Rock legend Ann Wilson, the powerful voice behind Heart, has announced a temporary hiatus from the stage to focus on her health. The 74-year-old singer recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth and is now facing a course of preventative chemotherapy.
Wilson shared the news with fans through a statement, explaining that her medical team has advised her to take the rest of the year off from performing. This decision has led to the postponement of Heart’s ongoing “Royal Flush Tour,” affecting over 50 shows across North America.
“To the ticket buyers, I really do wish we could do these gigs,” Wilson wrote in her statement. “Please know that I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025.”
She also reassured her fans that all previously purchased tickets would be honored for the rescheduled dates, which are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
This isn’t the first time Heart has had to adjust its tour plans this year. In May, the band canceled the European leg of their tour due to what was described at the time as a “time-sensitive but routine procedure” for Ann.
Heart, formed by Ann and her sister Nancy Wilson in the 1970s, has been a cornerstone of rock music for decades. Known for hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” and “Barracuda,” the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023.
Despite the setback, Ann Wilson remains optimistic about her future in music. “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing,” she stated, emphasizing her intention to return to performing once she’s fully recovered.
As the Wilson sisters and their team work on rescheduling the tour dates, fans are left wondering about the status of planned performances with Def Leppard and Journey. It is still yet to be confirmed whether these bands will be part of the rescheduled shows in 2025.
Ann Wilson ended her statement with parting words, saying, “Respectfully, this is the last public statement I’d like to make on the matter.” Her focus now turns to treatment and recovery, with the promise of more music to come when she returns to the stage.
