Ann Wilson, the iconic lead singer of the rock band Heart, has revealed that she is battling cancer. This diagnosis has led to the postponement of the band’s Royal Flush Tour for the remainder of the year, as Wilson focuses on her health and recovery. The 74-year-old singer shared the news with her fans in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, detailing her recent health challenges and expressing her regret over the tour’s postponement.
“I recently underwent an operation to remove something that, as it turns out, was cancerous,” Wilson wrote. “The operation was successful & I’m feeling great, but my doctors are now advising me to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy & I’ve decided to do it.”
The Royal Flush Tour, which included more than 50 shows across the United States and Canada, will now be rescheduled to 2025. The tour was set to feature performances from Heart alongside bands like Def Leppard and Journey, but it remains unclear whether these acts will join the tour for its rescheduled dates.
“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,” Wilson assured her fans. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates.
Ann Wilson’s career, alongside her sister Nancy Wilson, spans decades. The Seattle-based band had its big break when it opened for Rod Stewart in Montreal in 1975, garnering media attention due to the then-novelty of women in rock. The following year, Heart released its first album, “Dreamboat Annie,” which included the songs “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You,” reaching No. 9 and No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, respectively. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023 for their profound influence on rock music.
The European leg of Heart’s tour was canceled in May due to a “time-sensitive but routine procedure” with a six-week recovery time, which may have been the operation Ann Wilson referenced in her recent post. “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing,” Wilson wrote on Tuesday.
Ann Wilson’s announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians alike. Her resilience and determination to return to the stage have been a source of inspiration for many. “Respectfully, this is the last public statement I’d like to make on the matter,” she concluded, emphasizing her desire for privacy as she navigates this challenging time.
The postponement of the Royal Flush Tour affects over 50 shows at stadium and arena venues in dozens of cities across the U.S. and Canada. Select shows were set to include performances from Def Leppard and Journey, and Heart has not yet announced whether these bands will accompany them at the rescheduled performances.
The band, led by Ann and Nancy Wilson, canceled the European leg of their tour in May, citing that Ann had to undergo a “time-sensitive but routine procedure for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks.” At the time, Wilson posted 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.”
Heart, formed in 1973, is known for hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” and “Alone.” The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and their influence continues to resonate with fans old and new.
Ann Wilson’s decision to undergo preventative chemotherapy is a proactive measure to ensure her long-term health. Preventive chemotherapy refers to treatment conducted after an initial procedure, like surgery, to prevent cancer from returning. This approach is often recommended by medical professionals to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Wilson’s statement comes more than a month after the band canceled the European leg of its tour in May. The band explained in a statement at the time that Ann Wilson had undergone a “time-sensitive but routine medical procedure” which required a “minimum recovery time” of six weeks.
Heart kicked off its latest tour in the United States in April. The same month, the band performed its 1977 hit “Barracuda” on “The Tonight Show.” Heart was scheduled to play multiple concert dates in Europe this summer before returning to the U.S. on July 30. The band was expected to continue performing in the U.S. and Canada through mid-December.
Wilson’s July 2 statement encouraged fans to hold onto their concert tickets, explaining that they would be honored on rescheduled dates. “My team is getting those details sorted & we’ll let you know the plan as soon as we can,” she wrote, adding that this was the “last public statement” she wanted to make on the subject.
Ann Wilson’s courage and determination to face her health challenges head-on have been a testament to her strength and resilience. As she takes this time to focus on her recovery, fans around the world are sending their love and support, eagerly awaiting her return to the stage in 2025.
Source: The Associated Press, Fox News, TODAY.com
