Since the sisters in Heart have only released two albums since 1994, it comes as a surprise to learn that Ann and Nancy are working on new material. “Our new stuff, we’re writing heavy electric,” Nancy Wilson said. “ ‘Red Velvet Car’ was heavier acoustic. … [Recording albums] helps us to stay vital. It’s less and less lucrative, and more for the love. There is a groundswell of fan appreciation for what is real.”
Much anticipation is building for the Wilsons’ forthcoming biography, written by Charles R. Cross, who wrote the definitive, acclaimed Heavier Than Heaven biography of Kurt Cobain. Nancy said she and Ann have been enduring five-hour interviews, helping Cross research what should be a warts-and-all document of rock ’n’ roll from the 1970s until now.
The Wilson sisters are Seattle icons, and as such have collaborated with groups such as the seminal Seattle grunge act Alice in Chains over the years. Wilson remembers founding Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr, who died in Salt Lake City earlier this year. “We were at a few parties together,” she said. “He was charismatic and lived up to his [Starr] name.” She added that she had watched some episodes of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” which one season chronicled Starr’s struggles with addiction. “We’ve all struggled with addiction,” she said. “Some people win, and some people lose.”
After thinking deep about Nancy’s last words in this article, I hope from my heart that she never in her life will come on the “lose” side of life.