Heart’s return to SNHU Arena was nothing short of electrifying, a celebration of legacy, musicianship, and sheer rock-and-roll charisma. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes of “Bebe Le Strange” rang out, it was clear this was going to be a night where time felt irrelevant. The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, have built a career on combining fierce guitar work, powerhouse vocals, and moments of pure vulnerability—and seeing it live, in a full arena, reinforced just how formidable that combination still is.
The energy in SNHU Arena was immediately palpable. Fans ranged from lifelong devotees who had grown up with Heart’s music in the 70s and 80s to younger listeners drawn to the band’s enduring reputation for musicianship and intensity. The atmosphere had a communal feeling, like everyone in the building was there for the same reason: to witness a band that has defined what it means to be a rock band led by women, performing with precision, passion, and pride.
Opening with “Bebe Le Strange” was a perfect choice. It’s a song that sets the tone—bold, immediate, and unapologetically rock. Ann’s vocals were strong and clear, slicing through the arena with effortless power. The band’s chemistry was evident from the first chord. Nancy’s guitar lines were crisp and melodic, weaving seamlessly around the rhythm section, which was tight and unrelenting. By the time they hit “Never,” the audience was fully on board, singing along with the chorus, energized by the interplay of heavy riffs and soaring vocals.
“Love Alive” and “Little Queen” continued the momentum, offering a mix of familiarity and technical skill. Heart has always excelled at balancing hard rock with melodic sensibility, and hearing those older songs live proved why they remain timeless. The crowd’s reaction was enthusiastic but respectful; this wasn’t a mosh-pit atmosphere but rather a collective appreciation of musicianship. Ann’s ability to convey emotion without ever straining her voice was remarkable, making even the loudest, riff-driven songs feel intimate.
“These Dreams” brought a brief, reflective pause in the set. Its ethereal melody and haunting harmonies allowed the arena to settle into a more introspective mood. Fans swayed, many holding phones aloft to capture the moment, while the band painted the soundscape with delicate keyboards, shimmering guitars, and vocal layers that felt both expansive and personal. In contrast, “Crazy on You” followed, injecting a surge of energy that reignited the crowd. The rapid acoustic intro into electric fury is one of rock’s most thrilling transitions, and it hit with full force live. The audience roared, and Ann’s vocals soared effortlessly over Nancy’s blazing guitar work.
“Dog & Butterfly” provided a gentle, melodic interlude, showcasing Heart’s versatility. The song’s folksy undercurrents, combined with the band’s polished performance, emphasized how Heart’s music transcends a single genre. Then came a standout moment of the night: “Going to California,” a Led Zeppelin cover that allowed the band to explore dynamic range and emotion. Nancy’s guitar tone was rich and nuanced, perfectly complementing the airy, contemplative mood of the song. It was a subtle reminder that Heart has always been adept interpreters of other artists’ work while maintaining their own distinct voice.
Nancy’s solo piece, “4 Edward,” felt like a personal interlude. Instrumental segments like this are not just showcases of technical skill—they give the audience a chance to breathe, reflect, and marvel at the musicianship on display. The fluidity and emotion embedded in her performance created a narrative without words, engaging the audience in a deeply personal way.
“Magic Man” was one of the most electrifying moments of the night, especially with Sean T. Lane’s unique bike solo preceding it. The combination of theatricality and raw energy set the stage for Heart’s trademark blend of rock showmanship and musicianship. The crowd sang along, ecstatic, as the song built from funky, teasing verses to the explosive, unforgettable chorus. The visual elements, the lights, and the dramatic tension all contributed to making this one of the evening’s definitive high points.
“You’re the Voice,” a Chris Thompson cover, brought a sense of anthemic grandeur. Heart has always excelled at these power ballad-like songs, and Ann’s voice carried the lyrics with the conviction and clarity that they demand. It was the kind of song that makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, and judging by the roar of the audience, most did.
The set also featured several Led Zeppelin tributes, which were handled with a mixture of reverence and creative interpretation. “The Rain Song” and “The Ocean” highlighted the band’s ability to take complex compositions and deliver them with clarity and precision, all while adding their unique touch. Nancy’s guitar tone and phrasing on these covers were spectacular, full of nuance, dynamics, and a sense of storytelling that elevated the songs beyond mere replication.
“Straight On / Let’s Dance” and “Alone / What About Love” brought the energy back to Heart’s own catalog, mixing hard-hitting rock with melodic hooks. It’s in these mash-ups and medleys that the band’s longevity becomes most apparent—they understand their songs intimately, able to combine them seamlessly while maintaining momentum and engagement. Ann’s voice shifted effortlessly from power to subtlety, and the band’s cohesion kept the entire set tight and polished.
“River,” a Joni Mitchell cover, added a reflective, almost ethereal layer to the evening. Heart’s interpretation remained faithful to the song’s melancholy beauty while allowing the band to inject their own sensibilities. It’s a testament to their interpretive skill that even songs originally from a different musical sphere feel natural in their hands. The audience responded with quiet appreciation, a hushed reverence that contrasted beautifully with the earlier explosive moments.
Finally, the set moved to “Barracuda,” the song that will forever be synonymous with Heart’s fierce image and sound. The audience exploded with energy, and the band delivered every note with the precision and attitude that fans expect. The iconic riff cut through the arena, Ann’s vocals were razor-sharp, and Nancy’s guitar tone was both brutal and melodic. The performance was a perfect bookend, balancing nostalgia with the immediacy of live performance, leaving the crowd exhilarated.
Throughout the night, it was impossible not to notice the chemistry between Ann and Nancy. They communicate with minimal gestures, but every look, nod, and smile carries decades of experience and shared history. That relationship informs the music—it’s why even a straightforward rock riff feels like part of a larger conversation, a dialogue between the musicians and their audience. The rest of the band matched their energy and skill, creating a sonic wall that was tight, dynamic, and emotionally resonant.
The production of the show was smart, enhancing rather than overshadowing the performance. Lighting was used tastefully, providing drama and texture without feeling overdone. Sound mixing was excellent; in a large arena, it’s easy for subtleties to get lost, but Heart’s nuances—harmonies, guitar flourishes, and dynamic shifts—remained crystal clear. Every note had presence, and the overall sonic experience felt balanced and immersive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the show was how Heart balanced nostalgia with vitality. These are classic songs, some approaching fifty years old, yet the band performed them with an energy that made them feel immediate. It’s rare for veteran bands to capture that balance—they could have leaned on nostalgia alone, but instead, they made each song feel alive, relevant, and powerful in the moment.
The audience’s reaction reinforced this. Fans sang along, waved their arms, and cheered at key moments, but there was also a sense of reverence. People weren’t just witnessing a performance; they were part of a communal celebration of music that has shaped generations. That mix of admiration, excitement, and emotional investment made the night feel special.
In terms of pacing, the setlist was expertly arranged. Heart alternated between high-energy rockers, melodic ballads, and thoughtful covers, allowing the audience to experience a full spectrum of emotions. There were no lulls, only moments of different intensity that kept the concert dynamic and engaging. The encore, anchored by “Barracuda,” left the audience satisfied, exhilarated, and ready to relive the experience again in their minds.
The SNHU Arena crowd was responsive throughout, showing appreciation for both musicianship and spectacle. Fans ranged in age, reflecting Heart’s multi-generational appeal. Whether it was long-time devotees singing every word or newer fans discovering the depth of the catalog, everyone was part of the moment. The energy exchange between band and audience was continuous and reciprocal, making the concert feel like a shared event rather than a one-sided display.
In the end, Heart at SNHU Arena wasn’t just a concert—it was a masterclass in how to balance legacy, musicianship, and showmanship. The Wilson sisters proved that decades in the industry haven’t dulled their talent or energy; if anything, they’ve honed it. Every note, every chord, every vocal flourish felt intentional and deeply felt. The combination of classic hits, thoughtful covers, and skilled musicianship made for a night that was equal parts thrilling and emotionally resonant.
Heart’s performance was a reminder that rock can be both powerful and nuanced, that a band can honor its history while still commanding the stage, and that music, at its best, can be timeless. For fans in the arena that night, it wasn’t just nostalgia—it was witnessing a band in full command of their craft, at the top of their game, decades into their career.
Setlist:
Bebe Le Strange
Never
Love Alive
Little Queen
These Dreams
Crazy on You
Dog & Butterfly
Going to California (Led Zeppelin cover)
4 Edward (Nancy Wilson song)
Magic Man (preceded by Sean T. Lane’s bike solo)
You’re the Voice (Chris Thompson cover)
The Rain Song (Led Zeppelin cover)
Straight On / Let’s Dance
Alone / What About Love
River (Joni Mitchell cover)
The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover)
Barracuda
The Videos
00:00 Pre-show video
02:00 Curtain reveal / Heart takes the stage
02:45 Bebe Le Strange
06:27 Never
10:42 Love Alive
16:15 Little Queen
23:25 These Dreams
27:59 Crazy on You
34:20 Dog & Butterfly
40:50 Going to California (Led Zeppelin cover)
46:00 4 Edward (Nancy Wilson tribute to Eddie Van Halen)
51:34 Intermission Music
54:00 Magic Man
01:01:17 You’re the Voice
01:06:05 The Rain Song (Led Zeppelin cover)
01:13:19 Band introductions
01:14:40 Straight On / Let’s Dance (medley)
01:21:30 Alone / What About Love (medley)
01:27:27 River (Joni Mitchell cover)
01:33:23 The Ocean (Led Zeppelin cover)
01:38:05 Band jam / instrumental intro
01:40:35 Barracuda