Barracuda (Live 1977)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the raw energy of Heart's "Barracuda (Live 1977)" from the King Biscuit Flower Hour! This track, recorded at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on July 15, 1977, captures the band’s fierce response to a sleazy music industry stunt. Ann Wilson, in a Rolling Stone interview, revealed that the song was born out of rage against Mushroom Records, who spread a fabricated rumor of an incestuous affair between her and sister Nancy Wilson for publicity. Ann channeled her fury into the lyrics, penning them in a hotel room, while Nancy crafted the iconic riff, inspired by Nazareth’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight,” as Nancy shared in a 2019 Loudwire interview. The result? A blistering anthem that hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named the 34th-best hard rock song by VH1 in 2009.

The song’s legacy has sparked both admiration and controversy. A post on X noted that “Barracuda” was a direct jab at Mushroom Records for fueling those incest rumors to “add interest” to the Wilson sisters. The track’s raw power also caught attention beyond music, with the 2008 Republican National Convention using it to introduce Sarah Palin, nicknamed “Sarah Barracuda” from her basketball days. The Wilson sisters, disapproving of Palin’s politics, sent a cease-and-desist letter, as Nancy recounted in a 2024 Guitar Player article, even dropping an F-bomb in the press over it. On a lighter note, pop star Chappell Roan recently covered “Barracuda,” calling it her favorite song, earning Nancy’s enthusiastic approval for her bold take.

Heart, formed in Seattle, began as a band called The Army in 1967, evolving through names like White Heart before settling on Heart in 1973. Ann Wilson joined after meeting guitarist Roger Fisher, whose brother Mike was dodging the Vietnam draft and introduced her to the group. Nancy Wilson came aboard in 1974, bringing her acoustic finesse to the band’s hard rock edge. Their debut album, Dreamboat Annie (1975), released through Mushroom Records, featured hits like “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You,” establishing their blend of folk, rock, and Led Zeppelin-inspired riffs. Despite early struggles with misogyny in the industry, as Ann recalled in a Far Out Magazine interview, their talent and tenacity made them trailblazers for women in rock.

Stay connected with Heart through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can also join the vibrant Heart Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks and share their love for the band’s music. For more fan-driven content, check out Heartmongers, a dedicated fan site with news, forums, and memorabilia celebrating Heart’s enduring legacy.