Heart has been shaping the sound of rock for more than five decades with timeless anthems like “Barracuda”, “Magic Man” and “Alone”. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have become icons not only for their music, but also as trailblazers for women in rock.

Now, after health challenges and a postponed tour, Heart is back on the road with their Royal Flush Tour 2025. On Saturday, August 30, they’ll perform at the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts—the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival.

I spoke with Nancy Wilson about what it feels like to return to the stage, the bond with her sister Ann, the magic of playing in the shadow of Woodstock, and what keeps Heart going after all these years. This interview has been edited for clarity. 

Patricio Robayo: Now that you’re back on the Royal Flush Tour, I’m sure it’s been an emotional return after last year’s postponement. What’s been the emotional and creative energy of the 2025 tour, especially after everything you and Ann have been through?

Nancy Wilson: It’s been very emotionally gratifying, rewarding. We feel like the luckiest rock people on the planet because the universe could have shut us down. But once Ann kicked the ass of cancer, the universe gave us permission to continue with our life’s work. It’s been amazing getting back out there. Every generation is showing up, and it feels like a celebration of rock—that we’re among the few final rock bands still roaming the earth. And it’s all completely live music, one hundred percent, with these lovely singalongs every night.

PR: You and Ann have been icons for decades, and you’re still performing live music. What continues to ignite your passion for performing in front of live audiences?

NW: There’s something about a concert that’s one-time-only—the energy, the electricity. People come to feel live music. It’s like a big, beautiful campfire, a glorified singalong. Sure, touring isn’t easy—travel, sleep, food—but when you get on that stage and share that spark, it makes everything worthwhile.

PR: On August 30, you’ll be performing at Bethel Woods, the site of Woodstock ’69. What does it feel like playing there?

NW: That’s a magical space. You feel the spirit of that time—the love movement, the call for peace during the Vietnam War. I remember being a kid in Seattle, too young and broke to go, but we desperately wanted to hitchhike across the country to get there. We couldn’t, but Woodstock was a calling, and standing on that ground now is powerful.

PR: I’m glad to hear Ann is back and doing well after her battle with cancer. What has supporting each other through that taught you about resilience and purpose?

NW: It’s been a blessing. I think about my twin boys, who are 25 now and trying to find their path. For me and Ann, music was a calling early on. We had the gifts of voice and guitar, and we put in the 10,000 hours to become confident musicians. After 50 years, we’re still here, and the songs are bigger than we are. They’re the soundtrack to people’s lives and help them heal. That’s the real legacy.

PR: Heart has been such a force for women in music. Looking back, what does it mean to be considered an icon in a space often dominated by men?

NW: You know, we never set out to break a glass ceiling—we were just driven. The Beatles came out when we were kids and lit the path for us. Music was already in our family, and we just joined forces and went for it. Only later did we realize we were breaking barriers as women.

PR: So many younger female musicians cite Heart as an inspiration. What advice would you offer today’s rising artists?

NW: My standard reply is, “I’d turn back if I were you,” because the industry can be brutal. Unless you’re burning with desire, willing to sacrifice more than you know—family, balance, stability—it’s tough. And now, with social media, the communal spirit of music has been lost. Back in the day, there was a groundswell, a flash mob spirit around music. Now everyone’s in their own silo. That’s why I started Roadcase Management—to give visibility to talented young artists who deserve to be heard.

PR: At this stage in your life, is there a dream project or collaboration you still want to pursue?

NW: Yes. I’m talking to friends about doing a duet acoustic guitar album. People have asked me for years to do an acoustic record, and I think the time has come. I’ve even recorded a duet with Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie, and I’d like to invite more artists in to see what sticks.

PR: Looking ahead to Bethel Woods and this tour, how do you want this moment to resonate with both longtime fans and new ones?

NW: That’s exactly what’s happening now. Nine-year-olds are screaming for “Barracuda”, college kids are discovering us, and the original fans are still here. It’s multi-generational, one of the last real rock shows out there—emotional, romantic, heavy-duty and fun.

PR: Do you still practice guitar every day?

NW: Not really. I save my fingers for the shows, especially on acoustic, which is harder to play. But I do a lot of tinkering in my home studio, writing new song ideas. It’s more about creativity than practice now.

PR: Nancy, thank you. Heart’s return with the Royal Flush Tour is inspiring, and it’s an honor to speak with you.

NW: Thank you so much. It’s going to be fun out there, and I appreciate you getting the word out.