By Rebecca Clark
CMAC might have been one of the coldest nights since spring on August 29th, but that didn’t stop fans from showing up to see Heart and they were rewarded with a night full of rock, nostalgia, and inspiring energy.
The evening kicked off with Todd Rundgren, who brought a shimmering 80s flair to the stage with his shimmery jacket and engaging presence. Rundgren’s guitar playing was excellent, and his band had a tight, infectious energy. The synth player was fully into it, shaking his booty during songs, while the keyboard player jammed alongside him.
The track “Love is The Answer Love,” with its 80s synth sound, stood out as a highlight, and you could tell this band genuinely enjoys performing together. Rundgren frequently stepped to the edge of the stage, completely immersing himself in the lyrics, which made for a fun and intimate opener.
Heart kicked off their set with a dramatic countdown of major news events spanning their decades together, building anticipation before launching into a thunderous Led Zeppelin-inspired intro. The momentum carried seamlessly into a mix of their own classics and Zeppelin covers woven throughout the night. Their admiration for Led Zeppelin was unmistakable, injecting an infectious energy that kept the crowd fully engaged.
Lead vocalist Anne Wilson, seated for much of the night, sounded phenomenal, a true testament to her resilience after last year’s health battles. Her voice remains powerful and nuanced, a joy to hear live, and seeing her back on stage was deeply inspiring.
Nancy Wilson, equally radiant, delivered breathtaking guitar playing throughout the night, rocking cute purple boots that balanced punk attitude with classic elegance. Her presence is magnetic, commanding the stage while effortlessly connecting with the crowd. Hearing Nancy sing “These Dreams” took us back to the big ballad days of the 80’s.
Anne shared heartfelt stories, including a touching reflection on their beginnings, when the industry tried to make them conform. She introduced “Little Queen” as a song born from their determination to be authentic.
Nancy offered a personal anecdote about Eddie Van Halen, recalling how she gifted him a high-quality acoustic guitar during a their ’80s tour. She said Eddie stayed up all night playing it in his hotel room, later calling her to share a piece he wrote, an intimate and beautiful connection that inspired her song “For Edward.”
The performance itself moved fluidly between rock and ballads. Dramatic drum-led intro to Magic Man had the crowd dancing, and their cover of Chris Thompson’s “You’re the Voice” brought a UK hit stateside, as Nancy explained. The band’s playful mashups, like blending “Straight On” with Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” kept the energy high, and Heart’s genuine joy in performing was captivating.
They closed the night with a Led Zeppelin cover, “The Ocean,” before ending on the iconic “Barracuda,” leaving the crowd exhilarated.
Heart at CMAC was a celebration of longevity, authenticity, and pure rock energy. Even on one of the chilliest nights of the year, the warmth of their music and the dedication of the fans made it a night to remember.
Heart Setlist:
Bebe Le Strange
Never
Love Alive
Little Queen
These Dreams
Crazy on You
Dog & Butterfly
Going to California (Led Zeppelin cover)
4 Edward (Nancy Wilson song)
Magic Man
You’re the Voice (Chris Thompson cover)
The Rain Song (Led Zeppelin cover)
Straight On / Let’s Dance
Alone / What About Love
The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover)
Barracuda