Heart rocks just as hard as ever in Vancouver

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday, February 26, 2011

      Legendary rock band Heart wrapped up a 20-date cross-Canada tour at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre on February 26, bringing them back to the city that gave them their start nearly 40 years ago.

      I last saw them 25 years ago at the Pacific Coliseum during their big-haired power ballad era; while the hair is smaller now, they rock just as hard as ever. If we had not been up close and able to see the extra lines that life has added to the indomitable Wilson sisters, I wouldn't have known it wasn't 1986. Ann sings with power and edge and Nancy still struts and strums with all the exuberance and energy as ever.

      Whether it's belting out hard rocking tracks like "Barracuda" and "Crazy On You", a simple stripped down version of "These Dreams", or the power ballad "Alone", these are classic tunes performed by consummate pros. In addition to the hits of the past, new songs from the 2010 release, Red Velvet Car, were fit into the set as well. Throughout the evening, the Wilsons mentioned their ties to Vancouver, which included a few local events and venues of the past along with recording their first hit record, Dreamboat Annie. They even had Vancouverite Ben Mink—who produced Red Velvet Car—join them on stage for a couple of the new singles adding a lush depth to the songs with his violin.

      Over the years Heart's sound has covered a wide range of eras and taste—hard rock, electronic tinged, soft ballad, and even country—but throughout it all there is the continuous knowledge that rock ties it all together. Thankfully, these ladies don't look like they'll stop rocking any time soon!

      Comments