Ann Wilson Says Music Industry Now Is “Unrecognizable”

Legendary rock band Heart’s vocalists, the Wilson sisters, Nancy and Ann, are no strangers to breaking barriers. In a recent interview with ABC News, they revisited their experiences navigating a male-dominated music industry in the 1970s and 80s.

Nancy shared how their arrival on the scene challenged expectations, stating that their debut album in 1975 left audiences bewildered. This initial resistance highlighted the Wilsons’ pioneering role as female rockers during a time of limited representation.

But the conversation didn’t just focus on the past. Ann also offered her perspective on the present state of the music industry. The dramatic changes she’s witnessed over the decades are sure to be fascinating, considering the Wilsons’ own experiences defying expectations in a bygone era. 

Early Struggles and Sisterly Humor

Ann Wilson further explained the initial challenges they faced. Rock and roll, she said, was simply not seen as a woman’s domain. Audiences were unsure how to react to these two talented women taking center stage.

This lack of familiarity translated to a slow burn for mainstream recognition. It took them “several years”, as Ann put it, to truly “catch on”.

Nancy, on the other hand, added a humorous anecdote to the conversation. Referencing the classic thought experiment of monkeys with typewriters eventually producing great literature, she said, “Our joke was always, like, ‘Well, if you give the monkeys some typewriters, eventually they’ll type the Gettysburg address’.”

The key difference, of course, is that the Wilson sisters possessed immense talent. They weren’t relying on chance – they were using their skills and determination to carve their own path in the music industry.

A Different Music Landscape

Ann offered her perspective on the dramatic changes in the music industry. “The music industry has changed as to be unrecognizable to what it was then,” she remarked. One key difference is the sheer volume of choices available to listeners today.

Music is “pigeonholed into a million little places,” allowing listeners to curate their experience and focus solely on genres they already enjoy. This stands in stark contrast to their own experiences, where radio stations played a wider variety of music, exposing audiences to a broader range of sounds.

Nancy echoed her sister’s sentiments. She highlighted the role of traditional radio as a “connector”. Back in their day, radio stations served as a unifying force, bringing people together by playing a diverse selection of music.

Listeners shared experiences by attending “the same shows” and discovering new artists through radio recommendations. Today, however, music consumption is much more individualized, with curated playlists and personalized recommendations delivered straight to our phones.

Heart’s Current Lineup and Recent Performances

Heart’s current lineup features a talented group of musicians alongside the iconic Wilson sisters.  Nancy holds down rhythm, lead, and acoustic guitar duties, along with both backing and lead vocals. Ann continues to captivate audiences with her powerful lead vocals and flute playing.  

Rounding out the band are Ryan Wariner (lead and rhythm guitar), Ryan Waters (guitars), Paul Moak (guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals), Tony Lucido (bass and backing vocals), and Sean Lane (drums and, interestingly, bike).

In a welcome return to the stage, Heart performed its first three concerts in over four years last December. These shows took place in Highland, California, at Greater Palm Springs in Palm Desert, California, and finally, a homecoming performance in Seattle, Washington.

The December 27th, 2023 concert in Highland marked the end of a hiatus that began in October of 2019, when the band last performed in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fans were undoubtedly thrilled to see Heart back in action after such a long break.

Heart Sets Sail on the Royal Flush Tour

This spring, Heart will also hit the road for their Royal Flush tour, marking their first return to touring in five years. Kicking off on April 20th in Greenville, South Carolina, the tour promises an exciting mix of classic hits and electrifying live performances.

Fans can expect Cheap Trick to join them as special guests on most of the North American leg, while Squeeze will provide support for some of Heart’s summer European dates. For those seeking an even bigger dose of rock royalty, Heart will also be joining forces with Def Leppard and Journey for a series of stadium shows in Cleveland, Toronto, and Boston.

This tour isn’t just about celebrating a return to the stage – it’s also a testament to Heart’s enduring legacy. Since their formation in the early 1970s, they’ve sold a staggering 35 million albums, including seven that cracked the Top 10 charts. Their impressive collection of hits also boasts 20 Top 40 singles, solidifying their place as one of rock’s most successful bands.

In recognition of their immense contributions to music, Heart was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. With such a rich history and a packed touring schedule, the Royal Flush tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and those discovering Heart’s music for the first time.