In a sobering announcement that has gripped rock-n-roll fans worldwide, Ann Wilson, the powerhouse vocalist of the illustrious rock band Heart, has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer. In light of her health condition, the band has taken the decision to put their currently ongoing Royal Flush Tour on hold while she receives medical treatment.
Embracing courage in the face of adversity, Wilson divulged in a statement on Tuesday that she has successfully undergone surgery to excise a malignant tumor. Recovery from the surgery is on track, she reassured fans. However, her medical team has advised her to partake in preventive chemotherapy and to take a hiatus from her commanding presence on stage to completely heal. Consequentially, the band has rescheduled the rest of the shows on the North American leg of their tour to dates in 2025.
Extending her sincerest apologies to the fans, Wilson stated, “To the ticket buyers, I truly wish we could fulfill these scheduled performances. But please be unwavering in the certainty that I fully plan to reclaim the stage in 2025.” She added that her team is proactively working out the logistics and will unveil the new plans as soon as possible.
In a gesture of goodwill, all tickets previously bought for the postponed shows will be honored. The rearranged dates will be publicized in the coming weeks, as confirmed in the release.
Unfazed by her diagnosis, Wilson wrote, “This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing!” Towards the end of her statement she revealed she wouldn’t be making any more public announcements about her health. The rescheduling of the tour impacts over 50 shows scheduled at stadium and arena venues in several American and Canadian cities. It’s still uncertain whether Def Leppard and Journey, earlier confirmed performers in select shows, will continue in the upcoming rescheduled performances.
Heart, steered by the dynamic sister duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson, made the difficult decision to suspend the European leg of their tour in May, mentioning a “time-sensitive but routine procedure” Wilson needed, which necessitated at least six weeks of recuperation.
At the time of the cancellation of their European shows, Wilson took to Instagram assuring her fans, “I’m okay! Please don’t worry. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me.”
Behind timeless hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” and “Alone,” the Wilson sisters have been enchanting audiences with their music since the ‘70s. Their legendary status was solidified when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and were later honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023.
