Ann Wilson Announces Cancer Diagnosis, Postpones Heart Tour

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ann Wilsonlead singer of rock band Heart says she has cancer and band postpones remaining shows on schedule Royal Flush Tour while she is undergoing treatment.

Wilson said in a statement Tuesday that she underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and is gradually recovering, but that her doctors have advised her to undergo preventative chemotherapy and take a break from performing “in order to fully recover.” That means the remainder of the North American tour will be rescheduled for dates in 2025.

“To ticket buyers, I would really like us to be able to do these shows. Please know that I absolutely intend to return to the stage in 2025,” Wilson said in the statement. “My team is working out those details and we will share the plan with you as soon as possible.”

All previously purchased tickets for the postponed shows will be honored. Rescheduled dates will be announced in the coming weeks, the statement said.

“This is just a break. I have a lot more to sing,” Wilson continued in the statement, adding, “With all due respect, this is the last public statement I wish to make on this matter.”

More than 50 stadium and arena concerts in dozens of cities across the United States and Canada are affected by the postponement. Some concerts were scheduled to include performances by Def Leppard and Journey, and Heart has not announced whether those bands will accompany them at the postponed shows.

The band, led by Wilson and her sister Nancy Wilson on guitar, cancelled the European leg of their tour in May, citing that the singer was due to undergo “an urgent but routine procedure for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks”.

Wilson posted on Instagram at the time of the European shows’ cancellation, writing: “I’m fine! Don’t worry. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me.”

The Wilson sisters, who are behind hits like “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Alone,” have been making music together since the ’70s. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2023.