Heart’s Royal Flush triumphs at Crypto.com Arena with Ann Wilson’s powerful return and Squeeze set the stage for a night of classic rock resilience.
The Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles bore witness to a remarkable evening of rock nostalgia as Heart’s Royal Flush Tour 2025 made its stop, with special guests Squeeze setting the stage. The night was a testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of classic rock.
Opening the evening, Squeeze delivered a performance that transported the audience back to the heyday of new wave and pop-rock. Led by the charismatic duo of Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, the band showcased their signature blend of witty lyricism and catchy melodies. Classics like “Tempted” and “Black Coffee in Bed” resonated with the crowd, many of whom sang along, reliving memories of earlier decades. The band’s tight musicianship and engaging stage presence set an upbeat tone for the night, proving their music remains as infectious as ever.
The anticipation in the air was thick as Heart took the stage, marking their return to Los Angeles after a period of uncertainty. Just before the curtain rose, the band’s tour photographer stepped out to address the crowd. He announced that Ann Wilson would be performing from a wheelchair, reassuring fans that while she had recently undergone cancer treatment, it was not a recurrence. Instead, she had taken a fall just before the tour which required her arm to be immobilized. He also asked the crowd to chant “Thank you Ann” after “Crazy on You” as a show of appreciation for her strength and spirit.
As the curtain fell, a few things became immediately clear: this was going to be a one-of-a-kind experience. First, Ann Wilson, the band’s iconic lead vocalist, was not only recovering from recent health struggles but also had the strength and determination to continue performing. Her appearance in a wheelchair was met with a standing ovation—an emotional acknowledgment of her resilience. Second, this marked the first time on the tour that Wilson, free from her usual long black hair, embraced a new look. Sporting short gray hair, she proudly wore the visible marks of her journey, a symbol of the strength and wisdom she had gained. Finally, despite the challenges she had faced, Ann Wilson’s enthusiasm was undimmed, and her vocal prowess was as commanding as ever, with every note filled with power and emotion.
From the opening chords of “Bebe Le Strange,” it was evident that Wilson’s vocal prowess remained undiminished. Her voice soared through the arena, rich and powerful, capturing the essence of each song with emotive depth. Sister Nancy Wilson complimented Ann’s vocals with her masterful guitar work, weaving intricate melodies that have become synonymous with Heart’s sound.
The setlist was a curated journey through the band’s extensive catalog. “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You” ignited the crowd, while “Dog & Butterfly” offered a more introspective moment, highlighting the band’s versatility. A poignant rendition of “These Dreams,” with Nancy on lead vocals, served as a touching tribute to the band’s enduring legacy.
Despite her physical constraints, Ann Wilson’s connection with the audience was profound. She addressed the crowd with gratitude, acknowledging the challenges of the past year and expressing her joy at being back on stage. Her resilience was inspiring, turning what could have been a somber acknowledgment into a celebration of life and music.
Heart wove their way through a dynamic setlist, seamlessly blending their own classics with the Led Zeppelin covers they’ve long been known for. They also surprised the crowd with a David Bowie song, along with a nod to their Lovemongers side project. Midway through the show, Nancy Wilson took a solo turn on stage to share a heartfelt story about gifting the late Eddie Van Halen his first acoustic guitar. She recalled how he stayed up all night playing it, then called her early the next morning to play her a song he had written that night—a piece that would become the essence of “4 Edward,” her instrumental tribute to the genius that was EVH.
The night culminated in another special moment when Ann, ever candid, told the audience they would drop the pretense of leaving the stage before the encore – but instead, in consideration of her limited mobility, they would stay put and dive straight into it. The three-song encore featured “Sand,” followed by a cover of “The Ocean,” Led Zeppelin’s fitting tribute to the fans. And of course, no Heart show would be complete without “Barracuda,” which sent the crowd into a final frenzied state of elation. The synergy between the Wilson sisters and their band was undeniable – and while the band was mostly a new lineup, it was a testament to their decades-long journey, still burning bright.
The Crypto.com Arena, filled with fans spanning multiple generations, bore witness not just to a concert but to a narrative of perseverance and passion. Heart’s performance was more than a trip down memory lane; it was a reaffirmation of the timeless power of music to heal, inspire, and unite.
As the lights dimmed and the final notes echoed through the venue, attendees were left with a lasting impression of a band that, despite life’s hurdles, continues to embody the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Ann Wilson’s triumphant return serves as a reminder that while time marches on, true artistry remains ageless.
PHOTO BY: Criss Cain
