Allentown Fair preview: Heart to rock Grandstand
In 1975, a pivotal year marked by the conclusion of Watergate, the founding of Microsoft, and the debut of “Saturday Night Live,” Heart emerged with its inaugural album, “Dreamboat Annie.” Now, fifty years later, as they embark on their Royal Flush Tour 2025, the band has weathered the storm of lead singer Ann Wilson’s cancer diagnosis last year. Her treatment journey culminated in the successful recovery that has allowed Heart to resume live performances, with Nancy Wilson, her sister and bandmate, noting Ann’s exceptional progress and readiness to reclaim the stage.
“We were getting our million thrills on stage every night, and then it was like (sad trombone music),” Nancy amusingly expressed, recalling the premature halt to their tour plans in 2024. Among the canceled shows was their appearance at the Allentown Fair, rescheduled to grace the event’s opening night on Aug. 27 this year. The band’s touring schedule involves a rotating lineup of opening acts such as Squeeze, Lucinda Williams, and Cheap Trick, the latter having shared innumerable moments on the road with Heart.
Rehearsed and ready, Heart’s current tour format allows for a more expansive setlist and the exploration of diverse musical offerings. Nancy Wilson shared her excitement about the prospect of crafting a flexible performance, combining electrifying hits with serene acoustic renditions, including the revival of rare gems like ‘How Deep It Goes’ and ‘Treat Me Well’ to enrich the concert experience for both longtime fans and newer generations.
The Beatles’ appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” served as a pivotal inspiration for Heart’s musical journey. However, the Wilson sisters’ eclectic upbringing in a home filled with varied musical genres from the ’40s big bands to ’50s folk and pop shaped their diverse sound. Nancy reminisced about a musical landscape that ranged from Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles to Broadway show tunes, setting the stage for Heart to carve its unique path that led to commercial success and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2013.
Navigating the complexities of leadership in a renowned band, Nancy attributed Heart’s enduring relevance to a blend of unwavering discipline, a touch of humor, and a resilient work ethic. Looking ahead, the band’s creative ventures continue, with new material in the works to capture the essence of juxtaposed heavy and light dynamics, akin to their musical heroes Led Zeppelin. As the journey forward unfolds, Heart remains steadfast in their commitment to evolving their sound and leaving an indelible mark in the world of rock music.