Ann Wilson, the iconic frontwoman of the rock band Heart, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old singer shared the news with her fans through an emotional Instagram post, explaining that she recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth. The operation was successful, but her doctors have recommended a course of preventive chemotherapy. Consequently, Wilson has decided to take the rest of the year off from performing to focus on her recovery.
Heart’s much-anticipated Royal Flush Tour, which was set to visit 48 cities across the United States and Canada this autumn, has been postponed. This follows the earlier cancellation of their UK and Europe summer tour in May, which included six UK arena dates. At that time, the band cited Wilson’s need for a “time-sensitive but routine procedure” as the reason for the cancellation.
In her Instagram post, Wilson expressed her determination to return to the stage in 2025. “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing,” she wrote, reassuring fans that she plans to be back stronger than ever. She also expressed her regret over the tour postponement, saying, “To the ticket buyers, I really do wish we could do these gigs. Please know that I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025.”
The Royal Flush Tour was set to feature performances from Heart alongside bands like Def Leppard and Journey. However, it remains unclear whether these acts will join the rescheduled dates. All previously purchased tickets for the postponed shows will be honored, and the new dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ann Wilson’s career with Heart spans several decades, beginning in the mid-1970s when she joined the band alongside her sister Nancy. The American/Canadian group released their debut album in 1975, which reached the US Top 10. However, it was the mid to late 1980s that brought their biggest commercial successes, including two US No. 1 singles, “These Dreams” and “Alone.” The latter was their biggest hit in the UK, reaching No. 3 in 1987.
Heart has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2023, Ann and Nancy Wilson were honored with a lifetime achievement Grammy award. Despite their success, the Wilson sisters faced significant challenges as women in a male-dominated rock scene. Ann Wilson has spoken openly about the sexism they endured, particularly in the 1970s. “Back then, especially in the 70s, there was no filter on how women were sexualized – hyper-sexualized – in order to sell their images,” she told the Guardian in 2021. “Now at least it looks like women have control over their own filters. Back then, they didn’t. It was just like: ‘Hey, here’s a sexy chick. We know how we can sell her.’”
The postponement of the Royal Flush Tour affects over 50 shows at stadium and arena venues across the U.S. and Canada. Select shows were set to include performances from Def Leppard and Journey, but it remains to be seen if these bands will join Heart for the rescheduled dates. Heart had been scheduled to play in Albany and Buffalo in New York on August 10th and 11th, and at Madison Square Garden in October.
The European leg of Heart’s tour was canceled in May due to Ann Wilson’s need for a “time-sensitive but routine procedure” with a six-week recovery time. At the time, Wilson reassured fans on Instagram, writing, “I’m okay! Please don’t worry. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me.”
The Royal Flush Tour was the first major tour for Heart after a five-year hiatus. The band had an initial run in April and May in the United States, but in late May, they canceled all subsequent European performances so that Wilson could undergo her medical procedure. The upcoming leg of the tour was set to resume in San Francisco on September 26, with dates scheduled through the rest of the year before wrapping up in Las Vegas on December 15.
In addition to the tour cancellation, Heart will also be unable to open for Def Leppard and Journey this summer. The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees had split in 2016 after an incident involving Ann’s husband and Nancy’s twin sons. They performed separately in the years that followed but reunited in 2019 for the Love Alive tour. It would be four years before they would come back together for a live performance, and in January, they announced the Royal Flush World tour.
Ann Wilson’s message to her fans was clear and heartfelt. She emphasized that this is just a temporary setback and that she has much more to offer. “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing,” she wrote, asking for privacy and understanding as she focuses on her health.
Source: The Guardian, Associated Press, Variety
