Rock and roll royalty graced the stage in Konocti Amphitheatre Saturday night with Konocti Presents once again welcoming back the legendary Wilson sisters. “Heart” delivered a performance no less spectacular than expected.
Ann and Nancy Wilson were greeted with a standing ovation as they made their way to center stage. A two hour set was not enough for screaming fans rallying for an encore, which the ladies graciously obliged.
Heart hit the stage with a familiar favorite that stirred excitement among the crowd. With Ann screaming “try, try, try to understand” and Nancy shredding on the guitar, the sisters got the show started with their classic tune, “Magic Man.”
Despite years of strain on her vocal chords, Ann had no trouble reaching the tough notes that tested her strength. Powerful and beautiful is the only way to describe the goddess of rock”s unmistakable voice.
Nancy”s performance on guitar was equally incredible. With her fingers flying through the notes, she added spice with her obvious excitement, jumping and kicking as she strummed her instrument. Nancy”s voice was also in perfect shape as she belted out a Tom Petty tune. Then Ann got out her guitar as Nancy sang of “dreams in the mist” with soft, eloquent flavor.
The lights dimmed and the sisters broke out with another classic tune. “Alone” had the crowd swaying and singing along. Other classics that thrilled the audience included songs like “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You,” the latter of which was played in its entirety and included the song”s original ending. The ladies also did a song from one of their early albums called “Even it Up.”
Paying homage to those who obviously had influence in the Wilson sister”s evolution, the ladies performed their usual “Led Zeppelin” favorites as well as a song by “The Who.”
Keeping with times has not been a difficult task for first ladies of rock. Their style and grace is just as stunning in this millennium as it was in the last. It is undeniably apparent that they still enjoy making music and sharing it with their fans.
Following nearly two hours in the spotlight, Ann thanked the crowd and said it”s been “Great fun!” and exited the stage. The crowd hadn”t had enough though and the people stomped and rallied chanting “Heart. Heart. Heart.” The ladies graciously obliged the crowd”s plea for more. The stage was illuminated in purple and green and the Wilsons returned to their adoring fans for two more songs.
“Lost Angel” was a ballad that was a no less spectacular display of Ann”s incredible vocal strength. The ladies then wrapped up the show with the first song that they ever wrote, “Dream Boat Annie.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
