The lead singer of the iconic rock band Heart, Ann Wilson, announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer. Consequently, the band has made the decision to delay all dates of their 2024 tour.
The 74-year-old vocalist shared the news with her fans through her Instagram account on Tuesday, July 2.
“Dear friends, I underwent surgery recently to remove something that was found to be cancerous. The surgery was successful and I am feeling well. However, my doctors have recommended a round of preventive chemotherapy, which I have chosen to undergo,” Wilson wrote.
Due to this medical advice, the American artist will be taking time off from performing for the rest of the year to focus on her recovery. This means that the tour Royal Flush, scheduled to kick off on July 30 in Cleveland and end in December, has been postponed.
“I sincerely wish we might go forward with these concerts. However, understand that I fully intend to return to the stage in 2025. My team is working on the details and we will notify you as soon as possible,” the singer stated.
In her message, Ann expressed her gratitude to her supporters for understanding that this is only “a pause”. I still have a lot more to sing,” she wrote.
This news comes following Heart previously had to cancel their European tour in May due to “an emergency medical procedure that Ann Wilson required.” At that time, the band mentioned that the artist needed a minimum of six weeks to recover.
Wilson has received messages of support from loyal fans of Heart and other personalities in the entertainment industry. Comedian Loni Love commented on Instagram: “You got this, Ann! Wishing you a speedy recovery. My prayers are with you.” Actress Amy Sedaris and actor Mark Hamill also sent their well wishes to the singer through social media.
Ann did not disclose the type of cancer she has been diagnosed with, and she also concluded her statement by indicating that she will not discuss the matter publicly once more.
On her part, Nancy Wilson, Ann’s younger sister and also a member of Heart, assured fans of the band that this delay is just a postponement of the shows and not a definitive cancellation of the tour.
“I am pleased to inform you that the HEART tour is still happening, but we need to take a temporary break and postpone the remaining tour dates for now. Stay tuned for the rescheduled dates,” the guitarist shared on her Instagram account.
Heart, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, is a rock group that has demonstrated an impressive ability to evolve over time. After a three-year hiatus, they regrouped in 2019 and commemorated their 50th anniversary in 2023.
Ann Wilson, the band’s frontwoman, has been acknowledged as one of the finest heavy metal vocalists by the music press. In addition to her work with Heart, she has released three solo albums: Hope & Glory (2007), Immortal (2018), and Fierce Bliss (2022).
On the other hand, Heart’s most recent studio project was “Beautiful Broken”, which came out in 2016. The Royal Flush tour was also the band’s first tour in almost five years.
Ann Wilson Postpones Heart Tour Due to Cancer Diagnosis: What You Need to Know
The leader of the legendary rock band Heart, Ann Wilson, recently announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer. This unfortunate news has led to the postponement of all dates on the band’s 2024 tour, including the Royal Flush tour.
Ann Wilson’s Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Ann Wilson shared the news of her cancer diagnosis with her followers on Instagram, revealing that she underwent successful surgery to remove a tumor. While the surgery was a success and she is feeling good, her doctors have recommended a course of preventive chemotherapy. As a result, she will be taking a break from the stage for the rest of the year to focus on her recovery, leading to the postponement of the Heart tour.
The singer expressed her desire to return to the stage in 2025 following her recovery, thanking her fans for their understanding and support during this challenging time. Ann’s sister and fellow Heart member, Nancy Wilson, assured fans that the tour will be rescheduled, emphasizing that this postponement is not a cancellation.
Support and Well-Wishes for Ann Wilson
Following Ann Wilson’s announcement, fans of Heart and various figures in the entertainment industry have expressed their solidarity and support for the singer. Comedian Loni Love, actress Amy Sedaris, and actor Mark Hamill were among those who sent their best wishes to Ann for a speedy recovery.
Ann Wilson has chosen not to disclose the specific type of cancer she has been diagnosed with and has stated that she will not speak publicly regarding the issue further. Meanwhile, Nancy Wilson reassured fans that rescheduled tour dates will be announced soon, urging them to stay tuned for updates.
Heart’s Legacy and Future Plans
Heart, a band that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, has a rich history of reinvention and musical innovation. Ann Wilson, known as one of the best heavy metal vocalists, has led the band to numerous successes over the years.
In addition to their work with Heart, both Ann and Nancy Wilson have pursued solo projects, with Ann releasing three solo albums and the band releasing their latest project, "Beautiful Broken," in 2016. The Royal Flush tour was set to mark Heart’s return to the stage following a hiatus of nearly five years.
As fans await the rescheduled tour dates and Ann Wilson’s return to the stage, the outpouring of support and well-wishes serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Heart’s music and the strength of the band’s community.
Stay tuned for updates on Heart’s rescheduled tour dates and Ann Wilson’s journey to recovery as she prepares to make a triumphant return to the stage in 2025.