Nancy Wilson Honors Rock Pioneer With Emotional New Lyrics

Heart’s Nancy Wilson has written new lyrics to honor Mike Fisher, an early creative force in the band’s story who passed away in August. The tribute appeared in Wilson’s Something Good blog, a newsletter she shares directly with fans. Although the post didn’t include a title or specify when the lyrics were composed, Wilson confirmed through a representative to UCR that she recently wrote them as a heartfelt salute to Fisher’s influence.

Mike Fisher was a vital part of Heart’s beginnings. His younger brother, Roger Fisher, co-founded the band’s earliest incarnation — The Army — in 1963 alongside bassist Steve Fossen. After cycling through names such as White Heart and Hocus Pocus, the group ultimately settled on the name Heart. Both Fisher brothers shared close personal ties with the Wilson sisters: Mike with Ann, and Roger with Nancy.

The Unsung Architect of Heart’s Early Success

Throughout the 1970s, Mike Fisher worked in a variety of roles for Heart and was often referred to as the band’s manager. In truth, he was something of a jack-of-all-trades — handling logistics, sound, and whatever else was needed to help the young band thrive. Though he briefly played drums in The Army, Fisher found his true calling behind the scenes, traveling with the band and running sound during their formative years.

“I never aspired to be a label in the music industry,” Fisher reflected in a 2013 interview. “I just had this vision for what those people could become and I was totally fired up and passionate about it. We all were for a long time. So to realize that dream was really incredible.”

Fisher’s creative and managerial guidance left a lasting mark. Ann Wilson immortalized him in the 1975 Heart classic “Magic Man,” while Nancy credits his sharp instincts and business acumen with helping the band find its footing. “He was a real taskmaster in the best possible way and even designed the classic Heart logo that is still the best of them all to this day,” she wrote.

A Heartfelt Goodbye and a Lasting Legacy

In her blog post, Nancy Wilson reflected on Fisher’s final days, recalling the moment she learned he was battling pancreatic cancer. “Recently his brother Roger Fisher let us know that sadly, Mike was in rapid decline,” she wrote. “I thought it would be a good thing for Mike to hear a voicemail where I could say thank you for all the great things he did for the legacy of Heart and how it still is so vital and meaningful in rock history to this day. So I did.”

She later heard how much the message meant to him. “I heard back how much he loved and appreciated hearing that. It meant really a lot to him,” she said. “He was able to clear away any old hard feelings from the past. He left us too soon and I thought of a song to honor him. Here’s the words.”

I can see your eyes
Oh brother brother
I can see your eyes
Searching through our time
Oh brother brother
I can see your eyes
They tell me
They tell me all is not lost
A story
A victory over darkness we shall prevail
Swinging the world by the tail
Angel
Angel
I can hear your laugh
Oh brother brother
I can hear your laugh
Present and the past
Oh brother brother
I can hear your laugh
The river
Forever dance to the sea
Remember
We sing your song
Always telling your magical tale
Sipping on the holy grail
Angel
Angel
Sipping on the holy grail
Swinging the world by the tale
Angel
Angel

As Wilson’s tribute reminds fans, Heart’s story has always been as much about relationships as it is about music — a band built on family, creativity, and reinvention. Nearly five decades after their debut, Heart continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary with newly added Royal Flush tour dates extending into 2026.

Nancy Wilson will also make an appearance at this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where longtime friends Soundgarden will be honored. With a milestone tour ahead and new music in motion, Heart’s enduring spirit — and the legacy of those who helped shape it — continues to beat strong.