MUSIC

Artist: Heart, Calgary 20/3/25; Edmonton 21/3/25

I got hooked on the band Heart back in the ’80s when their Brigade album made a splash (such that I wrote a book inspired by it), so finally getting to see them live (twice!) was a true bucket list moment. Sisters Ann and Nancy are in their 70s, not that you’d know it. Ann, who has fended off cancer and performs from a wheelchair due to a recently broken elbow, is a clear trouper, her voice strong and clear; Nancy prowls the stage with her guitar, bobbing, hopping, interacting with her bandmates, taking the lead vocals on These Dreams. There’s some banter, introductions to a couple of songs, nods to Bowie and Zep. The song selection is superb, showcasing the band’s versatility, from the classic rock power of closer ‘Barracuda’ to soaring hits like ‘Alone’ and ‘Never’ to acoustic ballads such as ‘Dog and Butterfly’. The 90-minute set is a tour de force that was totally worth the journey.

Further reading: Heart’s Vancouver concert reviewed @ the Vancouver Sun: https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/music/concert-review-heart-royal-flush-2025-tour-vancouver