BY TER STAFF
Classic rock enthusiasts flocked to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL last night to witness a evening of musical brilliance headlined by the legendary Heart. With the hometown ledges, Cheap Trick, opening the show, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of rock and roll. Fans eagerly filled the Chicagoland arena, their excitement palpable as they anticipated an evening of iconic hits and stellar performances.
Cheap Trick, with their roots firmly planted in Illinois, wasted no time igniting the crowd with their high-energy performance to kick off the performances. The band played a mix of their timeless hits like “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender,” seamlessly blending nostalgia with raw, live energy. Robin Zander’s vocals were as sharp, and Rick Nielsen’s guitar antics kept the audience on their toes. Their set was a perfect appetizer, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for the main act.
As the lights dimmed and Peter Gabriel’s “The Feeling Begins” filled the arena while images of pop culture from the past few decades were projected for the audience, reminding fans just how long Heart has been a household name in music, Ann and Nancy Wilson took the stage, instantly commanding attention. The sisters, who have been the heart and soul of the band since its inception, delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular from the sets opener, “Bebe Le Strange” to the show’s encore. Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals were a force to be reckoned with. From the hauntingly beautiful “Alone”, which perflectly blended into their performance of “What About Love” to the fiery “Barracuda,” her voice soared effortlessly, filling every corner of the arena. Nancy Wilson’s guitar work was equally impressive, her riffs and solos adding a raw edge to the evening’s performance.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of Heart’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and deeper cuts that showcased the band’s musical range. “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You” had the audience singing along, while the symbolic “Dog & Butterfly” brought a quieter, reflective moment to the night. “These Dreams” highlighted Nancy’s ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that had the crowd swaying in unison. The powerful “Love Alive” was another standout, with its intricate intro leading into Ann Wilson’s flute performance that sent chills down the spine.
One of the surprise highlights of the evening was the band’s acoustic rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going To California” Heart’s covers of Zeppelin have become a fan favorite throughout the years and last night was no exception. Ann’s vocals brought a new depth to the song, leaving the audience in awe.
Not to be overlooked, the production quality of the concert was top-notch. The sound was crisp and clear, allowing every note and lyric to be heard with precision. The band’s chemistry was palpable, their decades of performing together translating into a seamless and engaging live show.
Throughout the night, Heart’s connection with their audience was undeniable. The band took moments between songs to express gratitude to their long-time fans, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the arena setting.
As the concert drew to a close with the powerful “Barracuda,” the energy in the arena was electric. Heart had delivered a masterclass in classic rock performance, proving that their music is as timeless as ever. The encore performance brought the night to a euphoric end, with Ann’s vocal acrobatics and Nancy’s frenetic guitar playing leaving the crowd wanting more.
Heart’s concert at the Allstate Arena was a triumphant return to form for the iconic band. Ann and Nancy Wilson showed that they are still at the top of their game, delivering a show that was both a trip down memory lane and a testament to their enduring talent. For the fans who were there, it was a night to remember, filled with the kind of musical magic that only Heart can create.
As the final notes echoed through the arena and the crowd erupted in applause, one thing was clear: Heart’s legacy in rock and roll is not just intact, but thriving!
SETLIST
- Bebe Le Strange
- Never
- Love Alive
- Little Queen
- This Is Now (Ann Wilson & Tripsitter cover)
- Straight On / Let’s Dance
- These Dreams
- Crazy On You
- Dog & Butterfly
- Dreamboat Annie
- Going to California (Led Zeppelin cover)
- 4 Edward
- Mistral Wind
- Alone / What About Love
- Magic Man
- The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover)
- Barracuda
The Early Registration 