Ann Wilson
Great American Music Hall
May 4, 2022
Photo by Raymond Ahner,
Having just released her third studio solo record, Fierce Bliss, Heart vocalist Ann Wilson has hit the road in support of it, and recently played the Great American Music Hall on the opening night of the tour. And judging from the packed room that included generations of fans, the tour will undoubtedly be a success.
The show may have been an all-seated affair, but that didn’t stop the fans from getting on their feet as the lights dimmed and Ann took the stage with her band. Kicking off the first of two sets with the Heart classic “Even It Up,” Ann sounded and looked great as she interacted with her guitarist, Tom Bucovac. From there she went into “Black Wing,” off of the new record, during which she played her flute. Over the next forty-five minutes, Ann and and her band played not only some of the Heart songs the band is most known for (“Magic Man” and “Love Alive”), but also a handful of covers, including “Isolation,” (John Lennon), “Bridge of Sighs” (Robin Trower), and “Forget Her” by Jeff Buckley, who she mentioned that she was a great fan of, and that “He was just getting started.” Ann and company closed out the first set with a belting rendition of The Who’s “Love, Reign O’ er Me,” but they weren’t done quite yet.
After a thirty minute break Ann and the band returned to the stage and kicked off their second set with “Crazy On You,” before Queen’s “Love of My Life,” Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” and of course, “Barracuda.” After another Heart classic (“Straight On”), Ann closed out the evening with the Led Zeppelin songs, “Going To California,” and “Black Dog.” Ann seemed to be having a ball on stage, which made the evening seem far too brief.
By the time it was all said and done, Ann Wilson was nothing short of spectacular, and here’s hoping she (and Heart) return to the Bay Area soon.
