Few artists have given me actual goosebumps, but Ann Wilson’s vocals and Nancy Wilson’s guitar playing delivered chills during Heart’s recent show at Ravinia Festival. The legendary first sisters of rock and roll wowed a multi-generational crowd in a display of resilience and enduring artistry.
The Wilson sisters have had their ups and downs in Heart’s five-decade career. Most recently, they reunited after taking a break due to a family fallout in 2016. Last summer, Ann Wilson underwent cancer treatment. While she’s now cancer free, Ann remained seated during the performance after recently breaking her elbow. This didn’t limit Ann’s iconic, searing vocal delivery which only got mightier as the set continued.
The show started with a timeline of cultural events since Heart’s debut in 1975. The 2025 graphic representing the rise of AI said, “Write me a song about what happens when AI takes over.” The Wilsons along with six-piece backing band kicked things off in the ‘80s with the bluesy "Bébé le Strange" followed by the power ballad “Never.” Next, they ventured into Dreamboat Annie territory with their breakout hit “Magic Man,” bringing the crowd to their feet the first of many times.
Ann looked regal in a velvet jacket bedazzled in crystals and sporting a short white bob from her chair center stage. Meanwhile, Nancy switched between electric and acoustic guitar, shredding from every corner of the stage with knee-high purple boots and pink streaks in her blonde hair. Nancy dedicated “These Dreams” to her baby granddaughter who was in attendance at her first rock show.
After reflecting on their beginnings as a band with “Little Queen,” Heart melded “Straight On” right into a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” Nancy took the lead on “Love Mistake,” a tribute to a heartbroken friend, before launching into the iconic acoustic guitar work that kicks off “Crazy On You.” The electrifying anthem showcased Ann’s vocal ferocity, altered in the five decades since the song was recorded but still wailing at 75 years old.
Nancy continued with a story about her friendship with the late Eddie Van Halen in the “roaring ‘80s.” “It was roaring alright, but we lived to tell,” she said. She gave Van Halen his first acoustic guitar and he called to play her a song he wrote. In turn, Nancy dedicated “4 Edward” to him, an instrumental acoustic song that showed off her prowess.
After playing the melodic “Love Alive” and a cover of Chris Thompson’s protest song “You’re the Voice.” Ann introduced it saying, “This song has stood the test of time, and we should all pay attention in today’s world.”
Ann matched Robert Plant’s vocal delivery in a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rain Song” accented by swirling lights. The lyric, “Upon us all, upon us all a little rain must fall,” was even more poignant coming from her. Finally, “Alone” began with Ann’s vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar before shapeshifting into the powerhouse “What About Love” to end the set.
The sisters introduced a “fake encore,” not bothering to leave the stage before playing “Sand” from the sisters’ Lovemongers side project. Dedicated to a friend who passed away, Ann said they were “heartbroken but happy to send him on his way.”
Heart ended the show squarely in the ‘70s with a thundering cover of Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean” followed by the blistering “Barracuda.” The hit still gets the blood pumping and has fans on their feet. As the band took a bow, it felt like they had the energy to play for hours more. The Wilson sisters have never been for the faint of heart, and they aren’t stopping anytime soon.
The Ravinia Festival's 2025 Summer Lineup runs through August 31 and features a bevvy of amazing events for music lovers of all genres! Head over to the events page and discover all the wonderful concerts going on this year!
