Queens got a masterclass in musical mentorship on September 21st when Nancy Wilson stepped onstage with Chappell Roan at Forest Hills Stadium. The Heart guitarist joined Roan for a thunderous rendition of “Barracuda” during the second night of Roan’s Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things tour. What could have been a calculated publicity stunt instead felt like watching your coolest aunt teach you her favorite song—if your aunt happened to be a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend and you happened to be pop music’s most theatrical rising star.
Deep Roots in Rock History
Roan’s documented obsession with Heart’s catalog makes this collaboration feel inevitable.
This collaboration wasn’t some random cover choice dreamed up by marketing teams. Roan has repeatedly called “Barracuda” her “favorite song” and previously declared that “nothing has ever made me feel as powerful as when I sang ‘Barracuda’ on stage at Austin City Limits.” She’s also praised Ann Wilson as having “the best rock voice of all time,” striving to channel similar conviction in her own performances. Wilson has embraced being the “rock ‘n’ roll auntie” to younger artists seeking guidance—a philosophy that clearly extends beyond casual mentorship.
Stage Chemistry That Actually Worked
Fan footage captures the genuine energy between Wilson’s guitar prowess and Roan’s theatrical command.
The performance itself delivered on its promise, with Wilson handling guitar duties while Roan commanded vocals and her signature dancing. Fan-shot videos show both artists fully committed to the moment—Wilson’s virtuosic guitar work anchoring Roan’s dynamic stage presence without either trying to upstage the other. Both performers brought their A-game to create something that felt both spontaneous and polished.
Beyond the Spectacle
This collaboration represents something bigger than cross-generational fan service.
You’re witnessing the evolution of rock mentorship in real time. While legacy artists often struggle to connect authentically with newer generations, Wilson and Roan found common ground in the raw power that originally made “Barracuda” a classic. For Roan’s queer pop audience discovering Heart through this collaboration, it’s a gateway to rock history. For Wilson’s longtime fans, it’s proof that their hero’s influence continues shaping new voices. Sometimes the most meaningful musical moments happen when artists simply respect each other’s craft—no matter when they were born.
