The Wacken Open Air Festival is probably THEE most high profile Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Festival in the world. The 2022 Wacken Open Air Festival boasted some of the heaviest acts from all around the globe. Slipknot, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Gwar, and Ann Wilson. Yes, THAT Ann Wilson. The Heart vocalist/songwriter who celebrated her 72nd trip around the sun this year and has been kicking ass in 2022.
Performing at the Wacken Festival in front of a die-hard Heavy Metal audience of thousands could be an intimidating and even somewhat horrifying thing but Wilson took the stage with confidence. It really doesn’t surprise me much because Wilson has seen it all in her 50+ year career. Besides, Heart is the only band that Jimmy Page gave permission to perform the Led Zeppelin classic “Stairway to Heaven” at the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors where Led Zeppelin was one of the artists awarded for their lasting contribution to the world of music.
Backed by her kickass band The Amazing Dawgs, Wilson’s 11 song set was a mix of Heart classics, covers by the Who, Led Zeppelin, and an amazing and surprising cover of Alice In Chains‘ “The Rooster.” Ann Wilson proved her ability to hold her own in front of one of her most intense and hard to please fans and to leave everyone feeling uplifted, inspired, and happy. There’s few things greater than seeing thousands of Heavy Metal fans smiling and singing along.
Ann Wilson released a fantastic album of new material called Fierce Bliss in 2022 which showcased her ability to still bring heart and soul to rock music in a time when, once again, people doubt the relevance and strength of Rock n’ Roll.
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