Ann Wilson: The Voice Of Heart

Ann Wilson of Heart
Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
03.08.17

Ann Wilson of Heart is undoubtedly one of the most legendary and respected female voices in modern rock music. She kicked off her month-long “Ann Wilson of Heart” US tour with a hometown stop at Seattle’s historic Moore Theatre. It was the perfect setting for an intimate experience with this Hall Of Fame vocalist.

With four-plus decades of hits under her belt, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Wilson, but as the evening progressed it proved nothing short of spectacular. The two-set lineup included her dynamic solo work, Heart classics, and exceptional covers. And Wilson’s delivery was thrilling. It seemed to be a very personal, almost storytelling concert that spanned her expansive career and influences. It wasn’t a Heart show, but it was a rock show.

Wilson’s band was a stellar line-up of musicians with some familiar faces: Heart guitarist Craig Bartock, bassist Andy Stoller (a member of the Ann Wilson Thing), former Heart drummer Denny Fongheiser, and keyboardist Dan Walker.

Opening with “The Real Me” was a perfect way to set the tone. Wilson spoke quite often throughout the evening. “We have some weird ass weather. It is what happens when you buy a ticket here in Seattle. It is a weird day not only for International Women’s day but for humans’ day. The Moore Theatre, how many memories from this place. Home Sweet Home.” “A shout out on Global Women’s day. Do what you can do in your own power and don’t take no for an answer!”

There was a brief intermission and wardrobe change before she and the band returned for the second set. An incredible version of “She Talks to Angels” sent chills through the crowd who sang along. What an angelic voice that we have loved and admired.

Another highlight was when she spoke about one of the biggest Heart songs that she never liked. “I thought the lyrics were not right, kind of dirty. But now I’ll do it and have some closure with this song and smudge it out,” breaking into All I Wanna Do.” To be honest, I never quite heard it that way before and I will never be able to not hear the lyrics that way again.

If you get a chance to catch Wilson on any of these dates you will not be disappointed. It is a rare chance to see her in a smaller, more personal setting.

Ann Wilson Set List
The Real Me (The Who Cover)
Barracuda (Heart)
I Put A Spell on You (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover)
What About Love (Heart)
Tall Dark Handsome Stranger
Straight On/Grapevine
Fool No More
Anguish
Manic Depression (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
A Million Miles (Heart)
I’ve Seen All Good People (Yes cover)
She Talks To Angels (The Black Crowes cover)
Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel cover)
We Gotta Get Out of This Place (The Animals cover)
Alone (Heart)
Love, Reign O’er Me (The Who cover)
Won’t Get Fooled Again (The Who cover)
Crazy On You (Heart)
Encore
For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield cover)
Ain’t No Way (Aretha Franklin cover)
All I Wanna Do (Heart)
The Danger Zone (Ray Charles cover)