Unlike the relics who usually play the Red River Valley Fair, Heart are still firing off rockets.
Granted, when a BOX 101.9 DJ introduced them as "girls" Friday it seemed inappropriate -- elder sister Ann Wilson is 51 now, and Nancy is 48.
But they're still foxy, they still rock with intense energy and -- most importantly -- they're more masterful and diverse musicians than ever.
Heart opened its Summer of Love '02 Tour on the West Fargo gig, beginning with a sampler plate of their classic '70s rock, clips off their in-progress album (to be released next spring), covers, and a sprinkle of '80s tunes.
The tame-looking, mainly middle-aged crowd freaked when they heard the first acoustic runs and driving chords of "Crazy on You," which Nancy punctuated by popping attitude and letting loose a few rock star kicks.
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It was clear by the end of the song Ann has been graced by the only pair of vocal chords on planet Earth that don't age. Toward the end her body flagged a bit, but her voice never faltered, proving more intricate and beautiful than the embroidered flowers on her designer jeans.
On a stage simply adorned with candles and (you guessed it) lava lamps, Heart pulled out just one '80s ballad, "These Dreams."
Their performance was a bit cover-heavy, running from a raging version of The Sonics' "The Witch," to a dreamy version of Jimmy Hendrix's "May This Be Love (Waterfall)," nearly ruined by a bass-drenched mix.
They pulled out the rarely played "Mistral Wind," a number that creeps to a wailing climax just as satisfying as any tune by Led Zeppelin (a band they also gave tribute to with a keening and faithful version of "Battle of Evermore.")
The only obvious miss was their new song "Heaven." Though it included some more unusual tactics (Nancy played guitar with a bow, cello-style, and some Eastern instrumentation was added), overall the tune was a little wandering and flaccid.
Heart's other new tunes -- including a bouncy piece called "Two Faces of Eve" and "Sister Wild Rose" -- went over nearly as well as their known catalog.
It was the '70s Heart that this crowd came to see, though, and the sisters obliged with well-selected classics such as "Dog and Butterfly," "Dreamboat Annie," and the unmatchable rocker "Barracuda," during which Nancy and Ann didn't just act like rock goddesses: They proved once again they are rock goddesses.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Sarah Henning at (701) 241-5538
