Heart’s Ann Wilson Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Postpones Tour

Ann Wilson, the lead singer of rock band Heart, is battling cancer and will step away from the Royal Flush tour for the remainder of the year to focus on her health and recovery.

Wilson, 74, shared the news with fans in a heartfelt Instagram post Tuesday, detailing her health and expressing regret over the tour postponement. “I recently had surgery to remove something that turned out to be cancerous,” she wrote. “The surgery was successful and I feel great, but my doctors are now advising me to take preventative chemotherapy and I have decided to do that.”

The Royal Flush tour, which included more than 50 concerts in the United States and Canada, will be postponed until 2025. The tour was scheduled to include performances by Heart alongside bands such as Def Leppard and Journey, but it is unclear whether those bands will join the tour for its rescheduled dates.

“To the ticket buyers, I really wish we could do these shows. Please know that I absolutely intend to return to the stage in 2025,” Wilson wrote. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates.

Ann Wilson’s career spanned decades alongside her sister Nancy Wilson. The Seattle-based band had their heyday opening for Rod Stewart in Montreal in 1975, garnering media attention due to the novelty of the time: women. The following year, Heart released their debut album, “Dreamboat Annie.” It featured the songs “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You,” which peaked at #9 and #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members received a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy for their profound influence on rock music.

The European leg of Heart’s tour was cancelled in May due to an “urgent but routine procedure” with a six-week recovery time, possibly a reference to the surgery mentioned by Ann Wilson.

“This is just a break. I still have a lot to sing,” Wilson wrote Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.