Heart returned to the spotlight at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, delivering one of the most memorable nights of their Royal Flush Tour. While the show was packed with roaring guitars and timeless hits, the quiet highlight came when Ann and Nancy Wilson performed their beloved ballad “Dog & Butterfly.”
From the very first notes, the energy in the venue shifted. The audience, who had been electrified by powerhouse rock numbers, leaned into the softer, more reflective sound. “Dog & Butterfly” created a pocket of calm—a tender pause that contrasted beautifully against the tour’s otherwise high-voltage setlist.
Originally released in 1978, the song has long been cherished by fans as one of Heart’s most poetic works. Hearing it live in 2025 was more than nostalgia; it was a reminder of the band’s depth and versatility. Nestled among classics like “Crazy on You” and “These Dreams,” the song’s inclusion felt like a deliberate invitation to reflect on Heart’s enduring journey.
Ann Wilson’s vocals carried an almost timeless clarity. Performing from a wheelchair as she continues her recovery from cancer treatment and a recent fall, her delivery was nothing short of courageous. Each lyric was rendered with honesty and strength, her voice cutting through the arena with both fragility and power. Nancy’s delicate guitar and backing vocals completed the moment, creating a soundscape that was both intimate and soaring.
The arrangement itself was understated—acoustic textures and gentle guitar layers gave the song room to breathe. Nothing about the performance was overworked; instead, the focus stayed on the raw emotion in Ann’s voice. The crowd responded in kind, almost holding its collective breath until the final notes disappeared. The applause that followed was thunderous, carrying a mix of admiration and gratitude.
Of course, the concert was far from subdued. Heart tore through anthems like “Barracuda” and even paid tribute to their influences with a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” Yet it was “Dog & Butterfly” that left the deepest imprint. The performance revealed the duality at the core of Heart’s legacy—the fierce energy of rock and the quiet beauty of reflection.
Photographs from the evening captured Ann with her eyes closed, immersed in the moment, her voice radiating resilience. It was a striking image: a legendary singer, vulnerable yet unshaken, still giving everything to her audience.
For fans, “Dog & Butterfly” was more than just a song on the setlist. It was a reminder that Heart’s magic lies not only in their anthems but in their ability to bare their souls on stage. In Los Angeles, the Wilson sisters proved once again that true artistry endures—not just in power, but in vulnerability.
