Nancy Wilson of Heart Talks Royal Flush Tour & Bethel Woods Return | Radio Catskill Interview

Heart is back. And not just back—they’re stronger, louder, and prouder than ever. After health setbacks and a postponed tour, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have returned to the stage with their Royal Flush Tour 2025, reminding audiences across the country why their songs have defined rock for generations.

A Triumphant Return

The tour kicked off earlier this year and has been nothing short of an emotional victory lap. Ann Wilson, performing after completing treatment for cancer, now sings seated due to an elbow injury—but her voice, that iconic, soaring instrument, hasn’t lost a step. Nancy Wilson says the experience has been deeply rewarding:

“The universe could have shut us down, you know, but the universe said okay. Once Ann kicked the ass of cancer, we got permission to continue with our life’s work. It’s been amazing getting back out there after the postponement. Every generation is showing up to our shows—it feels like a celebration of rock.”

Live Music as a Campfire

For Nancy, the thrill of live music still burns bright:

“There’s something about a concert that’s one-time-only. It’s like a big, beautiful campfire—fans singing along, families bringing their kids. Even with the challenges of the road, when you get on stage, it makes everything worthwhile.”

Heart remains among the last great rock bands delivering 100% live shows, a fact that resonates with audiences craving authenticity in an era of polished productions.

Coming to Bethel Woods

On Saturday, August 30, Heart will play at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It won’t be their first time on that stage—performances in 2008 and 2019 cemented their place in the venue’s history—but the return carries new weight.

“That’s a magical space to play music in because of the history,” Nancy said. “I remember being too young to go to Woodstock, but it was a calling. It was a cultural flash mob for peace and love during a cruel war. To stand on that ground now and share music—it’s powerful.”

Icons for Women in Music

For decades, Ann and Nancy Wilson have been trailblazers, not only in rock but also in opening doors for women in a male-dominated industry. Looking back, Nancy reflected on that role:

“We never set out thinking we wanted to break a glass ceiling. We were just driven. The Beatles inspired us, and we followed the calling. The fact that we were women didn’t even register at first—we just joined forces and took no prisoners.”

Today, countless female artists cite Heart as an inspiration. Nancy is candid about the challenges young artists face in an era dominated by social media, but she remains committed to mentoring the next generation through her Roadcase Management company.

Looking Ahead

Even after fifty years of performing, Nancy isn’t slowing down. She’s already dreaming about new projects, including an acoustic guitar duet album with artists like Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard.

And as for the tour itself, she says the reward is seeing fans of every age—nine-year-olds shouting for “Barracuda,” college students who discovered Heart in the ’80s, and longtime fans who’ve been with them since the beginning—all together in one space.

“It’s cross-generational, one of the last real rock shows you can go to. Sweet, lovely, emotional, heavy-duty, cool, and fun.”

Rock Royalty

For Nancy, the songs themselves have become larger than life.

“The songs are the soundtrack to people’s lives. They help us heal and get through hardships. They’ll outlast us, and that’s the real legacy.”

Heart’s resilience, passion, and authenticity continue to shine, making their return to the road not just a concert tour, but a celebration of endurance, music, and connection.

On August 30 at Bethel Woods, fans will once again gather under the stars to join the Wilson sisters around that “big rock and roll campfire.” And for Heart, the fire is still burning strong. https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/

00:00 Introduction to Rock Legends: Heart
01:01 Nancy Wilson on Returning to the Stage
01:33 The Emotional Journey of the Royal Flush Tour
04:50 Performing at Bethel Woods: A Historic Venue
05:08 Reflections on Woodstock and the 60s
07:03 Anne Wilson's Battle and the Power of Resilience
09:21 The Legacy of Heart and Their Timeless Music
10:37 Inspiration for Women in Music
12:47 Advice for Young Female Artists
16:51 Future Projects and Collaborations
20:54 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Concerts