I don’t enjoy going to concerts at large arenas. The last time was three years ago at the Bell Centre for Greta Van Fleet. I made an exception for Heart because I’ve never seen them before.
The show was postponed and cancelled so many times that I had given up hope, but they are part of my childhood soundtrack and I felt it would be my last chance.
Before I had ever even heard a Heart song, I have a vivid memory of being around 10 years old and going to The Bay with my mom. We went our separate ways so she could look at clothes and I could browse the records. It was the ’70s, so ditching your kid in a department store was good parenting.
As I flipped through all the albums, there was one in particular that stood out from all the rest, and I just stood there and stared at it. I don’t know for how long—probably until my mother came to get me. That image of two young and beautiful women staring defiantly back at me left an impression and a belief that I still hold decades later.
Women can be rock stars without trying to be masculine or objectified. They can be powerful while embracing their femininity, speaking their truth, and kicking ass. There were two sisters dressed in velvet and silk and lace, adorned with silver jewellery—one holding a mirror and one holding a comb.
In the background was a carriage, a horse, some long-haired men and even a goat. Whether they were gypsies or witches didn’t matter. Whatever their journey, I wanted to go along. The album was Little Queen.
I don’t know how Cheap Trick must’ve felt opening up for two ladies, but they sure as hell tried to make a lot of noise. I was a fan when I was a kid, but sort of lost interest over the years.
They played hard and sounded all right, but I just couldn’t get into it. I didn’t understand Zander’s white suit and large hat look. Nielsen tried to recreate that manic energy and was quite entertaining, but I felt it was rather performative.
Maybe it’s me, but hearing a dude in his 70s sing “I Want You to Want Me” is kind of cringe.
Cheap Trick Setlist:
- Hello There
- Big Eyes
- Lookout
- If You Want My Love
- She’s Tight
- California Man
- Ain’t That a Shame
- I Know What I Want
- The Flame
- I Want You to Want Me
- Dream Police
- Surrender
- Goodnight
A little after 9:00, someone came out to announce that although she had been suffering a lot of health issues, Ann was OK, but she would be performing in a wheelchair.
Wait, what?
And before I had time to process that information, the large screen in the background began a slideshow of famous people from the past 50 years, with the message “Since the beginning, we’ve seen a lot together.”
And then there they were, on the big stage in my hometown. Those two sisters that inspired me for decades and filled my awkward teenage years with a sense of possibilities and empowerment.
But now one of them was sitting in a wheelchair. Which had me thinking, “Never meet your heroes,” or in this case, don’t wait too long to see your favourite rock stars.
They sounded incredible, but I was not prepared to see Ann so incapacitated. I’m not being ageist, but it’s difficult to project the fiery energy that is Heart from a seated position, especially in such a large venue.
Luckily, they did a lovely acoustic set where the band sat around Ann, which Nancy described as “campfire style.” Her guitar playing was spectacular. I don’t think she gets enough credit.
“Dreamboat Annie” sounded heavenly. And their cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California” was fantastic.
Nancy told a great story of hanging out with Van Halen and how she gave him his first Ovation acoustic guitar. And then she played a beautiful solo acoustic piece called “4 Edward.”
Some of my highlights were Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” which was a fun surprise. And their cover of “The Ocean” was strong, especially the harmonies. I was satisfied with one Zeppelin cover, but two was much appreciated.
The crowd seemed to enjoy “What About Love” and “Alone,” but I think my favourite of the night was “Crazy on You.” The way Nancy mastered her acoustic guitar was a real joy to watch.
Strutting across the stage in her thigh-high purple suede boots, mini skirt, and Led Zeppelin T-shirt, shredding like a rock goddess with her blonde hair flying in the air, was magical.
In that moment, my inner 12-year-old felt like everything was going to be alright. She didn’t know yet that one day The Bay would be closing, her mom would be leaving this earth, and when she finally saw Ann Wilson belt out “Barracuda,” it would be from a wheelchair.
“Oh Annie, dreamboat Annie, little ship of dreams.”
Heart Setlist:
- Bebe Strange
- Never
- Magic Man
- Love Alive
- Little Queen
- Straight On / Let’s Dance
- These Dreams
- Crazy on You
- Dog & Butterfly
- Dreamboat Annie
- Going to California
- 4 Edward
- Mistral Wind
- Alone / What About Love
- Sand
- The Ocean
- Barracuda
Review – Annette Aghazarian
Photos – Nadia Davoli
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