The Reason Heart Refused To Play New Year’S Eve Shows For Five Years

April 2, 2025

For five long years, Heart, the legendary rock band fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, refused to play New Year’s Eve shows. To many, it seemed puzzling. After all, the band had been a monumental force in rock music, churning out hits like “Barracuda” and “Alone.” Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, the sisters felt a heavy weight resting on their hearts. It all began after a devastating incident in 2016, when they faced a personal loss that shook their world. Their father, a figure of strength and inspiration, had passed away just before the holiday season, leaving them feeling lost and adrift.

Instead of slipping into the usual holiday spirit of celebration, the Wilson sisters found themselves entangled in a web of grief. The vibrant atmosphere of New Year’s Eve, filled with fireworks and cheers, felt hollow to them. For Ann and Nancy, the thought of performing on such a day seemed disingenuous. They believed they could not bring the joy needed to their fans when they felt so broken inside. Their decision to step back was not a mark of weakness, but a powerful assertion of their emotional limits and an important lesson learned through hardship: it’s okay to pause and heal.

The years that followed were not easy. While fans missed their electrifying performances on New Year’s Eve, the sisters spent that time focusing on their healing. They wrote songs, poured their emotions into their music, and even took part in charity work. They learned to embrace their vulnerability, recognizing that sharing their struggles could inspire others who might be facing similar challenges. Heart’s music evolved during this period, becoming more authentic and deeply resonant, reflecting the lessons they were learning about love, loss, and resilience.

Then, in 2021, after five uncertain years, the sisters finally felt ready to step onto the stage again for a New Year’s Eve show. It was a celebration not just for their fans but for themselves—a testament to their strength and the journey they had taken together. The anticipation in the air was electric, and when they finally took the stage, it felt like they were returning home. The lost years transformed into a powerful motivation that fueled their performance. Every note they sang was imbued with newfound passion and a sense of purpose, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, there is a light waiting to shine.

As the fireworks lit up the night sky, Ann and Nancy shared a glance that spoke volumes—their journey had shaped them, deepening their connection to each other and their audience. Heart was back, not just as a band but as a symbol of resilience. They had proven that vulnerability could lead to strength, and their music now carried the weight of their experiences, making it more relatable and inspiring than ever before. They were living proof that even after the toughest times, one can rise again, stronger and more vibrant than before. It was a New Year’s celebration not just of the passing year, but of life, love, and the enduring power of music.