In a recent interview with GoToWhitney, HEART guitarist Nancy Wilson addressed the public’s concern over her sister and bandmate Ann Wilson, who has been performing seated in a wheelchair during the first leg of the band’s 2025 “Royal Flush” tour.
Nancy wasted no time clearing the air regarding Ann’s condition, confirming that it’s not cancer-related.
“Well, let me clarify. For sure she’s okay. She kicked the a*s of cancer,” Nancy stated, referencing Ann’s 2024 cancer diagnosis. “She’s completely clear — clear of cancer.”
She then revealed the real reason behind Ann’s use of a wheelchair:
“The last night of rehearsal [before the first leg of the 2025 tour] in Nashville where it was icy, she fell leaving rehearsal and broke her elbow. So she had to be in a chair with her elbow up on a pillow. So it’s, like, not cancer, folks — she broke her elbow.”
In response to fan concerns, the band took proactive steps to communicate Ann’s condition during live shows:
“That’s why we sent our friend and photographer Criss Cain in front of the curtain before the show starts, just to explain that. People are really rooting for her over the cancer thing, but it’s not even that. Hopefully she’ll be out of that chair this time out.”
HEART’s Message: More Than Just Rock & Roll
When asked what HEART hopes to convey to fans during this tour, Nancy offered a thoughtful and emotional perspective:
“I really hope that the legacy of HEART can convey an aspirational ethic for younger women and men and young artists… because I think with our band HEART, we’re sort of different from a lot of rock bands.”
Nancy emphasized HEART’s multi-generational appeal, describing it as a “fun-for-the-whole-family” experience and noting a rise in younger fans at their recent arena and hockey rink shows:
“A lot of college kids are showing up now, which is awesome. And the word’s kind of gotten out with the first leg of the ‘Royal Flush’ tour.”
She elaborated on the deeper meaning behind the band’s performance style:
“What the message is, really, is a togetherness and a unification of the human spirit… There are hardcore rock and roll songs, yes, but also some very romantic, sensitive songs. That’s something HEART gives really well.”
Nancy ended with a laugh, acknowledging the band’s emotional range:
“We’ve always been kind of schizophrenic like that. [Laughs]”
