. There was a well-chronicled rupture between the sisters during the youth of their careers, but subsequent reunions have allowed them to revisit their past while embracing their future. "The reality is we’re lucky to still be able to do this," Nancy said. "When it becomes physically harder to do the work that we’re blessed to be able to do, it becomes more precious." This reflection on their longevity echoes the current sentiments of their fanbase, who genuinely appreciate the authenticity and presence of the sisters on stage.
Moreover, HEART is set to further engage their fanbase with the announcement of their upcoming "An Evening With Heart" tour, which kicks off on May 31, 2025, at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City and runs through June 28, 2025, in Hollywood, Florida. This tour promises a different format, allowing for extended sets that showcase the depth of HEART's musical journey.
At a performance in Calgary, the energy remained infectious despite Ann's wheelchair presence. According to reviews, the band delivered a solid 90-minute show, touching on multiple styles that encompassed their lengthy career. The exhilaration of longtime fans was palpable, and the supportive atmosphere underscored the humanity and brotherhood within the music community. Although HEART's performances might occasionally appear workmanlike, they maintain their appeal through genuine expressions of music. Critics noted the poignant balance of hard-rock hits and acoustic numbers throughout the show. The band’s musical diversity remains evident as they seamlessly transitioned between powerful anthems and softer ballads.
In one notable moment, Nancy Wilson delivered an acoustic instrumental piece as a touching tribute to Eddie Van Halen, showcasing the personal connections that underscore their performances. Each segment of the concert offered a reminder of the raw emotional power of their music and the memories they have created with fans over the decades.
In the wake of Ann Wilson's cancer struggle and her current arm injury, both sisters are remarkably grounded about their experiences. Their journey reflects important messages of courage and resilience, resonating not just with their concert audiences but within broader discussions about women's empowerment and the challenges of aging in performing arts. Fans can expect a combination of nostalgia and forward-looking enthusiasm with their upcoming concerts while cherishing the phenomenal legacy of HEART.
Anticipation builds for HEART's performance at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on March 24, 2025, where they are set to bring a blend of their classic hits, deep cuts, and heartfelt interaction with the audience. The Wilson sisters continue to inspire, turning challenges into opportunities both on and off the stage.
