Heart’s Nancy Wilson Confirms Their Shows Are 100% Live with No Playback

In a recent sit-down with FOX 10 Phoenix’s Newsmaker segment, Nancy Wilson — guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Heart — opened up about the group’s ongoing tour, their musical legacy, and what keeps her excited to step on stage after five decades in the business.

Still Nervous, Still Real

When asked by host John Hook if she still feels a rush of nerves before performing, Wilson responded without hesitation.

“Absolutely,” she said. “If I’m not nervous, I start to worry — that adrenaline means you’re fully present. It’s a live show, no pre-recorded parts, no do-overs. It happens once, in real time, and that’s where the magic is. If you’re not at least a little nervous, you’re just going through the motions. That’s not real.”

Wilson explained that her connection to music began in childhood, long before fame or image became a factor. “We were passionate about music even as little kids. Before we knew anything about sex appeal or image, we were already skilled musicians. So we just went for it, put in the work, and here we are, 50 years later — proof that it worked.”

A Multi-Generational Revival

Heart’s 2024–2026 tour run has seen fans of all ages attending shows — from long-time followers to college students and children discovering the band for the first time.

“That’s the most rewarding part of being out on the road again,” Nancy said. “You see families showing up together — little kids, their parents, and college-aged fans — all at the same concert. Some only know us from the ’80s hits, and they’re just discovering the earlier stuff now. It’s a multi-generational experience.”

She also reflected on the deeper meaning of the band’s name. “Being called Heart, we try to live up to that. These shows bring people together, and if something you created decades ago is still echoing into future generations, that’s the biggest win you can hope for.”

Ann Wilson on Performing Through Injury

While Heart’s shows continue, vocalist Ann Wilson has been performing seated due to a recent injury — a detail that surprised fans earlier this year.

During a March episode of her podcast After Dinner Thinks, Ann clarified the reason. “Some people thought the wheelchair was because of my cancer, which I just beat, by the way. But it’s not that — I fell and shattered my elbow in three places.”

Now performing with her arm in a sling, she explained how the injury affects her stage presence. “Singing with your balance off, with one arm not moving — it’s tough. Sitting lets me focus on the music without worrying I’ll tip over.”

Despite the injury, Ann has powered through performances during the band’s “Royal Flush” tour, which began February 28 in Las Vegas and wrapped its first leg on April 16 in New York City. The tour hit major cities like Milwaukee, Montreal, Toronto, and Boston along the way.

Heart also launched their “An Evening With Heart” tour in spring/summer 2025, beginning May 31 in Atlantic City and ending June 28 in Hollywood, Florida. The shows featured two full sets each night.

Heart’s Comeback After a Fractured Past

Heart’s current lineup includes Nancy Wilson (guitar, vocals), Ann Wilson (vocals, flute), Ryan Wariner (guitar), Ryan Waters (guitar), Paul Moak (guitar, keyboards), Tony Lucido (bass), and Sean Lane (drums).

Their 2023 return to the stage — following a four-year break — marked a new chapter. They played three comeback shows in December: in Highland and Palm Desert, California, and Seattle. Before that, their last live show was in October 2019, after a difficult rift between the Wilson sisters that had kept them apart for three years.

But in 2013, Heart’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction served as a powerful reunion moment. Ann and Nancy performed together with the original lineup — Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen, Michael DeRosier, and Howard Leese — for the first time in 34 years.

A Legacy Cemented in Rock History

When Heart first emerged with their 1975 debut Dreamboat Annie, the concept of women fronting a hard rock band was almost unheard of. But the Wilson sisters quickly became stars, breaking barriers and creating timeless anthems like “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” and “These Dreams.”

With over 35 million albums sold, Heart’s influence remains undeniable. Their 2012 memoir, Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock & Roll, became a New York Times bestseller, offering fans a closer look at their journey through music, fame, and family.

Now, with their legacy solidified and a new generation singing along, Heart continues to beat strong — and louder than ever.